Meri Mevad Yatra

This comprehensive summary is based on the provided Jain text, "Meri Mevad Yatra" (My Mewar Journey) by Muniraj Shri Vidyavijayji, published by Vijaydharmasuri Jain Granthmala.

Overview of the Text:

"Meri Mevad Yatra" is a travelogue detailing the author's experiences and observations during his sojourn in the Mewar region of India, particularly focusing on Udaipur. Written from a Jain monastic perspective, it highlights the historical, cultural, religious, and social landscape of Mewar, with a specific emphasis on the Jain community and their institutions. The book also serves as an advocacy for wider monastic travel and religious outreach in the region.

Key Themes and Content:

1. The Unique Position of Mewar:

   • Mewar is presented as a region deeply intertwined with India's history, evoking the bravery of Maharana Pratap and the loyalty of Bhamashah.
   • It is described as a land of natural beauty, characterized by hills and water, and known for its simple lifestyle, humble people, and preserved traditions (like the "Bramhaniya dak" – postal runners).
   • Despite its natural charms and simplicity, the author notes a contrasting traditional saying that paints Mewar as a land of thorns, stones, rulers, and robbers, reflecting both its difficulties and its rulers.
   • However, the author ultimately emphasizes Mewar's spiritual significance as a "land of gods" and a holy pilgrimage site, sanctified by the footsteps of ancient acharyas.

2. The Author's Journey and Motivation:

   • The author, Muniraj Vidyavijayji, undertook this journey after a twenty-year gap since his guru's last visit to Udaipur.
   • The journey was undertaken at the earnest request of the Jain community in Udaipur, who expressed concerns about the decline of Jainism in the region and the lack of guidance.
   • The author acknowledges the challenges of traveling in Mewar, citing traditional warnings about its difficulties, but counters this with the immense spiritual rewards and the opportunity to serve the Jain community.
   • He expresses a desire to rekindle religious fervor in Mewar and complete unfinished religious work.

3. Udaipur: The Capital City:

   • Udaipur is described as the beautiful capital of Mewar, situated amidst hills and lakes.
   • It retains its ancient customs and traditional attire.
   • The city's natural beauty, including the lakes and the palace on the hill, is highlighted.
   • The author notes the city's unique urban planning, with hills visible from all directions, a characteristic derived from its founding by Maharana Udai Singh to overcome the defensive challenges of the former capital, Chittorgarh.

4. State Characteristics and Jain Connections:

   • The rulers of Mewar, the Maharana, are deeply devoted to their deity Eklingji.
   • The Mewar state, while under British influence, maintained considerable autonomy, even minting its own currency.
   • The lineage of the Mewar rulers is traced back to ancient times, with Maharana Pratap being singled out for his unwavering commitment to self-respect and religion.
   • A significant portion of the state's revenue was dedicated to religious activities, with aid provided to various Hindu and Jain temples.
   • State departments retained Sanskrit names, reflecting a respect for tradition.
   • Mewar has significant mineral resources, including silver, lead, and mica.
   • The Mewar dynasty is exceptionally ancient, dating back to around 625 AD, and has maintained its rule for fourteen centuries, demonstrating remarkable resilience.
   • The author emphasizes the Mewar rulers' "Hindū Sūraj" (Sun of Hindus) title, attributed to their independence and religious steadfastness, particularly their adherence to the principle: "He who firmly upholds Dharma, the Creator upholds him."
   • The historical relationship between the Jain community (primarily Oswals) and the Mewar state is extensive. Many ministers and officials in Mewar's history were Oswals, some of whom played crucial roles, most notably Bhamashah, who aided Maharana Pratap.
   • This long-standing relationship has resulted in a significant Jain population (around 75,000) and numerous Jain temples (around 3,000) in Mewar.

