Shatrunjay uper thayel Pratishthano Ahewal

SR No.: 005597
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Ratilal D Desai
Publisher: Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi
Publication Year: 1977
Total Pages: 232
Language: Gujarati
Classification: Book_Gujarati
File Size: 11 MB

Page 206

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પ્રતિષ્ઠાને અહેવાલ The Times of India, Ahmedabad, Bombay, Delhi Residents of this small hillside town and thousands of pilgrims were treated to a keleidoscopic spectacle of the quaint, the modern and austere, as representatives of Jain organisations took out a grand procession to set the stage for tomorrow, Shri Shatrunjay Mahagiri Pratistha Mahotsav. Today's lavish display was a fitting curtain raiser to the re-installation of 507 (504) idols under one roof.
Jain history was made atop the Shatrunjay hill near this small town in Bhavnagar districts this morning when 507 (504) idols were re-installed in a new temple built at a cost of Rs. 6 lakhs.
It was actually a case of history repeating itself on a greater scale. For Shatrunjay, known as Tirthadhiraj (king of holy centres) in Jain lore, had witnessed a similar incident in 1531 A.D., when several idols from temples raged down by early Mohammedan invaders were re-installed by Karma Shah, a zealous functionary from Chitor, after securing a special firman from Gujarat's rular, Bahadur Shah.
The temple contains 52 clusters of statues big and small and boasts of all the features of the other temples—the decorative carved patterns, figurines and statues of angels, dancers, musicians, quards representing humans and supernatural creatures. (Bombay, 8–2–76)
This small town in Bhavnagar district witnessed a significant event in Jain history yesterday when 507 (504) idols were re-installed in a new temple, built at a cost of Rs. 6 lakhs, atop Shatrunjay hill.
It was a case of history repeating itself. For Shatrunjay, described as “ Tirthadhiraj ” in Jain lore, had witnessed a similar ceremony in 1531, when several idols from temples razed to the ground by Sultans' armies were re-installed by Karma Shah, a zealous functionary from Chittor.
The re-installation was necessitated by the haphazard establishment of temples and installation of idols in the area. The 507 (504) idols were originally installed at places which did not conform to the requirements laid down in Jain scriputres. (New Delhi, 9-2-'76)