Kobatirth Parichay - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Kobatirth Parichay" in English:

Kobatirth Parichay: A Confluence of Dharma, Knowledge, and Art

Kobatirth, officially known as the Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra located in Koba, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, is a prominent center for Jainism and culture. Situated near the Sabarmati River on the highway between Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad, it is described as a place of serene natural beauty, surrounded by lush greenery, offering an "invigorating experience of spiritual peace and tranquility."

Genesis and Vision:

The Kendra was established on December 26, 1980, under the auspicious blessings of Gachhadhipati Acharya Shrimat Kailassagarsurishwarji and the dedicated efforts of Rashtrasant Acharya Shrimat Padmasagarsurishwarji. The founding vision, inspired by Acharya Kailassagarsurishwarji, was to create a comprehensive center not just for one aspect of Jain practice but for a "great confluence of various activities of knowledge and dharma." Acharya Padmasagarsurishwarji brought this vision to life, developing Kobatirth into a "confluence of dharma, art, and Shrut Gyan (scriptural knowledge)."

Key Pillars of Progress:

The Kendra's continuous progress and fame are attributed to four main entities:

The Devasparsh Tilak of Lord Mahavir: A radiant tilak (mark) formed by sunbeams on the forehead of the idol of Lord Mahavir in the Mahavirālay on May 22nd each year at 2:07 PM. This unique phenomenon is a major draw for devotees.
Acharya Shrimat Kailassagarsuriji's Memorial Temple: A sacred memorial built at the site of his final rites.
Acharya Shrimat Kailassagarsuriji Gyan Mandir: An unparalleled center of knowledge and learning.
Samrat Samprati Museum: Showcasing the excellence of Jain and Indian art and culture.

These four elements are so intertwined that mentioning any one of them brings all four to mind.

The Dharma Tirth Mahavirālay:

This is a grand and artistically constructed temple dedicated to Lord Mahavir. The first floor houses the main shrine with 13 idols, including Lord Mahavir, while the ground floor features a majestic idol of Lord Adinath, along with Manibhadra Veer and Bhagwati Padmavati. The temple is adorned with intricate Jain sculptural art from the stairs to the pinnacle and from the prayer hall to the sanctum, reawakening Jain art in the modern era. It features artistic wooden doors decorated with depictions of Yaks, Yakshinis, Mahavidyas, celestial beings, animals, birds, and scenes from the lives of Lord Mahavir, Adinath, and Parshvanath, making it an exemplary representation of Jain architecture and sculpture. The most remarkable feature is the provision for sunlight to create the tilak on Lord Mahavir's forehead on May 22nd, a sight that deeply moves thousands of devotees annually.

Guru Mandir:

A beautifully crafted marble temple dedicated to the memory of Acharya Shrimat Kailassagarsurishwarji. The inner sanctum contains a mesmerizing idol of Gautamswami, and the prayer hall features exquisite crystal padukas (footprints) of the Guru, symbolizing his spiritual attainment. The walls are adorned with marble lattice work depicting various events from the lives of Guru Gautamswami and the Guru himself, with intricate inlay work of precious stones on the floor and shrine platforms. Life events of Acharya Kailassagarsurishwarji are inscribed in golden letters.

Aradhana Bhavan (Worship Halls):

Two separate worship halls have been built to facilitate religious practices. These halls are filled with natural light and ventilation, providing a conducive environment for monks and nuns to engage in their disciplined practices, along with advanced studies, meditation, and self-study. The Gyan Mandir within this complex is equipped with scholars to support the higher studies of the monastic community, aiming to make it an ideal place for knowledge, meditation, and self-realization.

Mumukshu Kutir (Seeker's Cottages):

Ten cottages have been constructed for curious individuals and knowledge seekers from around the world. Each cottage is equipped with basic amenities. As per institutional rules, students and seekers can reside here for systematic higher learning, gaining an introduction to ancient and modern Jain literature, research, and philosophical knowledge from monks.

Dharmashala (Guest House):

Modern and well-equipped guest houses have been built to accommodate pilgrims and visitors, featuring 46 air-conditioned and regular rooms.

Bhojanshala & Alpahar Grih (Dining Hall & Cafeteria):

A spacious dining hall and cafeteria provide wholesome, sattvic (pure) meals in accordance with Jain principles for devotees, scholars, seekers, and travelers.

Vishvamaitridham Borij Tirth:

A branch of the Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra, established near the Akshardham in Borij village, Gandhinagar, under the inspiration of Acharya Shrimat Padmasagarsurishwarji. This center oversees the renovation of the Shri Dhanlaxmi Mahavirswami Jin Mandir in Borij, Gandhinagar. The ancient temple houses idols of Lord Mahavir found at the site, consecrated by Acharya Shrimad Buddhisagarsurishwarji. A new, impressive 108-foot main temple, notable for its architecture and sculpture, houses a grand 16-ton metal idol of Lord Mahavir. The restoration of a historic Jainsangh sandstone enclosure, built by Jagat Sheth of West Bengal, is also a highlight, alongside a beautiful Samavsharan Jinālay. The basement of the main temple features captivating dioramas depicting the life of Lord Mahavir. A modern Dharamshala and dining hall are also available here.

