Hamare Sanskrutik Gaurav Ka Pratik Ahar - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Hamare Sanskrutik Gaurav ka Pratik Ahar" by Darbarilal Kothiya, focusing on the cultural significance and historical glory of the Ahara region:

The text discusses the historical and cultural significance of the Ahara region, highlighting its past prosperity and the importance of preserving and promoting its legacy. The author begins by reflecting on the region's rich past, imagining it a thousand years ago as a densely populated area with numerous wealthy individuals, towering structures, and a multitude of religious seekers and patrons spending generously on religious endeavors. The author posits that this prosperity wasn't achieved overnight but likely took centuries to develop.

Evidence of Past Glory:

Archaeological Findings: The text emphasizes that the land of Ahara and its surroundings are replete with the remnants of thousands of idols, temples, and buildings. Excavations have unearthed fragmented and intact idols, along with significant artifacts, bearing inscriptions that reveal the region's grandeur and glorious historical tradition.
Inscriptions and Scholarship: The author mentions the collection and publication of 117 idol inscriptions and other related writings by Pt. Govindasji Nyaytirtha in the journal 'Anekanth' (1948-49). A museum has also been established in Delhi through the efforts of Babulal Yashpalji Jain, housing remnants of many idols. Barishabhchandraji Jain of Pratapgarh has also shed light on notable aspects of the region.

Key Findings from Inscriptions and Local Lore:

The text then delves into specific points derived from inscriptions and local historical research, including:

Proximity of Historical Sites: Locations like Kotau (Bhatto), which is very close to the present-day region, are described as having sky-high mountains with temple ruins.
Tanks and Water Bodies: Tanks like Madansagar, Kamamdansagar, and Madaneshsagar are located at the foot of the mountains.
Hathnupur (Hantipur): This place is known as Hathpadav below the mountain.
Prominent Figures: The names of Siddhantashri Sagarsena, Aryika Jayshri, and Chellika Ratnashri are inscribed on idols.
Golpur Identified as Gaganpar: The place known as Gaganpar is now identified as Golpur, situated near the region.
Nearby Locations: Tandeki Toriya, Tandeka Khanda, and Padav are all very close to the region.
Caves of Siddhas: Siddhoki Gufa and Siddhoki Toriya are important nearby locations, suggesting that ascetics achieved spiritual liberation ('Siddha' status) on this land.
Stone Quarrying: Khanvara Mountain is identified as a place where large stone quarries exist, possibly used for extracting stone for idols.
Temple Ruins: The ruins of a large Kameshwar (Madneshwar) temple are visible on the hill beside the Madaneshsagar reservoir, with the site still known as Madneshwar's temple.

The author stresses the need for further in-depth investigation into these findings, particularly by bringing the Hindi and Prakrit versions of the 'Choubis Kamdev Puraan' to light for scholarly study. The significance of 'Siddhoki Gufa' and 'Siddhoki Toriya' is highlighted, as they point to the land being a place of ascetic practice and spiritual attainment. The region was known as 'Madaneshsagarpur' in the 11th-12th centuries CE.

Analysis of Inscriptions:

The text then analyzes the available inscriptions, revealing several crucial points:

