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JAIN TEMPLES, MONKS AND NUNS IN POONA1 (City)
By Sii, S. B. Deo, M A.
[Mr. Deo is studying the history of Jain Monachism. But Jainism is also a living religion it is therefore necessary to correlate the past with the present. With a view to study in detail the religious practices, the habit and other items connected with the life of a modern Jain monk so as to find a link between the modern practices and the old ones, the present author carried on investigation into the daily routine of monks and nuns belonging to the different Sects of Jainism, the mode of worship in the local temples, their management etc. The following account has been the outcome of the author's personal visits to the temples and monasteries and of a free and frank dis cussion with the monks and local Jain gentlemen. Mr Deo here tells us about Jainism in Poona. ]
There are seven temples belonging to the Svetambaras out of these seven, three are in the city proper, one is in the Camp, one in Sholapur Bazar, one at Wanowri and one at Kirkee. The Svetambara Dharmashalas are two in number, one in the city and one in Camp, there are no separate Dharmashalas at Kirkee or at Wanowri.
The Digambaras have four temples in Poona One of them is in Vetal Peth, two are in Raviwar Peth (Lonira Ali) and one in Meetha Ganj. There are no monasteries for Digambara monks in Poona.
the Jainas, have no used as a place for There is also a
The Sthanakawasis a non-idolatrous sect of temples, but they have one Sthanaka which is residence by the monks. It is in Nana Peth. Sthanaka for nuns nearby.
1. I am indebted to Dr. Sankalia for the selection of the topic. So also
the following gentlemen have been of immense help to me -
Munis विमलसागर, इद्रसागर, कैलाससागर (Svet)
Muni मोहन ऋषिजो and nun उज्वल कुंवरजी ( Sthan )
Mr. M. G. Kothari M.A (Dig)
Mr. and Master Lalwani and Narayan Tolat.
