Shatrunjay Tirthni Mahatta

This Jain text, "Shatrunjay Tirthni Mahatta" (The Greatness of Shatrunjay Tirth) by Prabhudas Bechardas Parekh, published by the Prabhudas Bechardas Parekh Memorial Foundation, is a profound and urgent warning about the perceived threats to the sanctity and spiritual significance of the holy pilgrimage site of Shatrunjay. The author expresses deep concern that under the guise of "development" and "renovation," the true spiritual essence of Shatrunjay is being undermined and replaced by a commercialized, tourist-oriented identity.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the key points and arguments presented in the text:

1. The Unique Sanctity of Shatrunjay:

• The text begins by extolling Shatrunjay as an unparalleled and eternal holy site, naturally pure and blessed by the presence of Bhagwan Rishabh (Adinath) 99 times.
• It emphasizes that the land itself is inherently sacred, not made so by the temples built upon it.
• This natural purity is what attracted Bhagwan Adinath and countless souls seeking liberation (moksha).

2. The Author's Central Warning:

• The core message is a stark warning issued decades ago by Pandit Prabhudas Bechardas Parekh about the "insidious, secret activities" aiming to destroy the purity and spiritual influence of Shatrunjay under the pretext of "physical development."
• The author laments that this warning was largely ignored, and the negative consequences are now evident.

3. The "Development" Strategy as a Threat:

• The text argues that there is a deliberate plan to diminish Shatrunjay's religious importance by promoting it as a destination for art, entertainment, scenic beauty, and tourism.
• The goal is to attract tourists from within India and abroad, shifting the focus from pilgrimage to travel and leisure.
• This commercialization, the author believes, will gradually erode the sacredness of the pilgrimage.

4. The "Secret Plan" to Undermine Religions:

• The author links this strategy to a broader, hidden agenda to dismantle ancient Indian cultures and religions.
• The method is to destroy the symbols of religion. Specifically, there's a plan to elevate another religious site above Shatrunjay by diminishing Shatrunjay's significance.

5. The Stages of Government/External Interference: The author outlines a seven-stage process through which religious sites are compromised: * Stage 1: Preserving art, crafts, and sculptures (as a pretext). * Stage 2: Gaining control under the guise of preservation. * Stage 3: Developing it as a tourist destination. * Stage 4: Undermining its spiritual inspiration. * Stage 5: Ultimately, destroying its status as a holy pilgrimage site.

6. Specific Examples and Evidence of the Threat:

• Hotel Construction: The text mentions a government plan to build a hotel on Shatrunjay, which is seen as a direct attack on its sanctity.
• Album Presentation to the Pope: An album of Shatrunjay was presented to the Pope by the Gujarat Governor, raising suspicions about ulterior motives.
• Modern Amenities: The development of modern facilities like ropeways, helipads, restaurants, and better access for vehicles is viewed as part of the plan to attract tourists and diminish the spiritual aspect of the climb.
• Financial Influence: International financial institutions are ready to provide funds for Shatrunjay's development as a tourist destination, driven by their own agenda to gain control and ownership.
• UNESCO's Role: The author points to UNESCO's involvement in similar "development" projects for temples in South India and sites like Mathura, suggesting a pattern of external influence.
• Government Ownership Claims: The text highlights the government's claim of ownership over Shatrunjay mountain, with the Jain community only managing the temples, which is seen as a step towards control.
• "Secularism" and the "Five Religions" Agenda: The author links the concept of secularism and the promotion of five major religions (Christianity, Judaism, Vedic, Islam, Buddhism) to a plan to eventually absorb all other religions into a dominant, singular faith, likely Christianity, as part of a global transformation. The author is particularly concerned about the interpretation of "secularism" as promoting the weakening of minority religions and consolidating them under a majority faith.
• Historical Interpretations: The author critiques attempts to redefine Indian history, starting from Gandhi, and to re-evaluate the significance of ancient Indian figures and their contributions, potentially downplaying the role of figures like Bhagwan Adinath.
• The Role of "Pedhi" (Management Trust): The author expresses concern that the management trusts for the temples, while seemingly devout, might be inadvertently or deliberately facilitating the erosion of Shatrunjay's spiritual significance by prioritizing modernization and external influence.

7. The Author's Appeal and Call to Action:

• The author implores the Jain community (Sangh) to wake up to these threats and unite to protect Shatrunjay.
• They are urged not to fall prey to the allure of modernity and to preserve the sanctity of the holy site.
• The text emphasizes the need for a spiritual perspective in viewing Shatrunjay, contrasting it with the materialistic viewpoint of those seeking to develop it into a tourist attraction.

8. The Underlying Philosophy and Concerns:

• The author believes that the destruction of religious symbols is a precursor to the destruction of religion itself.
• There is a deep-seated fear that this "development" is part of a larger plan orchestrated by Western powers and religious groups aiming to dilute and eventually eliminate indigenous Indian religions and cultures.
• The text expresses concern about the weakening of religious faith and practices in the younger generation, making them susceptible to these external influences.

9. The Letters and Dialogue:

• The book includes letters written by the author to Shri Jivatalal Pratapsibhai Shah and Shri Rajendra Prasadji (the then President of India), and Shri Chavan (Chief Minister of Bombay state) to convey these concerns and seek intervention.
• A dialogue between Champaklal and Maganlal illustrates the common arguments and fears surrounding the proposed changes at Shatrunjay. Champaklal, a devout Jain, expresses his dismay at the prospect of Shatrunjay becoming a mere tourist spot, fearing that it will make his pilgrimage vows irrelevant and that the sanctity of the place will be compromised.

In essence, "Shatrunjay Tirthni Mahatta" is a passionate and detailed account of the author's apprehension that the holy site of Shatrunjay is being systematically targeted for commercialization and spiritual dilution. It serves as a historical record of these concerns and a poignant plea for the preservation of Jainism's most sacred pilgrimage site.