Jains Through Time

Author(s): Shilapi Sadhvi
Publisher: Veerayatan

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The Jains through Time
their hometown, Dholka, became one of the best centres of learning in Gujarat. You might have heard that the Goddesses of Learning and Wealth are seldom seen cohabiting. However, if by chance they meet up and are joined by the Goddess of Power, the Sun of Fortune shines on their rare meeting. As far as I can remember Vastupal is the only 'lamp' in the history of the Jains, whose unwavering flame symbolises the 'confluence' of this radiant threesome. The title of 'Saraswati Kanthabharan' was conferred on him because of his extraordinary command of poetry. Precious jewels like Vastupal have greatly beautified the earth and added lustre to Jainism and for this I honour them. unreservedly.
Jagdu Shah: Guardian of the World I still shiver when I recall the painful. memories of the terrible famine that occurred in Magadh a few centuries after the nirvana of Tirthankar Mahavir. This dreadful event was one of the many reasons for Jainism's decline in Bihar. The other famine which horrified me happened in
Gujarat in 1271 Vikram Samvat. However, Gujarat was saved from its worst ravages because of the stance taken by the modest philanthropist Jagdu Shah. With deep compassion, he tried to eradicate the suffering brought about by hunger, thirst and lack of the basic amenities, by giving his own wealth to others. He distributed grain and clothing over a period of three years, opened one hundred and twelve charitable homes and saved countless lives. For this unselfish act he was given the title 'Guardian of the World'.
Jainism believes that the essential characteristic of a soul is to help and support others. Nowadays I sit silently in large meetings of religious aspirants and hear many complex theories about what it means to be a spiritual person. If anyone were to ask me, I would say that Jagdu Shah was a truly spiritual person, a man who found his purpose in life by helping humanity. Jagdu Shah deserves much honour; it is difficult to find another person like him another such example of dedication to serving others. He had the