Jain Shwetambar Mandiravali

This document, "Jain Shwetambar Mandiravali" (Jain Shvetambar Directory of Temples), published by the Jain Shwetambar Conference, is the first volume of a comprehensive directory of Jain Shwetambar temples across India.

Key aspects highlighted in the provided pages:

• Purpose: The directory aims to compile factual information about Shri Jain Shwetambar temples located in various parts of India.
• Scope: This is the first attempt to gather this information in one place, with plans for a second volume to complete the work.
• Content: The book lists temples district by district and then by taluka (sub-district) within states. For each temple, it aims to provide details such as:
  • Village name
  • Nearby station or major town
  • Location (Thikana)
  • Description of construction and architecture (e.g., with or without a Shikhar/spire, type of dome)
  • Name of the builder or donor
  • Year of construction
  • Name of the main deity (Mul Nayak)
  • Number of idols
  • Idol material (stone, metal, gem, silver)
  • Presence of Siddha Chakra Yantra
  • Number of Jain and non-Jain idols
  • Condition of the building (e.g., dilapidated, ordinary, good)
  • Information about foot-prints (Paduka)
  • Remarks or additional notes.
• Current Status (Volume 1): The preface indicates that Volume 1 is incomplete because the directory work is ongoing and was rushed to be published before the fifth Jain Shwetambar Conference. Therefore, some inaccuracies or omissions are expected, and suggestions for improvement are welcomed.
• Geographical Coverage (Volume 1): The table of contents shows that Volume 1 primarily focuses on temples in Gujarat, covering districts like Ahmedabad, Kheda, Vadodara, Bharuch, Navsari, Palanpur, Surat, and also includes sections for Kathiawad and Kutch, and parts of Marwad.
• Data Presentation: The information is presented in a tabular format for clarity.
• Publisher and Date: Published by the Jain Shwetambar Conference in Mumbai, Vikram Samvat 1963 (1907 CE).

In essence, this is a historical and foundational gazetteer of Jain Shwetambar temples, documenting their existence, architecture, and the communities associated with them, compiled with the intention of creating a comprehensive reference.