Panchasara Parshwanath Jain Derasar

Brief History

Patan is home to more than 100 Jain temples with exquisite domes and sacred carvings on the walls. The most popular ones are Mahavir Swami Derasar in Dhandherwad and Panchasara Derasar. The temples are a reminder of the strong Jain foothold during the times of the Solanki Dynasty. The signature marble flooring and delicate carvings of Jain temples can be seen here. Also known as the Jinalaya Vanraj Vihar, the Panchasara Parshwanath Temple is 180 feet large and 90 feet wide. The domes, pillars, ceilings, walls, mandaps and other parts of the temple are covered with beautiful sculptures. The main sanctum houses a white marble idol of Bhagwan Panchasara Parshwanath in Padmasana posture.

Dedicated to Shri Parshwanathji, the temple was built by King Vanraj Chavda around 746 CE. The idol was transported from his hometown, Panchasara and hence named Panchasara Parashwanath Bhagwan. The original wooden temple was destroyed by the Muslim invaders and renovated over the centuries with stone.