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Jainism in Mathurā
marble image of Mahāvīra is the principal idol on this vedi; one image of Pārsvanātha is built of brass and the other of black stone; the solitary image of Rsabha is built of brass. Another vedi contains a white marble image of Jambūsvāmī in the kāyotsarga posture. The images of some Jaina male and female deities – Ksetrapāla, Sarasvatī and Padmăvatī, too, have been installed in the complex of this temple.
An annual fair was instituted in AD 1870 at the Chaurasi site by a Bharatpur Jaina named Nain Sikh.53 This tradition continues. Originally, the annual Jaina fair at Chaurasi, Mathurā was held for a week in October-Novemeber.54 Presently, it is held on 26 January every year. A Rathyatra Mahotsava on the occasion of the annual fair, and religious and cultural programmes are the characteristic features of this fair, which attracts Jaina pilgrims from many parts of the country.55 A varied Jaina establishment, including an educational institution, has grown around the Jaina temple at Chaurasi, Mathurā. This temple is the principal centre of Jaina religous and cultural life at Mathurā. Srī 1008 Jambūsvāmi Digambara Jaina Siddhakşetra Chaurasi, Mathurā is held in great esteem by the Jainas and Chaurasi, attracts Jaina pilgrims from many parts of the country.
The Jainas in Mathură are divided into the Svetāmbara and the Digambara sect. But, despite their differences, the Svetāmbaras and the Digambaras are one regarding the doctrines and discipline of Jainism, at least in respect of fundamental and significant points. Therefore, one can speak of Jainism as a whole. Most of them are educated and economically well-off, and enjoy a respectable position in the city. The Jainas are not a large community in Mathurā. But their religious zeal and fervour have made Jainism a living and vibrant religion in this city.
53. MDM, p. 13; DGM, 1911, p. 83. 54. MDM, p. 13; DGM, 1911, p. 83. According to Dr. Jyoti Prasad Jain, the 8-day Kārtiki
fair at Chaurasi, Mathurā and the Rathotsava were instituted by Seth Raghunath Das.
See J.P. Jain, Pramukha ..., op.cit., p. 354. 55. Information provided by Dr. Jai Prakash Jain; Souvenir of the Annual Fair and Rath
yatra, Jaina Siddhaksetra, Chaurasi, Mathurā.
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