Jain Shwetambar Prachin Tirth Gangani

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Shwetambar Prachin Tirth Gangani" in English:

This document is a publication by the "Vyavasthapak Committee" (Management Committee) of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, issued in Vikram Samvat 2014 (2483 Veer Samvat). It aims to provide a concise history and introduction to the ancient Jain Shwetambar Tirtha of Shri Gangani, located approximately 20 miles from Jodhpur in Rajasthan.

Key Highlights and Information about Shri Gangani Tirtha:

• Ancient and Significant: Shri Gangani is described as a unique and 2200-year-old ancient Jain Tirtha. It holds a place of distinction among the Jain pilgrimage sites in India.
• Historical Name: The ancient name of the city was Arjunpuri, said to have been founded by Dharmaputra Arjuna.
• Magnificent Temple: The main temple is a remarkable example of ancient Indian architectural art. It is described as:
  • Sky-scraping, vast, and colossal (Bhimakaya).
  • Aesthetically pleasing and highly worth seeing.
  • Built by Emperor Samprati.
  • Approximately 2200 years old.
  • 72 feet high from the ground.
• Inscriptions and Dating: The document presents inscriptions found on ancient idols, providing significant historical evidence:
  • An inscription on an idol of Shri Adishwar Bhagwan states it was made in V.S. 637 (Veer Samvat) by Shri Vachh and Langali, disciples of Udyotan Suri.
  • An inscription on a stone idol of Shri Dharmanath Prabhu is dated V.S. 1664, with another idol dated V.S. 1658 from Ujjaini.
• Emperor Samprati's Connection: The temple was built by Emperor Samprati in the 2nd century BCE (before Vikram era) and its consecration was performed by the renowned Jain Acharya Shri Suhasti Suriji.
• Evidence of Antiquity: The document cites two key pieces of evidence for the temple's antiquity:
  1. Stavan by Gani Shri Samaysundarji: In V.S. 1662, the learned poet Gani Shri Samaysundarji visited this ancient Tirtha and composed a "Stavan" (devotional hymn) mentioning its antiquity. This Stavan is included in the publication.
  2. Tapagachchha Pattavali: The ancient chronicle of Tapagachchha, published in the Jain Shwetambar Conference Herald, mentions: "Samprati, in the northern direction of Marudhar, in the city of Gangani, established the temple and idols of Shri Padmaprabhu Swami."
• The Stavan by Samaysundarji: This detailed hymn describes the discovery of idols in an underground vault ("buhar") near the Dudhela pond and the Khokhar temple. It mentions a total of 65 idols found, including the main deities Shri Padmaprabhu and Parshvanath, a Chaumukh (four-faced), a Chobis (24 Tirthankaras), and various other Tirthankaras and guardian deities (Indra, Brahma, Ambika, Kalika, Vinayak, Yogini, etc.). The Stavan specifically mentions that some idols were made of white gold. The composition dates the discovery and consecration to V.S. 1662, Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi.
• Historical Context of Idols: The document discusses the inscriptions and the composition of the Stavan, highlighting that the idols found predated a severe famine by 400 years, dispelling doubts about their age. It also mentions that the idols were hidden in underground vaults ("buhar") for protection from Mughal atrocities.
• Past Glory and Decline: It is stated that in the past, thousands of Jains resided in Gangani and contributed to the glory of the Jain faith. However, due to the adverse effects of time, not a single Jain currently resides there.
• Restoration and Reconstruction: The temple has undergone multiple renovations throughout history:
  • 9th Century V.S.: Renovated by the merchant Bosat of Upkeshpur.
  • 12th Century V.S.: Renovated by the Bhuranta family of Nagpur.
  • 14th Century V.S.: Renovated by Shah Marang Sonpal of Osiyan.
  • End of 16th Century V.S.: Renovated by people from Bikaner.
  • 5th Renovation (V.S. 1982 / 1937 AD): Undertaken by Shri Ghevar Chandji Chhajed Mehta with the financial support of the All India Jain Sangh.
• Current Status: Currently, only 4 idols remain in the temple: Shri Dharmanath Prabhu (main deity), an idol made of mixed metals, Shri Parshvanath on the second floor, and another idol found in a field during the Mah Sud 6 festival of V.S. 2013, which was then consecrated.
• Revival Efforts: The publication highlights a positive development where Muni Shri Premsundarji Maharaj shed light on the importance of idol worship, leading to a significant festival celebrated in V.S. 2013. This led to the formation of an executive committee to manage the Tirtha and undertake necessary restoration work, including managing supplies, providing accommodation for pilgrims, and renovating another dilapidated temple nearby.
• Call for Support: The management committee earnestly appeals to all Jain community members to contribute with their mind, body, and wealth to support this ancient Tirtha, complete the unfinished tasks, and uphold their duty towards the temple of Jinneshwar Dev.
• Pilgrimage Advice: Visitors from Jodhpur are advised to take the 3 PM motor to Bhopalgarh, which stops near the temple. The return motor leaves Bhopalgarh at 12 PM. Basic accommodation facilities are available.

In essence, the document serves as a historical record and a passionate appeal to preserve and revive the ancient and historically significant Jain Shwetambar Tirtha of Shri Gangani, emphasizing its rich past, architectural grandeur, and the need for community support for its upkeep and future development.