Arbudhachal Aur Taparshvavati Pradakshina Jain Tirth

This document, "Arbudhachal aur Taparshvavati Pradakshina Jain Tirth" by Jodhsinh Mehta, provides a comprehensive overview of the Jain pilgrimage sites around Mount Abu (Arbudachal) and its surrounding areas in Rajasthan, India.

The text focuses heavily on the world-famous Delvada Jain Temples, highlighting their historical significance, architectural brilliance, and spiritual importance.

Here's a breakdown of the key points:

1. Arbudachal (Mount Abu) and its Significance:

• Ancient Name: Delvada was historically known as 'Dev Kul Patak'.
• Spiritual Importance: The mountain is believed to be where a hundred crore (Arbuda) monks performed austerities and attained salvation after seeing Lord Rishabhdev. Another belief states that any offering made before the principal deity, Lord Aadeshwarji, yields benefits a hundred crore times greater in future lives, hence the name Arbudachal.
• Mythological Connection: It's said that Emperor Bharat, son of Lord Rishabhdev, built a four-faced temple here in ancient times, which was later destroyed.

2. The Vimal Vasahi Temple (Delvada):

• Reconstruction: In the medieval period, around 1031 CE, Vimal Shah, the minister and commander of King Bhimdev I of Gujarat, undertook the renovation of this ancient pilgrimage site under the guidance of Acharya Shri Dharmaghosh Suri.
• Construction Cost and Labor: Vimal Shah spent 18 crore and 53 lakh rupees. The temple was built by the renowned architect Kirtishwar from Vadnagar, Gujarat, and named 'Vimal Vasahi' after him. It took 14 years to complete, involving 1500 artisans and 1200 laborers.
• Architectural Marvel: Described as "the beauty of marble," it's lauded for its intricate carvings and craftsmanship, considered an unparalleled marvel of stone carving in the world.
• Overcoming Obstacles: The construction faced challenges, including disputes with local priests who initially objected to the Jain temple. Vimal Shah's adherence to religious principles, including a fast and prayer to Goddess Ambamata, led to the discovery of a 2500-year-old Jain idol, solidifying the presence of Jainism on the mountain. He also overcame opposition from a local spirit (Vyantar) named Walinath, whom he defeated in a duel after refusing its demand for animal sacrifices.
• Key Features: The temple complex includes the main sanctum (Mul Gambhara), Gūḍha Maṇḍap, Nau Choki (nine-compartment ceiling), Rang Mandap (assembly hall), and Bāvan Jinalaya (fifty-two small shrines).
  • The Mul Gambhara houses a large white marble idol of Lord Aadeshwarji (Rishabhdev).
  • The Rang Mandap is supported by 12 ornate pillars. The dome and its archways are intricately carved with depictions of elephants, horses, flowers, and 16 Vidya Devies (goddesses of knowledge), each with distinct symbols. Below these, celestial dancers playing musical instruments are depicted. The central hanging ornament (jhumak) is a masterpiece of exquisite carving, appearing as if cast in wax.
  • The Nau Choki features ceilings divided into nine sections, adorned with beautiful carvings of lotuses, flowers, and figures.
  • The Bāvan Jinalayas surround the main structure, with their doors and ceilings decorated with various lotus motifs and depictions of lions, horses, humans, and riders. The walls and ceilings showcase scenes from Jain scriptures, including the battle between Bharat and Bahubali, Tirthankar's birth events, Samavasarana, Guru worship, and various mythological stories.
• Notable Idols: A 2500-year-old black marble idol of Lord Rishabhdev is located in a two-doored shrine in the southwest corner, alongside a white marble idol of Jagadguru Acharya Shri Hirvijaysuriji (who converted Emperor Akbar), dated 1661 CE.
• Inscriptions: The temple contains 259 inscriptions, the oldest dating back to 1161 CE, offering insights into the artisans, social, political, and cultural life of the time.
• Vimal Shah's Elephant Stable: In front of the main entrance is Vimal Shah's elephant stable, featuring ten large white marble elephants and a statue of Vimal Shah on horseback.

3. The Lūṇīg Vasahi Temple (Delvada):

• Construction: Built by Vastupal and Tejpal, brothers of King Viradhaval of Gujarat, in memory of their elder brother Lunghsingh. It was constructed at a cost of 12 crore and 53 lakh rupees.
• Architect: Shobhadev, a sculptor from Sompur, Gujarat, was the architect.
• Construction Date: Completed in 1230 CE (V.S. 1288).
• Artistic Style: The craftsmanship, including the nine-compartment ceiling, assembly hall, and elephant stable, is considered finer and more intricate than Vimal Vasahi.
• Notable Features:
  • Depictions of Dwarka city, Krishna's life, the "Derani Jethani" (sister-in-law) balconies (also called Navlakhiya Balconies), and a central hanging ornament adorned with tiny flowers.
  • A beautiful panel of dancers on the southwest ceiling of the assembly hall, considered a unique example of Indian dance art, with each dancer's pose and expression rendered exquisitely.
  • Scenes from court life, royal processions, weddings, and daily life, including dramas, music, battles, animal life, and village scenes, are vividly depicted, offering a glimpse into the political, social, and commercial aspects of the era.
  • Sister-in-law Balconies: These are attributed to Vastupal and Tejpal's wives, though historical evidence suggests they were built in memory of Tejpal's second wife, Suhanda Devi.
• Inspiration: This temple was built 200 years after Vimal Vasahi, inspired by Tejpal's virtuous wife, Anupama Devi.
• Construction Time: Shobhadev completed it in seven years.
• Elephant Stable: A grand elephant stable is located on the west side, showcasing 10 white marble elephants adorned with jewelry and ropes.