5. The Jain Community in Mewar:

   • The Jain community in Udaipur is primarily composed of Oswals and Porwals, with smaller communities like the Seth and Humad.
   • The Oswals are further divided into sub-groups. Religiously, they are diverse, including idolaters (Shvetambara), Sthanakvasi, and Terapanthi, with some influenced by Vaishnavism or Arya Samaj. However, they generally acknowledge their Jain heritage.
   • The "Mahatma" caste is also mentioned as being respected, though their current condition is described as lacking in education.
   • A significant portion of the Jain community, particularly Oswals, hold positions in state administration and various professions, indicating their integration into Mewar's society.
   • The author notes a decline in the Jain population compared to historical accounts, attributing it to a lack of Jain monastic presence and the influence of other religious sects.
   • Internal divisions within the Jain community are highlighted as a cause for organizational weakness and the underutilization of temple and institutional assets.
   • The establishment of the "Shri Jain Shvetambara Mahasabha" in Udaipur during the author's visit is seen as a positive step towards unifying the community and addressing the neglect of temples.

6. Jain Institutions in Udaipur:

   • The author highlights significant progress in education in Udaipur over the past two decades.
   • Vidya Bhavan: A progressive educational institution focused on holistic development, including art, music, and a unique mental laboratory to assess students' psychological attributes. Led by Shri Mohan Singh Mehta.
   • Rajasthan Mahila Vidyalaya: An ideal institution for women's education, aiming for character building, domestic skills, mental development, and economic independence. It operates various departments for girls and women.
   • Jain Institutions: Mention is made of various religious and educational institutions for different Jain sects, including Jain Shikshan Sanstha (Sthanakvasi), Jain Shala (Digambara), Jain Boarding, Jain Kanyashala, and Jain Pathshala (Shvetambara Murtipujak).
   • The author expresses concern about the management of some Jain institutions, suggesting that the newly formed Mahasabha could play a role in their improvement.
   • Jain Library (Shri Vijaydharmasuri Hol) and Shri Vardhman Jain Gyan Mandir: These are noted for their collections of newspapers, books, and ancient Jain scriptures, serving as valuable resources for scholars and monks.
   • Vardhman Jain Mandal and Y.M.J.A. (Young Men Jain Association): These youth organizations are praised for their activities in promoting religious practices and community engagement.

7. Government Institutions:

   • Victoria Museum: Contains ancient tribal ornaments, local crafts, traditional headwear, mica samples, and stone carvings. Notable exhibits include a turban believed to belong to Prince Khurram (later Shah Jahan) and a glass ostrich.
   • Libraries: Two state libraries are mentioned, one with a collection of Sanskrit and ancient inscriptions, including a significant inscription from the time of Maharana Udai Singh. The other, established by Shri Sajjan Singhji, houses a large collection of books in various languages.

8. Ayurveda Seva Ashram:

   • An institution dedicated to preparing Ayurvedic medicines according to ancient practices.
   • It also engages in teaching Ayurveda and serves the poor and religious mendicants.

9. Hindu and Jain Tirths in Mewar:

   • Mewar is rich in Hindu pilgrimage sites, including Eklingji, Nathdwara, Kankroli, Charbhuja, and Rupnarayan.
   • Eklingji: The principal deity of the Mewar rulers, with the author suggesting its origins might be in a Jain temple based on architectural elements and iconography.
   • Nathdwara and Kankroli: Centers of the Vallabhacharya sect. Kankroli is noted for a past incident where a Jain temple was demolished.
   • Jain Panchtirthi (Five Jain Pilgrimage Sites):
     • Kesariyaji (Rishabhdevji): A globally renowned and majestic temple, attracting pilgrims from all sects. The author asserts its Shvetambara identity based on traditions like the flag hoisting and offerings. A dispute over its management is noted.
     • Kareda: Features a large and ancient temple of Shri Parshvanath, notable for its grand rangamandap and inscriptions dating from the 11th to 19th centuries. The author credits the late Seth Lallubhai for its renovation and promotion.
     • Nagda (Adbadji): Once a capital city, it houses the ancient Shri Shantinath temple, with a large idol and inscriptions detailing its construction by an Oswal devotee. The author points to the presence of other ruined Jain temples in the area.
     • Delwara: Known for its numerous ancient Jain temples, the author refers to a previous work on its inscriptions. The current three large temples, with impressive idols and historical significance, are noted.
     • Dayalshah's Fort: A misnomer for a grand Jain temple built by Dayalshah, an Oswal minister of Maharana Raj Singh. The temple, purportedly nine stories high, suffered damage from Aurangzeb. The author recounts the fascinating story of Dayalshah's loyalty and his role in the construction of the temple and the Rajsamudra lake's embankment. The adjoining "Navchauki" is praised for its intricate artistry.

