Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi 50 Varshna Karyavahini Ruprekha

This document is a comprehensive outline of the activities of the Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi over fifty years, presented as a speech by the retiring President, Kasturbhai Lalbhai, on March 7, 1976.

The Pedhi (firm/establishment) has been actively involved in various significant undertakings related to Jain Tirthas (pilgrimage sites) and the preservation and promotion of Jain heritage. The speech highlights key achievements and challenges faced by the Pedhi during this period.

Key Activities and Achievements:

• Shatrunjaya Tirtha (Palitana) Revenue Dispute:

  • A 40-year agreement from 1886 with the Palitana state for the protection of the Tirtha and pilgrims involved an annual payment of Rs. 15,000. This agreement ended on March 31, 1926.
  • The Palitana state sought to levy a pilgrim tax of Rs. 2 per pilgrim.
  • The Political Agent awarded an annual payment of Rs. 100,000 for ten years, and thereafter a pilgrim tax.
  • This award was contested by the Pedhi, leading to a boycott of Palitana by Jain pilgrims until a satisfactory resolution was reached.
  • Through efforts up to the Viceroy, Lord Irwin, an agreement was reached on May 26, 1928, with the Palitana state, wherein Rs. 60,000 per year was to be paid for 35 years.
  • A significant fundraising effort in Ahmedabad, collecting pledges of Rs. 6 lakhs in just three days, helped meet the financial commitment.
  • Following India's independence and the integration of princely states, the payment to the Palitana Darbar ceased in 1948 when the Saurashtra government took over the collection of the tax.

• Entry of Harijans into Temples at Shatrunjaya:

  • In 1955, the issue of Harijan entry arose. The Pedhi issued a statement that no one following Jain principles should be prevented from darshan (viewing the deity), which helped to resolve the issue peacefully.

• Development of Shatrunjaya Tirtha:

  • Steps: Construction of 3216 steps from 1952 to 1956 at a cost of Rs. 4,60,000 for easier access. Further steps were built above Gheti Pag in 1965 at a cost of Rs. 1,18,000.
  • Renovation (Jirnoddhar): Undertaken in 1962. The common belief of a lack of elaborate sculpture was dispelled as plaster was removed, revealing intricate carvings.
  • Idol Installation (Uttaphana): Due to the desire of Jain community members, many idols were installed haphazardly. To renovate the temples, these idols needed to be removed (uttaphana). This faced opposition, but after obtaining written consent from four prominent Acharyas, the process was undertaken on August 26, 1964.
  • Ongoing Renovations: Over Rs. 19,00,000 has been spent on the renovation of "Dada ni Trunk" alone over the last 14 years, with an estimated three more years of work.
  • Gateway Renovation: Five main gateways to "Dada ni Darbar" were rebuilt due to their Western style and dilapidated condition, costing Rs. 3,50,000.
  • Clearing Space: Residents living near "Moti Shah ni Trunk" were moved to newly built houses to create an open courtyard, enhancing the temple's grandeur.

• Financial and Administrative Reforms:

  • Audit: From 1926, the Pedhi's accounts began to be audited by Chartered Accountants for better transparency and to identify and rectify discrepancies.
  • Budget System: Introduced in 1970, requiring annual budgets for each Tirtha from the respective managers, which are then approved by Ahmedabad.

• Purchase of Barot Rights:

  • The Pedhi purchased the rights of the Palitana Barots for Rs. 40,000 annually, based on their income from the previous three years. This significantly increased the Pedhi's income over time, from Rs. 37,500 annually to Rs. 4,75,000 in VS 2031.

• Labor Union Confrontation:

  • Faced with a labor union formed in 1967, the Pedhi stood firm against demands for wage increases and other benefits, including threats of strikes and hunger strikes. The union eventually dissolved in 1970 without achieving its demands.
  • Similarly, when porters on the Shatrunjaya hill stopped work in 1968, the Pedhi managed the situation by engaging workers from other villages.

