Sammetshikhar Jain Maha Tirth

This document is a Jain text titled "Sammetshikhar Jain Maha Tirth," edited by Jyotishacharya Manipav Jayprabhvijay "Shraman." It is published by Rajendra Pravachan Karyalay and affiliated with Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra. The text, primarily in Hindi, discusses the significance of Sammetshikhar, a major Jain pilgrimage site, and touches upon various aspects of Jainism, including historical events, the origins of the Digambara sect, and the ongoing struggle for the rights of the Shvetambara Jain community over Sammetshikhar.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and content from the provided pages:

Introduction and Dedication:

• The text begins with dedications to revered Jain Acharyas and deities, highlighting the spiritual lineage and the importance of knowledge centers like the Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir.
• It mentions the "Jain Mudrit Granth Scanning Project" (Jain Printed Text Scanning Project), indicating its purpose is to preserve and make Jain scriptures accessible.

Historical and Social Context:

• Page 3: Details a significant historical event involving Vastupal and Tejpal, prominent Jain figures. It lists the immense resources and personnel (including thousands of ascetics of both Shvetambara and Digambara sects) that accompanied them on a pilgrimage, emphasizing the grand scale of Jain religious activities in the past. It also mentions their contributions and demise dates.
• Page 4: Declares that the dominion over Sammetshikhar Mahatirth belongs to the "Akhil Bharatvarshiya Shri Shvetambara Jain Shri Sangh" (All India Shvetambara Jain Community) and will remain so.
• Pages 6-12: This section is crucial as it articulates the Shvetambara Jain perspective on the dispute over Sammetshikhar and the perceived injustices faced by the Jain community.
  • It asserts that Sammetshikhar has been a sacred land for the Shvetambara Jain community for millennia, with many Tirthankaras attaining liberation there.
  • It criticizes the Digambara community for creating disputes over "sacred Tirths," citing examples like Kesariyaji and Maksi.
  • It highlights historical documents and court rulings (Calcutta High Court, Akbar's decree) that purportedly confirm the Shvetambara community's rights over Sammetshikhar.
  • It mentions efforts in 1964 by a "Shri Sammetshikhar Tirth Raksha Samiti" (Sammetshikhar Tirth Protection Committee) to engage with political leaders.
  • It discusses the economic contributions and social welfare activities of the Shvetambara Jain community, including building temples, institutions, and supporting the needy, as a testament to their uprightness and dedication.
  • It contrasts the Shvetambara community's actions with what it perceives as unwarranted claims by the Digambara community, leading to the "grave violation of the Tirthankar Paramatmas."
  • The text emphasizes the importance of self-reliance, adherence to principles, and the need for the Jain community to be united in protecting their holy sites.

Origin of the Digambara Sect:

• Pages 13-20: This section provides a detailed account of the perceived origin of the Digambara sect.
  • It states that the Digambara sect originated 609 years after Lord Mahavir's Nirvana.
  • It narrates the story of Shivbhuti, a courageous individual who served a king and, after a challenging ritual in a cremation ground, was recognized for his bravery.
  • The narrative continues with Shivbhuti becoming a monk under Acharya Aryakrishnacharya.
  • A significant point is the episode of the "Ratnakambal" (jeweled blanket) gifted by the king, which Shivbhuti kept possession of, leading to a dispute with his guru.
  • The text then describes Shivbhuti's sister, Uttarā, also becoming a nun. When Uttarā renounced her clothes after Shivbhuti adopted a nude practice, a prostitute gifted her a sari, leading Shivbhuti to decide that women cannot attain liberation in a nude state. This decision is presented as a foundational reason for the Digambara practice and the exclusion of women from liberation in their sect.
  • The text identifies Kaundinya (later known as Kundakundacharya) and Kottavir as disciples of Shivbhuti, who subsequently established the Digambara tradition.

