Registan Ka Prachin Tirth Bhandavaji

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Registan ka Prachin Tirth Bhandavaji" by Bhurchand Jain, based on the provided information:

Registan ka Prachin Tirth Bhandavaji: A Summary

This Jain text, authored by Bhurchand Jain, details the historical and religious significance of Bhandavaji, an ancient Jain pilgrimage site located in the desert region of Rajasthan, India. The book highlights Bhandavaji's importance within the context of the historical and religiously tolerant district of Jalore.

Geographical and Historical Context:

• Jalore District: The text begins by establishing Jalore district as a place of historical and religious importance, noting its unique religious tolerance, evident in the presence of Hindu temples, Muslim mosques, and Jain temples. Many renowned Jain temples with towering spires are scattered throughout the district, with specific mentions of ancient and artistically significant temples in Sanchor and Bhinmal, as well as the modern architectural marvel of the Shri Shantinsurishwarji Maharaj Smriti Guru Mandir in Mandoli.
• Location of Bhandavaji: Bhandavaji, a significant center of faith and devotion, is situated in the desert region of Jalore district. It falls under the Sayla Panchayat Samiti. The text provides detailed information on how to reach Bhandavaji from major cities like Jodhpur and Jalore via railway and road networks, including mention of specific stations and routes. It also notes the traditional modes of transport like camels and bullock carts used by the local population to visit the site.

The Shri Mahavir Swami Temple:

• Construction and Antiquity: The central focus of Bhandavaji is the ancient temple dedicated to the 24th Jain Tirthankar, Shri Mahavir Swami. This grand temple, built in the 10th century (Vikram Samvat 1015), is enclosed within a large fortified wall.
• Inscriptions and Idol's Origin: An inscription on one of the temple's pillars bearing the Vikram Samvat 813 suggests a connection to the idol's consecration. The idol is believed to have originated from Vesala village, which was attacked and its ancient Mahavir temple destroyed by invaders. The original idol, however, was miraculously saved and brought to Bhandavaji by Sanghvi Palaji, a Jain community leader from Komla village, who was divinely inspired to build a temple there.
• Architectural Details: The temple faces East. Its entrance is adorned with statues of elephants and lions on either side, along with a beautiful balcony for playing drums. The main sanctum houses the original idol of Bhagwan Mahavir Swami, flanked by idols of Shri Shantinath and Shri Parshvanath. The text describes various sections of the temple, including the Gūṭh Maṇḍap (housing the Adhisthāyak Devī and Charan Padukā), Śr̥ṅgār Maṇḍap (featuring sculptures of musicians), and the Sabha Maṇḍap (with its circular dome adorned with sculptures of dancing and musical women).
• Subsequent Additions and Renovations: The original temple is surrounded by four smaller shrines (Kulika Śikhar). In Vikram Samvat 2010, four new shrines, a long hall with three domes, and statues of gurus were consecrated. The temple has undergone several renovations throughout its history, with significant ones occurring in Vikram Samvat 1359, 1654, and 1988.
• Inscriptions: The temple's walls and idols bear ancient inscriptions dating from Vikram Samvat 1201, 1225, 1259, 1516, and 1757. The text laments that the application of slate on the walls has obscured some of the ancient carvings, and the entire floor has been paved with marble.

The Village of Bhandavaji:

• Origin of the Name: The village itself is as ancient as the temple. It was founded by Parmar Bhandusingh from Javeri Jalore at the end of Vikram Samvat 3, hence its name Bhandavaji. In ancient times, it was known as Bhāṇḍavpur due to its size and importance.
• Historical Rulers: The text traces the ownership of Bhandavaji through various rulers, from Parmars to Daiya Rajputs (Buhedsingh, succeeding in Vikram Samvat 1322, leading to the region being known as Daiya Patti), and later to Thakur Bhatti Malamsingh of Aana village (Vikram Samvat 1807), and eventually under the Jodhpur royal family (Vikram Samvat 1864). After India's independence, it became known as the renowned Bhāṇḍavpur Jain Tirth within Rajasthan.

Pilgrimage and Community Life:

• Annual Fair: As a pilgrimage site dedicated to Bhagwan Mahavir Swami, Bhandavaji hosts a grand annual fair from Chaitra Shukla 13 to 15, attracting over ten thousand pilgrims and visitors from across the country. The fair includes religious and cultural programs.
• Facilities and Future Plans: The pilgrimage site has extensive Dharamshalas with approximately 200 residential rooms. Arrangements for lodging, food, and essential supplies are available. Future plans include the provision of electricity, drinking water, and paved road construction, which are expected to further enhance its appeal to visitors.
• Community Respect and Protection: The local community, irrespective of caste or religion, holds deep reverence for Bhagwan Mahavir Swami and the temple. They have prohibited hunting and the cutting of trees within a one-mile radius of the temple, demonstrating their respect for the sacred environment.
• Management: A management committee oversees the upkeep and functioning of the entire pilgrimage site.

In essence, "Registan ka Prachin Tirth Bhandavaji" serves as a comprehensive guide to this significant Jain pilgrimage, detailing its historical evolution, architectural grandeur, religious sanctity, and the vibrant community life that surrounds it.