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Development & Impact of Jainism in India & Abroad
Anushruti, on this tilla Lord Vimalnath extinguished (Sheded off) his Four Ghati Karmas and attained omniscience. According to Archeologists this "Stone seat" i.e. Tilla is relics of some ancient Jain temple and on excavation some images are also found. In this Region 3 Tirthankaras Lord i.e. Adinath, Lord Parshwanath, and Lord Mahavir, had Samavsharans and had Vihar through this region. This reference was found here. In ancient Indian literature, names of this city are mostly mentioned as Kampil, Kampila or Kampilya.
Some where the names are stated to be Bhogpur and Kakandi also. These seems to be variable names of same place. There is also hearsay among public that famous Astrologist Varahamihir was born at this place named Kampilnagari.
CHEDI JANPAD
This ancient Janpad' of Uttar Pradesh is also known as 'Bundelkhanda'. It has only two districts viz. Jhansi & Lalitpur, but because of successive historical Archeological and cultural and prosperous Jain heritage, it is among very important Regions of Jainism. In these two districts there are about 11 region which have been great centers of Jaina culture & tradition.
DEVGARH
In these Regions, a very famous Region is that of Devgarh, which is in Lalitpur District and is 31 km. away in South Western direction from Lalitpur. It in on the bank of 'Baitna' river. Beneath it there is a very small village of Devgarh consisting of a population of more than 300 person. It is nearby hillock, there is a vast surrounding. Here there are 40 Jain Temples of 9th - 10th century 17 stone pillers, and about 500 engraved stones with writings thereon. Generally, there are idols (images) placed in temples, but many of these temples are made of idols. Images of these temples are world famous from Archeological point of view. Especially there is variety of 'Kesh-Vinyas' (Hair style) in prosperous state, like which it is very rare to be found anywhere in the world. Likewise images of "Panch Paramesthi" super Five spiritual entities. (As stated in Navakar Mantra) particularly those of Acharyas, Upadhyayas and Sadhus. Idols of these paramesh this are presented in very effective style. Similar to these is never visible elsewhere.
Main temple of this place is that of 16th Tirthankara of Jain Tradition Lord Shantinath, which is very famous. Most of these images are placed as a result and inspiration and under sermons of Monks & nuns. On Devgarh Region there is impact of development in Arts & Archeology since time of Pandavas. Moreover some relics of that periods are also found here. In this Region, the establishment of Jain temples and images are done by "Devvansh". Possibly, therefore the name of this place is known as Devgarh. On the four sides of this village there is a deep valley (ditch) of River Betva, which exhibits a very beautiful landscap over here.
SAIRONJI
Besides Devgarh from the Lalitpur in Northwards about 21 kms. away is famous place known as Saironji. Here under one complex several Jain temples are there. In main temple there is large sized stone image - 18 feet tall, is of Lord Shantinath. The idols of this place and other image, are Artistic merit to such an extent that they appear even better than those of Khajuraho and Devgarh. According to the available inscription on wide stone, this region is developed post
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