Jamnagarna Chandi Bazarna Jain Derasaro

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Jamnagarna Chandi Bazarna Jain Derasaro" by Mahendra D. Sheth:

This text delves into the historical significance and construction of Jain temples in the Silver Market (Chandi Bazaar) of Jamnagar, a city renowned for its silver trade. The author highlights the vibrant history of this market, which has been a center for trade, political discourse, and social movements.

The Central Jain Temple and its Origins:

The Silver Market is described as the heart of the city, with a sequence of Jain temples adding to its unique character. The primary focus is on a specific Jain temple, which the text identifies as the Shri Shantnathji Derasar. The construction of this temple was initiated in V.S. 1913 (1756 AD) by Seth Shri Tej Singh Shah, a prominent merchant, following the guidance of the learned Acharya Dev Shri Dharmamurtisuriji Maharaj of the Achalgachha. The auspicious commencement of construction took place during the Acharya's Chaturmas (a four-month period of religious retreat) in Jamnagar, marked by great festivity.

Construction Details and Early History:

• The temple's construction began in V.S. 1913 and was completed in V.S. 1924 (1767 AD).
• The Pratishtha (consecration ceremony) of the temple was performed on Posh Sud 8, V.S. 1924, by Seth Shri Tej Singh himself.
• The cost incurred for this temple was two lakh gold coins.
• The main deity enshrined in the temple is Lord Shantnath.
• On the day of the Pratishtha, fifty-one other Jin idols were also consecrated.

The Temple's Destruction and Reconstruction:

In V.S. 1648 (1591 AD), during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar, Khan-e-Azam attacked Jamnagar, causing significant damage to the city and its inhabitants. Many citizens, including Tej Singh Shah, fled to safer locations. Tej Singh Shah went to Mandvi in Kutch, where he received the news that the Mughal army had desecrated the Shri Shantnathji temple and its idols in Jamnagar.

Upon hearing this news, Tej Singh Shah sought guidance from Acharya Dharmamurtisuriji during his Chaturmas in Mandvi. The Acharya advised him not to dwell on the past but to undertake the Jirnoddhar (renovation and restoration) of the temple if an opportunity arose, emphasizing the duty of a devout Shravak (lay follower) to do so.

After the Mughal army departed, Tej Singh Shah returned to Jamnagar and began the renovation of the desecrated temple. Upon its nearing completion, he invited Acharya Dharmamurtisuriji to perform the Pratishtha of the idols. The consecration ceremony of the Shri Shantnathji idol took place on Magshar Sud 4, V.S. 1648 (1591 AD). The restored temple was expanded, featuring new architectural elements like three "Choumukh" structures behind the Shikhar (spire) and an artistic touch given to fifty-two surrounding shrines. The renovation cost approximately three lakh coins, with Seth Shri Champashi Shah, Tej Singh's brother-in-law, contributing one-third of the expenses.

Further Contributions and Additions:

• Following the impressive renovation of the Shri Shantnathji temple, prominent lay follower Seth Shri Nenshi Shah and his sons (Ramsinh, Samsinh, Karamsinh) initiated the construction of another Shikharbandh temple. They built a "Choumukh Prasad" and connected it to the temple built by Nenshi Shah's brother, Rajsingh Shah.
• Four idols of Lord Sambhavnath of equal stature were consecrated in this newly built temple.
• Nenshi Shah further enhanced the access by creating an entrance near Rajsingh Shah's temple, effectively merging the two structures into a single complex with a unified entrance. Nenshi Shah and his sons spent three lakh coins on this construction.
• Rajsingh Shah also contributed by building two Jain temples in the villages of Madha and Bhalsan in Halar, and two Upashrayas (monastic dwelling places) in Mayantar and Kasavad.

The Arrival of Seth Vardhman Shah and Padamsinh Shah:

In V.S. 1650 (1593 AD), Seth Vardhman Shah and his younger brother Padamsinh Shah, residents of Kutch, organized a large pilgrimage to the Shatrunjay Tirth. They arrived at the Nagnaath port (Navanagar-Jamnagar) by ship. Their pilgrimage was accompanied by the knowledgeable Acharya Bhagwant Kalyansagarsuriji and his disciples, who traveled by land. The city of Jamnagar was adorned for their arrival, and the King of Jamnagar, Shri Jasvantsinhji, welcomed the pilgrimage. The King and the pilgrimage leaders hosted feasts for the city's populace. During this event, Vardhman Shah and Padamsinh Shah were honored by the King with valuable gifts, and in return, they presented even more precious items to him.

Philanthropy and Spiritual Guidance:

Vardhman Shah and Padamsinh Shah accumulated immense wealth in Jamnagar, leading the Jam Saheb to appoint them as chief ministers of the state. One day, during lunch, Padamsinh Shah's wife, Kamaladevi, shared a profound thought that resonated deeply with both brothers. She emphasized that accumulating wealth is not enough; it's crucial to utilize it for Dharmakarya (religious deeds) and public welfare. She stated that those who use their wealth for righteous purposes gain fame and accumulate immeasurable merit that benefits them across lifetimes. She also cautioned that wealth is fickle, and one should not rely on it for too long. Those who possess wealth but fail to use it for religious or charitable purposes are no better than laborers, wasting their rare human birth.

Inspired by Kamaladevi's words, the brothers resolved to engage in charitable activities and began the construction of Jin Mandirs. The construction employed about six hundred people. During this period, an individual, driven by ill intentions, bribed the chief architect and laborers to prevent the temple's spire from being built higher.

In V.S. 1874 (1817 AD), Acharya Bhagwant Shri Kalyansagarsuriji was residing in Vardhaman Nagar (Wadhwan) for his Chaturmas. A message was conveyed to him by Vardhman Shah, Padamsinh Shah, and Rajsingh Shah requesting his presence in Jamnagar. The Acharya then commenced his journey to Jamnagar.

The newly constructed Jin Mandirs were consecrated with auspicious Jin Pratishthas in V.S. 1675 (1618 AD). The consecration festivities included donations of gold coins and feasts for the citizens. To manage the daily rituals and ongoing renovations of these temples, Vardhman Shah dedicated nine gardens, four fields, and numerous shops to the Sangha (community).

Vardhman Shah passed away at the age of 82. His death was foreseen by Acharya Kalyansagarsuriji, who informed his brother Padamsinh. The entire family was present at his demise, and the Acharya delivered four Sharanas (religious discourses). The King of Kutch, Shri Bharmalji, and the Jam Saheb Shri Jasvantsinhji declared two days of mourning in their respective states. Feasts were organized throughout Kutch and Halar in his memory, costing twelve lakh coins.

Padamsinh Shah later erected a large stepwell and a shrine with the Paduka (footprints) of Lord Shantnath at the cremation site of Vardhman Shah, spending three lakh coins. The text concludes by mentioning that Seth Tej Singh Shah, Vardhman Shah, Padamsinh Shah, Raysinh Shah, Champashi Shah, Nenshi Shah, and others had made substantial donations throughout their lives. The author also fondly remembers Jagdu Shah, the son of Vardhman Shah, who was known as a "Kuberpati" (a person of immense wealth) and a great philanthropist. The text ends with a philosophical note on the ignorance of those who cause suffering to others and their descent into darkness due to attachment (Moh).