Chapter
VII
Ancient
Jain Tïrthas and historical places
The Tïrthas are connected
with the incidents of the lives of the Tïrthaõkaras and other great persons. The
places, where the Tïrthaõkaras were born, first renounced the Áaãsära and
initiated into religious life, practised austerities and achieved kavalajñäna
(omniscience), are known as Kalyäîaka Kshetras. The places
where the Tïrthaõkaras realised emancipation are called Nïrväîa
Kshetras. Such places are Kailäáa, Champä, Pävä, Urjayanta and Sammeda
Áikhara. The places, where the great ascetics lived and achieved liberation, are
also known as the Tirthas. Generally, such Tïrthas were
established on the basis of imagination in medieval times in order to increase
their importance. At times, the idols in certain places are believed to bestow
great favours on their devotees. Hence such places are also considered as
Atiáayakshetras. Some sites are important from the point of view of art
and history.
The Präkôit Nirväîakänâa of
Kundakunda1 and Sanskrit Nirväîa
Bhakti of Püjyapäda give information about the ancient Jaina
Tïrthas. As Äáädhara mentions these belong to earlier period than the
13th centry A.D. The Sakalatïrtha Stavana by Siddharshi (of the 12th
century A.D.) contains a list of holy places. The Vividhatïrthakalpa of
Jinaprabhasüri written in about the 14th century A.D. gives a biref history of
the holy places. The number of Tïrthas increased in the medieval period.
There are even different traditions about the origin of some of these
Tïrthas. In the medieval Jaina literature, we come across many examples
where rich Jainas led a Saãgha or a large group of people to the places
of pilgrimage. Bhaiya Lal has written The Nirvankala. (Bhora) in V.S. 1741 in
Hindi language giving the list of holy places.1 In commemoration of this act, they
are given the honorific title of Saãghapati by the Jainas. It is felt
that they are helpful in creating self-enlightenment (Atmajägôiti) in the
minds of the people who visit them. When Jainism began to decline, some of the
Jaina Tïrthas have been forgotten, and were even occupied by other sects.
These ancient Jaina Tïrthas have been classified on regional
basis.
Eastern
India
Bihar,
bengal and orissa
Bihar
Sammeda
Áikhara :
The Sammeda Áikhara mountain is situated in the Girdi District of Bihar.
Excluding Ôishabha, Väsupüjya, Neminätha and Mahävïra, the remaining twenty
Tïrthaõkaras got emancipation on this mountain. In honour of the twenty-third
Tïrthaõkara, Pärávanätha, the place is known as Pärávanätha hill. On the
different summits of the mountain, twenty temples containing the foot-prints of
the twenty Tïrthaõkaras have been erected to commemorate their memories.
Guîabhadra in the Uttara Puräîa, Ravisheîa in the Pädma Puräîa,
Jinasena in the Harivaãáa Puräîa and other Jaina literary works mention
it as Nirväîa Bhümi of Twenty Tïrthaõkaras and innumertable
Munis.2 Muni Arvinda, poet
Mahächandra (Say 1587), Bhaûûäraka Ratnachandra (Sam. 1683) and others led
pilgrimage to this holy place. From the
Praáasti of Yaáodhara Charita1 dated V.S. 1659 of Bhaûûäraka
Jñänakïrti, it is known that Nänu, Minister of king Mänasiãha of Amber in
Rajasthan, built twenty temples of the twenty Tïrthaõkaras
respectively.
Päväpura : Tïrthaõkar Mahävïra attained
liberation at Päväpura. It is situated in the Patna District. Some scholars
identify it with Päväpurï of the Nalanda District, while others suggest that it
was near Kuáinärä, the place of Buddha's death in Gorakhpur District. Bhaûûäraka
Yaáahkïrti (15th century) of Gwalior describes Päväpura in the
Jiîaratti.2
Räjagôiha : Räjagôiha remained associated with
the activities of Mahävïra. According to the Jaina tradition, it was also the
birth-place of Munisuvrata. A few Jaina antiquities of the Gupta period were
also found from this place. Even in later times, Jaina monks in Gujarat and
South India used to visit this ancient
city.
Päûali-putra : Päûali-putra is now known as Patna.
Several early Jaina teachers such as Bhadrabähu I, Sthülabhadra Mahägiri and
Suhastin were connected with this city. The Jaina philosopher Umäsväti composed
his Tattvärthadhigamsütra here in this city. The first Jaina council was
held here during the reign of Nanda for deciding the scriptures
(Vächanä). In Jinaprabha's time, Päûaliputra was consider to be sacred.