10. Temples in Udaipur City:

    • Udaipur has approximately 35-36 Jain temples, with significant ones including Shri Sheetalnathji, Vasupujyaswami, Chaugan, Wadi, Seth, and Kesariyanathji temples.
    • Temples in nearby areas like Ahud, Seminakheda, Sesar, and Devali are also mentioned as ancient and significant.
    • The author notes a significant improvement in the condition and maintenance of many temples over the past twenty years, while also highlighting the persistent issue of neglect ("asanata") in some, particularly those managed by Sthanakvasi or without clear ownership.
    • The Shri Sheetalnathji Temple is considered one of the oldest in Udaipur, possibly dating back to the city's founding. Inscriptions indicate its importance and the involvement of various Jain communities and Acharyas.
    • The Shri Vasupujyaswami Temple was built by Shri Raiji Dosi, a descendant of a prominent Jain minister.
    • The Chaugan Temple houses a notable idol of the 23rd Tirthankar, Shri Padmanabh Prabhu.

11. Travels in North-West Mewar:

    • The author and his companions visited 36 villages over two and a half months, focusing on religious discourse and addressing the decline of Jain practices.
    • They observed widespread neglect of temples and a prevalence of Sthanakvasi and Terapanthi sects, with the latter often showing disrespect towards idol worship and temples.
    • Conversions: A significant event was the conversion of many Chamar (cobbler) community members to Jainism in Rajnagar, who renounced their vices and adopted Jain practices.
    • Temple Conditions: Many temples were found in states of disrepair or neglect, but also some well-maintained ones, often associated with Marwari traders.
    • Official Cooperation: The author acknowledges the support received from local officials and community leaders, which facilitated public lectures and gatherings.
    • Late Lallubhai: The memory of Lallubhai, a devout Jain who dedicated his life to renovating and establishing Jain temples in Mewar, is fondly remembered and praised throughout the region.
    • Differences between Sects: A clear distinction is drawn between the 'Barahpanthis' (Sthanakvasi) and 'Terapanthis'. The author notes that Sthanakvasi communities generally offered better accommodation and support to monks, while Terapanthis were often difficult and showed disrespect towards temples and monks who worshipped idols.
    • Need for Gurukuls: The author stresses the critical need for Jain educational institutions (Gurukuls) in Mewar to counteract the prevailing ignorance and revive true religious understanding. The "Ajitnath Jain Boarding (Gurukul)" in Majhera is mentioned as a positive example.

12. Conclusion and Appeal:

    • The author concludes by reiterating that Mewar is a land rich in religion and history, offering fertile ground for religious propagation and historical research.
    • He urges Jain monks to venture beyond the familiar regions of Gujarat and Kathiawar to serve those in need of true spiritual guidance in areas like Mewar.
    • He expresses a hope that his account will inspire others to engage in such work.

Overall Significance:

"Meri Mevad Yatra" serves as a historical document, a guide to the Jain heritage of Mewar, and a call to action for the Jain community to preserve and revitalize their faith in a region that, despite its challenges, holds immense spiritual and historical importance. It highlights the author's dedication to spiritual service and his insightful observations on religious and social dynamics.