Vadnagar No Nagar Jain Sangh

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Vadnagar no Nagar Jain Sangh," by Amrutlal M. Bhojak:

Book Title: Vadnagar no Nagar Jain Sangh Author: Amrutlal M. Bhojak Publisher: Z_Mahavir_Jain_Vidyalay_Suvarna_Mahotsav_Granth_Part_1_012002.pdf and Mahavir_Jain_Vidyalay_Suvarna_

Core Focus:

The primary purpose of this text is to present an unpublished vijñapti-patra (a formal request or petition) written in the 18th century Vikram era from the Nagar Jain Sangh of Vadnagar to Acharya Shri Vijayaprabhsuriji of the Tapagachcha, who was residing in Narayanpur (present-day Narena, Rajasthan). Alongside this, the author also introduces an unpublished Kālpasūtra manuscript commissioned by a prominent Nagar shreshthi (merchant/elder) from Vadnagar.

Key Themes and Content:

1. The Vadnagar Nagar Jain Sangh and its Historical Context:

   • The text establishes that Vadnagar was a significant city in ancient times, with names like Anandpur, Vriddhanagar, and Chamatkarpur. It was a center of wealth and learning, referred to as "Shri-Saraswati's abode."
   • The existence of a "Nagar Jain Sangh" in Vadnagar is confirmed by this vijñapti-patra.
   • The author explores the origins and identity of the "Nagar" community, discussing whether they were primarily Brahmin or Vaishya (merchant) by caste and their connection to the "Nagar Gachha" (sect). While definitive conclusions are difficult without further extensive research, the text suggests a strong connection between the Nagar community and Jainism, particularly within the Tapagachcha.

2. The Nagar Gachha:

   • The text explains that some Jain gachchas (sects or orders) were named after the place of their origin or the communities associated with them. The Nagar Gachha is presented as an example, likely originating from or having a strong presence of the Nagar community.
   • Evidence from inscriptions and other records points to the Nagar Gachha existing before the 12th century Vikram era. The text cites various inscriptions from the 13th to 15th centuries Vikram era that mention the Nagar Gachha.
   • It is noted that the Nagar Gachha was also known by another name, "Vanagar Gachha," and that Metrana was a significant Jain pilgrimage site for this Gachha during the medieval period.

3. The Jain Faith and the Nagar Community (Nagvansh-Nagargnāti):

   • The author extensively discusses the presence of the Nagar vanik (merchant) community as followers of Jainism in both the Shvetambar and Digambar traditions, based on inscriptions and idol inscriptions from ancient times up to the 20th century Vikram era.
   • It is noted that as the number of Nagar Gachha monks declined from the 13th to the 16th centuries, Nagar followers likely began to follow other Gachhas, influenced by their Acharyas.
   • Numerous examples of Nagar shreshthis commissioning Jain temples and idols are provided, including instances of donations for temple renovations.
   • Specific examples are given:
     • Gandhi Depal's great-grandson, Bahu Shreshthi, built the Sarvajit Jinprasad in Kavi Tirth.
     • Khuvarji Shreshthi built the Ratnatilak Jinprasad in Kavi.
     • Dhandha Nagar Shreshthi commissioned a Kālpasūtra, and his father Anand Shreshthi renovated a Jain temple in Pillaihika (Pilvai).
   • Examples of Digambar Nagar vaṇiks are also mentioned, such as Bhushan, who built Jain temples in Ucchvankunagar, and Pana, who commissioned an idol of Lord Parshvanath.
   • The text highlights various residences, branches, clans (gotras), and surnames of Jain Nagar followers, including places like Sodhalai, Pethapur, Kukarwada, Vadnagar, Khambhat, and Pilvai in Gujarat, and Uchchvankunagar and Dolai (Nadlai) in Rajasthan. Common surnames like Vyavahari, Govik, Gothi, Dosi, Shreni, Sadhu, Shah, Thakur, and Gandhi are listed, many of which are still found in Vadnagar today.

