________________ Caitya Paripati and Ahmedabad of Early Seventeenth Century peared and new use of these areas have developed. Similarly some Tirthas also have disappeared with the passage of time. However, when a longer view of the growth of the Jaina Tirthas is taken by the analysis of the new Paripati and the building activity of the temples, the progress of Jaina tirthas becomes clear. In the Jaina caitya paripati of samvat 2035 ( 1978 A. D.) one records 136 temples, 67 associated temples and 106 house temples. These figures show the rise of about three times within the period of Lalitsagara and the present. Conclusions From the study of the Paripati of Lalitsagara as well as the Sthala Puranas like Nagar Khand, Kaumarika Khand etc., that deal with the Tirthas of our country, it is clear that they preserve their tradition, history etc. When dated Paripatis are considered as a source of history, they are as effective as the diaries of Chinese travellers and other travelogues. The difference being, the Paripati gives detailed information of the Tirthas. When the anonymous and undated literature of Tirthayatra is used, it is also found to be equally effective after an analysis of its chronology on the basis of internal and external examination of the text. * Retired Professor and Head Department of Ancient History, Gujarat Vidyapitha, Ahmedabad. Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org
