Sheth Moti Shah

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sheth Motishah" by Ramanlal C. Shah, based on the provided pages:

Overview:

The book "Sheth Motishah" by Dr. Ramanlal C. Shah, published by Shree Mumbai Jain Yuvak Sangh, is a biography of Sheth Motishah, a prominent Jain philanthropist and businessman who lived in Mumbai during the 19th century. The book aims to highlight his multifaceted life, characterized by immense generosity, devotion to Jainism, entrepreneurial spirit, and a deep commitment to humanitarian causes.

Key Aspects of Sheth Motishah's Life:

• Early Life and Family:

  • Born in VS 1838 (1782 AD) and passed away in VS 1892 (1836 AD) at the age of 54.
  • His father, Sheth Amichand Sakalchand, was originally from Sojitra and later lived in Khambhat. He migrated to Mumbai for livelihood at a young age and was involved in the jewelry business.
  • Amichand faced financial difficulties and debt, and passed away young, leaving the family's burden on his elder son, Nemchand.
  • Nemchand later shifted to the shipping business and died young as well, leaving the entire responsibility on Motishah at the age of thirty.

• Entrepreneurial Success:

  • Motishah achieved remarkable success in the shipping and trade business. He owned several ships and his trade extended from Bahrain to China.
  • He traded in various commodities like opium, gold, silver, pearls, jewelry, and silk. He also engaged in the insurance business.
  • His business acumen, courage, and honesty earned him great respect among both Indian and European merchants and officials in Mumbai.

• Religious Devotion and Philanthropy:

  • Motishah was deeply devoted to Jainism and performed religious duties meticulously. He made significant contributions to the construction and renovation of numerous Jain temples in Mumbai and elsewhere.
  • He was instrumental in the construction of temples in Khetwadi (Shantinath Prabhu), Pydhuni (Shantinath Prabhu, Chintamani Parshvanath Prabhu, and Godiji Parshvanath Prabhu), and significantly contributed to others.
  • His most notable religious contribution was the construction of a grand Jain temple resembling the Shatrunjay Tirth in Bhaykhala, Mumbai. He also established a "Motishah ni Tuk" (Motishah's enclave) in the Kuntasar valley on Shatrunjay Hill in Palitana.
  • He also built dharamshalas (rest houses) in Palitana and other locations.
  • His faith in Godiji Parshvanath was so profound that he would begin all his auspicious endeavors and record-keeping with the invocation "Shri Godiji Parasnathji ki Kripa hojo" or "Shri Godiji Parasnathji Saheb ki Mangal hojo."

• Commitment to Jivdaya (Compassion for Living Beings):

  • A significant event in Motishah's life was the public outcry against the indiscriminate killing of stray dogs in Mumbai by the British authorities.
  • Motishah took a leading role in advocating for the welfare of these animals. He proposed the establishment of a Panjrapole (animal shelter) outside the city limits, with the Mahajan (merchant community) taking responsibility for its upkeep.
  • He donated a substantial plot of land worth Rs. 18,000 (purchased earlier for Rs. 10,000) for the Panjrapole and also contributed a large sum for its construction.
  • The establishment of the Panjrapole involved a collaborative effort with Hindus, Parsis, and Vohras, with Parsis like Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy and Sheth Bomanji Hormusji Wadia making significant contributions.
  • To ensure the ongoing financial stability of the Panjrapole, a system of levies was introduced on various trade goods, which generated a substantial annual income, securing the long-term care of animals. This initiative is seen as a testament to the profound spiritual merit of Motishah and Gosaiji Maharaj.

• Interfaith Relations and Personal Integrity:

  • Motishah maintained strong relationships with Parsi and European families in Mumbai from his father's time. He received their advice and offered them sincere counsel in return.
  • He had a close bond with the families of Sheth Hormusji Bomanji and Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy. Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy began his career working for Motishah.
  • Motishah's trustworthiness was evident when Hormusji Bomanji entrusted him with the care of his young sons and family in his will. Motishah diligently fulfilled this responsibility.
  • He was known for his extraordinary generosity and commitment to repaying even the smallest favors. In one instance, he reciprocated Sheth Hathisinh Keshrisingh's act of generosity by sending him a large sum of money.
  • Another instance highlights his honesty and care for his employees. When Nanji Jekaran, whom Motishah had financially supported, disappeared while on a voyage to China, Motishah took responsibility for his family's welfare, providing them with accommodation and financial support. Nanji Jekaran eventually returned after twelve years, and Motishah generously gave him all the profits from the voyage and gifted him his ship.

• Legacy and Family's Decline:

  • Motishah had one son, Khimchandbhai, who was reportedly less astute in business than his father. Despite inheriting considerable wealth, Khimchandbhai was reportedly led astray by unscrupulous individuals, leading to financial ruin.
  • The book notes that Khimchandbhai's downfall serves as a stark reminder of the changing fortunes and the impact of character and decisions.
  • Motishah's final wish was for the consecration ceremony of the temple he built on Shatrunjay Hill. Although he passed away before this could happen, his son Khimchandbhai and wife Diwali-ben ensured its completion.
  • The consecration ceremony was a grand affair, attended by thousands, and meticulously organized. The event itself is described as having a divine aura, with historians noting the unusual good health and lack of incidents among the attendees, attributing it to Motishah's spiritual influence.
  • Despite the grandeur of the ceremony, Khimchandbhai's later life was marked by hardship and his own family also faced difficulties, with the house built by Motishah being claimed by a creditor.
  • The book concludes by reflecting on the ephemeral nature of wealth and fame, but emphasizes that Sheth Motishah's virtuous deeds and philanthropic contributions have left an indelible mark on history and continue to inspire.

Significance:

Sheth Motishah emerges as a paragon of Jain values, a successful businessman, and a compassionate humanitarian. His life story is presented as an inspiration, showcasing the profound impact one individual can have through generosity, integrity, and a deep commitment to the welfare of all beings. The book also provides historical context about the development of Mumbai during the 19th century, highlighting the city's transformation and the contributions of various communities.