Sirohi Jile Me Jain Dharm

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Sirohi Jile me Jain Dharm" (Jainism in Sirohi District) by Dr. Sohanlal Patni:

This document, an excerpt from the "Sirohi Jile me Jain Dharm" by Dr. Sohanlal Patni, details the rich history and significant presence of Jainism in the Sirohi district of Rajasthan, India. The district, known as "Abund Mandal" before the establishment of Sirohi in 1485, has a Jain history stretching back to Lord Parshvanath's Ganadhar (chief disciple) Keshidhwaja.

Key historical and religious highlights discussed include:

• Ancient Origins and "Living Swami" Temples: The history of Jainism in this region begins with Keshidhwaja, who is credited with establishing a "living Swami" (temple consecrated during Lord Mahavir's lifetime) at Brahmana-vataka (Bamanwadji) in Sirohi district. This practice of "living Swami" temples is renowned in the Jain world, with other notable examples in Nana (Pali district) and Diyana (Sirohi district). Nandia village is also mentioned as having a temple established by Lord Mahavir's elder brother, Nandivardhana.
• Lord Mahavir's Presence: The text mentions a legend that the severe afflictions (upasarga) of Lord Mahavir, including nails being hammered into his ears, occurred at Brahmana-vataka, which was then considered an "anarya kshetra" (inhospitable region). The affliction of Chandakaushik is also associated with a site near the Nandia temple. An inscription from Mundasthal (present-day Moongthala) dating to 1216 VS (Vikram Samvat) suggests Lord Mahavir wandered in the Arbuda region during his spiritual journey.
• Royal Patronage and Construction: Emperor Samprati, grandson of Ashoka, known as a great patron of Jainism, is said to have visited key Jain pilgrimage sites like Siddhagiri, Revatagiri, Shankheshwar, Nandia, and Brahmana-vataka approximately 2200 years ago. He is believed to have commissioned the construction of several Jain temples in the Sirohi district.
• Journeys of Jain Acharyas: The text highlights the airborne journeys of prominent Jain Acharyas like Nagarjun Suri, Skandil Suri, and Padalipta Suri, who, about 1967 years ago, visited sites like Siddhachal, Girnar, Sammetgiri, Nandia, and Brahmana-vataka by applying medicinal pastes to their feet.
• Renovations and Temple Architecture: The minister Samant of Chandravati undertook renovations of temples built by Samprati, including those at Brahmana (Verman-Sirohi), Nandia, Brahmana-vataka (Bamanwad-Sirohi), and Muhari-pas around 821 VS. Later, Acharya Udyotanri also traveled to the region and visited these pilgrimage sites. Acharyas Somaprabha Suri and Jagachandra Suri also visited these pilgrimage sites around 1282 VS.
• Medieval Period and Artistic Contributions: The Sirohi district has been a significant Jain center since the Maurya era. During the Gupta period, Vasantgarh was a hub for metalwork and sculpture, with Jain metal statues from this era being notable. The text mentions the celebrated sculptor Shivnag of Vasantgarh. The medieval period saw the construction of artistic temples, with the Mirpur temple being a significant early example, predating the grandeur of Delwara and Ranakpur temples.
• Chandravati's Splendor: Chandravati, the ruined capital of the Parmars, was a center of artistic excellence between the 8th and 12th centuries. Artistic elements from its temples, such as toranas (arches), chhatras (umbrellas), and simhdwaras (grand entrances), can still be seen at the temple near Jhadoli, close to Brahmana-pada (Bamanwadji). Chandravati was a prosperous city, and the renowned Delwara temple (Lunavasahi) was built by Anupamadevi, daughter of the local resident Dharanig. The architect, Sobhandev, was from Chandravati. Vimal Shah, minister of Bhima-deva Solanki of Gujarat, also commissioned the Vimalavasahi (Adinath) temple.
• Decline and Resurgence: After Chandravati's destruction, Jain efforts to establish themselves in Vasantgarh and Abu faced challenges due to continuous invasions. However, during the reign of the Chalukya king Kumarapala, significant efforts were made to renovate temples in Abu, Jirawal, and surrounding areas. Prominent Jain Acharyas like Jintatta Suri, Somchandra Suri, and others had strong connections with this region.
• Literary and Artistic Connections: The text highlights that the ancestors of the Sanskrit poet Magha were connected to the rulers of Vasantgarh. Vastupal completed his work "Vasantvilas" in Chandravati and Delwara, receiving the title of "best poet" from Someshwar, who himself composed "Kirtikaumudi" during his stay in Chandravati. The commentary on Hemavijayagani's "Vijaya Prashasti Mahakavya" was completed in Sirohi in 1688 VS. Dharanashah, the builder of the Ranakpur temple, was from Nandia village in Sirohi.
• Hiravijaya Suri and the Lokagachha tradition: Hiravijaya Suri, who influenced Emperor Akbar, consecrated the high spire Chou-mukha temple in Sirohi and was awarded the title of Acharya there. In 1533 VS, Lokashah, the founder of the Sthanakvasi tradition, opposed idol worship and advocated for compassion in Athavada village. He, along with his disciples, established Lokagachha Upashrayas in Pusalia and Sirohi, marking the beginning of the Sthanakvasi tradition from Sirohi.
• Sirohi as a Jain Stronghold: From the 17th century onwards, Sirohi became a stronghold of Jainism. Many Jains held prestigious positions as Diwans. Maharaja Suratan of Sirohi, influenced by Hiravijaya Suri, ordered the prohibition of animal slaughter. Maharaja Shivsingh of Sirohi had deep devotion to the Mandan Mahavir Swami temple at Bamanwad and gifted the village of Veerwada for its upkeep. A statue of the Maharaja in a reverential posture after dismounting an elephant is still present at Bamanwad.
• Religious Tolerance and Trade: Sirohi is considered to have the glory of "Ardh Shatrujay" (half Shatrujay) in the Shvetambar tradition. Jains from Sirohi have established significant presences in Ahmedabad, Surat, and Baroda. The region has a history of religious tolerance, as evidenced by an inscription from the Delwara temple (1287 VS) indicating that Rajputs and Brahmins also took responsibility for its maintenance. Jains in Sirohi are actively involved in trade and business in Gujarat and South India, while also preserving their culture.

In essence, the text meticulously outlines the deep and enduring connection of Jainism with the Sirohi district, tracing its influence from ancient times through various historical periods, highlighting significant religious figures, architectural marvels, royal patronage, and the community's contributions to Jainism.