Madhya Bharat Ke Jain Tirth

The book "Madhya Bharat Ke Jain Tirth" by Prakashchandra Jain, published by Keladevi Sumtiprasad Trust, is a comprehensive guide to Jain pilgrimage sites in the Madhya Bharat region, with special attention to the Bundelkhand area. The book aims to highlight the rich Jain cultural heritage present in these areas, which is often overlooked in mainstream historical narratives.

Key aspects covered in the book:

• Introduction to Jain Heritage: The author emphasizes the importance of art and architectural works like temples, sculptures, and paintings in understanding ancient Indian culture, and specifically Jain culture, which has often been neglected by historians. The book notes the widespread influence of Jainism in ancient times, extending beyond India to neighboring Asian countries.
• Geographical Focus: The book specifically details pilgrimage sites located in the districts of Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Datia, Damoh, Sagar, Jabalpur, Panna, Shivpuri, Vidisha, Bhopal, and Ashok Nagar in Madhya Pradesh, as well as Jhansi and Lalitpur in Uttar Pradesh.
• Classification of Tirths: The pilgrimage sites are classified based on religious and geographical criteria.
  • Religious Classification:
    • Siddhakṣetra (Siddhakshetra): Places where liberated souls have attained salvation, including sites related to the Tirthankaras' "Kalyanaka" (auspicious events). Examples include Kundalpur, Dronagiri, Nainagiri, Pavagiri, Sonagiri, and Aharji.
    • Sadhana Kshetra: Places where revered monks, scholars, and lay followers practiced penance and spiritual discipline. Examples include Devgarh, Shreyansagiri (Siragiri), Seronji, Dronagiri, Budhi Chanderi, Golakot, and Pachrai.
    • Atishaya Kshetra: Sites known for miraculous events or divine manifestations. Examples include Papura, Bandha, Koni, Panari, Madhiya, Madanpur, Banpur, and Thuboun.
    • Dharma Prabhavana Kshetra: Places where Tirthankaras and great spiritual leaders delivered sermons and guided people towards liberation. Examples include Nainagiri (Rashandigiri), Sonagiri, Devgarh, and Kundalpur.
  • Geographical Classification: The sites are categorized by their location on mountains, riverbanks, plateaus, foothills, plains, or within urban areas.
• Artistic Significance: Special emphasis is placed on "Kala Tirth Kshetra" (Artistic Pilgrimage Sites) like Khajuraho and Devgarh, highlighting their unique artistic features and contributions to Jain art. Devgarh is described as a comprehensive repository of Jain art.
• Detailed Descriptions of Tirths: The book provides detailed information on numerous pilgrimage sites, including their history, location, accessibility, facilities for pilgrims, and notable features. For each site, it mentions:
  • Location and Connectivity: Details on how to reach the site from major cities and railway stations.
  • Historical and Religious Significance: Information about the Tirthankaras or significant figures associated with the place, ancient legends, and historical events.
  • Architecture and Sculptures: Descriptions of temples, idols, carvings, and other architectural elements, often noting their age and artistic style.
  • Miraculous Occurrences (Atishayas): Stories of divine events and blessings associated with specific sites.
  • Inscriptions and Discoveries: Mentions of any significant inscriptions found or ancient artifacts discovered.
  • Facilities: Information about accommodation, food, and other amenities for pilgrims.
• Specific Examples of Sites Covered: The book delves into the specifics of many individual pilgrimage sites, such as:
  • Papura: Described with its 108 temples, diverse architectural styles, and legends of miraculous events.
  • Aharji: Known as a Siddhakṣetra, associated with the 17th Kamdev Madankumar and the 8th Kevali Visakambal Swami.
  • Bandha: Notable for its ancient temples, including a temple dating back to the Chandela period, and stories of divine intervention.
  • Navagarh: Features a significant ancient temple with a large statue of Bhagwan Arhanath.
  • Badagaon Dhasan (Phalodi): Known for its ancient temples and inscriptions.
  • Khajuraho: Highlighted for its ancient Jain temples and artistic grandeur, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Nainagiri (Rashandigiri): A Siddhakṣetra and the Samavasharan site of Bhagwan Parshvanath.
  • Dronagiri: A significant Siddhakṣetra with numerous temples on a mountain, associated with the liberation of millions of monks.