Gyan Tirth: Acharya Shrimat Kailassagarsuri Gyan Mandir (Center of Knowledge):

Considered the soul of the Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra, this center is enriched by the presence of a 450-year-old crystal idol of Lord Parshvanath. It is a vast institution comprising several key departments:

Devardhigani Kshama Shraman Hastprat Bhandagar (Manuscript Repository): Houses over 200,000 rare ancient manuscripts related to Agam, Nyaya (logic), Darshan (philosophy), Yoga, Grammar, History, and more. It holds over 3,000 ancient palm-leaf manuscripts. Acharya Padmasagarsurishwarji has collected these invaluable cultural treasures from across India, many of which are adorned with gold and silver ink and are illustrated. These manuscripts are preserved in specially designed climate-controlled rooms using traditional wooden chests. Damaged manuscripts are being chemically preserved, and microfilming and computer scanning are in progress.
Arya Sudharmaswami Shrutāgar (Library): Located on the ground floor, this library offers a beautiful reading facility for scholars, researchers, and readers, with dedicated study rooms. It contains over 135,000 printed books and publications, with a strong emphasis on Jainism and Oriental studies, alongside general Indian culture and philosophy. The collection is continuously being enriched to fulfill the intellectual curiosity of all visitors.
Arya Rakshit Suri Shodh Sagar (Research Center): A computer-based, multidisciplinary research center on the second floor, designed to facilitate easy access to the vast collection of manuscripts and printed books. It is pioneering the computerization of cataloging for manuscripts, printed books, their contents, and periodicals. This system allows for quick retrieval of information based on even minimal details about authors, publishers, publication years, etc., astonishing scholars with its efficiency. The center is also developing systems for magazine indexing, subject classification of works, and image indexing. Scanning of important ancient texts for DVD creation is also underway to benefit future generations.
Reader Services: The library is known for its ability to provide rare books not found elsewhere. Multiple copies of most books useful for study are available. The library's unique computer program allows for extremely detailed information to be stored, ensuring prompt retrieval of requested books, saving valuable time for readers. Plans are in place to index ancient and modern journals, including keywords and key phrases, for enhanced research. The image cataloging project aims to provide quick access to information about temple depictions, divine figures, and Jain architecture found in the texts. The library's integration with modern technology ensures swift service. The reputation of the Koba repository is that any book not found elsewhere is likely to be found here. Visitors can access requested books with minimal formalities. The efficient system has earned widespread praise, leading many Jain organizations and individuals to donate their collections.

Ongoing Projects within the Gyan Mandir:

Comprehensive Cataloging of Jain Literature:
- Detailed catalog of all Jain manuscripts.
- Compilation of a bibliography of all printed Jain literature.
- Documentation of the tradition and contributions of Jain scholars (monastic and lay).
- Cataloging of unpublished Jain literature.
Publication of Unpublished and Corrected Printed Jain Literature:
Preservation and Accessibility of Damaged Manuscripts: Providing Xerox, microfilming, and computer scanning services for rare, damaged, and unavailable manuscripts and publications.
Library Management and Training: Jain manuscript and printed library management, teaching of ancient script reading, and organizing workshops and lectures.
Publications: The "Kailas Shrut Sagar Granthsoochi" (Kailas Shrut Sagar Bibliography) series of manuscripts has published volumes 1-7, with plans for over 50 more volumes. Publications of Acharya Shrimat Padmasagarsurishwarji's discourses and other useful literature are also released periodically. A series of pure reprints of the esteemed literature of Acharya Shrimat Bhadra Gupt Suri (Priyadarshan) has seen 20 books published, with more planned.

Branch of Gyan Mandir in Ahmedabad:

A branch of the Gyan Mandir, equipped with computer services, has been established in the Jain-populated Paldi area of Ahmedabad, providing easy access to information from the Koba Gyan Mandir for local readers. Book lending and public relations activities are also conducted here.

Kala Tirth: Samrat Samprati Museum:

Located on the first floor of the Gyan Mandir, this museum is a treasure trove of ancient Indian art and sculpture for archaeologists and curious visitors. It displays ancient and modern artifacts, including stone and metal sculptures, illustrated manuscripts on palm leaf and paper, miniatures, banners, notices, and wooden art, all presented with a focus on their religious and cultural significance. A special attraction is the "Paramarhat Kumarpal section," which traces the evolution of writing from the oral tradition of Jain scripture through inscriptions on stone and copper plates, birch bark, palm leaves, and finally, handwritten paper. This section offers insights into the spiritual achievements, cultural pride, and artistic excellence of ancestors. Efforts are underway to further enrich the museum, which is slated for relocation to a new building. Special exhibitions are organized periodically.

Shrut Sarita (Flow of Knowledge):

This counter at Kobatirth provides Jain religious and inspirational literature, worship materials, religious equipment, CDs, cassettes, etc., at reasonable prices to visiting devotees and knowledge seekers. STD and ISD telephone booths are also operational here.

Appeal for Support:

The institution seeks generous contributions (in terms of body, mind, and wealth) from the Jain Sangh and society for its continuous development and various projects. Donations to Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra (Reg. No. A/2659, Ahmedabad) are eligible for tax exemption under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act.

Contact Information:

The summary concludes with the contact details for the Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra in Koba, Gandhinagar, including phone numbers, fax, email, and website.