The Sammetshikhar Dispute and Call to Action:

• Pages 21-28: This section focuses heavily on the political and social struggle for control over Sammetshikhar.
  • It highlights the importance of self-reliance and unity within the Jain community.
  • It criticizes the Bihar government's actions in taking over Sammetshikhar under land reform acts, calling it "unjust, illegal, and undemocratic."
  • It emphasizes that Sammetshikhar is a sacred land for all Jains, where 20 Tirthankaras and countless ascetics attained liberation.
  • It includes resolutions from Jain conferences (like the Dhansa conference in 1964) calling for the return of Sammetshikhar to Jain control through peaceful and constitutional means.
  • It expresses the community's determination to fight for their rights, even at the cost of personal sacrifice.
  • The text criticizes the government for failing to protect Jain religious freedom and traditions, citing incidents like temple robberies and the distribution of eggs.
  • It frames the issue as a matter of religious freedom, legal rights, and the sanctity of a holy place.

Historical Significance and Glorification of Jainism:

• Pages 28-47: This extensive section elaborates on the profound religious significance of Sammetshikhar and the historical contributions of the Jain community.
  • It details the 20 Tirthankaras of the current era who attained Nirvana at Sammetshikhar, listing their names and the corresponding "Tonks" (sacred spots).
  • It compares Sammetshikhar to other important Jain pilgrimage sites like Shatrunjay, Ashtapad, and Pavapuri, often asserting Sammetshikhar's superior importance due to the sheer number of Tirthankaras who attained liberation there.
  • It mentions the historical efforts of various kings, emperors, and scholars in protecting and renovating Sammetshikhar throughout different eras, including the Mughal period (Akbar's grant) and British rule.
  • It describes the physical layout of Sammetshikhar, including the 30 "chhatris" (cenotaphs) marking liberation sites and the Jal Mandir.
  • It highlights the spiritual merit and blessings derived from visiting Sammetshikhar, comparing it to immense penances and donations.
  • It showcases devotional poems and stotras dedicated to Sammetshikhar by renowned Jain scholars and poets.
  • It touches upon the historical difficulties in reaching Sammetshikhar and how improved transportation facilitated greater pilgrimage.

Critique of the Bihar Government and Call for Unity:

• Pages 48-59: These pages contain direct appeals and criticisms leveled against the Bihar government regarding their actions concerning Sammetshikhar.
  • The text uses strong language to condemn the government's seizure of the sacred site, likening it to "theft" and "tyranny."
  • It challenges the government's justifications (like land reform and forest development) as mere pretexts to grab the holy mountain.
  • It contrasts the sanctity of Sammetshikhar with secular sites like Rajghat, questioning the government's logic.
  • It vows strong resistance through non-violent means like protests, civil disobedience, and even self-sacrifice if necessary.
  • It criticizes the government's alleged indifference and lack of response to the community's grievances.
  • It highlights the perceived betrayal of democratic principles and constitutional rights.

Addressing the Digambara Community:

• Pages 69-71: This section directly addresses the Digambara community, questioning their silence or even support of the Bihar government's actions.
  • It points out the stark contrast between the Shvetambara community's strong outcry and the Digambara community's perceived lack of response or even approval of the government's move.
  • It criticizes statements from Digambara community leaders suggesting joint control over Sammetshikhar, calling it an attempt to exploit the situation for their own gain.
  • It warns that such division and infighting would weaken the Jain community as a whole and would ultimately lead to the loss of Sammetshikhar.
  • It urges the Digambara community to act with wisdom and unity to protect their shared heritage.

Overall Message: The document is a passionate plea and a historical account from the Shvetambara Jain perspective, emphasizing:

1. The supreme sanctity of Sammetshikhar as a place of liberation for numerous Tirthankaras and ascetics.
2. The historical and continuous connection of the Shvetambara community to Sammetshikhar, supported by various historical documents and rulings.
3. The perceived injustices and violations of religious freedom by the Bihar government.
4. The importance of Jain unity and determined, non-violent resistance to reclaim their sacred site.
5. A historical narrative of the origin of the Digambara sect, presented from a critical Shvetambara viewpoint.

The text serves as both a historical record and a call to action, rallying the Jain community to defend their most sacred pilgrimage site.