• Prevention of Tea Stall Construction:

  • The Pedhi successfully protested a Gujarat government permit in 1968 for a tea stall on the Shatrunjaya hill, referencing historical documents from 1876 and 1877 that established the hill's land as reserved for religious uses.

• Employee Benefits:

  • Pension and Gratuity: Introduced in 1947, with revised policies over time.
  • Provident Fund: Started in July 1970.
  • Grade System: Implemented for all employee levels.

• New Jinlaya and Idol Consecration:

  • A new temple was built in Dada ni Trunk, Shatrunjaya, and 504 idols were consecrated on February 7, 1976. Seven idols were put up for auction, raising Rs. 4,76,885, while the remaining were installed based on their value. The total cost for the new temple was approximately Rs. 6.5 lakhs, with an estimated Rs. 1 lakh still to be spent on finishing work.

• Food Hall (Bhataghar):

  • A new, well-equipped food hall was constructed at Palitana at a cost of Rs. 2,60,000 due to the increasing number of pilgrims.

• Museum:

  • A museum was established near the foothills of Palitana for the preservation and display of ancient artifacts at a cost of Rs. 80,000.

• Paintings of Lord Rishabhdev:

  • Six large paintings depicting the life events of Lord Rishabhdev were commissioned in VS 2012. These are now housed in the museum due to the humid climate on the hill.

• Junagadh Tirtha Rights Agreement:

  • An agreement was made with the Saurashtra government in July 1948 to resolve ownership and rights disputes related to various religious sites, including Jain Tirthas.

• Purchase of Barot Rights at Girnar:

  • Rights related to pilgrim worship at Girnar were purchased from the Barots for Rs. 4,200 annually on November 29, 1957. This has led to increased income for the Pedhi.

• Girnar Temple Renovation:

  • Renovation work began in VS 2021, focusing on improving lighting and making necessary repairs. The cost has been Rs. 3,60,000, with an estimated Rs. 1,00,000 still to be spent. Plans are underway to build a new, well-equipped Dharamshala, though water scarcity is a hurdle.

• Ranakpur Tirtha Renovation:

  • The dilapidated condition of the area around the Ranakpur temple was addressed, with renovations starting in 1934 and continuing for 11 years, costing Rs. 4,70,000. The work was highly praised by architect Mr. Gregson Batley. The marble circumambulation of the main temple was also redone.
  • Dharamshala: A 20-room Dharamshala was built in memory of the speaker's mother, later named after Jamnabhai Bhagubhai Seth. Two more Dharamshalas with 10 and 7 rooms were added, and the old one was also improved.
  • Other Facilities: Bathrooms, electricity, and a lecture hall were added. A tea stall was initially set up, but the Pedhi later took over its management to avoid future disputes.
  • Sun Temple: The land around the Sun Temple was demarcated to ensure it remained outside the Pedhi's property to avoid future disputes.

• Delvada Temples Renovation:

  • The world-famous Delvada temples required renovation. After negotiations with the trustees, the Pedhi undertook the work. They successfully sourced marble from the Ambaji mines after facing initial resistance from the Danta Darbar, eventually completing the renovation for Rs. 14 lakhs, significantly less than the initial estimate of Rs. 23 lakhs, by not replacing the main black stone temple and forgoing the construction of three new temples. The work was highly appreciated by national leaders.

• Kumbhariya Tirtha:

  • Renovations were carried out on five temples, including removing Western-style influences and restoring Jain craftsmanship. A compound wall was built, and a Shiva temple outside the property was demarcated. A modern eight-room Dharamshala is under construction, with an additional one being funded by Mumbai residents. Electrification has been completed.

• Moochala Mahavir Tirtha:

  • Renovation work started in 1954, costing approximately Rs. 1.25 lakhs. The Pedhi took over the management in 1965 and consecrated the temple in 1966. The cost of renovation was Rs. 1.5 lakhs, and the consecration generated Rs. 2.25 lakhs. The Dharamshala was modernized at a cost of Rs. 70,000. The Pedhi also secured demarcated land for future development.

