How is mata padmavati is associated with tirthankar parshwanath? Why do all the parshwanath jain temples have bhairo ji and padmavati mata’s murti?

Here is the Jain understanding in brief:

• Parshwanath’s Yakshini: Mata Padmavati is the Yakshini (goddess attendant) associated with Lord Parshwanath, the 23rd Tirthankara. She is considered his divine consort or protective energy (ayudh-dhaari) and is worshipped along with Parshwanath at many temples. In Digambar and Shwetambar traditions, Padmavati is accepted as the canonical Yakshini of Parshwanath, though exact regional forms and legends can vary.

• Bhairoji as a guardian deity: Bhairoji (Bhairava) is a guardian deity (often called a bhairav or yaksha) that accompanies many Tirthankara shrines in Jain temples. He is invoked for protection and to guard the sanctity of the temple complex. In many Parshwanath temples, Bhairoji is installed with Padmavati to provide full protective and auspicious energy around the principal idol.

• Why both appear together in temples: The ritual and iconographic program of Parshwanath temples traditionally includes Parshwanath himself, his Yakshini Padmavati, and the guardian Bhairoji. This triad—Parshwanath, Padmavati, and Bhairoji—embodies protection, auspiciousness, and the divine energy associated with Parshwanath. The arrangement is common across many regions and lineages because it reflects the traditional Jain temple taxonomy for Parshwanath’s residence.

• Differences between Digambar and Shwetambar: Both traditions honor Padmavati as Parshwanath’s Yakshini, but there can be stylistic or liturgical differences in how she is depicted or ritualized. The core relationship—Padmavati as Parshwanath’s Yakshini and Bhairoji as a temple guardian—remains consistent across major Jain sects.

If you’d like, I can point you to a specific page on JainKnowledge.com that explains Parshwanath, Padmavati, and Bhairoji together in temple iconography. You can read more here