Jain Mandiro Ke Shasakiya Adhikar

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Jain Mandiro ke Shasakiya Adhikar" by Lalchand Jain:

The book, "Jain Mandiro ke Shasakiya Adhikar" (Governmental Rights of Jain Temples), authored by Lalchand Jain and published in the "Z_Deshbhushanji_Maharaj_Abhinandan_Granth_012045.pdf" collection, highlights the historical significance of the Jain community in India.

The author begins by asserting that the Jain community in India has always been distinguished by its dedicated faith and adherence to religious practices. Jains have earned the affection of all sections of Indian society through their consistent behavior and conduct.

The text acknowledges that history has instances of religious intolerance, where fanatical rulers have used state power for religious propagation and attacked the beliefs of other faiths. In contrast, Jain acharyas (spiritual leaders) and munis (monks) have consistently preached the message of welfare for all living beings, emphasizing that sincerity of heart is met with respect.

A key historical example cited is the decree issued by Mughal Emperor Jalaluddin Akbar on 7th Jamad-ul-Sani, 662 Hijri. This decree, issued at the request of Muni Hiravijay Suri and his disciples, prohibited violence against living beings for 12 days during the Pajuṣaṇ (Paryushan) festival.

The author then focuses on the Mewar rulers, who held Jain temples in high regard. The Jain community itself strictly followed a code of conduct to maintain the sanctity of the temples. In this context, the edict of Maharaja Shri Rajsingh is presented as a golden document for the Jain community.

The text quotes the verbatim text of this edict from Colonel Tod's work, "Rajasthan." The edict, issued by Maharana Shri Rajsingh, addresses the chieftains, ministers, and patels of the ten thousand villages of Mewar, granting specific rights and protections:

1. Prohibition of animal slaughter: The Maharana orders that everyone should refrain from killing living beings, acknowledging this as their ancient right.
2. Sanctuary for fugitives: Any animal (male or female) passing through a Jain temple (upāsara) with the intent of being slaughtered is granted immunity and their lives are saved. Furthermore, criminals, robbers, and escaped prisoners who seek refuge in Jain upāsaras will not be apprehended by state officials.
3. Protection of temple lands and property: Lands donated for the upkeep of temples, lands designated for specific purposes like "kuchi" (a measure related to crops) and "karana," and numerous temples built in various cities will remain in their established state.
4. Land grants: The farman was issued upon the prayer of Rishi Manu and included land grants of 15 bighas of grain-producing land and 25 bighas of "maleti" (likely a type of land or crop). Each pargana of Neemuch and Nimbheer was also granted similar land, totaling 45 bighas of grain land and 75 bighas of maleti land across the three parganas.
5. Enforcement and consequences: The edict mandates that upon its perusal, the land should be measured and granted. It further states that no one should trouble the Jatis (Jain ascetics), but rather protect their rights. The text curses anyone who infringes upon their rights.
6. Oaths: The edict is sworn by the sanctity of cows for Hindus and pigs for Muslims, and by "Mudīr" (likely a reference to a specific deity or religious authority).
7. Date of Edict: The edict is dated Samvat 1746 Mahsood 5th, corresponding to the Gregorian year 1663.

In essence, the text highlights the historical respect shown to Jainism and its institutions by certain rulers in India, particularly the Maharana of Mewar, and emphasizes the legal and governmental protections afforded to Jain temples and their followers.