Bhagwan Parshvanath is especially revered and widely popular among all Tirthankars for several traditional reasons. In simple points:

1. Historically nearest before Mahavir Bhagwan

- He is the 23rd Tirthankar, just before Bhagwan Mahavir (24th). - Because he is relatively closer to our time (than earlier Tirthankars), his historical remembrance, stories, and pilgrimage places are more abundant and vivid in tradition.

1. Strong historical & archaeological presence

- Jain texts mention a well‑organized Sangh of Parshvanath even before Mahavir’s time. - Many scholars accept him as a clearly historical figure, so faith in him became very strong and widespread over centuries.

1. Very simple, practical vows (Chaturyama)

- Parshvanath Bhagwan preached 4 main vows (non‑violence, truth, non‑stealing, non‑possession). - These are very practical for householders and ascetics, so many people felt his path easy to understand and follow. - Later, Mahavir Bhagwan added the 5th vow (brahmacharya) to make Panch Mahavrat, but the devotion to Parshvanath’s original tradition remained very strong.

1. Deep connection with compassion and protection

- Many stories describe him as saving living beings (e.g., rescuing the snakes trapped in the fire of Kamath’s asceticism). - Devotees naturally see him as a protector from fear, poison, difficulties, etc., so people turn to him in personal suffering and danger.

1. Iconic symbol – serpent hood (Sheshnaag)

- His lanchhan (symbol) is the serpent; idols of Parshvanath are shown with multi‑hooded cobra canopy. - This form is visually very attractive and easily recognizable, so many ancient and modern temples chose Parshvanath as their Mulnayak.

1. Countless famous tirths of Parshvanath

- Across India there are many ancient and “pragat prabhavi” (manifestly powerful) idols of Parshvanath with miraculous fame – like Shankheshwar, Makshi, Kalikund, Bareja, Bhadreshwar, Saptfana, Kankan, etc. - Each of these places has strong local stories of grace and miracles, which increases people’s devotion even more. - Because of this, Jain society experiences Parshvanath very “near and active”, so he becomes naturally the center of bhakti.

1. Equally revered in both Śvetāmbara and Digambara traditions

- Both major Jain traditions equally accept and worship Parshvanath with great honour. - Where there is such common acceptance, overall popularity becomes even higher.

1. Special place in stavan, chaityavandan, and daily prayers

- Many popular stavans and naam‑mala are dedicated to him (e.g., “365 Shri Parshvajin Naammala”, “Shri Parshvanath Naammala”, “Shri Parshvanath Chaityaparipati” etc.). - Because his name appears again and again in everyday puja, aarti, and stavan, love and familiarity naturally deepen in the hearts of devotees.

1. Role as a bridge between Neminath and Mahavir

- In Jain history, Neminath – Parshvanath – Mahavir form an important line of well‑remembered Tirthankars. - Parshvanath acts as a bridge in the paramparā (lineage), so acharyas often highlight him in their granths and kathas.

So, it is not that he is “greater” than other Tirthankars (all 24 are equally Siddha, omniscient and perfect), but:

• Historically close,
• Strong archaeological and textual presence,
• Simple chaturyama dharma,
• Powerful protective image with serpent hood,
• Many famous miraculous tirths and idols,
• And equal honour in both main sects

— all these together make Bhagwan Parshvanath appear as the most revered and most popular in day‑to‑day Jain devotion.

You can read some beautiful traditional stories of different Parshvanath tirths here: Story of Bhadreshwar Parshvanath Bhagwan Story of Makshi Parshvanath Bhagwan Story of Shankhla Parshvanath