Kothari Polna Chintamani Parshwanath Nu Stavan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Kothari Polna Chintamani Parshwanath nu Stavan" by Rasila Kadia, based on the provided pages:

Overview:

This text is a "Stavan" (devotional hymn or praise) dedicated to the Chintamani Parshwanath temple located in the Zaveri Vad area of Rajnagar (Ahmedabad). The work primarily focuses on providing historical context and information about the temple, its renovations, and the significance of its location.

Key Historical Information:

• First Installation (Pratishtha): The Stavan highlights that Seth Nathmal Shah established the idol of Shri Parshwanath in Samvat 1845 (1845 AD) on Magha Vad 4, Thursday. This event marks the initial consecration of the deity.
• Renovation (Jirnodhar): A significant renovation of the temple was carried out in Samvat 1888 (1888 AD) by the son of Seth Nathmal Shah's younger brother, Seth Vakhatchand. This renovation included improvements like the construction of a mandap (hall), chobar (courtyard), and a decorative floor (arasdal faras).

Location and Naming Significance:

A crucial aspect of the text is its discussion about the historical and current naming of the area where the temple is located.

• "Kothari Pol": The Stavan's title refers to "Kothari Pol." The author emphasizes that this name is no longer commonly known. Historically, this area was known as Kothari Pol.
• Ancient Significance of Kothari Pol: When reading ancient descriptions of religious processions ( sangh), it's mentioned that the sangh would descend at Kothari Pol. This suggests the presence of a religious hostel or dharamshala and a dining hall (bhojanshala) there. The author believes this Kothari Pol corresponds to the present-day Zaveri Vad area.
• Personal Recollection: The author, having grown up in Ambli Pol within Zaveri Vad, recalls seeing the name "Kothari Pol" inscribed on a board above the entrance to the upasray (monastic dwelling) of the Sadhus of Ambli Pol, outside Sambhavnath's khadki (lane). They also recall seeing a similar board outside Parbadi, near Hemchand Chakli.
• Evolution of the Name: Over time, the name Zaveri Vad became more prevalent. The area identified as Kothari Pol was recognized as the stretch from Nishapoli to Mahavir Swami's temple (in Vaghanpol), up to Sambhavnath's khadki. On the other side, it extended from Patni's khadki to the gate before reaching Gosai's temple. By 1945 AD, this entire section was known as Kothari Pol. Further beyond Sambhavnath's khadki was the area known as Chaukhmiji's khadki.

Discrepancies and Coincidences:

• Conflicting Dates: The text notes a discrepancy between the dates mentioned in the Stavan and those found in inscriptions on the wall of the adjacent Shantinath temple. The Shantinath temple inscription mentions a pratishtha by Seth Ichhachand Vakhatchand and Shethani Jhaverbai in Samvat 1872 (1872 AD). The author acknowledges this as a puzzle, similar to one encountered with two inscriptions on the wall of the Shri Ajitnath temple in Vaghanpol that yielded different Samvat dates.
• Origin of the Idol: Based on a note from "History of Ahmedabad," it is suggested that the idol of "Shamli Nani Chintamani Parshwanath" from the temple of Nagarsheth Shantidas Zaveri might have been brought to Surajmal's dahera in Zaveri Vad and that the currently consecrated idol could be the same.

Author's Purpose:

The author considers it important to record this historical information, especially concerning the changing geography and nomenclature of the pol (neighborhoods), as these details might be lost over time. The Stavan itself provides valuable insights into the temple's history and the community's devotion.

The Stavan Content (Excerpts):

The text includes verses of the Stavan, praising Chintamani Parshwanath and referring to:

• The joy and solace found in the Lord's presence.
• The deity residing in Kothari Pol.
• The consecration by Seth Nathmal Shah in Samvat 1845, Magha Vad 4, Thursday.
• The renovation by Seth Vakhatchand's son (Ichhachand) in Samvat 1888.
• The divine lineage of Parshwanath from Queen Vama and King Ashwasen.
• The importance of devotion and the removal of karmic obstacles.
• The lineage of Jain monks, mentioning Shri Shantisagar Surishwarji, Sagar Gachh, and Muni Chand.

In summary, the text serves as a historical document and a devotional hymn, offering a glimpse into the past of the Chintamani Parshwanath temple in Ahmedabad, its prominent patrons, and the evolution of its locality's name from Kothari Pol to Zaveri Vad.