Kumbhariyaji Tirth Urfe Arasan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Kumbhariyaji Tirth Urfe Arasan" by Mathurdas Chhaganlal Sheth, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Kumbhariyaji Tirth Urfe Arasan Author: Shree Mathurdas Chhaganlal Sheth Publisher: Pochilal Dungarshi Trust

This book is a historical and descriptive account of the Jain pilgrimage site of Kumbhariyaji, also known as Arasan. The author, Mathurdas Chhaganlal Sheth, expresses his motivation to highlight this ancient and significant tirth, which he felt was largely unknown due to a lack of publicity. He undertook extensive research, including visiting the site, gathering oral histories from nearby villages, and consulting various texts like the Mahikanthei Agency Directory and Rasamala.

Key Themes and Content:

• The Significance of Kumbhariyaji: The book aims to reveal the importance and ancient history of Kumbhariyaji, which was neglected for a long time. Many travelers visiting nearby popular sites like Ambaji and Mount Abu were unaware of Kumbhariyaji's proximity and spiritual significance.

• Historical Background of Arasan:

  • Arasan was an ancient city located in the hills between Mount Abu and the Arasan mountains, south-east of Mount Abu.
  • It was a prosperous city under the rule of the Chandravati kings.
  • The area was rich in natural resources, including medicinal herbs, minerals, rivers, and waterfalls.
  • The city was destroyed and deserted in 1953 VS (1297 AD) by Allauddin's army.

• Origin of the Name Kumbhariyaji: After the destruction of Arasan, a person named Kumbha (a Garasiya, not a king) from Mewar migrated with his family and settled in the area. The village was subsequently named Kumbhariyaji after him. The descendants of this Garasiya community still reside in the area.

• The Role of Vimal Shah:

  • The book details the lineage and life of Vimal Shah, a prominent figure in Jain history, known for constructing magnificent Jain temples.
  • Vimal Shah's ancestors were from Shrimal Nagar.
  • He rose to prominence, became a minister and commander (Dandnayak) under King Bhimdev of Patan.
  • Inspired by Acharya Shri Dharmaghoshasuri, Vimal Shah undertook the construction of temples on Mount Abu and also at Arasan.
  • The book describes how Vimal Shah obtained immense wealth from mineral mining in the Arasan hills, using the extracted minerals to fund the temple constructions. The remnants of these mining operations (smelting furnaces and waste material) are still visible in the area.

• The Temples of Arasan (Kumbhariyaji):

  • The tirth has five main Jain temples, all built with marble from the local Arasan quarry.
  • The largest and main temple is dedicated to Shri Neminath Bhagwan, adorned with intricate carvings of elephants, human couples, deities, and mythological scenes.
  • Other temples are dedicated to Shri Mahavir Swami, Shri Parshvanath, and Shri Shantinath.
  • There is also a smaller, simpler temple of Shri Sambhavnath.
  • Many of the temples contain numerous small shrines (deories) and architectural features like domes and arches.
  • The text provides detailed descriptions of the sculptures, carvings, and inscriptions found within these temples, some dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries VS.
  • The original idols from the temples were removed and hidden during the Muslim invasion (VS 1353) for safety, and their current whereabouts are unknown. New idols were consecrated in VS 1975 and later in VS 2001.

• Destruction and Neglect:

  • The text vividly describes the devastation caused by Allauddin's invasion in VS 1353, leading to the destruction of temples, looting, and the desertion of the city.
  • Following the invasion, the area became overgrown with jungle. The temples, exposed to the elements and possibly used by local tribes, became blackened and deteriorated.
  • There's a popular legend, attributed to the influence of local non-Jain beliefs surrounding Ambaji Mata, that 360 temples were built by Vimal Shah and later destroyed by the Goddess herself, leaving only the current five. The author debunks this legend as historically inaccurate, pointing to Vimal Shah's actual time period and the evidence of later consecrations.

• Tirthoddhar (Restoration):

  • The book details the efforts of Acharya Shri Vijaydevsuriji and the Jain Sangh from Pisina in the restoration of the temples.
  • The significant renovation and restoration work was undertaken by the Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi of Ahmedabad starting from VS 1976. This involved clearing the jungle, renovating the temples, and establishing infrastructure like a dharamshala (pilgrim rest house).
  • The restoration efforts, costing lakhs of rupees, revived the tirth and increased the influx of pilgrims.

• Facilities and Infrastructure:

  • A dharamshala was built by Seth Mansukhbhai Bhagubhai and later expanded.
  • A communal kitchen (bhojanshala) was established by the Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi.
  • The book discusses the challenges related to accommodation, water facilities, and access, especially the difficulty and cost of reaching Kumbhariyaji, which limited the number of visiting pilgrims and Sangh yatras.
  • The book also mentions the development of roads, the inconvenience faced by pilgrims regarding luggage transport, and the collection of taxes (mundkalu) by the local administration.

• Relationship with the Danta State: The book highlights the current administrative connection of the tirth with the Danta (Bhavanigadh) state. It touches upon the history of the Danta rulers and their governance of the region, noting that while they rule over a predominantly tribal population, they are generally supportive of religious activities. The author points out some administrative interferences by local officials that hinder the tirth's progress.

• Ambaji Mataji Temple: The book provides a description of the nearby Ambaji Mata temple, its history, administration, and the rituals performed there, noting its significance as a popular pilgrimage site for both Jains and non-Jains.

• Origin of Vaishya (Bania) Castes: The appendix provides a brief account of the origins of prominent Jain Bania communities like Shrimali, Porwal, and Oswal, based on the "Vimalprabandh."

Overall Purpose:

The book serves as a guide and historical record for the Kumbhariyaji tirth, aiming to:

1. Educate readers about its rich history and spiritual importance.
2. Encourage more people to visit and experience the tirth.
3. Document the architectural marvels and inscriptions found there.
4. Highlight the efforts of those who contributed to its preservation and restoration.

The author's passion for the tirth is evident throughout the text, as he meticulously details its past glory, its period of decline, and its revival, urging readers to take advantage of this sacred place.