Khambatno Itihas Ane Chaitya Paripati

The book "Khambatno Itihas Ane Chaitya Paripati" (History of Khambhat and Temple Tradition) published by Stambhatirth Jain Mandal, is a comprehensive guide to the Jain heritage in Khambhat (also known as Stambhatirth or Thambhanpur). The book details the history of Khambhat, its significance as a Jain pilgrimage site, and provides a detailed "Chaitya Paripati" (tradition of visiting temples) of the Jain temples in the city.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects covered in the book, based on the provided pages:

1. Stambhatirth Jain Chaitya Vyavasthapak Samiti (Temple Management Committee):

• Objective: To resolve issues related to the Jain temples in Khambhat, maintain them well, manage accounts properly, and organize a committee to oversee these activities.
• Membership: Different categories of membership are described, including those who donate a certain amount, contribute on auspicious occasions, or donate from their vows. Anyone over 50 years of age can become a member.
• Management: A working committee is formed annually from the members to manage the temple-related work, overseen by the Stambhatirth Jain Mandal. The Mandal also provides financial assistance.

2. Historical Context of Khambhat (Stambhatirth):

• Ancient Significance: Khambhat, historically known as Stambhatirth or Thambhanpur, holds immense historical and religious importance for Jains.
• Trade and Port: The book highlights Khambhat's glorious past as a prosperous trading center and a major port of Gujarat, connecting it to various parts of the world through sea trade. It details the goods traded, the merchant communities, and the arrival of various traders like Arabs, Persians, and Europeans.
• Political History: Mentions of Khambhat's involvement in historical events, including battles and rulers, are provided, illustrating its role in the political landscape of Gujarat.
• Jain References: Numerous references to Khambhat are found in ancient Prakrit and Sanskrit texts, as well as in Jain literature like stanzas, hymns, and "rasas" (narrative poems), indicating its long-standing connection with Jainism.

3. Jain Heritage and Temples (Chaitya Paripati):

• Significance of Thirthas (Pilgrimage Sites): The book defines "Tirth" in Jainism as a place that saves from worldly suffering. It categorizes pilgrimage sites into different types: those associated with Tirthankaras' life events, sites of asceticism, places of natural beauty, places of miracles, and places where idols are consecrated.
• Khambhat as a Tirth: Khambhat is identified as a Tirth of the fourth category, primarily due to the miraculous idol of Lord Parshvanath, made of lapis lazuli (nilam).
• Temples and Idols: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to listing and describing various Jain temples in Khambhat. It provides details about the main deities (Mulnayak), the number of idols (bimb), their material (stone, silver, crystal, etc.), and their specific locations within the city.
• Historical Evolution of Temples: The text traces the history of several temples, mentioning their renovation, rebuilding, or relocation, and the families or individuals associated with their construction and upkeep.
• Specific Temple Mentions: Numerous temples are mentioned by name and location, such as:
  • Shikharbandhi temples
  • Temples in Chokshi ni Pol, Aliing, Ladwada, Kharwada, Kansaari, Maanekchowk, Bhaoyara, Gadhakwada, Mandvi ni Pol, Kadakadi, Jiraalapada, Waghmalsi ni Khadki, Kumbharwada, Ghandharwada.
  • Temples dedicated to various Tirthankaras like Adinath, Parshvanath, Shantinath, Munisuvrat Swami, Abhinandan Swami, Simandhar Swami, Kunthunath, Mallinath, Chandraprabhu, Mahavir Swami, and Arishtanemi.
• Historical Accounts of Idols: The book delves into the historical origins of some significant idols, like the miraculous lapis lazuli idol of Lord Stambhan Parshvanath, tracing its journey through different eras and legends. It also mentions idols consecrated by prominent acharyas.

4. Community and Institutions:

• Jain Population: The book provides statistics on the Jain population in Khambhat, categorizing them by gender, marital status, and sub-castes like Visa Oswal, Visa Shrimali, Dasa Shrimali, Visa Porwad, and Dasa Parwad.
• Gachhas (Sects): It also mentions the different Jain sects present, such as Tap Gachh, Sagar Gachh, and Devsur Gachh.
• Jain Schools and Libraries: The existence of a Jain school for girls and a library is highlighted, along with their activities and management.
• Social Reforms and Activities: The establishment and activities of various Jain organizations like the Stambhatirth Jain Mandal, Jain Yuwak Mandal, Shri Nemiprabhakar Mandal, and Porwad Yuwak Mandal are discussed, emphasizing their contributions to religious, social, and educational upliftment.
• Financial Records: The book includes financial statements of the Chaitya Vyavasthapak Samiti, detailing income and expenditure for the period.

5. Observations and Recommendations:

• Preservation of Heritage: The book expresses concern over the declining state of some historical structures and the need for proper preservation and restoration.
• Unity and Cooperation: It stresses the importance of unity and cooperation among different Jain communities and organizations to protect and promote their rich heritage.
• Future Endeavors: The author hopes that this publication will inspire further efforts to document and preserve Khambhat's Jain legacy.

In essence, "Khambatno Itihas Ane Chaitya Paripati" serves as a vital record of Khambhat's historical significance, its deep-rooted Jain heritage, and a comprehensive guide to its numerous Jain temples and the community that sustains them. It aims to educate readers about the past glories of Khambhat and encourage the preservation of its Jain traditions for future generations.