Suratna Jinalayo - Book Summary

"Suratna Jinalayo" (Temples of Surat) is a comprehensive Gujarati book by Chandrakant Kadia, published by Seth Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi, Ahmedabad. It documents the Jain temples (Jinalayas) in Surat and its surrounding districts of Valsad and Navsari.

Key aspects of the book, based on the provided text, include:

Purpose and Scope: The book aims to provide a historical description of Jain pilgrimage sites and temples across various towns and villages. It is part of a larger project by Seth Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi to document Jain temples throughout India, with a focus on Gujarat. The previous volumes covered Rajnagar (Ahmedabad), Khambhat, and Patan.
Structure and Content:
- It is divided into 10 parts to address the inconvenience of previously published bulky volumes, allowing readers to easily access information about specific cities.
- The book covers temples in Surat city, Surat district, Valsad district, and Navsari district.
- It includes historical information about Surat and its Jain traditions, highlighting its significance as a commercial hub that attracted Jains.
- Detailed descriptions of individual Jinalayas are provided, often including architectural features, idol details, and historical inscriptions.
- The book also contains information about Jain institutions like Upashrayas (monasteries), Pathshalas (schools), Gyan Bhandars (libraries), Ayambilshala (places for fasting meals), Dharmashalas (rest houses), and Bhojanshala (dining halls).
- Lists of Sanghs (religious congregations) from each district are also included.
- A significant part of the book is dedicated to historical timelines of Jain events in Surat and the publication of ancient Jain texts like "Surat Chaitya Paripati" (compiled by Upadhyaya Vinayvijayji) and "Surat Chaitya Paripati" (by Karkmatiya Ladhashah).
Methodology and Data:
- The information was gathered through direct visits to the temples by a dedicated team of sisters.
- Historical information, details of temples, and other relevant materials were meticulously collected and compiled by Chandrakant Kadia.
- Emphasis is placed on authentic information, with efforts made to decipher inscriptions on idols and rely on reference books and historical notes for dating and details.
Highlights of Surat's Jain Heritage:
- The book notes that Surat, while considered relatively modern compared to ancient cities like Ahmedabad, Khambhat, and Patan, possesses a rich and fascinating history and tradition.
- It emphasizes the role of Jains in the development and grandeur of Surat, mentioning the contribution of wealthy merchants and their charitable donations.
- The book mentions specific Jinalayas with notable architectural or artistic features, such as intricate wood carvings and artistic samavaskarans.
- It traces the evolution of the number of Jinalayas in Surat over centuries, from a few in the 17th century to 136 by the 21st century.
Contributors and Support: The project received financial support from institutions like Shwetambar Murtipujak Jain Boarding and Sambodhi Samsthan. The book also acknowledges the valuable cooperation from the management of the Jinalayas in Surat, Valsad, and Navsari districts, as well as the efforts of the individuals involved in data collection and publication.
Detailed Information: The book provides tables and appendices with specific data on each temple, including its founding year (Samvat), location, presiding deity (Mulnayak), and the number of idols.
Significance: This work is intended not only for the local residents of Surat but also for all Jains and researchers, historians, and inquisitive individuals interested in Jain heritage and architecture. It serves as a valuable reference for understanding the history and presence of Jainism in the region.

In essence, "Suratna Jinalayo" is a meticulously researched and presented guide to the Jain temples of Surat and its surrounding districts, offering a deep dive into their history, architecture, and religious significance, thereby preserving and promoting Jain heritage.