Khartargacchacharya Jinmaniprabhsuriji Ko Pratyuttar

This document, titled "Khartargacchacharya Jinmaniprabhsuriji Ko Pratyuttar" (Reply to Khartargacchacharya Jinmaniprabhsuriji), is a detailed rebuttal by the Shwetambar Murtipujak Tapagaccha Yuvak Parishad in response to accusations made by Acharya Jinmaniprabhsuriji of the Khartargacch. The core of the document is a defense of the Tapagaccha's historical lineage, practices, and its role in preserving Jainism, while simultaneously refuting allegations and highlighting perceived wrongdoings by the Khartargacch.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and arguments presented:

1. Defense of Tapagaccha's Lineage and Authority:

• The document asserts that the Tapagaccha is the direct continuation of Bhagwan Mahavir's monastic tradition, tracing its lineage through various historical gacchas (monastic lineages) like Nigranth, Kotik, Chandr, Vanvasi, and Vad Gacch.
• It emphasizes that the Tapagaccha is not a new sect but a continuation of the original tradition, committed to universal welfare and the propagation of Jainism.
• The Tapagaccha highlights its historical contributions to the preservation and spread of Jainism, citing examples like Acharya Hir Vijay Suriji's influence on Emperor Akbar and the efforts of Tapagaccha followers in protecting temples.

2. Refutation of Khartargacch Allegations:

• The primary accusation addressed is the alleged "gacchraag" (sectarianism) by some Acharyas and Sadhus who want to make Jinshasan (Jain teaching) their own "Gacchshasan" (sect's teaching).
• The Tapagaccha accuses the Khartargacch of spreading falsehoods to attract followers by claiming their Acharyas established specific Gotras (lineages).
• It criticizes the Khartargacch for installing their own or their gurus' idols and foot-imprints in ancient pilgrimage sites under the guise of renovation, thereby asserting dominance and disrupting the peace of the Sangha (community).

3. The Avanti Parshvanath Jain Tirtha Dispute (Ujjain):

• A significant portion of the document focuses on the dispute surrounding the Avanti Parshvanath Jain Tirtha in Ujjain.
• The Tapagaccha asserts that this ancient Tirtha has historically been under the care and guidance of Tapagaccha Acharyas.
• It accuses the Khartargacch, particularly Acharya Jinmaniprabh Sagarji, of violating agreements made with the Tirtha Trust regarding the renovation and re-installation of idols.
• Specific violations cited include:
  • Removing ancient Tapagaccha-affiliated idols.
  • Installing new idols and idols of their gurus, contrary to agreements.
  • Using inscriptions on idols that falsely attribute the Tirtha's development to the Khartargacch and their "millennium" celebrations, thus tarnishing the historical record and the Khartargacch itself.
  • This is presented as a betrayal of trust towards Jinshasan and Tapagaccha.

4. Debunking Historical Claims Made by Khartargacch:

• The document systematically refutes claims made by Acharya Jinmaniprabhsuriji regarding the re-establishment of the Avanti Parshvanath idol by Khartargacch Acharya Jinchandrasuri.
• It analyzes a historical composition (Stavan) presented by the Khartargacch, arguing that their interpretation is flawed and that the composition itself indicates the presence of the idol before Jinchandrasuri's arrival.
• It cites historical evidence, including inscriptions on the idol itself and other ancient records, to prove the continuous involvement of Tapagaccha Acharyas in the Tirtha's history.
• The document questions the historical accuracy of Khartargacch claims about other Tirthas and historical figures.

5. Criticisms of Khartargacch Practices:

• "Gacchraag" and proselytization: The book criticizes the Khartargacch for trying to convert followers of other gacchas and for the practice of claiming to have initiated individuals into Jainism based on their Gotra.
• Misuse of "Dadawadi" and "Dada Saheb": The Tapagaccha accuses the Khartargacch of claiming ownership of "Dadawadi" (temples dedicated to revered ancestors or gurus) that historically belonged to other gacchas, even registering the term "Dadawadi" to establish exclusive rights.
• Historical manipulation: The document accuses the Khartargacch of actively distorting history, hiding the contributions of other gacchas, and promoting their own lineage as the oldest and most significant.
• Unsubstantiated Claims about Miracles: The Tapagaccha dismisses claims of miracles associated with the Khartargacch as fabricated to mislead people.
• Misrepresentation of Historical Figures: The document challenges the Khartargacch's claims of associating certain revered figures (like Abhaydev Suriji) with their lineage.
• Accusations of Interference and Conflict: The Tapagaccha lists numerous instances where they claim the Khartargacch has caused disputes, encroached upon their temples, and disrupted the peace within Jain communities.
• Disrespect towards Sadhvis: The document criticizes the Khartargacch's treatment of Sadhvis (female ascetics), as witnessed during a Jain conference.

6. Call for Unity and Historical Accuracy:

• The document repeatedly calls for unity among all Jain gacchas to strengthen the Jain faith against external threats and internal divisions.
• It urges the Khartargacch to cease spreading misinformation and to respect historical facts.
• The Tapagaccha emphasizes that it is open to constructive dialogue and wants to resolve disputes amicably, but will not tolerate historical distortion or the undermining of the Jain faith.

7. Appendices: The document includes several appendices that contain supporting evidence, including:

• Copies of letters exchanged between the Tapagaccha Prachar Samiti and the Khartargacch.
• Letters from the Avanti Parshvanath Tirtha Trust and the Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi.
• Official documents and newspaper clippings related to the Avanti Parshvanath Tirtha dispute.
• A historical composition (Stavan) presented as evidence.
• A song composed for a Khartargacch conference, highlighting its perceived aggressive stance.

In essence, "Khartargacchacharya Jinmaniprabhsuriji Ko Pratyuttar" is a comprehensive and strongly worded response from the Tapagaccha, aimed at defending its honor, clarifying historical truths, and countering what it perceives as a campaign of slander and historical revisionism by the Khartargacch. The Avanti Parshvanath Tirtha dispute serves as a central case study to illustrate the broader accusations of sectarianism, encroachment, and historical manipulation.