Mahetab Kumari Jinendra Prasad Varnan Tatha Prachin Jain Sahitya Sangraha

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mahetab Kumari Jinendra Prasad Varnan Tatha Prachin Jain Sahitya Sangraha" by Babu Chothmal Chindaliya, based on the provided pages:

Overall Scope:

This book is a detailed exploration and compilation of Jain literature and history, with a significant focus on the "Mahetab Kumari Jinendra Prasad" temple and its associated history, architecture, and the individuals who contributed to it. It delves into ancient Jain traditions, significant historical figures, pilgrimage sites, religious practices, and philosophical concepts.

Key Themes and Sections:

1. Dedication and Introduction: The book begins with invocations and acknowledgments, indicating its purpose is to preserve and share knowledge about Jain heritage. The catalog link confirms it's part of a larger Jain repository.

2. The Mahetab Kumari Jinendra Prasad Temple: A substantial portion of the book is dedicated to this specific temple.

   • Origin and Purpose: It highlights the temple's construction as a fulfillment of the wish of Srimati Mehtab Kumari, supported by her son Babu Dhanpat Singhji Dugad. The text details her ascetic practices and her desire for a grand Jain temple.
   • Architecture and Design: The summary meticulously describes the temple's structure, including its multiple mandaps, the placement of deities like Adinath Bhagwan and Parshvanath, the details of the inner sanctum (Garbha Griha), the Sabha Mandap with its numerous alcoves (Gokh), the intricate carvings, pillars, decorative elements like mirrors, chandeliers, and the use of marble.
   • Key Figures Involved: It extensively mentions the Dugad family, particularly Raja Pratap Singhji, Mehtab Kumari, Babu Dhanpat Singhji, Babu Laxmipat Singhji, and the manager Babu Chothmal Chindaliya himself, detailing their contributions and roles.
   • Construction and Establishment: The text explains the selection of the site, the construction process, the inauguration of the temple, and the significant 'Anjanshalaka' (consecration ceremony) and 'Pratishtha Mahotsav' (installation festival). It also notes the involvement of specific individuals in different stages of the temple's creation.
   • Temple Features: Details are provided about the gateways, windows, different sections of the temple (like the three mandaps), the circumambulation path (Bhamti) with numerous small shrines (Daheri), and specific sculptures and idols, including those of the patrons.

3. Historical Figures and Families:

   • The Dugad Family: The book traces the lineage and significant contributions of the Dugad family, from their origins, their migration to Bengal, and their prominent roles in Jain society and temple construction. It lists several generations and their achievements, including their business acumen and philanthropic activities.
   • Other Notable Patrons: Several other individuals and families like Motisha Sheth, Hathibhai Sheth, Hemabhai Sheth, Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi, and others are mentioned for their contributions to Jain institutions and temples, particularly in Palitana.

4. Pilgrimage and Jain Sites:

   • Siddhachalji (Palitana): The book extensively discusses Siddhachalji, its various names (like Shatrunjaya, Vimlagiri, Ratnagiri), its significance as a holy site, the routes for pilgrimage, and the numerous temples and shrines on the mountain. It also details the development of Palitana town.
   • Other Jain Tirthas: Mentions are made of other important Jain pilgrimage sites like Girnar, Abu, Sametshikharji, Taranga, Kesariyaji, Sankheshwar, Mahuva, and Paithan, providing historical context and descriptions of their significance.

5. Jain Practices and Beliefs:

   • Tapasya and Vratas: Mehtab Kumari's severe ascetic practices (like Navpad Tapa) and the significance of various vratas and their rituals are described.
   • Anjanshalaka and Pratishtha: The detailed descriptions of these ceremonies highlight their importance in Jainism for consecrating idols and temples.
   • Nava-pad and Siddha-chakra: These important Jain concepts and practices are referenced.
   • Importance of Faith and Devotion: The text emphasizes the role of sincere devotion and faith in achieving spiritual merit and overcoming obstacles.
   • "Su-Paatra Daan" (Donation to Worthy Recipients): The concept of donating to deserving ascetics and spiritual leaders is highlighted as a key aspect of Jain philanthropy.

6. Ancient Jain Literature and History:

   • Inscriptions and Texts: The book refers to inscriptions on idols, ancient texts, and historical records to establish the antiquity of Jainism and its practices.
   • The Antiquity of Jainism: It makes a strong case for Jainism being one of the oldest religions, predating many others, citing evidence from ancient scriptures, the influence on other religions, and archaeological findings.
   • Debates on Jainism's Origin: The text addresses the claim that Jainism originated from Buddhism or was a branch of Hinduism, refuting such claims by presenting historical and scriptural evidence of Jainism's independent antiquity.
   • Historical Figures in Jainism: It discusses the Jain identity of figures like Rama, Ravana, and the Pandavas, citing Jain Ramayanas and other literature.

7. Specific Literary Pieces: The latter part of the book includes numerous 'Stavans' (devotional songs or hymns) dedicated to various Tirthankaras (Adinath, Parshvanath, Mahavir, Shantinath, Sambhavnath, Abhinandanath, Padamprabhu, Suparshvanath, Chandaprabhu, Suvidhinath, Sheetalnath) and important figures like Pundrik Swami, Chakreshwari Devi, and Siddhachal itself. These sthavans offer lyrical expressions of devotion and praise.

8. Social and Economic Aspects:

   • The role of wealth: The book demonstrates how wealth, when used for religious and philanthropic purposes by individuals like the Dugads, contributes to the glory of Jainism and society.
   • Community practices: It touches upon community traditions like 'Nava-kashi' (a communal meal) and the financial contributions (Nakara) collected by the Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi for the upkeep of temples and pilgrimage sites.

Overall Summary of the Content:

The "Mahetab Kumari Jinendra Prasad Varnan Tatha Prachin Jain Sahitya Sangraha" is a rich repository of Jain knowledge, meticulously compiled by Babu Chothmal Chindaliya. It serves as a historical chronicle, a guide to Jain architecture and pilgrimage, and a testament to the devotion and generosity of prominent Jain families, particularly the Dugads. The book emphasizes the antiquity and enduring relevance of Jainism, its philosophical underpinnings, and the importance of its sacred sites, especially Siddhachalji. The inclusion of devotional sthavans further enhances its value as a spiritual and cultural document. The detailed descriptions of the Mahetab Kumari temple and the life stories of its patrons provide a tangible connection to the living traditions of Jainism.