________________
'The volume 'Shri 108 Jain Tirthdarshanavali' describes all the places of pilgrimage in a vivid style and provides useful information to a large number of pilgrims from India and abroad. Exhibitions of the pictures of the places of pilgrimage have been held at various places in the U. S. A. The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, was presented the portrait of Hemchandracharya and about 35 Jain scholars attended world conference in 1993 in Chicago and were presented with the replica of mahamandir for serving the Jinshasan (Jain order)with utmost devotion. During the convention of Jains Association of North America (JAINA) in Pittsburg, the Jains from America, Canada, England and Africa had a glimpse of these pictures and they all felt very happy. The tirthpatt and chitrapatt will be displayed in the Jinalaya which will be ready in July 1998 in Detroit.
On the four gates of Samavasaran temple are beautiful scenes of mahamahan, mahagop, mahasharthavah and mahaniryamak. The eight blocks on either side of the main gate are a spcimen of exemplary artistic work, along with other beautifully carved figures. One block houses the administrative office and in another block are found the idols of Shri Gautam Swamiji, Shri Vigyansuriji, Dharmaraj Kastursuriji, mother Chakkesari and mother Padmavati. The other blocks have pictures of 63 shalaka purush, 5 vachana of 45 agam etc. and other useful details and information connecting the past with the present are also provided.
The sanctum sanctorum of the Samavasaran temple facinates the devotees and they experience celestial bliss. The exteriors of the temple are equaly attractive with intricately carved figures of Shri Neminath, Shri Parshvanathji, Shri Adinathji and others as also other scenes depicting the glorious past.
On the left is Bhaktibhavan which provides all the amenities that devotees would wish to have. As one goes up, one finds lovely figures of sadhus and sadhvis and birds and animals which are a feast to the eyes. There is a huge idol, 61.5" in padmasan posture, of Shri Mahavir Swami and two artistically carved trees, Ashok and Chaitya, weighing about 500 tonnes, 27 ft. tall and with a radius of 37 ft. The sight, early in the morning, gives both peace and pleasure.
Samavasaran is no ordinary temple but a maha( great)mandir, a symbol of spirituality and devotion as exemplified by jinshasan.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
