Panchasara Parshwanathna Mandir Vishena Ketlak

This document is a comprehensive compilation of historical references to the Panchasara Parshvanatha temple in Patan, Gujarat, authored by Prof. Bhogilal J. Sandesara. The article aims to provide a chronological overview of mentions of this significant Jain pilgrimage site, presented as a tribute to Acharya Shri Vijayvallabhsuri.

Here's a summary of the key points:

• Significance of the Temple: The Panchasara Parshvanatha temple in Patan is described as a major Jain pilgrimage center in Gujarat. It has undergone numerous renovations throughout its history.

• Origin and Naming: The temple was built by Vanraj Chavda, the founder of Patan, under the guidance of his guru, Shilgunsuri. The name "Panchasara Parshvanatha" is believed to originate either from Vanraj's father ruling in Panchasar or from the idol of Parshvanatha being brought from Panchasar and installed in the new capital, Patan. The temple is considered one of the oldest existing Jain temples in Gujarat, likely built shortly after the founding of Patan in Samvat 802 (around 746 CE).

• Historical Mentions: The article meticulously details historical references to the temple, spanning centuries:

  • Haribhadrasuri's "Chandaprabhacharita" (around Samvat 1216): This work, written about 400 years after the temple's construction, provides the first written mention. It states that the minister Prithvipala, during the reigns of Jaysinhadev and Kumarpal, commissioned the construction of mandaps (pavilions) in the Panchasar Parshvagriha (temple) and other locations for the spiritual benefit of his ancestors and maternal grandmother.
  • Arisingh's "Sukrut Sankirtan" (between Samvat 1278 and 1287): This epic poem, patronized by the minister Vastupala, describes the glorious deeds of the Chavda dynasty. It mentions the Panchasara Parshvanatha temple, comparing its height to a mountain. It also highlights Vastupala's renovation of the temple, which, according to the text, revitalized the declining glory of Vanraj.
  • Udayaprabhasuri's "Sukrut Kirtikallolini" (Samvat 1277): This poem, commissioned during Vastupala's pilgrimage to Shatrunjaya, refers to the Panchasara Chaitaya (temple) as the "tilak" (ornament) of Anahilpur, built by Vanraj. The text also mentions the temple's tall spire adorned with a jewel-like pinnacle.
  • Udayaprabhasuri's "Dharmoday Mahakavya" (before Samvat 1290): This work mentions that the gurus of the Nagendragachha used to give discourses in the "Vanraj Vihar Tirtha" known as Panchasara. The author explicitly states that the Panchasara temple is the same as the Vanraj Vihar. The renovation of the temple by Vastupala is also noted here.
  • Inscription in the Panchasara Parshvanatha Temple (Samvat 1301): An inscription found near the idol of Vanraj mentions the temple as "Vanraj Vihara" and refers to the lineage of Shilgunsuri's disciples, including Devchandrasuri. Other inscriptions mention dates like Samvat 752, 852, 1301, 1417, and references to "Mahamad Patsah" and "Firoz Shah," although the script of some inscriptions is not as ancient.
  • Merutungsuri's "Prabandh Chintamani" (Samvat 1361): This renowned historical source states that Vanraj, out of gratitude to Shilgunsuri, offered him his kingdom. When the sage declined, Vanraj, following his instructions, built the Panchasara Parshvanatha Chaitaya and installed his own idol there.
  • Prabhachandra Suri's "Prabhavacharita" (Samvat 1334): This work mentions that Shri Devachandrasuri, residing in a temple named Panchashraya in the Nagendragachha, raised Vanraj during his childhood. After founding Anahilpur, Vanraj built the Vanraj Vihar there, acknowledging his guru's patronage.
  • Jayasekharasuri's "Panchasara Vinati" (around Samvat 1460): This is described as the first known devotional poem in Gujarati dedicated to Panchasara Parshvanatha.
  • Siddhisuri's "Patan Chaitya Paripati" (Samvat 1576): This is the oldest of four known descriptions of Jain temples in Patan. The 9th verse mentions Panchasara Parshvanatha.
  • Sindhuraj's "Patan Chaitya Paripati" (Samvat 163): This text mentions the Panchasara Shri Parsva and several other temples within the same complex, including an Adinath temple with 83 idols (which no longer exists) and a temple dedicated to Neminath in the poshal (monastic dwelling).
  • Lalithaprabhasuri's "Patan Chaitya Paripati" (Samvat 1648): This describes the "Panchasar Patak" (Panchasar ward) and mentions five temples, similar to Sindhuraj's account. It notes the presence of a Neminath temple in the poshal in Sindhuraj's work, which is absent here, replaced by a reference to a new temple for Parsva Jina.
  • Harshavijay's "Patan Chaitya Paripati" (Samvat 1729): This mentions the Panchasara temple and four surrounding temples, including Hiravihar, where the idols of prominent Tapagachha Acharyas like Hiravijaysuri, Vijaysensuri, and Vijaydevasuri were installed.
  • "Aho Shalak Boli Varnak" (estimated 17th century): This old Gujarati prose work mentions the Panchasara temple as the foremost temple in Anahilpur Patan.
  • Devharsh's "Patan ni Ghazal" (Samvat 1866): This descriptive poem mentions Panchasara as the "Tribhuvan Dhani" (Lord of the three worlds), highlighting its importance among the Jain temples of Patan.
  • "Panchasara Parshvanatha Stavan": Two brief devotional works with this title were found, though they lack author and date but are estimated to be from 100-150 years prior.

• Ongoing Connection with Nagendragachha: The temple has maintained a long-standing relationship with the Acharyas of the Nagendragachha, as evidenced by their discourses and presence there.

In essence, the article meticulously traces the historical presence and significance of the Panchasara Parshvanatha temple in Patan through various literary, inscriptional, and historical records, underscoring its importance in Jain history and the architectural heritage of Gujarat.