4. The Vijñapti-patra (Petition):

   • The vijñapti-patra is described as being written in the first half of the 18th century Vikram era, addressed to Acharya Shri Vijayaprabhsuriji.
   • The manuscript is housed at the Shri Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Bhartiya Sanskriti Vidyamandir in Ahmedabad (catalog number 4562).
   • It is noted that the latter part of the vijñapti-patra, likely containing the year of writing, signatures of prominent individuals, and guru vandan, is damaged. However, based on the Acharya's nirvana (demise) in 1749 Vikram era, the petition is estimated to have been written between 1729 and 1738 Vikram era.
   • The manuscript is on paper, in a fragile state, with national archives overlay. It measures 7 feet 4 inches in length and 9 inches in width.
   • It is divided into two sections: a picture section (2 feet 9 inches) and a text section (4 feet 6 inches).
   • The picture section includes depictions of the 14 dreams signifying a Tirthankar's birth, disciples bowing to the Acharya, the Acharya giving a discourse, and scenes from a procession (sāmaiyā). The attire depicted is representative of Gujarat during that period.
   • The script is primarily Devanagari, with some Gujarati characters interspersed. The language is described as a blend of Sanskrit and the prevalent Gujarati style of the time.
   • The vijñapti-patra itself is a detailed account of the current religious activities and the sentiments of the Vadnagar Nagar Jain Sangh towards their Acharya. It expresses satisfaction with the Acharya's teachings and the conduct of visiting monks, requests the continuation of their presence for the upcoming chaturmas (four-month rainy season retreat), and mentions adherence to scriptures like the Bhagavati Sūtra and Uttarādhyayana Sūtra. It also touches upon the Sangh's past grievances and their current state of contentment.

5. The Illustrated Kālpasūtra Manuscript:

   • This manuscript, also housed at the Shri Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Bhartiya Sanskriti Vidyamandir (catalog number 4561), was commissioned by a Nagar shreshthi.
   • It measures 10.25 inches by 10.25 inches and is in good condition.
   • It contains 39 well-executed, golden-hued illustrations in the style of the 16th century Vikram era.
   • The manuscript comprises 130 pages, with the Kālpasūtra text concluding on the 130th page, followed by a eulogy of the patron and the scribe's note (pūpikā).
   • The pūpikā indicates that the manuscript was written in 1547 Vikram era by Mantri Vachhak of Patan, commissioned by the Nagar shreshthi Amba.
   • A later note states that this manuscript was given to Acharya Kalyan Sundarji in 1789 Vikram era, who then passed it on to Vachhanacharya Shri Nainasi.
   • The eulogy mentions the greatness of Vadnagar, the Nagar community, and highlights the patronage of the Nagar shreshthi Dhansi and his family, including his son Devraj Hemraj, and grandson Amba. It also refers to Acharya Shri Munisundarsuri and his consecration ceremony, which was also supported by Devraj Shreshthi.
   • The text connects the patronage of Amba Shreshthi and his family to events described in the Somsaubhagya Kavya by Acharya Shri Pratishthasaganini, who was a disciple of Shri Munisundarsuri.

6. Decline of the Nagar Jain Community:

   • The text concludes by reflecting on the decline of the Nagar Jain community. By the 19th and 20th centuries Vikram era, only a few Nagar families, notably the Devi family, remained practicing Jains in Vadnagar.
   • A significant event mentioned is the pressure on these Nagar Jains to marry within their community, which became difficult due to their limited numbers. They sought integration with other Jain communities in Ahmedabad but were reportedly not accepted. This led some to abandon Jainism and convert to Vaishnavism.
   • The author cites accounts from Acharya Shri Buddhisagarsuri and Muni Darshanvijayji regarding this decline.
   • Despite the general decline, the text notes that some Nagar individuals continued to visit Jain temples due to generational influence, with the last known such individual being Shri Vrajlal Sakharam Devi, who passed away around 2010 Vikram era.

Author's Contribution:

Amrutlal M. Bhojak, through meticulous research of ancient Jain literature and historical records, has brought to light these significant documents, shedding light on the historical presence and practices of the Nagar Jain community in Vadnagar and their role within the broader Jain tradition. He acknowledges the assistance of community leaders in Vadnagar for providing some information.