Kuchera Aur Jain Dharm

This document, titled "Kuchera aur Jain Dharm" (Kuchera and Jainism) by Jatanraj Mehta, is a detailed account of the significant role the town of Kuchera has played in the history and development of Jainism, particularly the Sthanakvasi tradition.

Key Highlights:

• A City of Faith and Prosperity: Kuchera, located on the Medta-Bikaner route in Nagaur district, is described as a city known for its devout and prosperous Jain community.
• Spiritual Influence of Eminent Saints: The town has been blessed by the presence and spiritual guidance of numerous highly respected Jain monks and nuns. Notable among them are:
  • Acharya Shri Moordharji M. and his disciple Acharya Shri Jaymalji M.Sa. (representing a prominent lineage).
  • Swami Shri Hazarimalji M. (who spent fourteen Chaturmasas, indicating a deep connection).
  • Swami Shri Brijlalji M.Sa. (Swami Shri Hazarimalji's junior spiritual brother, who spent two Chaturmasas).
  • Yuvaacharya Shri Mishrilalji M. 'Madhukar'.
  • Sant Kavi Shri Amarchandji M.Sa.
  • Pu. Shri Jawaharlalji M.Sa., Upadhyay Shri Pyarchandji M.Sa.
  • Maha sati Shri Sumati Kunwarji M.Sa., Maha sati Shri Ratan Kunwarji M., Maha sati Shri Vallabh Kunwarji M.
  • Maha sati Shri Umrao Kunwarji M.Sa. (a preacher in Kashmir and a yogini).
  • Swami Shri Rawatmalji M. (popularly known as Rawat Baba), who resided in Kuchera for many years, significantly fostering religious sentiment. His disciple Muni Shri Bhairav Muni Ji also spent years there.
  • Acharya Pravar Shri Jitamalji M. (from the Jaygachch tradition).
  • Yuvaacharya Shri Madhukar Muni Ji M.Sa.
• Birthplace and Centre of Ordinations: Kuchera has been a place where many monks and nuns took their initiation (diksha).
  • Swami Shri Nathmalji M., a scholar, initiated Ashukavi Shrutacharya Shri Chauthmalji M., who hailed from the nearby village of Pirozpura. Swami Shri Nathmalji M. himself had six Chaturmasas in Kuchera and was deeply devoted to the area.
  • Shri Dhanrajji M., a native of Kuchera and from the Bhandari clan, was also initiated there and remained with Swami Shri Chauthmalji M.Sa.
  • Shri Hanwantchandji Bhandari of Kuchera was initiated by Pu. Shri Jawaharlalji M.Sa.
  • A Vairagi was initiated under Baba Shri Pooranmalji M.Sa.
  • Maha sati Shri Kan Kunwarji M.Sa. took her initiation in Kuchera in V.S. 1989. She dedicated her worldly home to the community, which is now known as "Kana Ji ka Sthanak."
  • Maha sati Shri Champa Kunwarji M.Sa. was initiated in Kuchera in V.S. 2005.
  • Maha sati Shri Basant Kunwarji M., a junior Maha sati, was also initiated in Kuchera in V.S. 2034 and currently leads the associated spiritual lineage.
  • Maha sati Shri Kanchan Kunwarji M. is also from Kuchera and is recognized as a prominent Sadhvi.
  • Maha sati Shri Jhankar Kunwarji M.Sa. played a crucial role in the region and initiated two sisters, Shri Asha Ji and Shri Chanchal Ji, in Kuchera on Vijaya Dashami in V.S. 2032. Their other sisters were also initiated elsewhere.
  • Shri Manisha Ji from the Aabad family took initiation in Kuchera in V.S. 2043 under Maha sati Shri Jhankar Kunwarji M.S.A. Her daughter, Shri Savita Ji, followed suit in V.S. 2046 in Kuchera, presenting an example of an ideal mother and daughter.
  • Shri Pratibha Ji (Pushpaji), a disciple of Maha sati Shri Umrao Kunwarji M.Sa. Archana, is also from Kuchera.
  • Shri Santosh Kunwarji M. was initiated in Kuchera in V.S. 2027 under Maha sati Shri Nanda Ji.
  • Shri Hulsan Ji, sister of Shri Premraj Ji Bohra, was also initiated.
  • Maha sati Shri Sohan Kunwarji M.Sa. was initiated in V.S. 2006 under Maha sati Shri Vagtavar Kunwarani M.
  • Shri Maniprabhaji was initiated in V.S. 2048.
• Passing Away of Saints: Kuchera has also been the site of the demise (swargavasa) of several revered saints.
  • Muni Shri Bhairav Muni Ji passed away in Kuchera in V.S. 2027 at the feet of his guru, Swami Shri Rawatmalji M.Sa.
  • Swami Shri Rawatmalji M.Sa. passed away in Kuchera in V.S. 2030. A building, Rawat Smriti Bhavan, was constructed in his memory by the residents.
  • Maha sati Shri Tulcha Ji M., the mother of Yuvaacharya Shri Madhukar Muni Ji M., passed away in Kuchera around V.S. 2013-14.
  • Maha sati Shri Jamna Ji also passed away in Kuchera.
  • Maha sati Shri Jhankar Kunwarji M.Sa. left her mortal body in Kuchera on 18-11-1988 (V.S. 2045).
• Legacy of Intellectual and Social Contribution: The town has not only produced spiritual leaders but also significant lay followers and social reformers.
  • Notable lay followers (Shravaks) include Padma Shri Seth Shri Mohanmalji Sa. Chordiya, Shri Premraj Ji Sa. Bohra, and Shri Jabarchandji Gelada, who are recognized as both social workers and thinkers.
  • The renowned social worker Shri Baldevraj Ji Mirdha, who worked for the upliftment of the Jat community in the region, also hails from Kuchera. His family includes former Union Ministers Shri Ram Niwas Mirdha and Shri Nathuram Mirdha.
• Preservation of Knowledge and Community Service: Kuchera is home to the "Joravar Jain Ancient Manuscripts Collection" (Munishri Joravar Mal Jain Library), which houses ancient handwritten manuscripts by saints and printed works.
  • A religious hostel, named after Shri Gulabchand Javerimal Surana, has been serving the Jain community for years. Shri Jaswant Raj Ji Kheevansara spent many years here, teaching monks and nuns.
  • The Shri Jineshwar Jain Aushadhalaya (dispensary), established by Shri Inderchandji Gelada, continues to serve the public.
  • Numerous public welfare activities, including the construction of schools and hospitals, have been undertaken through the efforts of the saints.
• Call for Further Research: The author emphasizes that this document provides a glimpse into the Sthanakvasi Jain tradition in Kuchera. He calls for further detailed research to uncover more valuable information about the town's rich connection to Jainism.

In essence, "Kuchera aur Jain Dharm" chronicles Kuchera's profound and multifaceted legacy as a vital center for Jainism, marked by the continuous presence and contributions of numerous saints, the birth and initiation of many spiritual aspirants, and the active participation of its lay community in religious and social endeavors.