Delwadana Mandiro - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Delwadana Mandiro," focusing on the information provided in the scanned pages:

Book Title: Delwadana Mandiro (Temples of Delwara) Author(s): JAINA Education Committee Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

Overview:

The text describes the magnificent Delwara Jain temples located on Mount Abu in Rajasthan, India. These temples are renowned for their breathtaking and intricate marble carvings, so fine that replicating them on paper is considered difficult. They are aptly described as "poetry in marble."

Key Individuals and Their Contributions:

The book details the stories of the patrons behind the construction of these two prominent temples:

1. Vimalshah:

Historical Context: Vimalshah lived during the golden era of the Solanki dynasty in Gujarat, a time of peak political power and wealth. Many advisors and generals during this period were Jains.
Background: Vimalshah was a powerful, capable, and renowned general. He was the son of Veermati and Veer Mahattam, an advisor to King Mulraj. His father renounced worldly life and became a monk when Vimal and his brothers were young. Their mother raised them with great care. Vimal was known for his bravery and skill, particularly in horsemanship and archery.
Rise to Prominence: Vimal and his intelligent brother Nadh returned to the capital, Patan, as they grew older. Nadh joined the royal court, and Vimal joined the army. Both achieved rapid success due to their skills. Vimal's beauty and bravery impressed a wealthy merchant of Patan, whose daughter, Shridevi, Vimal married.
Service to the King: In 1021 AD, under King Bhimdeva, Vimal became a general. He was well-liked due to his amiable nature and high position in the army. He came to be known as Vimalshah.
Encountering Envy and Displacement: Some envious individuals, discontented with Vimalshah's progress, spread rumors to King Bhimdeva, suggesting that Vimalshah's refusal to bow to anyone but the Jain Tirthankaras showed his arrogance and potential ambition to overthrow the king. Suspecting Vimalshah, Bhimdeva became distrustful.
Relocation and Governance: Upon learning of the king's displeasure, Vimalshah decided to leave Patan. He moved to Mount Abu (then known as Chandravati) with his companions. There, he discovered that the king of Chandravati, Dhandhuk, wished to gain independence from Bhimdeva. Vimalshah, with his companions, attacked and defeated Dhandhuk, thus taking control of Chandravati. However, Vimalshah had no desire to be king himself; he ruled Chandravati as a governor in the name of King Bhimdeva.
Temple Construction - The First Temple: Vimalshah lived happily with his wife Shridevi in Chandravati. They had no children, which they attributed to their karma. They met the renowned Acharya Dharmaghoshsuri, whose discourses Vimalshah regularly attended, deepening his religious devotion. Reflecting on past battles, Vimalshah felt guilt for the violence and sin committed. As a form of penance, the Acharya suggested building Jain temples in Chandravati to make it a significant pilgrimage site. Vimalshah readily agreed and decided to build a grand temple.
Divine Intervention and Choice: Vimalshah was a devoted follower of Lord Neminath and Ambikadevi. He invoked Ambikadevi for her blessings. The pleased goddess offered him a choice: either a son or the strength to build the temple. Vimalshah chose to build the temple, and the goddess granted his wish.
Construction Process: Vimalshah selected a site on the mountaintop and purchased it for 45,360,000 gold coins. He laid the foundation stone with deep faith. The construction was a monumental task, facing challenges like the scarcity of local artisans and the lack of roads to the peak. Marble had to be transported from distant places. Vimalshah was determined to complete the project, arranging for logistics and bringing artisans and architects from across the country. He ensured the artisans were well cared for and that no obstacles hindered the work.
Completion and Legacy: After 14 years, the temple was completed at a cost of 185,300,000 gold coins. The consecration ceremony was performed with great joy and enthusiasm under the guidance of Acharya Dharmaghoshsuri, Vardhmansuri, and other revered figures. The temple is a magnificent structure of marble with beautiful carvings on its domes, arches, and walls, showcasing exceptional architecture and incredible detail. It is said that Vimalshah paid the artisans gold equivalent to the weight of the marble dust and chips generated during carving. His generosity and the temple's beauty immortalized him.
Further Contributions: Vimalshah also funded the construction of the Vimalvasahi temple on Shatrunjaya mountain in Palitana, a beautiful but small temple known as the "maze temple." He also commissioned the well-known Kumbhariyaji temple on the Aarasur hills and built beautiful temples in Patan.
A Moral Lesson on Ownership: A later anecdote tells of Shridevi's dream where the goddess appeared and instructed her and Vimalshah to visit the temple at midnight on a special day and ask for whatever they desired. They wished for a son. While waiting, Vimalshah went to a nearby well for water. Descending the steps, he was asked to pay a toll for the water by a descendant of the well's builder. Astonished by a toll for drinking water, Vimalshah returned. He pondered that if even a descendant of his own lineage might impose a toll on his temple's water, it would be better not to have a child. He shared this with Shridevi, who agreed. When the goddess asked them what they desired later, they stated they no longer wanted a child, explaining the incident at the well.

2. Vastupal and Tejpal:

Background: Vastupal and Tejpal were two brothers serving in the court of King Veer Dhaval of Gujarat. Tejpal was a renowned soldier. Both brothers earned a reputation for their valor and loyalty, assisting the king in defeating enemies and maintaining law and order. Tejpal's wife, Anupamadevi, was wise, capable, eloquent, religious, and compassionate, and Tejpal always heeded her advice.
Discovery of Treasure: One day, the brothers and their families, along with other pilgrims, embarked on a journey. They stopped in a small village, a route known for its danger from robbers. Fearing an encounter, the brothers decided to hide their wealth. While digging at a suitable spot, they were surprised to find a pot filled with jewels and gold coins.
Anupamadevi's Vision: Unsure what to do with the treasure, Tejpal consulted Anupamadevi. Without hesitation, she declared that wealth found within the earth belonged on a mountain peak, where it would spread the influence of Jainism. Thus, they decided to use the treasure for building temples on Mount Abu.
Temple Construction - The Second Temple (Lunig Vasahi): The brothers decided to construct temples on Mount Abu, which became known as the Lunig Vasahi temples. The "Samavasarana" (assembly hall) of Tirthankar Lord Neminath was also established there. Tejpal also decided to build beautiful niches in memory of the wives of both brothers, which are known as the "Derani-Jethani ke Gokhla" (Niches of the Sister-in-laws). Fifty-two Dev Kulikas (fifty-two Jain temples) were built around the main temple, housing idols of Tirthankaras.
Logistics and Further Structures: Elephants were used to transport marble to Mount Abu, and an elephant stable was built in the temple complex to highlight their importance in construction. Although they built many temples, only the Delwara temples and the Neminath temple at Girnar are said to still exist today.

Conclusion:

The text concludes by praising Vimalshah, Vastupal, and Tejpal for their immense contribution to the construction of Jain temples. Their dedication to their faith, patience, and humility are highly commendable, and their efforts have left an invaluable legacy in the form of these magnificent structures.