________________
102: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD fast. Every year, in May-June, numerous adepts come there to commemorate this fact. There also were born Sānti, Kunthu and Ara, respectively 16", 17th and 18th Tīrthankara. One can see, on the hill near, their footprints and, in the village, a Digambara temple and a Śvetāmbara one dedicated to śānti. Both of them are very beautiful.
The Digambara nun Gyanmati Mataji has established in the village a "Triloka Sodha Sansthāna" for the study of Jain cosmology. In this centre, created in 1985, one can see a representation of the "Jambūdvīpa” (the Isle of the rose apple-tree) and, while climbing the staircase of a tower, look at the isles and oceans of this renowned mythical continent.
An ancient temple dedicated to Mahāvīra and some chapels stand here. There is also a Digambara boarding school for boys (gurukula), a Svetāmbara sanctuary and two “dharmaśāla”.
Kahaum, the oldest “mānastambha” erected by Jains in 146 AD with four sculpted Tirthankara,
Kampila (Kāmpilya), ancient capital of Pāñcāla, place of great Jain pilgrimage, numerous ancient Jain sanctuaries, unfortunately in ruins today and two recent ones, a Svetambara and a Digambara. According to tradition, it is here that Vimala (the 13" Tīrthankara) was born, has attained illumination and liberation. It is also here that Emperor Harişeņa converted himself to Jainism. One can see two very beautiful and impressive statues of Nemi, in Gupta style, a black one in the Digambara temple, and a white one in the Svetāmbara sanctuary,
Kaushambi, a Digambara temple and a Svetāmbara one dedicated to Padmaprabha (the 6th Tīrthankara). This place often visited by Mahāvīra is an object of pilgrimages,
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org