Bikaner Ke Darshaniya Jain Mandir - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bikaner ke Darshaniya Jain Mandir" by Agarchand Nahta, based on the provided pages:

This book, "Bikaner ke Darshaniya Jain Mandir" (The Commendable Jain Temples of Bikaner), authored by Agarchand Nahta and published by Danmal Shankardan Nahta, serves as a guide to the significant Jain temples in and around Bikaner, Rajasthan.

Historical Context of Bikaner: Bikaner was founded in 1545 Vikram Samvat (1488 CE) by Rao Bika, son of Rao Jodha of Jodhpur. The region was initially known as 'Jangal'. The prosperity of Bikaner grew, especially due to its enterprising merchants. Notably, many Oswal (a Jain community) families accompanied Rao Bika and played a crucial role in the administration and development of the state. From Rao Bika to Maharaj Raisinghji, prime ministers were often from the Vachhawat clan, and later, the Suranas and Vaids also contributed significantly to the state's progress. Oswal families, comprising around 60 gotras (lineages), established distinct residential areas known as "Gawadas" (neighborhoods). Bikaner is lauded for its well-organized community structure, with approximately 27 Gawadas for the Oswals, where members of each gotra typically resided together.

Bikaner as a Jain Pilgrimage Site: Despite being smaller than states like Jodhpur, Bikaner boasts a remarkably high number of Jain knowledge repositories (Gyanbhandars) and Jain temples, surpassing other cities in Rajasthan. This abundance and the significance of its temples have led to Bikaner being recognized as a Jain pilgrimage site. The renowned poet Kavi Samaysundar, in his "Teerth Mala" (Garland of Pilgrimages), specifically mentions and reveres Bikaner alongside other sacred places.

Evolution of Temples: During Kavi Samaysundar's time (around 1680 VS / 1623 CE), there were eight Jain temples in Bikaner. This number has since grown to approximately 35, including various internal shrines. Many Jain pilgrims visit Bikaner, considering it a holy site. However, a lack of comprehensive information about the temples often hinders their full experience. This booklet aims to provide a concise overview to address this need.

Author's Research and Purpose: The author, Agarchand Nahta, has undertaken extensive research over the past 15-20 years, meticulously documenting inscriptions on idols and the histories of temples not only in Bikaner but across the entire state. This research has culminated in a larger, illustrated work titled "Bikaner Jain Lekh Sangrah" (Bikaner Jain Inscription Collection), which is soon to be published. However, recognizing the general public's need for basic information, this smaller booklet offers a brief introduction to the Jain temples. The author intends to provide a more detailed description with photographs in future editions if there is sufficient interest.

Guide to Visiting the Temples: The book outlines a convenient route for visiting the temples, starting from the Jain Swadharmashala (resthouse for Jain travelers) in Rangri Chowk.

Detailed Descriptions of Key Temples:

The book then proceeds to describe numerous Jain temples, providing details about their founding, principal deities, architectural features, important idols, and historical significance. Some of the prominently featured temples include:

Chintamaniji (Adinath) Temple: Believed to have been founded alongside the city in 1561 VS. It houses a significant collection of 1050 metal idols from the 9th to 16th centuries, recovered from the loot of Sirohi in 1636 VS due to the efforts of Minister Karmachand Vachhawat. This temple is considered the oldest in Bikaner and a major center for preserving ancient metal sculptures.
Vasupujyaji Temple: Located in the Matheran Gali, originally belonging to the Vachhawats. It houses a Vasupujya Chaturvimsati metal idol recovered from the Sirohi loot. A Digambar Jain temple is situated adjacent to it.
Mahavirji Temple (Dagon ka): Features a Mahavir Swami idol made of Jaisalmeri stone and another beautiful idol from Jangalkup dating back to 1176 VS.
Bhandasarji Sumatinathji Temple: Described as the most important and visually stunning temple in the Bikaner state. Built in 1571 VS by Bhanda Sah, it was named "Trailokya Deepak" (Lamp of the Three Worlds) by Rao Lunakaranji. Its impressive architecture, including a triple-story structure with intricate carvings, is highlighted.
Naminathji Temple: Built by Minister Karmasingh Vachhawat in 1570 VS, it is also described as grand, beautiful, and artistic.
Parshvanathji Temple (Nahaton ki Bagechi): Features a temple of Parshvanath Bhagwan and the marble Charan (footprints) of Dada Guru Kushalsuriji. The memorial of Rao Bikaji, the founder of Bikaner, is located opposite this temple.
Mahavirswami Temple (Vaidon ka): A 14-Gawad Panchayat temple built by the Vaid clan, with a beautiful idol and ancient inscriptions. It houses 75 metal idols in a subterranean chamber.
Sankheshwar Parshvanath Temple: Located in Prasaniyon ka Chowk.
Mahavirji Temple (Prasaniyon ka Chowk): Adjacent to the Sankheshwar Parshvanath temple, featuring some fine murals.
Padmaprabhuji Temple: Located near the palace of Rao Gopalsinghji Vaid, containing some old murals.
Rishabhdevji Temple: Houses a very large and beautiful Adinath idol. It was consecrated by Yugpradhan Jinchandra Suriji, who is known for converting Emperor Akbar. It is considered an incarnation of Shatrunjay Teerth.
Shantinathji Temple: Located in Nahaton ki Gawad, opposite the Upashray of the Kharatargachh Acharya branch.
Suparshvanathji Temple: Adjacent to the Shantinathji temple, featuring illustrated panels of pilgrimage sites and a Chaumukh Samavsaran shrine.
Mahavirji Temple (Boron ki Seri): A recently built (2002 VS) marble temple known for its beautiful murals depicting the life of Lord Mahavir and various Jain stories.
Kunthunathji Temple: Located in Rangri Chowk.
Ajitnathji Temple: Located behind Suganjee's Upashray, this is a significant temple, with the Ajitnathji temple in Kocharon ka Mohalla being one of the oldest, dating back to around 1664 VS.
Vimalnathji Temple: Built and consecrated in 1924 VS.
Parshvanathji Temple: Built in 1881 VS.
Adinathji Temple: Adjacent to the above, with an Adinath idol consecrated in 1863 VS.
Shantinathji Temple: Near the Adinathji temple in Kocharon ka Upashray.
Pārshvachandra Suriji Temple - Adinath Temple: Located on Gangasahar Road, this temple is famous for the establishment of the Charan of Parshvachandra Suri in 1662 VS.
Ramlalji ki Dadawadi: A temple and memorial of Mahopadhyaya Vaidyavar Ramlalji and Gurudev.
Dungardon ki Dadawadi: Located in Dungardon ki Bagechi.
Parshvanathji Temple (Kocharon ki Bagechi): A recently constructed temple.
Gaudipārshvanāthji Temple: A significant temple located near the roundabout on Gangasahar Road, with a restored Gaudipārshva temple from 1886 VS. It also houses historical paintings of Jinhharshsuriji and Mastayogi Gyansarji.
Sankheshwar Parshvanath (Setuji ka) Temple: Located within the same complex as the Gaudipārshvanāthji temple, built in 1924 VS. It also contains the samadhi (tomb) of Mastayogi Mansarji.

