Jaina Shrines In India - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jaina Shrines in India" by O. P. Tandon:

Book Overview:

"Jaina Shrines in India" by O. P. Tandon, published by the Publications Division of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, serves as an educational resource for ordinary educated readers interested in the Jaina religion and its architectural heritage. The book aims to provide information on the location, antiquity, historicity, important legends, and artistic/architectural features of prominent Jaina shrines across India. It endeavors to present established facts and avoid controversial interpretations.

Core Jaina Philosophy and its Manifestation in Art and Architecture:

The book begins by establishing the ancient origins of Jainism, tracing its roots potentially to Vedic times and even the Harappan civilization. It highlights key Jaina principles:

Ahimsa (Non-violence): Emphasized as all-pervasive, extending to thought, word, and deed.
Tapa (Penance/Meditation): A crucial practice for spiritual purification.
Triratna (Three Jewels): Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct as guiding principles for spiritual progress.
Nirvana: The ultimate goal of liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Anekantavada (Non-absolutism): The theory of multiple perspectives.

The text explains that the concept of a tirtha (pilgrimage site) in Jainism is a place where one temporarily withdraws from worldly attachments to seek inner peace and purity. Jaina philosophy deeply influences its art and architecture, emphasizing transcendent aloofness and detachment. Jaina sculptures, particularly of the Tirthankaras, are noted for their simplicity, uniformity, inherent physical strength, calm, and dignity, embodying the ideal of perfect self-containment and withdrawal. Jaina architecture, influenced by the religion's tenets, includes features like the mana-stambha (free-standing pillar) and the construction of "cities of temples." The book distinguishes between domestic architecture and temple architecture, noting the elaborate wood carvings often found in Jaina homes.

Extent and Expansion of Jainism in India:

The book traces the historical spread of Jainism across the Indian subcontinent. It notes that while Jainism did not significantly cross India's frontiers, it profoundly impacted the mainland. The text details the missionary travels of Mahavira and the subsequent patronage Jainism received from various dynasties, including:

Magadhan rulers: Bimbisara, Ajatsatru, Udayi, and the Nanda dynasty.
Kalinga ruler: Kharavela.
Mauryan emperors: Chandragupta (with strong leanings) and his grandson Samprati (who greatly contributed to its spread in Madhya Pradesh and beyond).
Southern dynasties: The Gangas, Kadambas, Cheras, and Cholas.
Northern centers: Mathura emerged as a significant hub, followed by Saurashtra (Gujarat).
Medieval period: Dynasties like the Pratiharas, Chandellas, Haihayas, Paramaras, and Kalachuris patronized Jainism, leading to a spurt in its activities, particularly in Gujarat and Rajasthan.

The text highlights the resilience of Jainism, even during periods of persecution and loss of state patronage, attributing its sustained popularity to its ethical and moral foundations. Merchants and traders played a crucial role in its continued affluence and patronage of architectural activities.

Dispersal of Shrines Region-wise:

The book then systematically details Jaina shrines across different regions of India:

East India (Bihar, Bengal, Orissa):
- Bihar: Mentions rock-hewn caves at Rajgir (Sonabhandara caves), Jaina remains at Lohanipur (Patna), and bronzes found at Chausa, indicating early Jaina presence.
- West Bengal: Notes the absence of prominent early Jaina monuments despite some evidence of Jaina and Ajivika sects during Ashoka's time. Mentions later influences and the presence of Jaina mercantile communities.
- Orissa: Highlights the Hathigumpha cave and the Udayagiri and Khandagiri hills as significant Jaina resorts, dating back to pre-Christian eras. It also mentions the Deuliya temple and other sites with Jaina images.
North India (Uttar Pradesh):
- Mathura: Recognized as a pre-eminent center for Jaina iconography and architecture, with numerous temples and relics, including those at Kankali Tila.
- Other sites: Discusses temples at Sravasti (Sobhanatha temple), Atranjikhera, Hastinapur, Ahichchhatra, Batesvara, and Bijnaur, highlighting architectural styles and the enduring enthusiasm of Jainas. It also mentions modern temples in Delhi.
Central India (Madhya Pradesh):
- Vidisa district: Features early temple remains at Durjanpur and sculptures contemporary with the Gupta period.
- Udayagiri and Nachna: Mentions inscriptions and scattered Jaina sculptures.
- Deogarh: Described as a settlement with a sequential group of thirty-one Jaina temples dating from the 9th to 12th centuries.
- Khajuraho: A major center with temples dedicated to Adinatha, Santinatha, and Parsvanatha, showcasing a blend of styles and influences.
- Other sites: Includes temples at Un, Gyaraspur (Maladevi temple), Chanderi, Dudhai, Chandpur, Madanpur, and Mahoba, underscoring the patronage of various dynasties and the richness of medieval Jaina art.
West India (Rajasthan, Gujarat):
- Early traces: Mentions the Vasudeva-hindi and Brihatkalpa-Bhashya as early texts alluding to Jaina presence and worship.
- Rock-cut architecture: Discusses rock cells at Junagadh near Girnar and rock-cut reliefs at Dhank.
- Temples: Details the appearance of Jaina temples at Akola, Valabhi, Vasantagarh, and Bhinamal during the 6th-7th centuries.
- Rajasthan: Highlights Chittorgarh (Kirti-stambha, Sringara-chauri temple), Osian (Mahavira temple), Phalodhi, and the Bikaner and Jaisalmer temple groups.
- Gujarat: Focuses on prominent Chalukyan and Solanki era temples, including those at Mount Abu (Vimala-Vasahi, Luna-Vasahi), Kumbharia (Mahavira, Santinatha, Parsvanatha, Neminatha temples), and Palitana (temple city on Satrunjaya mountain). The text also mentions the significant contributions of ministers like Vastupala and Tejahpala.
Deccan and South India (Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnatak, Kerala, Tamil Nadu):
- Peninsular India: Notes the penetration of Jainism from the 6th century AD, influenced by empires like the Chalukyas, Pallavas, and Pandyas.
- Tamil Nadu: Mentions rock-shelters and natural caverns used by ascetics, with significant sites at Tirakkol, Anamalai, and Sittanavasal (known for paintings). It also discusses structural temples belonging to the Pallava period.
- Karnatak: Highlights Sravanabelagola as a major Jaina center, famous for the colossal statue of Bahubali (Gomatesvara) and various bastis. It also mentions temples at Halebid, Nittura, and other sites.
- Kerala: Discusses rock-shelters and structural temples from the 9th to 10th centuries, noting the transformation of some Jaina shrines into Brahmanical ones.
- Deccan: Mentions Jaina remains in the Yadava and Kakatiya realms and the influence of architectural styles like Himapanthi. It also notes the proliferation of Jaina art due to patronage from rulers aiming to resist Islamic invasions.

Appendices and Bibliography:

The book includes an appendix listing the 24 Tirthankaras with their emblems, attendant deities (Yakshas and Yakshis), and birthplaces. A comprehensive bibliography provides references for further study, encompassing works on Jaina iconography, art, architecture, and history.

Overall Theme:

"Jaina Shrines in India" aims to showcase the rich and diverse architectural and artistic legacy of Jainism across India, emphasizing its deep philosophical underpinnings and its enduring impact on Indian culture and heritage. It serves as a valuable guide for understanding the historical and religious significance of these sacred sites.