Book Title: Jainism The Cosmic Vision
Author(s): Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: Mahavir Foundation

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Page 123
________________ Jainism: The Cosmic Vision Research Centre of Shri Mahaviraji in the Atishay Kshetre Mahaviraji in Rajasthan have also published very important research works. The Agarchand Bhairodan Jain Educational Institution of Bikaner provided a model for an excellent Pathashala and produced a number of scholars of Jain philosophy. A Jain research institution was founded in Pune, too, where the Sanmati Tirtha Institution has taken up the project of Prakrit dictionary. The Agama Shodh Sansthan Udaipur, the Prakrit Bharati Academy of Jaipur and the Jain Siddhant Bhavan of Arrah are also active in this field. The Tattvagnana Vidyapith of Pune conducts examinations in Jainology. The contribution of the Jain Vishvabharati of Ladnu in Rajasthan is in its publication of Agamas. It has published most of the Agamas. This institution has also published dictionaries such as the Agama Kosha, the Niryukti Kosha and the Ekarthaka Kosha. Considerable work has been done by the institutions of Bikaner and Byavar, too. By the inspiration of Arya Jnanamataji, a research institution has come into existence in Hastinapur. In Meerut, there is the Vir Yuvak Pratisthan. The Mahavira Jain Aradhana Kendra is coming up on a large scale at Koba. It has collected a large number of manuscripts. Such Institutions as the Prakrit Vidyamandal, the Prakrit Vidya Vikas Fund and the L. R. Boarding etc., are also contributing to the promotion of Prakrit studies in Ahmedabad. Activities of Jain Religion in the Last Century Temples of Shatrunjaya (James-Burgess) etc. Research Institute of Prakrit, Jainology and Ahimsa at Vaishali is established in the year 1955 by the Government of Bihar. Its aim is to develop the place (being the birthplace of Lord Mahavira) into a residential centre of higher studies and research in (a) Prakrit languages and literature, (b) Jainology in all its branches and (c) the principle of Ahimsa and its practice, both by individuals and the society. The activities of the Institute are divided into three branches : Post-graduate teaching, Research and Publication. It is affiliated to the Bihar University, Muzaffarpur. There are certain scholarships given to deserving students. The Institute has received a generous donation of six lakhs of rupees from Sahu Jain Trust. Certain other Trusts have also donated a large amount of money for the academic activites of the Institute. The Institute has a wellequipped library containing books on Prakrit literature and Jain philosophy in particular. An annual seminar of scholars from all over the country on the occasion of the Mahavira Jayanti is a regular feature of the Institute. The Institute has brought out a number of publications. Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Institute of the Indology (Ahmedabad) was established on 5 June 1958. The aim of the Institute is to provide facilities for the study and research in all subjects broadly falling under Indology including languages, literature, history, philosophy, religion, astrology, astronomy, archaeology, medicine and subjects which may form part of the cultural heritage of India. The Parshvanath Research Institute of Varanasi is capable of being central to all other institutes. From this institute as many as 35 students have got the Ph.D. degree by research in 233 On 21 March 1945 the Jain Bhavan was founded in Calcutta. Its aim is to popularise the study of Jainology. It has a good library containing mostly books on Jainology. It also runs the Jain Information Bureau. Jain Journal, a quarterly is published by the Jain Bhavan. It has also brought out certain publications such as The Bhagvati Sutra (Vol. I, II, III), The 232

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