Anchalgaccha Dwara Mewad Rajya Me Jain Dharm Ka Utkarsh

This document, "Anchalgaccha dwara Mewad Rajya me Jain Dharm ka Utkarsh" by Balwantsinh Mehta, chronicles the significant rise and influence of Jainism in the Mewar region of Rajasthan, India, primarily under the patronage of the Anchalgaccha tradition.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the key points:

Mewar as a Hub of Jainism:

• Ancient Roots: Mewar is presented as an ancient and significant center for Jainism, with its history intertwined with the region's very origins. Archaeological findings by Dr. Sankalia suggest early human existence in Mewar over a hundred thousand years ago, solidifying its status as a cradle of civilization.
• Manifold Connection: The text emphasizes a "manikanchan sanyog" (a golden combination) between Mewar and Jainism, indicating a deep and enduring relationship. Ancient cities like 'Ahad' (similar to Mohenjo-daro) and 'Majhjhimika' (mentioned in the Mahabharata) located in Mewar, along with the Buddhist-era fort of Jytur-Chittor, are highlighted as major Jain centers.
• Sacred Geography: Mewar's importance is echoed in ancient texts, with phrases like "Ahad mein Medpat mein, shikhar par Chitrakoot mein, Trikoot mein," praising its sacred sites.

Key Gacchhas and their Contributions:

• Tapagaccha's Origin: The Tapagaccha, a prominent Jain sect, is stated to have originated in Ahad in Vikram Samvat (VS) 1285.
• Anchalgaccha's Influence: The Anchalgaccha, particularly its leaders, played a pivotal role in spreading Jainism in Mewar and Rajasthan.
  • Early Propagation: Archaryas like Shri Aryarakshit Suri (VS 1169-1236) and his successor Shri Jayasingh Suri actively traveled and preached in Rajasthan and Mewar. Their efforts led to the construction of numerous Jain temples and the consecration of idols.
  • Conversion and Social Impact: Shri Jayasingh Suri was instrumental in converting individuals like Shri Devda Chavda of Jaisalmer, who subsequently became a follower of Jainism and joined the Oswal community. Devda's son, Jhamar, funded the construction of a magnificent temple for Lord Adinath in Jalore. The 'Dedhiya' Gotra is said to have originated from Jhamar's son, Dedhiya. Similarly, Veerdatta of Chittor accepted Jainism under Jayasingh Suri's guidance, leading to the 'Nisar' Gotra. Keshav Rathore of Marwar also embraced Jainism due to Jayasingh Suri's teachings.
  • Promoting Dharma: Jayasingh Suri's successor, Dharmaghosh Suri, and Jayaprabh Suri were also influential, leading to further temple construction and the propagation of Ahimsa (non-violence) in regions like Jalore and Chittor. An incident is recounted where Dharmaghosh Suri's divine knowledge saved 32 monks and the entire community from poisoned food prepared by a woman.
  • The "Medpati" Branch: A specific branch within the Anchalgaccha, named "Medpati," emerged from the monks who practiced in Mewar.
• Combating Ritualistic Corruption: The text also highlights the efforts of Jain Acharyas to combat the growing corruption and irregularities within the "Chaityavasis" (monks residing in temples). Shri Jinavallabh Suri, around VS 1149, initiated a movement against these practices in Chittor, establishing the "Vidhigaccha." He faced significant opposition but remained steadfast.

Mewar's Kings and Jainism:

• Royal Patronage: Mewar's kings, particularly the Chauhan, Rathore, and Gehlot dynasties, held significant influence in Rajasthan. The Anchalgaccha exerted a profound impact on these rulers.
• Deep Adherence: While many Rajput kings of Rajasthan respected Jainism and announced "Amari" (a declaration of stopping all forms of violence, especially during Paryushan) on special occasions, the Chauhan kings, in particular, fully embraced Jainism. They even built Jain temples and provided land for Jain monasteries when their daughters married into other royal families.
• The Landmark Ban on Animal Sacrifice: A monumental achievement for Jainism in Mewar was the complete cessation of animal sacrifice across the entire Mewar kingdom under the reign of King Samar Singh. This was achieved through the teachings of the influential Anchalgaccha Acharya, Shri Ajitsingh Suri. The text draws a parallel to this, noting that even the renowned Acharya Hemchandracharya, the guru of the Jain King Kumarpala of Gujarat, could not achieve this widespread ban. This event is hailed as a unique occurrence in India's religious history after Emperor Ashoka. This significant event is placed between VS 1330 and 1338.

Jain Philosophy and Principles:

• The Ten Virtues: The text briefly touches upon the fundamental tenets of Jainism, mentioning the "Das Lakshan Dharma" (Ten Virtues): Uttam Kshama (supreme forgiveness), Uttam Mardav (supreme humility), Uttam Aarjav (supreme straightforwardness), Uttam Satya (supreme truth), Uttam Shauch (supreme purity), Uttam Sanyam (supreme self-control), Uttam Tapa (supreme austerity), Uttam Tyaga (supreme renunciation), Uttam Akinchan (supreme non-possession), and Uttam Brahmacharya (supreme celibacy).
• Karma and Self-Responsibility: The latter part of the text emphasizes the Jain concept of karma and self-responsibility, stating that the soul is the creator and experiencer of both happiness and sorrow. The soul's actions determine whether it is a friend or an enemy to itself.

In essence, "Anchalgaccha dwara Mewad Rajya me Jain Dharm ka Utkarsh" is a detailed account of how the Anchalgaccha, through its dedicated Acharyas and the receptive rulers of Mewar, significantly elevated the status of Jainism, making Mewar a vital spiritual and cultural heartland for the faith, culminating in a remarkable royal decree to end all forms of animal sacrifice.