________________
Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
www.kobatirth.org
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir
10
श्रुतसागर
मार्च-२०१६ have built sumptuous buildings and magnificent temples, the style of which commands the applause of the best architectural critics of Europe. Their most sacred place is Mount Shatrunjay, situated near Palitana, in Kathiawar. Its summits are encrusted with marble temples and cloisters, erected in the course of many centuries at the expense of Jain people. Several times in the year rich Jains convey large bodies of their coreligionists to this and other holy places for pilgrimage at their cost. Besides, Jain pilgrims singly and in large bands from all parts of India flock to these temples at all times of the year.
It may be noted that Lord Reay, as Governor of Bombay, having, after careful study, settled the disputes between the Jain Community and the Chief of Palitana, fifteen years ago, an address of welcome was presented to him when he, with Lady Reay, visited that hill. That was the first official and public presentation to a British representative. In conclusion. I may observe that the present Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon, in reply to an address by the Jains of Calcutta, made the following remarks :
“Among the various communities which have addressed me since my arrival in India there is none whose words of welcome awaken a more responsive echo in my breast than the Jains. I am aware of the high ideas embodied in your religion, of the scrupulous conception of humanity which you entertain, of your great mercantile influence and activity, and of the ample charities that have characterized your public and private dispensations, Previous travels in India have also familiarized me with many of your temples, in whose architectural features I have observed a refinement that reminds me of the greatdays of Asiatic art."
न कोपनीयां केनापि, साक्षराः हितकांक्षिणः। एव विपरीता स्यु, राक्षसा एव केवलम् ।।
आ.श्री कैलाससागरसूरि ज्ञानमंदिर कोबा-प्रत नं.-३४८७५
For Private and Personal Use Only