Book Title: Introduction to Jainism and its Culture
Author(s): Balbhadra Jain
Publisher: Kundkund Gyanpith Indore

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Page 223
________________ The very next morning in presence of hundreds of people King Nainasiṁha ceremoniously laid five bricks in the foundation of the temple with his own hands. Financed by Räjā Harasukharāya, the temple was constructed under the supervision of Lālā Jayakumāra. Just before the final touches were to be given to the well built temple, Rājā Harasukharāya requested the elders of the society, in presence of a large gathering, that he had done all within his power and now this temple belongs to them. Therefore, everyone should contribute. A large pitcher was placed there and everyone present there contributed to the best of his ability and capacity. However, only a meager amount was collected. Rājā Harasukharāya's aim was that every member of the society has a personal attachment for the temple and he himself avoids nurturing conceit. In the year 1863 V. Rājā Harasukharāya got the ceremonies of placing Kalasa (pious urn) on the top and installation of images. In 1897 V. he got the giant main gate made. There are spacious resthouses around the temple. In 1857 A. D. during the freedom fight Gujars plundered this temple. They also took away the image of the principal deity, Bhagavāna Pārśva Nātha. Later, this temple was once again looted. In the present renovated temple an image of Bhagavāna śānti Nātha, brought from Delhi, has been installed. Since then it is popularly known as the temple of Bhagavāna śānti Nātha. The temple complex is undergoing a continued development. There is another temple behind this one. Three miles away from the temple, a model of Jambūdvīpa has been made under the auspices of Jñanamati Mātāji. A grand temple complex has taken shape and dharmaśālās with all modern amenities have also been constructed. In front of the old temple the construction work of a model of Astăpada mountain is in progress. Nearby is the Śvetāmbara Jain dharmaśālā and temple equipped with all facilities. BHAGAVĀNA KUNTHU NĀTHA -- After half a Palya (a unit of metaphoric time scale) of nirvana of Tirthankara Sānti Nātha, Kunthu Nātha was born to queen śrīmatidevi, the wife of King Sūryasenā (belonging to the Kauravavassa of Ikşvāku family and Kāśyapa gotra) of Hastināpura city. In due course he married and ascended the throne. One day he became aware of the transient nature of life. He became a 206 Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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