Time Span: The inscriptions date from 1123 CE to 1881 CE, indicating continuous temple and idol consecrations for 758 years.
Diverse Patrons: The consecrations were not limited to a single community but were undertaken by at least 19 different castes and lineages, including Khandilwal, Gargratan, Deuwala, Grihapati (Gahoi), Golapuchh, Jaiswal, Paurpatan, Medwal, Vaishya, Medatwal, Kutkan, Labechuk, Avadhpuran, Golardan, Shrimadhun, Purwadan, Paurwalan, and Mathuranvay. The author notes that some of these lineages are not currently known and require further research, with some names potentially being derived from Bhaṭṭārakas (religious leaders) or villages.
Role of Bhaṭṭārakas: The inscriptions mention numerous Bhaṭṭārakas who held positions and guided religious activities and caste affairs in the region. Notable among them are Bhaṭṭārak Shri Manikya Dev and Gundyadev (1213 CE), Bhaṭṭārak Shri Jinchandra Dev (1548 CE), and Bhaṭṭārak Dharmakirti Dev, Bhaṭṭārak Shilsutradev, Jnanasutradev, and Bhaṭṭārak Jagatrasen (1642-1688 CE).
Sects and Sub-sects: Mentions of Kundakundanvay, Mul Sangh, Balatkar Gana, Saraswati Gachchha, and Kashth Sangh indicate the presence of various religious traditions.
Geographical References: Several towns and villages are referenced, including Vanpur, Mahishpur, Madaneshsagarpur, Anandpur, Vasuhatika, and Ahara itself, suggesting their influence and the participation of their inhabitants in local consecrations.
Kachchhgall Gotra and Parivar Caste: The text highlights the mention of the Kachchhgall gotra (currently associated with the Parivar caste) in inscriptions from 1207 and 1213 CE, residing in Vanpur. The author also raises a significant question regarding the absence of explicit mention of the influential Parivar caste in the inscriptions, suggesting that 'Paurpatanvay' might be an older name for this caste, possibly an apabhramsa (corrupted form) of their original name, similar to how Grihapati became Gahoi. This point is presented for scholarly deliberation.
Involvement of Women: The inscriptions also name several women who sponsored consecrations, including religious figures like Aryika Jayshri and Ratnashri, and householders like Sivade, Savani, Malati, Padma, Madana, and Prabha.

Our Present and Future: Responsibility and Action:

The author then shifts focus to the present responsibility of the community. While acknowledging the pride in the glorious past, the core message is about how the current generation is safeguarding and augmenting this valuable inheritance. The author emphasizes that a society cannot survive solely on its past glory; it must actively address its present and plan for the future. Failure to do so will lead to future generations deeming the current generation inadequate, and the cultural heritage will dwindle.

Addressing Societal Challenges and Promoting Jain Principles:

The text references the efforts of the revered Shri Ganeshprasadji Varni in traveling extensively, dispelling societal superstitions and ignorance, which he believed hollowed out society. The author reiterates the core Jain principles of universal welfare, non-violence ("Live and let live," "Exist and let exist"), and the aspiration for peace and prosperity for all beings, as reflected in daily prayers.

Recommendations for the Community:

To ensure the preservation and growth of cultural heritage and to uphold Jain values, the author proposes a ten-point action plan:

Physical Health: Promote physical fitness and strength in children through organized sports and exercise.
Religious Education: Provide systematic religious education to children.
Education for Girls: Ensure equal educational opportunities for girls.
Civic and Religious Awareness: Organize regular gatherings for children to instill a sense of social and religious duty and national service.
Higher Education Support: Support academically gifted children by sponsoring their higher education.
Adult Literacy and Skill Development: Promote literacy among adults and encourage them to pursue modern industries and businesses.
Philanthropy and Community Support: Encourage affluent members to support the less fortunate, viewing it as acts of merit and compassion for fellow Jains.
Rehabilitation and Forgiveness: Help individuals who have made mistakes to reform and reintegrate into the community.
Preservation of Religious Institutions: Ensure the protection, growth, and promotion of temples, pilgrimage sites, schools, and scripture libraries.
Community Service: Actively participate in village, city, regional, and national service initiatives with enthusiasm.

The Importance of Education: Establishment of Shantinath Digambar Jain Sanskrit Vidyalaya:

The author concludes by highlighting the critical role of education, quoting Acharya Vadisinha that "impeccable knowledge brings happiness in both this world and the next." The text praises the foundational work of Pujya Varni Ji in spreading education, leading to the emergence of scholars in ancient Jain scriptures like Shatkhandagama, Dhavala, and Tattvartha Vartika. The establishment of the Shantinath Digambar Jain Sanskrit Vidyalaya is lauded as a crucial step, with many students from this institution pursuing higher education in prestigious universities.

The author reflects on Varni Ji's own words from his autobiography, expressing concern about the financial limitations hindering the Vidyalaya's progress. This is presented as a call to action for the community to support the institution, ensuring its continued growth and fulfillment of Varni Ji's vision, much like the successful development of the Syadvada Mahavidyalaya in Varanasi. The author expresses confidence that the community will contribute to the Vidyalaya's endowment fund, bringing joy to Varni Ji in the afterlife.