Kotharanu Gaganchumbi Jinalaya - Book Summary

This document is a biographical sketch of Vel Shah, a prominent merchant from Kothara in the Kutch region, who built a magnificent Jain temple there. The text highlights the entrepreneurial spirit, courage, and philanthropic nature of the people of Kutch, particularly the Dashel Oswal community.

Here's a summary of the key points:

Introduction to Kutch and its People: The text begins by praising the Kutch region for its brave, generous, and adventurous people, especially the Dashel Oswal traders from Abadsa. It emphasizes that these merchants were not only skilled at earning wealth but also at spending it generously on devotion, religious causes, and public welfare. Examples like Seth Narshi Natha and Seth Narshi Keshavji are cited for building grand Jain temples and dharamshalas at pilgrimage sites like Siddhagiri.
Vel Shah's Early Life and Character: Vel Shah is introduced as a young man with a simple name but a remarkable spirit. He believed that success required courage ("haiyu") and hard work ("hath"). He possessed great courage, never giving up in the face of adversity, and was dedicated to his work, not looking at the monetary gain but the work itself.
Family Background: His father, Malu Shah, was a middle-class man who lived a simple and content life, supporting his family, helping relatives and friends, and contributing to religious activities and pilgrimages despite his limited income.
Ambition and Move to Mumbai: Unlike his contented father, Vel Shah felt confined in his village. His uncle, who lived in Mumbai, advised him to move there, stating that a "creature of the sea" wouldn't be happy in a small river. Vel Shah embarked on a ship to Mumbai, finding solace and excitement in the vast ocean waves, a stark contrast to his village life.
Entrepreneurial Journey in Mumbai: In Mumbai, Vel Shah's uncle helped him set up a business selling coir (rope). Despite his modest education, he excelled in accounting and business operations. He worked diligently, covering significant distances on foot daily for his business.
Expansion of Business: Vel Shah initially earned a modest profit of one hundred rupees in his first year. However, his ambition grew, fueled by the sight of the vast ocean and the dreams of long voyages. He expanded his trade from coir to ship ropes, increasing his earnings. He began to import goods from Malabar and engage in larger-scale trade, forging connections with experienced shipowners and learning about distant lands.
Facing Challenges and Demonstrating Courage: During his trade voyages, Vel Shah encountered dangers. He made a deal with an Arab shipowner named Alqasam. While on a voyage, he realized Alqasam intended to betray him and loot his goods. Vel Shah remained calm, prayed to his deity, and was rescued by a passing English ship. He cleverly managed the situation with Alqasam, using diplomacy and understanding of human nature, which eventually turned Alqasam into a friend and business partner.
Success and Philanthropy: Vel Shah's business prospered, and he learned Arabic to facilitate his trade in Mocha, Aden, and Basra. He built strong relationships with merchants in these regions. In an eight-month voyage, he earned eleven thousand rupees and returned to Mumbai. He became a wealthy man, but he was not a slave to wealth. He believed in spending wealth generously, stating, "What we use is ours, what we keep is for others."
Building the Temple in Kothara: With his success, Vel Shah turned his attention to his hometown, Kothara, in Kutch. He decided to build a beautiful and artistically rich Jain temple there. He began the construction in 1914 (Samvat) and completed it in 1918 (Samvat). The temple was an architectural marvel with intricate carvings and is still renowned today as the temple built by Vel Mal Shah.
Consecration and Generosity: During the temple's consecration ceremony, Vel Shah organized a grand procession (sangh) with thousands of people. At that time, his wealth was estimated to be around fifty lakhs. He further demonstrated his generosity by arranging for the entire village to have their cooking fires extinguished for days, providing food for everyone during the festivities.
Concluding Quote: The text concludes with a quote from the Shri Achar Sutra about the nature of liberated souls who are steadfast in their spiritual path, mindful of worldly dangers, and focused on the ultimate liberation. This quote likely serves to connect Vel Shah's worldly success and philanthropic endeavors with the spiritual principles of Jainism.

In essence, the text celebrates Vel Shah as a model of a successful Jain businessman who combined shrewdness, courage, and hard work with deep religious devotion and a commitment to public service, culminating in the magnificent temple in Kothara.