Jain Journal 1968 07

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 48

Jaina Temples at Korandapuri
V. G. NAIR
Among the pioneer Jaina ascetics was a noted missionary called Acharya Ratnaprabha Suri. He, in the course of his missionary activities happened to visit Upakesapura, a city situated near the modern Jodhpur. While he was staying at Upakesapura, a tragic event occurred. It brought irreparable loss to the royal family. The crown prince of the royal family was bitten by a cobra and met with instantaneous death. The dead body was taken to the cremation ground for burial. Ratnaprabha Suri came to know of the tragedy and from compassion for the dead prince he revived him to life. The king and his courtiers who were present on the scene of this miracle embraced Jainism and accepted the Acharya as their teacher.
The conversion of the king and several of his leading subjects to the Jaina faith opened a new chapter in the history of Rajasthan. In a few years, Upakesapura became a great centre of Jainism. The ethical and metaphysical teachings of Lord Mahavira took deep root on the soil raising the people from primitive thoughts to intellectual awakening. Imposing temples, monasteries and educational institutions sprang up throughout the land. Upakesapura became a noted seat of pilgrimage and religious studies for the Jainas who lived far and near not only in Rajasthan, but also in Gujarat and Kathiawad.
Among the cities of Rajasthan renowned for religious worship was Korandapuri, the modern Korte situated near the Jawaibandh railway station of the Western Railways. It lay in the midst of picturesque surroundings on the bank of the Jawai river and surrounded by the Aravalli hills, Korandapuri was the holiest of the holy for the Jainas. But today the vestiges of its ancient glory were the ruins of a few temples besides two ancient shrines venerated by the people. In these temples could be seen a few images of the Tirthankaras. They are exquisitely carved on white marble stone. They are relics of the marvellous Nagari sculptural art of Rajasthan. A visit to these temples of antiquity will be exceedingly interesting to devotees, archeologists and writers.
Minister Nahad of Korandapuri who was a devout Jaina built several temples and monasteries in the locality. One of the temples is dedicated to Lord Mahavira. It is considered as the oldest temple at Korte. I believe that this temple belonged to the early centuries before