Sanghvi Dharna Aur Dharan Vihar Ranakpur Tirth Ka Itihas

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sanghvi Dharna aur Dharan Vihar Ranakpur Tirth ka Itihas" by Daulatsinh Lodha, published by Pragvat Sangh Sabha:

This book is a detailed historical account of the Ranakpur Tirth, focusing on the contributions of Shreshthi Sanghvi Dharna Shah and the Dharan Vihar (also known as Trailokya Deepak Jinprasad). The text highlights Sanghvi Dharna Shah as a pivotal figure in the construction and development of this renowned Jain pilgrimage site.

Key Highlights and Content:

• Publisher and Author: The book is published by the Shri Pragvat Sangh Sabha and authored by Daulatsinh Lodha 'Arvind' B.A. It is presented as an excerpt from a larger work, "Pragvat Itihas" (History of the Pragvat Community).
• Focus: The primary aim of the booklet is to present the history of Sanghvi Dharna Shah, the magnificent Dharan Vihar (also called Trailokya Deepak Jinprasad or Chaturmukh Jinprasad) at Ranakpur, and his other philanthropic activities. The author explicitly states that while other Jain temples exist at Ranakpur and were built by other members of the Pragvat, Upkesh, and Shri Mal communities, this book focuses solely on Dharna Shah's contributions to avoid exceeding the scope.
• Sanghvi Dharna Shah's Lineage and Life:
  • He was born to Sangad and Kamladevi (also known as Karpurdevi) in the village of Nandiya (Nandipur) in Sirohi State, Rajasthan.
  • He was the younger brother of Sanghvi Ratna Shah. Both brothers were wealthy, respected, and devout Jains.
  • Dharna Shah was particularly known for his immense generosity, compassion, piety, truthfulness, and fruglyness. He was a devout worshipper of Jinendra (Tirthankaras).
  • His family was highly esteemed in the royal courts of Sirohi.
  • He was married to Dharaldevi, by whom he had two sons, Jasha and Jaavad. He also had a second wife, Chandradevi, and possibly another son, Sumermal, from a different wife (though details are debated).
• Philanthropic Activities:
  • Dharna Shah and his brother Ratna Shah were instrumental in building new temples and renovating existing ones in various locations, including Shatrunjaya Mahatirtha (in villages like Ajahari and Saler), and Pindarwata.
  • They established Satragars (charitable kitchens/alms houses) to help the poor and needy.
  • They actively participated in Sanghayatras (pilgrimage processions), undertaking them with great grandeur and devotion.
  • Dharna Shah took a vow of sheelavrat (virtuous conduct) with his wife Dharaldevi at Shatrunjaya, administered by Acharya Shrimad Somasundarsuri, at a young age (30-32 years).
• Interactions with Royalty:
  • Dharna Shah held significant influence in the court of Sesmal of Sirohi.
  • He had a notable interaction with Shahzada Gajnikhan, the son of Hoshang Shah of Mandavgad. Dharna Shah generously lent Gajnikhan three lakh rupees. When Gajnikhan later became the Sultan of Mandavgad, he repaid the debt with six lakh rupees and appointed Dharna Shah to a high position.
  • However, Dharna Shah later faced imprisonment due to political intrigue and the jealousy of other nobles in Gajnikhan's court. He was eventually released after paying a substantial sum.
  • After leaving Mandavgad, Dharna Shah settled in Malkhand (in the Mewar region) and was honored by Maharana Kumbhakarna. He held a respected position in the Maharana's court, possibly as a minister, and was instrumental in naming the place "Ranakpur" by combining the Maharana's name "Ranaka" with his community's identifier "Pur" (Paurwal).
• The Construction of the Dharan Vihar at Ranakpur:
  • Inspiration: Dharna Shah was inspired to build the temple after seeing a vision of the Nalinigulm-viman in a dream. He resolved to construct a Jinprasad in that form.
  • The Architect: The architectural design was presented by Depak, a skilled architect from Mundara village (Sompur community).
  • Foundation and Construction: The foundation stone for the Dharan Vihar, a Chaturmukh (four-faced) Adhinath Jinprasad, was laid in V.S. 1465 (1398 CE) during a severe famine. This charitable endeavor provided relief to the impoverished population. The construction involved deep foundations, the use of various metals, and the creation of 84 underground chambers (Bhugarhas), of which five are still visible. The main temple complex utilized Sonana and Sevadi stones.
  • Timeline: The principal temple complex (Devakulika) was completed by V.S. 1466, and the four Singhdwaras (lion gates) were finished by V.S. 1468. The entire construction spanned from V.S. 1468 to V.S. 1506.
  • Other Structures: Besides the main temple, Dharna Shah also built a large Dharamshala (inn) with many rooms and lecture halls, a Danashala (alms house), and his own residence (Mahalaya).
  • Inauguration and Establishment (Pratishthotsav): The consecration ceremony (Pratishthotsav) of the Trailokya Deepak Dharan Vihar, with the installation of the four-faced Adhinath idols, took place on V.S. 1468, Phalguna Krishna Panchami (March 1412 CE), performed by Acharya Shrimad Somasundarsuri. This grand event was attended by 52 large Jati Sanghas and 500 saints and scholars.
  • Legacy: An annual fair is held on Phalguna Krishna Dashami (Chaitra Krishna Dashami) in his memory, during which his descendants perform rituals and hoist the flag.
• Architectural Marvel: The Dharan Vihar is described as a magnificent architectural achievement, unique in its design and scale. It features:
  • Four imposing Singhdwaras with intricately carved columns and domes.
  • Numerous Devakulikas (smaller shrines), totaling 84, including four prominent corner shrines and 80 other shrines.
  • Grand Megh Mandaps (Indra Mandaps) and Rang Mandaps (assembly halls), known for their artistic beauty and craftsmanship. The Megh Mandap ceilings feature lotus designs and depictions of celestial dancers.
  • The central Trimanjali (three-storied) Devakulika is the main attraction, housing the four-faced Adhinath idols. The design allows for the darshan of these idols from outside the Singhdwaras.
  • The temple's construction demonstrates remarkable engineering and artistic skill, utilizing intricate carvings and durable materials.
• Family Tree: A lineage chart of Sanghvi Dharna Shah and his brother Sanghvi Ratna Shah is provided, tracing their ancestry back to Sangad and highlighting their descendants.
• Subsequent History: The book notes that after a few years, the city of Ranakpur became somewhat deserted, and Dharna Shah's descendants settled in Sadri and then further dispersed to Ghanerao and Mandavgad. The descendants residing in Ghanerao continue to hold the right to hoist the flag at the temple and perform the first puja. The text also mentions that some of the original idols established by Dharna Shah may have been replaced due to damage.

In essence, the book is a tribute to Sanghvi Dharna Shah, portraying him as a visionary, a devout follower of Jainism, a generous philanthropist, and a key figure in establishing the iconic Ranakpur Jain Temple, a marvel of Indian architecture and religious devotion.