Tirth Kshetra Lakshmaniji

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about the Tirth Kshetra Lakshmaniji:

Book Title: Tirth Kshetra Lakshmaniji Author: Muni Jayantvijay 'Madhukar'

This Jain text details the history, rediscovery, and current state of the ancient Jain pilgrimage site known as Tirth Kshetra Lakshmaniji.

Ancient Origins and Devastation:

• Lakshmaniji is an ancient Jain pilgrimage site, existing as far back as the 16th century Vikram era.
• Evidence suggests its antiquity dates back at least two thousand years.
• During the period when Mandavgadh became a battlefield for the Yavanas (Muslim invaders), this major pilgrimage site was also attacked. The temples and other structures were systematically destroyed.
• This Yavana invasion led to the complete devastation of the Tirth, leaving only its name in the 19th century Vikram era, which had also degraded to "Lakhmani." The site was reduced to the temporary settlements of Bhil tribes.

Rediscovery of Idols:

• At one point, a Bhil farmer discovered eleven exquisitely beautiful Jin idols in his field.
• Shortly after, three more idols were unearthed a few feet away from the same location. The local Bhils began worshipping one of these idols as their primary deity, applying oil and vermilion to it.
• In total, fourteen idols were recovered from the earth, with specific details about their names and heights provided.

Details of the Rediscovered Idols: The text lists the idols and their approximate heights in inches:

1. Shri Padmaprabhswami (37 inches) - White-colored, complete form. The inscription is faded, with only "Samvat 1013 Vaisakh Sudi Saptamyam" legible, indicating an age of at least one thousand years.
2. Shri Adinathji (27 inches) - Brown colored.
3. Shri Mahavir Swami (32 inches) - White-colored, complete form. Although the inscription is missing, its features suggest it was consecrated during the reign of Maharaja Samprati.
4. Shri Mallinathji (26 inches) - It's suggested these and Shri Naminathji's idols were consecrated in the same Samvat (1013).
5. Shri Naminathji (26 inches) - Brown colored.
6. Shri Rishabhdevji (13 inches) - Brown colored.
7. Shri Ajitnathji (15 inches) - Made of sand, ancient, and visually appealing.
8. Shri Rishabhdevji (13 inches) - Brown colored.
9. Shri Sambhavnathji
10. Shri Chandraprabh Swami
11. Shri Anantnathji
12. Shri Chaukhuji (Four-faced idol)
13. Shri Abhinandan Swami
14. Shri Mahavir Swami

• Note: Idols #13 and #14 were found in a broken state.
• The idols of Shri Adinathji (27 inches) and the two thirteen-inch idols of Shri Rishabhdev Swami are considered at least seven hundred years old, appearing to be from the same period. An inscription on the Shri Adinathji idol mentions "Samvat 1310."
• A small metal idol of Shri Parshwanath Swami (four inches) was also found, with an inscription indicating it's seven hundred years old ("Samvat 1303").

Historical Accounts of Prosperity:

• A Prakrit composition called 'Nemad Pravas Geetika' by Muni Jayananad, who visited the region in Vikram Samvat 1427, describes the prosperity of the Nimar region and the grandeur of Lakshmaniji.
• The Geetika details numerous Jin temples and thousands of Jain followers in various settlements like Mandavgadh, Tarapur, Taranpur, Nanduri, Hastini Patan, and Lakshmaniji. Lakshmaniji alone had 101 Jin temples and two thousand Jain followers, described as being wealthy and devoted to Dharma.

Revival and Renown of Lakshmaniji:

• The recovered fourteen idols were presented to the Shri Shwetambar Jain Sangh by Maharaja Shri Pratapsinghji of Alirajpur.
• Instead of moving the idols to Alirajpur, the Maharaja, influenced by a religious leader, decided to build a temple at the original site to preserve its historical significance.
• With the guidance of Shrimad Upadhyayji Shri Yatindra Vijayji (later Acharya Shri Yatindra Surishwarji Maharaj), the Maharaja donated 511 feet of land (east-west) and 611 feet (north-south) to the Jain Sangh for the temple, well, garden, etc. He also pledged an annual contribution of seventy-one rupees for the temple's upkeep.
• This combined effort of spiritual guidance, royal devotion, and community enthusiasm led to the construction of a magnificent, three-peaked temple.
• Residents from surrounding villages like Alirajpur, Kukshi, Bag, and Tanda contributed generously, building a large dharamshala, upashraya, office, and a garden with various trees.
• This brought the forgotten Tirth back to prominence.

Further Discoveries and Consecration:

• Excavations in a mound also yielded ancient pottery and historical artifacts.
• Several ancient idol pedestals were found in a nearby field.
• The consecration ceremony of the newly built temple was performed by Acharya Dev Shrimad Vijay Yatindra Surishwarji Maharaj (then Upadhyayji) in Vikram Samvat 1994 (1937 CE) during an eight-day festival. Shri Padmaprabh Swami was enthroned as the principal deity, with other idols also installed in their respective places.
• On the consecration day, the Maharaja donated two thousand and one rupees to the temple and took responsibility for its protection.

Inscriptions and Legacy:

• A significant inscription on a marble stone near the main entrance details the consecration ceremony, mentioning the discovery of fourteen beautiful idols, the land donation by Maharaja Pratapsingh, and the consecration performed by the disciples of the renowned Acharya Shrimad Vijay Rajendra Surishwarji Maharaj, namely Upadhyay Shrimad Yatindra Vijay Muni.
• The text emphasizes that the credit for the revival of Lakshmaniji Tirth entirely goes to Shrimad Vijay Yatindra Surishwarji Maharaj.

Current State of the Tirth:

• The text highlights the favorable climate and environment of Lakshmaniji, contributing to the well-being of visitors.
• Accommodation, lodging, and dining facilities are available.
• There is a large dharamshala and a bhojanshala (dining hall).
• The Guru Mandir of Pujya Shri Rajendrasuri Ji Maharaj is present.
• A marble replica of the Pavapuri Jalmandir has been constructed.
• Wall hangings depicting the life stories of Shripal and Mayanasundari are also noteworthy.
• The Tirth is accessible via Dahod railway station (on the Mumbai-Delhi route), with bus services available from Dahod to Alirajpur and then to Lakshmaniji.
• The Shri Alirajpur Shri Rajendra Jain Navayuvak Parishad played a significant role in the construction of the Guru Mandir, with active participation from its members and prominent residents of Alirajpur.
• The 10th convention of the Shri Akhil Bharatiya Rajendra Jain Navayuvak Parishad was also held here with great success.

Additional Information on Other Jain Sites (Briefly Mentioned): The latter part of the text briefly mentions two other Jain sites:

• Sanderao Jinmandir:
  • Shri Adinath Jin Mandir: Consecrated in Samvat 1988.
  • Shri Shantinath Jin Mandir: Originally housed a statue of Bhagwan Parshwanath, replaced with Bhagwan Mahavir's idol, and finally replaced with the idol of Shri Shantinath Bhagwan about five hundred years ago. This temple is located six feet below ground level with a unique drainage system. The local deity Shri Manibhadraji is influential here.
  • A chawri (ornate structure) and a Samavasaran are being constructed in the temple garden.

Overall, the text is a historical account of a significant Jain pilgrimage site, tracing its destruction by invaders, its rediscovery through ancient idols, its revival through the efforts of religious leaders and royalty, and its present-day status as a thriving spiritual destination.