Kacchni Gaurav Gatha Gatu Kotharanu Jina Chaitya

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The book, "Kachchni Gaurav Gatha Gatu Kotharanu Jina Chaitya" by Chandubha R Jadeja, is a detailed account of the grandeur and significance of the Jina Chaitya (temple) in Kothara, a village in the Kutch region of Gujarat, India. The author highlights that while many Jain temples in Kutch are renowned for their exquisite sculptures, the temple in Kothara stands out as the most magnificent and artistically superior.

The Kothara temple, referred to as 'Kalyan Tunk' (a cluster of temples), is described as embodying the entirety of architectural science. It is a prime example of the 'Meruprabh' style, characterized by its seven tiers, five spires, a Rangmandap (assembly hall), and intricate carvings all around. The temple features three Choumukhji (four-faced idols) and a basement housing idols of Kuntunath and other Jinas, with Shri Shantinath Prabhu as the principal deity. The perikota (enclosure) and the entrance gate with its pillars and archway are deemed unparalleled, particularly the detailed carvings on the two flanking windows (gavakshas), which are compared to the renowned "Derani-Jethani ni Gokhla" in Dilwara temples.

The text credits a prominent trio of patrons for this architectural marvel: Seth Shri Velji Malu, Seth Shri Shivji Nenshi, and Seth Shri Keshavji Nayak. Seth Shri Keshavji Nayak is particularly lauded for his intellect, strength, energy, and skill in overseeing the construction. Born in Lakhaniya and native to Kothara, he was a prosperous and respected businessman.

The construction of the temple began in 1914 (Samvat 1914) and was completed in 1918 (Samvat 1918). Seth Shri Velji Malu contributed eight lakh Kori, and Seth Shri Shivji Nenshi contributed six lakh Kori, with both also donating land, hence the temple being named after them. Seth Shri Keshavji Nayak contributed two lakh Kori, bringing the total expenditure to sixteen lakh Kori. Seth Shri Shivji Nenshi personally supervised the construction from within the country. The temple boasts beautiful glasswork in the Rangmandap, and the sanctum, mandap, and darshani are adorned with black marble flooring. A large bell with a chime audible for up to three miles is also a notable feature. Other patrons who contributed to building smaller shrines within the Kalyan Tunk include Shri Pandhubhai Tejshi, Shri Trikamji Velji, Shri Padamshi Virji, Shri Shamji Hemraj, Shri Parbat Ladha, and Shri Lalji Meghji.

Upon completion, the three patrons organized a pilgrimage from Mumbai to Shri Shatrunjaygiri. After worshipping at Shri Siddhgiri, the Sangh (religious congregation) returned to Kutch for the consecration ceremony of the idols in the Kothara temple. The grand celebration of the Atthā'ī (an eight-day festival) was organized, attended by Achalgachhadhipati Shri Ratnsagarsuriji and a total of 1102 individuals, including mendicants. During this period, Seth Shri Keshavji Nayak was honored by rulers and the Sangh across various places due to his generosity and charitable deeds.

The consecration ceremony, including the installation of the principal deity Shri Shantinath Bhagwan and other Jina idols, was performed under the guidance of Shri Ratnsagarsuriji. A large community gathering was held, featuring feasts and the presentation of two silver thalis filled with sugar.

Beyond the Kothara temple, the three Sethias also undertook significant philanthropic activities. They funded the construction of a large, two-story Upashray (monastic dwelling), a Mahajanwadi (community hall), a Panjarapole (animal shelter), and a Phoolwadi (garden), incurring substantial expenses. Seth Shri Keshavji Nayak's generosity extended to building a temple on Shatrunjaygiri in 1921 (Samvat 1921) in memory of Shri Narshi Keshavji, installing idols of Shri Abhinandan Swami and others. In 1928 (Samvat 1928), he commissioned a Tunk near Vaghanpili on Girivara, consecrating idols of Shri Anantnathji and others, with the ceremony performed by Gachhnayak Shri Ratna Sagarsurishwarji. This project, known as "Shri Keshavji Nayak ni Tunk," cost sixteen lakh rupees. He also funded the construction of a parapet around the open Jain temples on Girnarji and a mezzanine floor above the parapet for the idol of Shri Nemnathji Bhagwan, costing Rs. 45,000. In the 20th century, Seth Shri Keshavji Nayak also oversaw the renovation of this pilgrimage site. Furthermore, in 2005 (Samvat 2005), the Kothara temple underwent renovation and a centenary celebration, presided over by Seth Shri Jethabhai Nayak, with the support of the Shri Anantnathji Trust of Mumbai.

The book concludes by emphasizing that the Kothara temple stands as a monument to the devotion of Seth Shri Velji Malu, Seth Shri Shivji Nenshi, and Seth Shri Keshavji Nayak, a testament to their virtuous legacy in Kothara. The author offers his tributes to these builders.