• Taranga Tirtha:

  • The Pedhi mediated a long-standing dispute between Svetambar and Digambar communities, leading to an agreement regarding shared temple access and division of subsidiary structures.
  • An agreement was also made with "timba" shareholders.
  • Renovation of the temple began in 1963, costing Rs. 12,60,000 so far, with an estimated Rs. 1.5 lakhs more needed. A new Dharamshala and an Upashray for ascetics have been built. The construction of a tarmac road significantly increased pilgrim numbers.

• Sammetsikhar:

  • The Pedhi played a role in resolving long-standing disputes concerning Sammetsikhar Tirtha. After a Privy Council decision in 1933, the Bihar government attempted to take over the property in 1950 and again in 1964. Through persistent efforts, including obtaining a recommendation from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, an agreement was reached in 1965. This agreement allowed free use of temples and a half-mile radius for religious activities, with the government managing the remaining forest area and sharing revenue. However, Digambar community's subsequent agreement and legal actions have led to ongoing court cases.

• Maksi Ji Tirtha:

  • The Pedhi took over the management of Maksi Ji Tirtha in 1921 to resolve disputes between Svetambar and Digambar communities. Court cases ensued regarding renovation and worship rights, with the Pedhi ultimately winning, establishing the temple's Svetambar ownership and management. Significant renovations, including a new dining hall and Dharamshala, have been carried out.

• Hastinapur Tirtha Plan Dispute:

  • A dispute arose regarding architectural plans for the Hastinapur temple, specifically the placement of the flagpole and pillar measurements. A settlement was reached through arbitration, with the decision favoring the Pedhi's architect.

• Praise for Jain Administration:

  • The Iyer Commission's report in 1962 praised the administration of Jain temples, recommending that Hindu temples adopt similar management practices.

• Welcome to the Trust Act:

  • The speaker supported the Bombay State Public Charitable Trust Act in 1950, emphasizing the importance of efficient and transparent trust management.

• Standing Committee:

  • A Standing Committee was formed in 1963 to address issues related to trusts, successfully advocating for a reduction in administrative charges and exemption from stamp duty on donations.

• Overall Financial Contribution:

  • Over the last 50 years, approximately Rs. 1 crore has been spent on the renovation of about 550 Jain temples, including new constructions and repairs at various Tirthas. The Ahmedabad Derasar Jirnoddhar Committee alone has spent Rs. 33 lakhs on renovating 400 temples.

• Jain Tirthas History Publication:

  • The Pedhi has published a comprehensive three-volume work titled "Jain Tirth Sarvsangrah," documenting information on numerous Jain temples, monasteries, populations, and Dharamshalas, including ancient Jain caves.

• History of the Pedhi:

  • Efforts are underway to compile a detailed history of the Pedhi, drawing from its over 250 years of records, to highlight the commendable work of past generations.

• Tirtha Guides:

  • Guides with illustrations for Shatrunjaya, Kumbhariya, Ranakpur, and Girnar are being published, with the Shatrunjaya guide already released. Translations into Hindi and English are also planned.

• Shauripur Shurpur Tirtha:

  • A settlement was attempted with the Digambar community regarding shared temple access, which was ultimately upheld by the court despite initial objections.

• Kesariya Tirtha:

  • A dispute regarding the ownership and management of Kesariya Tirtha led to prolonged legal battles. The speaker initiated negotiations with the Digambar community, but the case was further complicated by a Digambar court case, halting the discussions. The speaker believes a negotiated settlement is possible.

• Shikharji:

  • Ongoing legal battles exist concerning Shikharji, with the Pedhi providing financial assistance to the Svetambar community managing the Tirth.

• Prevention of Major Crisis:

  • The Pedhi successfully prevented a state government bill that would have brought religious trusts, temples, and institutions under government control, by highlighting the positive administration of Jain trusts.

Concluding Remarks: The retiring president expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the Tirthas and the Jain Dharma. He acknowledged the guidance of the Acharya Mahasamihars and Muni Maharas, and the support of his fellow trustees and regional representatives.