Suratni Jain Directory

This document is a Jain Directory for Surat, titled "Suratni Jain Directory" (સુરતની જૈન ડીરેકટરી), authored by Popatlal Punjabhai Parikh and published by Jivanchand Shakarchand Zaveri. It was released in Vir Samvat 2454, Vikram Samvat 1984, and CE 1928.

The directory aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Jain community in Surat, highlighting its various religious, educational, social, and cultural institutions, as well as its historical significance.

Here's a breakdown of the key sections and themes covered in the directory:

1. Introduction and Dedication:

• The book is dedicated to Acharya Shrimad Anand Sagarsurishwarji, recognizing his role in reviving ancient Jain scriptures and his contribution to Jain literature and societal progress.
• The preface emphasizes Surat's reputation for generosity, hospitality, and its significant role in Gujarati culture and commerce. It highlights Surat as a "paradise of Gujarat" and a center of tolerance and spiritual pursuit.
• The author expresses the importance of such directories for documenting the history and achievements of the Jain community and for inspiring future generations.

2. Educational Institutions:

• A significant portion of the directory is dedicated to educational initiatives. It details various schools, colleges, hostels, and scholarship funds established by the Jain community in Surat.
  • Shree Ratnasagarji Jain Vidyashala and Boarding House: Established in 1957 (Samvat), focusing on both secular and religious education.
  • Zaveri Naginchand Ghelabhai Jain High School: Founded in Samvat 1983, offering free education to Jain students.
  • Shree Jain Vidyarthi Ashram: Established in Samvat 1975 to provide education and boarding facilities for students, particularly from rural areas.
  • Various Educational Funds and Scholarship Programs: Including the Seth Dharamchand Udechand Jain Education Fund, Seth Gulabchand Raychand Scholarship Fund, and Seth Kalyan chand Navalchand Jain Prize Fund, aimed at supporting students' higher education.
  • Female Education: The directory highlights the importance of women's education, detailing the establishment of the Shree Jain Vanita Vishram in Surat, dedicated to providing religious, moral, practical, and industrial education to girls. Other girls' schools and educational initiatives are also mentioned.

3. Religious Education and Schools:

• The importance of religious education is stressed, noting the perceived lack of it in modern secular education. Various Jain pathshalas (religious schools) are listed, including:
  • Vadachota Jain Vidyashala
  • Shree Mohanlalji Jain Pathshala (Gopipura)
  • Seth Bhurabhai Navalchand Pathshala
  • Chapariya Sheri Jain Pathshala
  • Shree Siddhi Vijay Jain Pathshala (Sagaramapra)
  • Shree Navapura Jain Pathshala

4. Jain Literature and Libraries:

• The directory traces the rich history of Jain literature and the efforts made for its preservation and dissemination.
  • Efforts in Literature Preservation: It discusses the historical decline of Jain literature, its neglect in ancient libraries, and subsequent efforts to revive and publish it, noting the contributions of scholars and monasteries.
  • Publication Societies: Key organizations involved in publishing Jain literature are highlighted:
    • Seth Devchand Lalbhai Pustakoddhar Fund and Agamoday Samiti: Established in 1909 with a significant corpus to preserve and publish Jain scriptures in various languages. A comprehensive list of published works is provided.
    • Seth Naginchand Manchhubhai Jain Sahitya Uddhar Fund: Focused on publishing ancient and modern Jain literature at affordable prices.
    • Shree Vijaykamal Surishwarji Prachin Hastlikhit Pustakoddhar Fund: Dedicated to preserving and rewriting ancient Jain manuscripts.
  • Libraries and Knowledge Centers: The directory lists various Jain libraries and knowledge repositories in Surat, including:
    • Shree Jain Anand Pustakalay
    • Shree Mohanlalji Gyan Bhandar
    • Shree Jinvattasuri Gyan Bhandar
    • Shree Hukmamuniji Gyan Bhandar
    • Shree Mandirswami Bhandar (Vadachota)
    • Shree Manganbhai Pratapsing Jain Library and Reading Room

5. Jain Temples (Jinalayas):

• A detailed list of Jain temples in Surat, categorized by locality (Gopipura, Vadachota, Shahpur, etc.), is provided, mentioning the main deities and sometimes the patrons or founders. The directory acknowledges the historical presence of numerous temples, reflecting the community's ancient prosperity and religious devotion.

6. Condition of Temples:

• The directory addresses the issue of the upkeep of temples, particularly those in less populated areas or with dwindling congregations. It highlights the need for better management and the formation of restoration funds, such as the Shree Surat Dharamchand Udaychand Jain Jirnoddhar Fund, to preserve these historical structures.

7. Population Statistics:

• The directory includes census data for Surat district, providing figures for the overall population, male and female populations, and literacy rates for the general population and specifically for Jains, citing the Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency.

8. Surat's Ancient History and Jain Presence:

• The text delves into the historical origins of Surat (Suryapur) and its connection to the Jain community. It cites historical accounts and scriptures like the Jain Meghdoot and Chaitra Paripati to establish the ancient Jain presence and prosperity in Surat, particularly in areas like Gopipura and Nanavata.

9. Jain Temples and Inscriptions:

• The directory includes details of inscriptions found in temples, providing dates and names of patrons, showcasing the community's long-standing history of religious patronage and temple construction.

10. Role of Nagar Sheth (City Chief Merchant) and Community Leadership:

• It highlights the historical and continuing role of the Nagar Sheth family, who are Jain, in Surat's administration, commerce, and community affairs. The directory traces the lineage of the Nagar Sheths, emphasizing their influence, business acumen, and contributions to public service and Jain institutions.

11. Social Services and Welfare:

• The directory details various Jain organizations in Surat dedicated to social welfare and charity:
  • Sadhamik Vatsalya (Fellow Devotee Welfare): Programs like the Shree Jain Panchayat Fund's Shree Jain Bhojanshala (community dining hall) and the Shree Jain Sahayak Fund are highlighted for their role in supporting the needy and promoting community harmony.
  • Public Service: The contributions of prominent Jain families and individuals to public causes, including education, healthcare, and animal welfare (Jivdaya Fund), are acknowledged.
  • Healthcare Facilities: The establishment of hospitals, dispensaries, and sanatoriums, such as the Seth Naginchand Manchhubhai Jain Arogya Bhuvan and the Seth Manchhubhai Jivanachand Jain Arogya Bhuvan, are noted.
  • Animal Welfare: The Shree Surat Panjarapole (animal shelter) is mentioned as a testament to the Jain principle of Ahimsa (non-violence).

12. Conclusion:

• The concluding remarks encourage readers, especially the younger generation, to actively engage in social service and contribute to the ongoing progress of the Jain community. It emphasizes that while the history documented is extensive, there is always room for further contributions and improvements in existing institutions. The author expresses hope that this directory will serve as a guide and inspiration for future endeavors.

In essence, the "Suratni Jain Directory" is a valuable historical document that meticulously records the multifaceted contributions of the Jain community in Surat to religion, education, literature, social welfare, and public life. It serves as a testament to their enduring legacy and commitment to societal upliftment.