Muni Sudaráana attained Nirvana from here.
Champä : This celebrated city was the
capital of Aõga Janapada. It remained associated with the Jaina
Tïrthaõkaras Väsupüjya and Mahävïra. It is the only one place where the five
Kalyäîakas of Vasupüjya were held. Mahävïra also spent three years of his
missionary life in Champä. At this time, Dadhivähana was the ruler of this city.
There was the Chaitya of Pürîabhara existing here. The work
Daáavaikälika was composed at this place by Áayambhava. The Väsupüjya
temple of this place was recognised as a celebrated shrine, and several literary
texts from the early period mention the Väsupüjya temple complex of this city.
Jinasena II, the author of the Harivaãáa, describes this temple-complex.
He also refers to the Mänastambha of this great temple. Jinaprabha
mentions in the Vividhatïrthakalpa that this city was destroyed by the
Bengal Sultan Shamsuddiïn in V.S. 1360.1
Vaiáälï : The anciant city of Vaiáälï is
identified with the modern town of Basäâha a suburb of Vaiáalï Mahävïra was born
here, and it was connected with the childhood of Mahävïra. It was the capital of
Vajji republic, and Chetaka was the influential king. Even before the birth of
Mahävïra, the teachings of Pärávanätha were accepted by a number of people of
this town including Mahävïra's parents.2
Bhaddilapura : Bhaddilapura was the capital of
Malaya. It is said that this place was visited by Ariûûhanemi and was the birth
place of the tenth Tïrthaõkara Sitalnath. It is identified with Bhadia, a
village near Kukuhä hill about nine km. from Hunterganja in the Hazaribagh
District.3 According to Jaina
Paûûävalïs of the Mülasaãgha the first twenty-six pontificates
belong to Bhaddalapura. After that, the 27th pontiff transferred his seat from
Bhaddalapura to Ujjain. According to the four Paûûävalïs, Bhaddalapura is
identified with Bhilsa in Malwa while the fifth, which is the oldest, tells us
that it was in the South. It is reasonable to identify this place with Bhadrika
or Bhadrävatï located near Ellora.1 It was one of the early capitals of
the Imperial Räshtrakütas.
Mithila : According to the Jaina tradition,
Malli and Naminätha were botn in Mithilä, Mahävïra himself stayed for six years
in this city. The Jaina rebel Assmitta was associated with this city in the
third century B.C. According to the
Vividhatïrthakalpa, this ancient city was situated on the confluence of
the Bäîagaõgä and the Gaîâakï and was known as Jagai in Jinaprabha's
time.2
Käkandï : Käkandï is generally identified
with Käkan in Munger District. This Tïrtha is associated with the birth
of the ninth Tïrthaõkara Pushpadanta.3 According to J.C. Jain4, Khukund in Gorakhpur District of
U.P is modern site of Käkandï. Mahävïra is said to have visited this place.
Käkandiyä Áäkhä of the Jaina Áramaîaas was named after this
place.
Gayä : Jñäñasägara, who flourished in the
sixteenth century, in his Sarvatïrthavandanä associates Gaya with
Akalaõka, and mentions that the latter had erected the temples of Sambhavanätha,
Nemi and Supäráva at that town.5
Bengal
Koûïtïrtha
: Koûiáilä Tïrtha has been described
in the Puräîas such as the Harivaãáa Puräîa and
Padmapuräîa. Some scholars indentify it with the Kumärï Mountain of
Udayagiri and Khaîâagiri, and with Mälalï mountain of Ganjam District in
Kaliõga.1 In the Vividhatïrthakalpa,
it has been described near Daáärîa Mountain in Magadha.2 On the basis of Brihat Kathä
Koáa and also Prabhächandra's Kathä Koáa, it has been located in
Varendra (North Bengal).3
Puîâravardhana : There was the Puîâravardhaniyä
Áäkhä mentioned in the Kalpasütra. At the time of Hiuen-Isang's
Visit (in the seventh century), there were numerous Digambara Jainas at this
town. The Vividhatïrthakalpa mentions the Vïra temple at Puîâra-parvata
which may be identical with Puîâravardhana.4
Tämralipti : Tamralipti was the famous port in
Bengal in ancient times. Even in Mahävïra's time, the residents of Tämralipta
were attaracted towards the religion of the Nirgranthas. The Tamralipti
Áakhä of the Áramaîas was named after this place. Prabhächandra's
Kathäkoáa (11th century) refers to the Päráva temple of this
town.5
Orissa
Khaîâagiri : Khaîâagiri situated in Kaliõga
(Orissa) was associated with Jainism from the Nanda period (4th century B.C.). The evidence of
Khäravela inscription shows that it was known as Kumärï hill in the second or
first century B.C. This particular name is found in the tenth century epigraph
from the same hill, and also in the Bôihatkathäkoáa of Jarisheîa,
composed in 931 A.D. The inscriptions of Udyotakeáarï proves that this hill,
continued as a popular Jaina centure, for a very long time, and the evidence of
Harisheîa's work alos proves the same.
