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Caitya Paripati and Ahmedabad of Early Seventeenth Century
peared and new use of these areas have developed. Similarly some Tirthas also have disappeared with the passage of time.
However, when a longer view of the growth of the Jaina Tirthas is taken by the analysis of the new Paripāti and the building activity of the temples, the progress of Jaina tirthas becomes clear.
In the Jaina caitya paripāti of samvat 2035 ( 1978 A. D. ) one records 136 temples, 67 associated temples and 106 house temples. These figures show the rise of about three times within the period of Lalitsāgara and the present. Conclusions
From the study of the Paripāți of Lalit sāgara as well as the Sthala Puranas like Nagar Khand, Kaumārika Khand etc., that deal with the Tirthas of our country, it is clear that they preserve their tradition, history etc. When dated Paripātis are considered as a source of history, they are as effective as the diaries of Chinese travellers and other travelogues. The difference being, the Paripāti gives detailed information of the Tirthas. When the anonymous and undated literature of Tirthayātra is used, it is also found to be equally effective after an analysis of its chronology on the basis of internal and external examination of the text.
*Retired Professor and Head Department of Ancient History,
Gujarat Vidyapitha,
Ahmedabad.
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