World Jain Conference 1995 6th Conference

Author(s): Satish Jain
Publisher: Ahimsa International

Page 75

The fact remains that most of the old monuments of the Jains in the country, are still lacking funds through their managing committees, philanthropists and governments. To over come the grim situation and to advance further in the protection of the crumbling monuments. I have certain points to suggest:
There should be a total survey of all the Jains monuments in the country by an expert team of Achaelogists, who should grade the monuments according to their present condition, viz; Which are in imminent danger of falling because of much antiquity, weather effects, or public damage. This type of monuments should receive the highest attention for their renovation and proper maintenance and to save those from further, damage. Those monuments, the decay in which is in middle stage, such monuments also need renovation
as early as possible. (iii) Those monuments where the process of deterioration has started.
In the case of such monuments even minor renovation can enhance their life and the structural
attraction. Bihar and Karnataka have been the oldest seats of the Jains, according to the historians. The result has been that these two states have the oldest Jain monuments. The characteristic of the, monuments of the southern region is that being carved out of comparatively harder stone, they are still in better condition, with the exception of few, which are directly exposed to wet air and where the deterioration is thereby more prominent.
The monuments in other states of India, particularly in Gyaraspur region of Madhya Pradesh and at many sites in Rajasthan are specially more degraded, because of direct exposure to vagaries of weather, long neglect and constant public damage.
It is awaful that the massive 'Mahadevi' temple in Gyaraspur which can be rightly said the konark type temple and which will involve a cost of atleast several rores of rupees, if built now, is seeing its worst days, because of absolute neglect, both of the local people and the affluent Jain society. The government too has notshwon any interest in this magnificent temple, which has a fine and delicate latice work.
Several Jain icons in the temple in the standing posture are sixteen feet or above in height. The roofs of the temple are in precarious condition. Similar is the fate of a small but old Jain temple by the name of VAJRAMATH' standing on the road side. Several temples made of small bricks have the broken roofs. All these deserve the Jain community's priority concern.
Not only this, but many of the old Jain sites in the country have similar tale to tell.
The largest treasure of Jain icons at 'Deogarh', 'Chanderi', 'Ahar' etc. are in no way being kept well. Even most of the beautiful images which these treasure houses have, are facing neglect and are without proper display to exhibit the fine and delicate art of sculpturing.
Whereas the affluent Jains spend huge amounts on construction of new temples and holding 'panch Kalyanak Partisthas at very high expense, it is their primary duty to first protect, fully renovate and maintain their degraded structures in the country.
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