Other Places of Interest in Bikaner: Beyond the temples, the book highlights other significant sites:

Nahata Kala Bhavan - Abhay Jain Granthalaya: A vast private library and museum housing twenty thousand ancient manuscripts, twenty-five thousand printed books, thousands of paintings, and archaeological artifacts.
Bada Upashray: A large knowledge repository with ten thousand manuscripts and the seat of the prominent Acharya lineage of Kharatargachh.
Shri Bhairundanji Kothari ka Nivas Bhavan: A residence known for its artistic features, including intricate marble carving and paintings depicting the Ranthambore war.
Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum: The state's public library and museum, housing the renowned Jain Saraswati idol from Pallu and other Jain sculptures.
Motichandji Khazanchi Sangrah: A collection of ancient artistic paintings and manuscripts.
The book also mentions various other important manuscript collections and libraries in Bikaner.

Nearby Places of Interest: The book also provides information on Jain sites around Bikaner, including:

Rel Dadaji: A Dadawadi on Gangasahar Road with the Charan of Jindattasuri, Jinkushalsuri, and Yugpradhan Jinchandrasuri.
Ramnivas-Parshvanath Temple: Located between Rel Dadaji and Gangasahar.
Adinath Temple-Gangasahar: A temple situated on the road in Gangasahar.
Parshvanath Temple-Bhinasar: An ancient and influential Parshvanath idol from 1171 VS.
Parshvanath Temple-Mahavir Sanatorium: Located within the sanatorium.
Kunthunath Derasar-Udaimarasar: A temple situated in Udaimarasar.
Jindattasuri Dadawadi-Udaimarasar: Known for the Charan Padukas of Jindattasuri and an annual fair.
Parshvanath Mandir-Shivbadi: A temple built in Shivbadi village, with an annual fair.
Suparshvanath Mandir-Udaasar: Built in 1935 VS.
Jinkushalsuri Guru Mandir-Nal: A significant pilgrimage site with the Charan Padukas of Kushalsuri and other important Jain figures.
Padmaprabhuji ka Mandir-Nal: Located within the Guru Mandir premises.
Munisuvratji ka Mandir-Nal: Located outside the Guru Mandir's outer wall.

Accommodation and Travel Information: The book concludes with practical information for visitors, including recommended routes for visiting the temples, details about dharamshalas (rest houses) in Bikaner, availability of transportation like tangas and ekkas, and specific accommodation options at various Dadawadis and Bagechis. It also provides travel advice for reaching nearby places like Nal and Udaimarasar.

List of Jain Temples in Bikaner State: The final section lists Jain temples in other towns and villages within the Bikaner state, categorized by railway lines:

Bikaner-Delhi Railway Line: Naapasar, Dungargarh, Bigash, Rajaldesar, Ratangarh, Bidasar, Sujangarh, Sardarshahar, Churu, Rajgarh, Rini (Tagannagar), Nohra, and Madra.
Bikaner-Bhatinda Line: Lunkaransar, Kalu, Garbdesar, Mahajan, Suratgarh, and Hanumangarh.
Bikaner-Nagaur Railway Line: Deshnok, Nokhamandi, and Panch.
Bikaner-Kolayat Railway Line: Bhajju and Kolayat.

In essence, "Bikaner ke Darshaniya Jain Mandir" is a valuable and comprehensive resource for anyone interested in exploring the rich Jain heritage of Bikaner, providing historical context, detailed descriptions of temples, and practical travel advice.