Bharatiya Sanskriti Ke Vikas Me Jain Vangamay Ka Avdan Part 02

Author(s): Nemichandra Shastri, Rajaram Jain, Devendrakumar Shastri
Publisher: Prachya Shraman Bharati

Page 257

भारतीय संस्कृति के विकासमें जैन वाङ्मयका अवदान were responsible for its structure. The average sightseer too has waxed eloquent and become thrilled at the spectacle of this dream in marble. As one observes the grand monument one is reminded inevitably of the history behind the hills of this 'poem in marble'. Shahabad is proud of its architectural glories from time immemorial and these hilis are a brilliant specimen of Jain art and imagination.
2. Shree Bahubali Jain Mandir. This temple built within the compound of Shree Jain Bala Vishram. Dharma Kunj, Arrah, was dedicated by Shree Nem Sunder Devi, pious wife of Late Babu Dhanedra Das Jain of Arrah. It is admitted on all hands that the 57 feet high, ancient image of Bahubali Swami, in Shrawan Bela Gola, in Mysore state, is a unique sight worth seeing in the world. Historians hold that its foundation was laid by general Chamund Roy of Ganga Bans in the tenth century. He was the commander-in-chief Ganga dynasty Becoming a deserving hero of the time he dedicated the famous statue of Gomatha Swami, the great hero and the second son of Rishabha Deo. This grand unparalelled image of Bahubali and Gomatha was copied in South India at Venur and Karkal respectively. But the non-existence of a statue of Bahubali's was always striking in North India, So the honour of its first foundation in North India goes to Arrah. The statue is 15 ft. high and weighs 250 maunds. The temple is standing over an artificial mountain amidst beautiful natural surroundings. One is struck dumb by the graceful and life-likc engravings of flowers, creepers and fruits round the temple and it is a marvel how such microsco pic items could have been done on stone, Equally impressive are the effects of the larger masses of stones and red stones over which this temple is built. The big domes, the huge gate and the vast and spacious garden are all done with supreme aesthetic skill.
3. The Jal Mandir -This was laid by late Babu Abhāy Kumar Jain of Arrah. Pawapuri has been said to be the expiration place of the last Tirthankar Maha bir, where is a vast exquisite temple, situated in the heart of a big tank full of lotus flowers. She same is reproduced in this teriiple. This is also built in the middle of a little tank. To cross the tank there is a four feet wide and about 40ft long bridge. A magnificet image of Mahabir is installed in it. As one approaches the building sees first the grand gate of redwood which is imposing in its effect. On entering this gate, one is presented with the spectacle of a lovely garden. Then comes the dais on which the main building of the monument is constructed. The whole scene is thrilling and worth seeing.
4. Nandiswar Dwip Mandir :--This is adjacent to Panchayati Mandir. In this temple 52 stnall Chaityalaya (@aisa) have been set up in a