Nagor Ke Vartaman Aur Khartaro Ka Anyaya - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Nagor Ke Vartaman Aur Khartaro Ka Anyaya" (The Present Situation in Nagaur and the Injustice of the Khartara Gacch), authored by Muktisagar:

The book details a significant conflict and ongoing dispute within the Jain community of Nagaur, primarily concerning the placement and veneration of a paglia (footprints) of a revered Jain Acharya, referred to as "Dadaji." The conflict is between the Tapagacch (and allied gacches) and the Khartara Gacch, with the author strongly criticizing the actions of the latter, particularly a prominent figure named Harisagarji.

Background of the Nagaur Jain Community:

Nagaur is an ancient city with a once large Jain population.
Currently, there are about 400 Jain households, divided almost equally between idol-worshippers and Sthanakvasis.
Among the idol-worshippers, about 60 households belong to the Khartara Gacch, and the rest to the Tapagacch.
The city boasts numerous religious sites, including temples dedicated to various Tirthankaras and Dadavadis (temples/shrines dedicated to Jain Acharyas, often housing their paglias or padukas).
There is generally good harmony between the Shvetambar, Digambar, and Sthanakvasi communities, as evidenced by past events like a temple consecration where all three participated harmoniously.

The Core Conflict: The Dadaji's Paglia:

The central issue revolves around a paglia of "Dadaji" belonging to the Khartara Gacch.

Initial Decision and Dispute: Approximately 34 years prior to the writing of the book, the Shri Sangh (the Jain community council) decided to build additional chambers in the Hirawadi temple to accommodate overcrowded idols. After these chambers were built, the Khartara Gacch brought Dadaji's paglia from Jaipur and wished to install it in one of these new chambers.
Objection by Shri Sangh: The Shri Sangh objected, stating that Dadaji's paglias were already present in the Dadavadi and in a temple built by Yati Rupchandji. They argued that if every gacch placed their Acharyas' paglias in the main temple, it would become overcrowded. The Sangh proposed that if the Khartara Gacch insisted, they should place it in the Dadavadi, with the support of the entire Sangh.
Temporary Resolution: After considerable debate, and to maintain peace, both parties agreed to keep the uninstalled paglia in one of the Hirawadi temple's chambers, locked and sealed by the Shri Sangh. The key was entrusted to the Sangh committee, to be opened only with the unanimous consent of the entire Sangh.

Escalation of the Conflict:

The situation worsened with the arrival of Harisagarji and his influence:

Land Donation and Demand for a Door: The Khartara Gacch was gifted land adjacent to the Hirawadi temple with the intention of building a canopy for the paglia. They then demanded the Shri Sangh break a wall of the temple to create a new entrance to this land. The Sangh refused, arguing it was unnecessary as the paglia could be accessed without damaging the temple. This impasse lasted for twelve years, during which time, the author claims, the community suffered the consequences of the ongoing idol ashatana (desecration/disrespect).
Unauthorized Removal and Installation: During the consecration of the station temple, certain individuals, without the Sangh's permission or the committee's key, broke the lock on the chamber and removed the paglia. They then placed it amidst other paglias during the ceremonies. Although the Sangh members noticed this later, the matter was suppressed for a time.
Confrontation During Procession: When the temple's sacred images were being taken back in a procession, the Khartara Gacch members carried their paglia. This led to questions and further heated discussion. The Khartara Gacch insisted on placing it in the Hirawadi temple. An attempt was made to resolve the issue by placing it in the Khartara Gacch's upashray (monastic dwelling), which temporarily diffused the tension.
Harisagarji's Role: Harisagarji, a prominent Khartara Gacch figure, is depicted as the instigator and supporter of this conflict. He is accused of actively fueling animosity, encouraging defiance of the Shri Sangh's decisions, and promising financial and legal support to the Khartara Gacch members. He is described as arriving in Nagaur with the explicit intention of escalating the dispute, even stating he would install Dadaji's paglias in all temples and upashrays.
Fabricated Claims and Deception: The Khartara Gacch, under Harisagarji's influence, made false claims, such as Dadaji possessing Muni Chandji Bachhavat's body to declare his wish to remain in the Hirawadi temple. This claim was widely dismissed by many as a fabrication intended to mislead the public.
Theft of a Paglia: A major incident occurred when a paglia of Lord Parshvanath disappeared from the main temple. The Khartara Gacch was suspected of stealing it to potentially carve Dadaji's name onto it and then return it. This further deepened the mistrust.
Community Response to Khartara Actions: Despite the Khartara Gacch's provocations, the Tapagacch community, characterized by its "generosity" and desire for peace, initially restrained itself. However, their patience was tested by the Khartara Gacch's persistent defiance and disrespect for the Sangh's decisions, including breaking locks and demanding temple alterations.
Failed Mediation Efforts: Several peace-loving individuals, including the Surana brothers (who were Sthanakvasis but had good relations with idol-worshippers), attempted to mediate. However, Harisagarji set stringent and unreasonable conditions for reconciliation, including the return of the stolen paglia, penance for the Tapagacch not attending his sermons, and punishment for not hosting him in their upashray. These demands made a resolution impossible.
Further Incidents and Public Outcry: The conflict continued, with the Khartara Gacch re-locking the chamber containing Dadaji's paglia on a sacred day, leading to minor scuffles and police intervention. The author notes that Harisagarji seemed to benefit from such disputes, actively sowing discord not only between Tapagacch and Khartara but also within the Khartara Gacch itself.
Author's Criticism of Harisagarji and the Khartara Gacch: The author, Muktisagar (who claims to have once been a disciple of Harisagarji but later separated due to his practices), launches a strong condemnation of Harisagarji. He accuses him of fabricating stories, promoting hypocrisy, inciting hatred, and engaging in unethical behavior, which he details extensively in a separate section titled "Harisagar ke Papon ka Bhanda Phod" (Exposing Harisagar's Sins). The author criticizes the Khartara Gacch's inflexibility, their disregard for community decisions, and their pursuit of installing their Acharya's paglias in temples, often through clandestine means. He contrasts this with the peaceful and generous approach of the Tapagacch, while also acknowledging that their patience has its limits.

Underlying Themes:

Gacch-Based Rivalry: The book highlights the historical and ongoing tensions between different Jain gacches (sects or lineages of monastic followers).
Authority of the Shri Sangh: A central theme is the struggle to uphold the authority of the community council (Shri Sangh) against the divisive actions of a particular gacch.
Peace vs. Provocation: The narrative contrasts the desire for peace and harmony within the Jain community with the provocations and divisive tactics employed by the Khartara Gacch under Harisagarji's leadership.
Misuse of Religious Symbols: The paglias become symbols of contention, used to assert dominance and create division rather than foster devotion.
Critique of Leadership: The author is highly critical of Harisagarji's character and leadership, portraying him as a manipulator and troublemaker who has damaged the Jain faith.

In essence, the book is a detailed account of a protracted sectarian dispute in Nagaur, portraying the Khartara Gacch, particularly its leader Harisagarji, as the aggressors who systematically undermined the community's peace and the authority of its governing bodies, all in the pursuit of establishing their Acharya's veneration in a manner that defied communal consensus and caused significant discord.