Glory of Jainism

SR No.: 006520
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: 108 jain Tirth Darshan Trust
Publication Year: 1998
Total Pages: 264
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Religion
File Size: 59 MB

Page 255

have been constructed, adjoining the Saraswati shrine, on a vast stretch of land. Imagine the Samavasaran in which sat Tirthankar Bhagwan Mahavir Swami 2500 years ago ! References about it are found in scriptures and ancient hymns and sculptors and artists have provided a glimpse of the ancient Samavasaran in their works. During the course of his meditation, an idea occurred to shri Vijay Kastursurishwarji Maharaj to construct Samavasaran which would include 108 places of pilgrimage. As a result, one finds today a confluence of present chovishi, 108 parshwanathji, 108 tirthpatt and 108 chitrapatt. The task was accomplished under the guidance of Shri Vijay Chandrodaysurishwarji Maharaj and Munishri Kushalchandravijayji, Acharya Shri Vijay Ashokchandrasurisvarji, Acharya Shri Vijaychandrodaysurishwarji, Shri Ajitchandra Vijayji, Shri Vinitchandravijayji, Shri Hrimkarchandravijayji, Shri Pushpachandravijayji, Shri Somchandra Munishri, Amarchandra Munishri, Kailashchandra Munishri, Rajchandra Munishri and a host of their disciples contributed their mite to the gigantic task.
Samavasaran temple comprises 108 Parshvanathji, 108 tirth patt and 108 chitrapatt and looks very imposing with a height of 108'. As one enters, one comes into Shri Nemi-Vigyan Kastursurishwarji dharma-udyan(a religious park). The entrance is attractive and the beautiful stone carvings add to its charm. On one side is a water-hut and on the other is a lotusshaped rest house. On the right of the entrance is a unique temple which has been justly acclaimed as a wonderful creation. It gives one a glimpse into the glorious past, the history as it existed. It is rightly called a mahamandir(great temple).
Once on the threshold of the temple, one's eyes settle on the imposing idol of Shri Adinath. Then, as one moves on, comes a huge dome and then a tall pillar. The dome is 42' in height and 70' wide, carved out of stone. The pillar- manekstambh - is 42' in height and 16' wide, decorated with lotus petals. In the four directions are the idols of 24 tirthankars and 108 idols of Shri Parshvanath. The devotees, thus, experience heavenly bliss on getting a glimpse of 132 gods. On the marble slabs is found the history of 108 Jinalay and mulnayak Bhagwan, tirthpatt and pictures of 27 sadhus, 27 sadhvis and 27 shravak - 27 shravika who spread the message of piety and sacrifice and the series of pictures unfold the golden past for the devotees