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maintain law and order in the kingdom. carved in this temple. Tejpal had also Tejpal's wife Anupama-devi was a wise dedicated two Gokhlas (niches) for and smart woman, who always helped two women, one to commemorate his her husband in family matters. She was wife and the other to commemorate sweet spoken and a very religious and
his brother's wife (sister-in-law). These compassionate woman.
niches are called "Derani-Jethani na Tejpal had always respected her
Gokhlas (The wives of two brothers are opinion. Once, the families of both the
known as Derani - Jethani. Derani is the brothers and many others went on a younger one and Jethani is the older pilgrimage. They came to a small village. brother's wife). This particular area was not regarded
They constructed many more as very safe for the pilgrims because
temples of which only the Delwada the road was frequented by dacoits. Thinking that they might meet some
temple and the Neminath Temple of
Mount Girnar exist today. However, the dacoits on the way, the brothers decided
Lunig Vasahi Temple of Mount Abu is to bury and hide their wealth in the
similar to that of the Vimalsha Temple. nearby area. They started digging a hole but to their amazement, they unearthed
Fifty-two Deva Kulikas (subsidiary a big pot of jewels and coins from the
shrines) have also been constructed ground. They simply did not know what on an elevated platform around the to do with this wealth.
central temple, each with the statue of
a Tirthankar. Elephants were used to Tejpal asked Anupama-devi
carry the marble to Mount Abu for the what they should do with this immense
construction of the temples. A place wealth. Anupama-devi had no hesitation
called Hasti Shala is also built within the in replying that this wealth had come
temple complex to commemorate the from a deep trench but the right place
contribution of elephants. for it was on a high mountain. This would spread the glory of Jainism. Thus,
The contribution made by Vimalsha they decided to take it to the top of the
Vastupal and Tejpal to the architecture mountain and spend it there.
of Jain temples is very inspiring. Their The brothers decided to build a
dedication to their religion, and temple on Mt. Abu. It is known as Lunigtheir perseverance and honesty are Vasahi Temple. Tirthankar Neminath praiseworthy. Their contribution to Jain Bhagawan's Samavasaran has also been architecture is part of our great heritage.
Stories After Bhagwan Mahavir
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