Prachin Tirth Kumbhariyaji - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prachin Tirth Kumbhariyaji" by Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi, based on the provided pages:

Introduction to Kumbhariyaji Tirth:

Kumbhariyaji is an ancient and renowned Jain pilgrimage site located in Rajasthan, India. It is situated 14 miles from the famous Abu Road railway station and just 2 kilometers from the prominent pilgrimage town of Ambaji in Gujarat. Historically, this place was known as "Arasan" as evidenced by ancient inscriptions. The reason for the name change to "Kumbhariyaji" is unknown. Archaeological findings suggest that the area was once a significant city with numerous Jain temples. It's believed that earthquakes may have caused the destruction of many of these temples.

Historical Significance and Antiquity:

Ancient Name: The village was known as "Arasan" until the 17th century.
Establishment: The founding of Arasan village is generally placed around the second quarter of the 15th century.
Early Inscriptions: The oldest inscription found dates back to Sambat 1087 (1031 CE), indicating that Arasanagar was under the dominion of the Chalukya ruler Maharaj Bhimdev I.
Vimal Mantri's Contributions: Inscriptions mention Vimal Mantri, a minister from the Khartar Gachchha, constructing an "Ambika Prasad" in Arasan. While it's debated whether this refers to the Ambikaji temple at Ambaji or another structure, Vimal Mantri's family worshipped Chandika as their patron deity. Jain Yakshi Ambika statues from his time are found in Vimal Vasahi on Mount Abu.
Rishabhdev Temple by Vimal Mantri: A palm-leaf manuscript from the Jaisalmer Bhandar suggests that Vimal, the administrator of Chandravati, built a temple for Adinath (Rishabhdev) in Arasan before constructing the temple on Mount Abu.
Other Temples: Four more marble temples were built between the latter half of the 11th century and the first half of the 13th century after Vimal Mantri's temple.

The Five Temples of Kumbhariyaji:

The text details five main Jain temples located within the complex, all facing north:

Shri Neminath Bhagwan Jinalaya: This is the largest, tallest, and most expansive temple. It features a main sanctum (mulgabhara), a large gudhamandap, a ten-bay structure (dashchoki), a sabhamandap, alcoves (gokhla), a shringarchowki, side sanctums (devkulikas), a rangamandap, a spire (shikhar), and a compound wall (kot). The spire resembles that of the Shri Ajitnath temple on Taranga hill. The temple houses a grand idol of Lord Neminath. Inscriptions mention the installation of Kaussaggiya statues with inscriptions dating to Sambat 1214, explicitly mentioning "Arasanagar - Neminath Chaitya." A beautiful plaque of 170 Jinas with an inscription from Sambat 1301 is also present. A notable feature is a beautiful depiction of Nandishwar Dwip in an alcove. The temple also has a large idol of Ambaji Mata in one of the devakulikas. An inscription on a pillar mentions Porwad shreshthi Aaspal building it under the guidance of Shri Ratnaprabha Suri of the Chandragachchha. The temple contains numerous statues and inscriptions, with one inscription dating to Sambat 1204, suggesting the temple's construction before that date. A significant panel depicting "Samalika Vihar" is also present.
Shri Mahavirswami Bhagwan Temple: Located on a lower hill east of the Neminath temple, this temple also faces north and has additional east and west entrances. It comprises a main sanctum, gudhamandap, chowki, sabhamandap, shringarchowkis, eight alcoves, and 24 devakulikas, adorned with a spire. The idol of Lord Mahavirswami is described as grand and beautiful. An inscription on the pedestal dates to Sambat 1120, indicating the temple's construction around or before that period. The temple also houses statues of Yaksha and Ambaji Mata. The gudhamandap contains two grand Kaussaggiya statues with inscriptions possibly from Sambat 1118, making them among the oldest inscribed statues found.
Shri Parshvanath Bhagwan Temple: This magnificent and large temple is situated east of the Mahavirswami temple. Its architecture is similar to the Neminath temple. The west-facing entrance leads to the pedhi's courtyard. It features a main sanctum, gudhamandap, chowki, sabhamandap, shringarchowkis, 24 devakulikas, one alcove, and a spire. The idol of Lord Parshvanath is grand and striking. The gudhamandap contains Kaussaggiya statues of Shri Shantinath and Shri Parshvanath with inscriptions from Sambat 1176. The temple boasts intricate carvings on its domes, pillars, and doorways. An inscription from Sambat 1259 mentions the victorious reign of Mandlik Parmar Dharavarsahdev in Arasan.
Shri Shantinath Bhagwan Temple: This temple is located in front of the Mahavirswami temple. Its structure is similar to the Mahavirswami temple. It has north, east, and west entrances, with only the east-facing one in use for general movement. The temple includes a main sanctum, gudhamandap, chowki, sabhamandap, 16 devakulikas, 10 alcoves, and a spire. The main idol of Lord Shantinath is without a parikar. The gudhamandap contains loose statues of Kaussaggs, Indras, and a devotee. The inscription on the pedestal of the main idol mentions Sambat 1302. The carvings on the ceilings of the chowki and sabhamandap are described as beautiful and comparable to those at the Delwada temples on Mount Abu. The text suggests that the original idol in this temple might have been of Rishabhdev.
Shri Sambhavnath Bhagwan Temple: Located south of the Neminath temple, this temple has a distinct architecture and is relatively smaller. It consists of a main sanctum, gudhamandap, sabhamandap, shringarchowki, and a spire, but lacks a circumambulatory path. The idol in the main sanctum is believed by some to be of Lord Mahavirswami due to the presence of a lion emblem, but it is currently designated as Lord Sambhavnath. Ancient texts and "Tirthmalas" do not mention a Sambhavnath temple here, leading to the speculation that it might have originally been the Mahavirswami temple.

Architectural Marvels and Artistry:

The temples at Kumbhariyaji are renowned for their exquisite marble artistry, intricate carvings, and architectural brilliance. The pillars, domes, ceilings, and doorways exhibit detailed craftsmanship, comparable to or even surpassing the famous Delwada temples on Mount Abu. The depictions of various religious narratives, Tirthankar's life events, and celestial beings are particularly noteworthy.

Historical Mentions and Inscriptions:

Numerous inscriptions within the temples provide valuable historical information about their construction, consecration by various Acharyas, and the socio-political context of the time. These inscriptions highlight the patronage of ministers like Vimal Mantri and rulers of various dynasties.

Destruction and Reconstruction:

The text mentions that Muslim invasions in the late 13th century likely damaged the temples and the city. While there were periods of revival, the temples gradually fell into disrepair. The text details the extensive restoration efforts undertaken by the Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi, starting in 1920 CE. This involved cleaning, repair, and reconstruction, with significant financial investment. The Pedhi also undertook development of facilities for pilgrims.

Management and Facilities:

The management of Kumbhariyaji Tirth was transferred to the Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi in 1920 CE. Since then, the Pedhi has managed the site, undertaking restoration and development. Currently, the Tirth offers excellent facilities for pilgrims, including dharmashalas (guesthouses) and a bhojanshala (dining hall) providing meals. Approximately 15,000 pilgrims visit the Tirth annually.

Key Takeaways:

Kumbhariyaji is a historically significant Jain pilgrimage site with a rich architectural and artistic heritage.
The five temples are dedicated to Neminath, Mahavirswami, Parshvanath, Shantinath, and Sambhavnath.
The intricate marble carvings and sculptures are a major attraction, comparable to the Delwada temples.
The Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi has played a crucial role in the preservation and renovation of this ancient Tirth.
The site is well-equipped to cater to the needs of visiting pilgrims.