  • Sonagiri: A prominent Siddhakṣetra with over 130 temples, known for its easy accessibility for circumambulation.
  • Devgarh: Renowned for its rich Jain art and architecture, with numerous temples and sculptures dating back centuries. It's described as a treasure trove of Jain art.
  • Pavagiri: Associated with the liberation of Muni Swarnabhadra and his companions.
  • Chandpur: Features a significant ancient temple with a large statue of Bhagwan Shantinath.
  • Kundalpur: A significant pilgrimage site, particularly known for the colossal statue of "Bade Baba" (Bhagwan Adinath).
  • Rahiili-Patnagaanj: Notable for its ancient structures and the unique Sahasrakoot Chaityalaya.
  • Beena Baraha: Famous for its large statue of Bhagwan Shantinath and stories of miracles.
  • Panari: A significant site with ancient traditions.
  • Deogarh: Repeatedly mentioned for its exceptional Jain art and numerous temples.
  • Thuboun: Features large statues of Tirthankaras and distinct architectural styles.
  • Khandargiri: Known for its ancient sculptures and temples.
  • Udayagiri: Features ancient caves with Jain inscriptions and sculptures.
  • Nainagiri: Mentioned as a site where Bhagwan Parshvanath had his Samavasharan.
  • Pachrai: An important site within the "Chaurasi Kshetra" region, known for its temples and scattered sculptures.
  • Burhi Chanderi: Represents the ancient remains of a once-prosperous Jain city.
  • Bhiyadantha: Features ancient Jain temples and sculptures near the Urvashi river.
  • Bithala: Another ancient Jain site with temple ruins and scattered sculptures.
  • Madhanpur: Described as an ancient and important site, sadly neglected and facing threats from quarrying.
  • Girard: Known for its large temples and a significant Manastambha.
  • Karguan: Features the famous "Sanvaliya Parshvanath" idol and a significant Manastambha.
  • Todi Fatehpur: Famous for the alleged miracles of Yakshini Padmavati.
  • Sironji: Celebrated for its antiquity, art, grandeur, and serene atmosphere, with numerous temples and idols.
  • Banpur: An ancient site with historical inscriptions and temples, notably the Sahasrakoot Chaityalaya.
  • Rahauli-Patnagaanj: Highlighted for its ancient statues, unique chaityalayas, and miraculous occurrences.
  • Pajri: Known for its historical significance and statues.
  • Bina Baraha: Famous for its massive statue of Bhagwan Shantinath and associated miracles.
  • Panagar: Features ancient Jain temples and sculptures, including a unique Nandiśvara structure.
  • Bahori Band: Located near the Suhar River, this site has ancient Jain ruins and a notable statue of Bhagwan Shantinath.
  • Madhiya Ji (Jabalpur): A relatively newer but significant site with temples spread across a hill and a notable statue of Bhagwan Mahavir.
  • Koni Ji (Kundalgiri): A significant Siddhakṣetra with a large complex of temples, including the unique Sahasrakoot Chaityalaya and Nandiśvara Jinalaya.
  • Triputi: An ancient site with archaeological remnants and Jain sculptures.
  • Burhachanderi: Represents the ancient Jain city of Chandela.
  • Bhata Danta: Contains ancient Jain temples and scattered sculptures.
  • Bhata Danta: Another ancient Jain site with temple ruins.
  • Khajuraho: Described as a world-famous artistic site with numerous Jain temples from the Chandela period.
  • Reshandigiri (Nainagiri): A Siddhakṣetra and a Samavasharan site.
  • Dronagiri: A significant Siddhakṣetra with numerous temples on a mountain.
  • Pachrai: An important site within the Chaurasi Kshetra region.
  • Golaakot: An ancient site amidst dense forests, part of the Chaurasi Kshetra.
  • Tumbavan (Tumen): An ancient site with Jain temple remains and sculptures.
  • Nevada, Mahua, Indar, Sakri, Lakhari, Simlar: Villages with scattered Jain sculptures.
  • Patahari: Features a tall Manastambha and ancient Jain temple remnants.
  • Gyaraspur: Known for its Jain temples and intricate sculptures.
  • Udaipur: Features ancient Jain caves with inscriptions.
  • Bhadalpur: Identified as the birthplace of Bhagwan Shitalnath.
  • Ajaygarh: An ancient Jain site within a historical fort.
