SHRI PRAHLADANPUR TIRTH
PRESIDING DEITY AND LOCATION :
Shri Pallavia Parshvanath Bhagwan in white color seated in a lotus posture of height 45 Cms in a shrine in the town of Palanpur, (Shve).
ANTIQUITY AND SALIENT FEATURES :
Shri Prahladan, brother of king Dharavarshdev of the brave Parmar dynasty of Abu founded after his name this city of Prahladanpur. In he course of time, the name of the city was changed into Palanpur. The relative history, it is believed, commences from Vikram 13th century.
After experiencing some miracles, king Prahladan became the follower of Jain religion and on getting this temple constructed got therein an idol of Shri Parshvanath Bhagwan ceremonially installed and consecrated on Falgun Sukla Panchami inVikram year 1274, at the hands of Acharya Sri Kakkasurishvarji of Korant Gachchha. The temple at first was known and became famous as Sri Prahladan Parshvanath temple as it was constructed by King Prahlada. Today however it is known as Sri Pallavia Parshvanath temple.
It is said that the brave king Prahladan of the Parmar dynasty after melting one lare size metal idol from Abu Dilwara Jain temples cast a bullock for the temple and consequently had an incurable skin disease. Feeling depressed and dejected he finally took shelter in a forest where he chanced to visit Acharya Sri Shalibhadrasurishvarhi, and narrated to him the whole story. He prayed beseechingly for relief. Acharya Sri gave his blessings to the diseased king and as an atonement and repentance advised him to build a temple of Sri Parshvanath Bhagwan and to apply to his body Abhishek water of the idol. In accordance with this advice, the king got the temple constructed and due to the constant application of Abhishek water of the idol of Shri Parshvaprabhu installed in the temple to his body, he in the course of time found himself completely cured of the disease and relived of the pain. Later the king became a follower of Jain religion and performed many deeds in glorification of Jainism. He was a scholar himself and he wrote and composed many books, out of which one entitled “Parshva Parakram Vyayog” concerning dramatics is well known even today as a memorial to his scholarliness.
“Yugpradhan” Acharya Sri Somasundarsurishvarji at whose hands the world famous Ranakpur temples were ceremonially consecrated was born in this city of Palanpur in Vikram year 1430. The Acharya who gave religious discourses to Emperor Akbar, Sri Hirvijaysurishvarji was also born here in Vikram year 1583. Just opposite to the temple, there exists today an Upashraya for ladies, the spot where the birth of Acharya Hirvijay-surishvarji is believed to have taken place.
In this temple, there are several other ancient idols which are worth seeing. On one idol of Sri Ambikadevi, there is an inscription dated Falgun Sukla Panchami in Vikram year 1315. On the idol of “Guru”, there is an inscription dated Falgun Sukla Panchami in Vikram year 1274. On the idol of Sri Ambika devi are inscribed words “Sri Visalrai Vihar” which needs research. In other temples too, there are many ancient idols; besides this temple there are 14 other temples here.
APPROACH – ROUTE :
On Ahemdabad – Abu Rail route as well as road, there is this railway station of Palanpur where taxis and tongas are available. The temple is 1 Km away from the railway station and the public bus stand. Buses and Cars go right upto the temple.
AMENITIES FOR JAIN PILGRIMS :
There is a dharamshala for lodging in the town with all facilities and a bhojanshala for meals.
MANAGED BY :
Shri Palanpur Jain Swetamber Murti Pujak Sangh
Shri Pallavia Parshvanath Jain Swetamber Mandir
Hanuman Seri,
P.O. Palanpur ,
Dist : Banas Kantha, Gujarat.
Tel: 02742 – 53731..