4. Destruction and Renovation:

• Mughal Invasion: In 1311 CE (V.S. 1368), the armies of Alauddin Khilji (possibly after conquering Jalore and moving towards Abu Road) caused some damage to these temples.
• Renovations: Ten years later, in 1331 CE (V.S. 1378), Vimal Vasahi was renovated by Lall and Bijad, and Lūṇīg Vasahi by Pithad. During this renovation, white and black stone idols of Lord Rishabhdev and Lord Neminath were installed, respectively.
• Latest Renovation: The most recent renovation was carried out by Seth Anandji Kalyanji's trust from Ahmedabad between 2007 and 2019, under the guidance of Sompura architect Amritlal Moolshankar Trivedi.

5. Other Temples in Delvada:

• Besides the two main temples, there are three other Jain temples built later.
• Vimal Vasahi's Marble Source: The white marble for these temples was brought from the Arasur mountain, about 14 miles from Abu Road, transported on the backs of elephants.

6. Col. Erskin and Col. Tod's Praise:

• Col. Erskin: Praised the temples as the best and most noteworthy, highlighting the intricate carving and the abundance of decorative elements provided by Indian art.
• Col. Tod: Called the temple the best in India, comparable to the Taj Mahal, and the finest example of Western Indian architecture, showcasing the Solanki/Chalukya style.

7. Other Jain Tirths Mentioned:

• Achalgarh Temples: Located 4 miles from Delvada, at an altitude of 4600 feet. It has three Jain temples, including a two-story four-faced temple of Lord Adinath with 14 idols.
• Chandravati, Mugthala, and Jiravala Tirths:
  • Chandravati: A ruined pilgrimage site 4 miles south of Abu Road, with remnants of temples dating back to the 4th century BCE to 1686 CE.
  • Mugthala (Mud Sthal): Mentioned with an inscription about Lord Mahavir's visit.
  • Jiravala: A famous pilgrimage site about 28 miles away, with an ancient idol of Lord Parshvanath from 200 BCE. It has undergone several renovations and witnessed miracles. The current principal deity is Lord Neminath.
• Other Panchateerths (Five Small Pilgrimage Sites):
  • Pindwara: Known as 'Jain Puri,' it houses a temple with 52 shrines and remarkable metal idols in the Kausagga posture, some with ancient inscriptions.
  • Nana, Diyana, Jadiya, Bamanswadaji: These are important smaller pilgrimage sites with historical connections to Lord Mahavir. There's a saying that these three (Nana, Diyana, Jadiya) have idols of Lord Mahavir from his lifetime.
  • Lotana Tirth: Features a beautiful idol of Lord Rishabhdev and Kausagga idols of Lord Parshvanath and Lord Mahavir with ancient inscriptions.
  • Bamanswadaji: An ancient site with a 52-shrine temple dating back to King Samprati's time. It is believed that Lord Mahavir's footprint is enshrined here.
  • Ajari: Also known as 'Saraswati Tirth' due to Acharya Hemchandrasuri's worship of Saraswati here. It has a temple with 52 shrines and nearby ruins of ancient Jain temples from Vasantgarh.
• Sirohi and Mirpur:
  • Sirohi: Has 18 Jain temples, 15 of which are in one locality called 'Dehraseri.' The three-story four-faced temple is notable.
  • Mirpur: An ancient site with four temples at the foot of a mountain, architecturally similar to the Delvada temples.
• Paraspara (Kumbhariyaji) Tirth: Located about 16 miles from Abu Road, in Gujarat. It's an ancient site believed to have had 300 temples between 370-400 CE. Five 11th-century temples remain, the oldest inscription dating to 1110 CE. These temples, particularly of Lord Neminath, Lord Mahavir, and Lord Parshvanath, are praised for their art and architecture, comparable to Delvada. These were built by Minister Vimal Shah of Gujarat, destroyed by Alauddin Khilji, and renovated in 1675 CE.

Conclusion:

The book emphasizes that visiting these temples allows pilgrims to forget the mundane world and experience heavenly bliss through the exquisite art and devotion carved into the marble. The management of the Delvada temples is efficiently handled by the Seth Kalyanji Parmanandji Pedhi, Sirohi Trust. The text also mentions a joint redevelopment plan by the trust and the Rajasthan government to further develop the area. The author cites the book "Arbudachal Pradakshina Jain Lekh Sandoh" by Muni Jayantvijayji for detailed information on inscriptions.