Aapna Gyanbhandaro - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Aapna Gyanbhandaro" by Kalyanbodhivijay:

Book Title: Aapna Gyanbhandaro (Our Knowledge Repositories) Author: Muni Kalyanbodhivijayji M. Publisher: Shri Jinshasan Aradhana Trust Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/020054/1

Core Purpose and Context:

"Aapna Gyanbhandaro" is a directory of Jain Knowledge Repositories (Jnanbhandars), also referred to as Jain temples or places of worship, compiled under the inspiration and guidance of Acharya Shri Vijay Hemchandrasuriji M. The primary goal of this publication is to facilitate the Shrutoddhar, which means the preservation and revival of Jain scriptures and knowledge. The book highlights the importance of Shrutagnan (knowledge gained through listening and study) as the foundation of all spiritual paths and emphasizes the duty of preserving ancient Jain texts that are still available.

Key Themes and Content:

The Importance of Shrutagnan and Preservation: The book strongly advocates for the preservation of Jain scriptures, highlighting that Shrutagnan is the very "breath and life" of the Jain tradition. It stresses the need to revitalize and protect aging scriptures and the repositories that house them.
Shrutoddhar Initiative: The Shri Jinshasan Aradhana Trust, inspired by Acharya Shri Vijay Hemchandrasuriji M., is actively engaged in the monumental task of Shrutoddhar. This initiative involves republishing approximately 150 Jain texts and distributing 400-400 copies of each to various bhandars (repositories) across India.
Directory Structure and Classification:
- The directory is organized to provide contact information for Jain Jnanbhandars.
- These repositories are categorized into three grades: A, B, and C.
  - A Grade: Represents the best and most well-organized repositories.
  - B Grade: Represents repositories of a moderate quality, considered lesser than A Grade.
  - C Grade: This category lists addresses not specifically for repositories but for other Jain-related activities or purposes.
- Within these grades, the information is further classified by state or region using abbreviations:
  - B: Mumbai (Maharashtra)
  - A: Ahmedabad (Gujarat)
  - G: Gujarat
  - NG: North Gujarat
  - SG: South Gujarat
  - MS: Maharashtra
  - R: Rajasthan
  - S: South India
  - K: Kutch (Gujarat)
  - P: Miscellaneous (Purachurn)
Detailed Listings: The bulk of the book consists of a comprehensive list of Jain Jnanbhandars, temples, and other religious institutions. For each entry, the publication provides:
- The name of the institution.
- Its specific address.
- The classification grade (A, B, or C) and the regional code (e.g., A-B for Mumbai A Grade, B-G for Gujarat B Grade).
Geographical Coverage: The directory covers a wide range of locations across India, with a significant focus on Maharashtra (especially Mumbai), Gujarat (with extensive listings in Ahmedabad, North Gujarat, and other regions), Rajasthan, and some locations in South India, Kutch, and other miscellaneous areas.
Publisher and Patronage: The book is published by the Shri Jinshasan Aradhana Trust, with contributions and support from individuals and organizations dedicated to Jain heritage preservation. The publication itself is noted as being printed from the "Jnan nidhi" (knowledge fund) by admirers of Acharya Shri Mulund Shw. Mu. Pu. Tapgachha Jain Sangh, with a price of Rs. 25.

Overall Significance:

"Aapna Gyanbhandaro" serves as an essential resource for anyone seeking to connect with Jain knowledge repositories, support the preservation of Jain scriptures, or understand the network of Jain institutions across India. It is a testament to the ongoing efforts within the Jain community to safeguard its rich intellectual and spiritual heritage for future generations. The classification system is practical, allowing users to quickly identify and locate the relevant institutions based on their quality and geographical location.