  • Pyaval: An Atishaya Kshetra with ancient temples and miraculous claims.
  • Karaguan: Known for the "Sanvaliya Parshvanath" idol and a large Manastambha.
  • Todi Fatehpur: Famous for the alleged miracles of Yakshini Padmavati.
  • Bana pur: An ancient site with historical inscriptions and temples.
  • Madanpur: An ancient and significant site, unfortunately neglected and threatened by quarrying.
  • Girard: Known for its large temples and a significant Manastambha.
  • Devgarh: Celebrated for its rich Jain art and numerous temples.
  • Pavagiri: Associated with the liberation of Muni Swarnabhadra.
  • Chandpur: Features a significant ancient temple with a large statue of Bhagwan Shantinath.
  • Kundalpur: A major pilgrimage site with a colossal statue of "Bade Baba" (Bhagwan Adinath).
  • Rahauli-Patnagaanj: Noted for its ancient structures and unique Sahasrakoot Chaityalaya.
  • Bina Baraha: Famous for its massive statue of Bhagwan Shantinath and associated miracles.
  • Panari: A significant site with ancient traditions.
  • Machia Ji (Jabalpur): A significant site with temples spread across a hill and a notable statue of Bhagwan Mahavir.
  • Koni Ji (Kundalgiri): A significant Siddhakṣetra with a large complex of temples.
  • Bahori Band: Located near the Suhar River, this site has ancient Jain ruins and a notable statue of Bhagwan Shantinath.
  • Thuboun: Features large statues of Tirthankaras and distinct architectural styles.
  • Khandargiri: Known for its ancient sculptures and temples.
  • Udaipur: Features ancient Jain caves with inscriptions.
  • Bhadalpur: Identified as the birthplace of Bhagwan Shitalnath.
  • Gyaraspur: Known for its Jain temples and intricate sculptures.
  • Maksi Parshvanath: Mentioned for its historical significance and the idol of Bhagwan Parshvanath.
  • Ujjain: A historically important city with connections to Jainism.
  • Badnawar: Features Jain sculptures and inscriptions.
  • Gandharvapuri: A historical site with Jain and Hindu connections.
  • Chulagiri: A significant pilgrimage site with rock-cut caves and idols.
  • Talhonpur: A site with ancient Jain temples.
  • Nemavar (Rewatata): Considered a Siddhakṣetra and has a historical significance.
  • Karitalai: An ancient site with Jain temple remnants.
  • Bhojpur: Associated with Acharya Mantunga and has a significant Jain temple.
  • Banasipur: A significant Jain site with multiple temples.
  • Simlar, Nivoda, Mahua, Indar, Sakri, Lakhari: Villages with scattered Jain sculptures.
  • Shingonia: Features tall statues of Tirthankaras.
  • Gwalior Fort: Historically a Jain center with numerous sculptures and inscriptions.
  • Panihaar: Features temples with Jain sculptures.
  • Barai: Another site on the Gwalior-Shivpuri road with Jain temples.
  • Bajarhgarh: An important Jain site with a significant temple.
  • Nemavar (Rewatata): Mentioned as a Siddhakṣetra with historical connections.
  • Karitalai: An ancient site with Jain temple remnants.
• Birthplaces of Tirthankaras: The book also includes a section detailing the birthplaces of the 24 Tirthankaras, which includes sites like Ayodhya (birthplace of 5 Tirthankaras), Shravasti (birthplace of Bhagwan Sambhavnath), Kaushambi (birthplace of Bhagwan Padmaprabh), Varanasi (birthplace of Bhagwan Suparshvanath, Parshvanath, Shreyanshanth, and Chandrabrahma), Kakindi (birthplace of Bhagwan Pushpadanta), Kampilaji (birthplace of Bhagwan Vimalnath), Hastinapur (birthplace of Bhagwan Shantinath, Kunthunath, and Arhanath), and Mithilapuri (birthplace of Bhagwan Mallinath and Neminath).
• Preservation and Development: The author stresses the need for preservation and development of these ancient sites and appeals for support from the government and the Jain community.

In essence, "Madhya Bharat Ke Jain Tirth" serves as an invaluable resource for anyone interested in exploring the historical, cultural, and spiritual significance of Jain pilgrimage sites in central India, particularly in the Bundelkhand region. It aims to revive awareness and encourage the preservation of this rich heritage.