Hathivalu Derasar

Walk southwards from Chautavalu Derasar for about 200 m to reach Hathivalu Derasar.

A short walk from the Chauthavalu Derasar brings you to another Jain shrine, the Hathivalu Derasar.

Hathi means elephant, and the temple takes its name from the many finely carved elephants you see on its outer walls and pillars. Inside the main hall stands a striking 12-foot tall elephant sculpture.

Jains do not worship a creator god. Instead, temples like this one are dedicated to Tirthankaras, or enlightened teachers. In Jain tradition, there are 24 of them. This temple is dedicated to Lord Mahavira, the last Tirthankara. So this Derasar is also known as Sri Mahavir Jin Prasad.

The Hathivalu Derasar was most likely built in the 12th century, during the Solanki period. That’s when the Solanki King, Kumarapala is believed to have embraced Jainism. His reign saw the construction of magnificent temples across the region.

But the story of Jainism in Vadnagar began much earlier. By the early centuries of the first millennium, it had already taken firm root in western India. The religion spread quickly along busy trade routes. Towns like Vadnagar, which stood along important trade routes, became market centers for Jain merchants. They sponsored temples and Jain learning institutions in their area, shaping the town’s religious landscape.

Vadnagar, at the time, was also home to Buddhist monasteries and many Hindu temples. What is remarkable is that rather than displacing one another, these traditions co-existed and shared space and patronage. The same merchant might support a Jain shrine, contribute to a Hindu temple, and respect Buddhist monks.

As you step inside, notice the niches along the walls near the sanctum. These are called Devakulikas. They house images of other Tirthankaras along with their attendants: Yakshas and Yakshinis. Each Tirthankara can be identified by the symbol on the pedestal. For instance, Mahavira is associated with the lion, while the elephant is the symbol of Ajitanatha, the second Tirthankara.