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Jain Society of Greater Detroit PRATISHTHA MAHOTSAV JUNE 27-JULY 6 1998 DHARNASHAH
(Vikram Shatak 15)
Shravak Inspirations
Dharnashah of Nandia (Sirohi) was the son of the respected sheth Kurpal and his wife Kamladevi. He was always of virtuous conduct, and truthful speech, was good-hearted as well as generous, was helpful and religious. He used his wealth to do religious work and make donations. He built various temples at Ajaahra, Saaler, and Pindarvatak. He sponsored a pilgrimage to the tirth Shatrunjay, and in the height of their youth he and his wife took a vow of celibacy from Acharya Somsundarsuriji
and put on the Indra mala. One night he had a dream of a celestial craft called Nalinigulm and because of that dream he decided to build a temple of the same form. He consulted many temple architects from far and wide. Depak, a temple architect of Mandara village also had a similar dream. As per his drafts, a beautiful temple was built at Ranakpur. This foursided temple of 1444 pillars and 72 deris is such that from any entrance, a view of the main idol of Aadeshwar Bhagvan is possible. Not a single pillar or a door will come in between and obstruct the view, that is the uniqueness of this famous temple. This temple so an unparalleled, world famous example of the architecture of Jain temples.
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