North
India
Uttar
Pradesh, Delhi region, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Madhya
pradesh
Uttar
pradesh
Ayodhyä : This ancient Tïrtha of Ayodhyä is
represented as the birth place of the five Tïrthaõkaras, namely Ôishabha, Ajita,
Abhinanâana, Sumati and Ananta. Jinaprabha saw a number of Jaina temples in this
town. Probably, the earliest temple of this town, was dedicated to the
Tïrthaõkara which has been mentioned in the Paumachariyam. It has
recognised as eternally very pious place of the Jainas.
Väräîasï : According to the Jaina traditions,
Varäîasï is associated with the two Tïrthaõkaras, namely Supäráva and
Pärávanätha. Jinaprabha mentions the Päráva temple-compex of Väräîasï.
Jñänasägara (16th century) has mentioned two temples of Päráva and Supäráva of
this city.8 Acarya Samathabhara (2 A.D) composed Brhassvabhu stotra
here.
Ahichchhatra : Ahichchhatra is identical with the
present Ramnagar in Bareilly District. Jinaprabha has connected this place with
Pärávanätha, and he mentions two Jaina temples. The Nirväîakäîâa written
in the 12th
century refers to this Jaina
Tïrtha.1
Árävastï : Árävastï is situated in Bahraich
District. According to the Jaina tradition, this place was the birth place of
the third Tïrthaõkara Sambhavanätha. This city was visited byr Mahävïra himself.
Árävastikä Áäkhä of the Áramaîas was named after this city. The discovery of the
pre-Gupta Jaina images from this place proves that it was a Jaina sacred place
in earlier days. The Sambhavanätha temple was standing during the time of
Jinaprabha, who gives an interesting informaton of its being destroyed by
Alauddïn's general Habbasa. There is mention of this city in the
Brihaûkathäkoáa of Harisheîa.2
Hastinäpura : According to the Jaina tradition,
Hastinäpura was the birth place of the Tïrthaõkaras Áantinätha, Kunthunätha and
Aranätha. In ancient times, the Jainas forgot about the exact location of this
place. it appears from the Vividhatïrthakalpa that this place was practically
rediscovered by Jinaprabha. The shrines of Áänti, Kunthu, Arahanätha and
Mallinätha were installed in his time.3
Kämpilya
: Kampilya is identified with modern
Kampil in Farrukhabad District. It is claimed to be the birth place of the 13th
Tïrthaõkara. According to Jaina canonical tradition, Äsamitta, the fourth
Niîhava (Schism), flourished 220 years after Mahävïra. Early Jaina inscriptions
have been discovered from this place. The author of the Vividhatïrtha
refers to this Tïrtha.1
Mathura : Mathura is recognized as a great
Jaina Tïrtha because Jambusvämï attained Nirväîa here, The
Devanirmita (divine made) Stüpa of this place belonged to the third of
second century B.C. A few sculptures of this place belonged to the pre-christian
period. The Jaina sculptures and Äyägapaûûas of the Kushäîa period discovered in large number prove the
great popularity of Jainism. People of common classes such as iron-smiths,
gold-smiths, potters and perfumers followed Jainism. The names of Kulas
and Áäkhäs mentioned in the Jaina inscriptions confirm to those found in
the text of the Kalpasütra. Jainism also continued during the Gupta
period as known from the remains. The Pañchastüpanikäya sect of the
Digambaras originated from this place. Bappabhaûûasüri visited this holy place.
The Vividhatïrthakalpa mentions this Tïrthas. From the
Brihatkathäkoáa, it is known that Jainism was popular here. Five hundered
and fourteen stupas were built or broken lod stüpas during the
reign of Akbar when this Tïrtha was renovated by Säha Ûodara. Jainism
suffered greatly in Mathura from time to time because of
invasions.2 Chinese Huensang (7 century) has
recorded in his travels that there were more than five hundred Jain temples
here3.
Siãhapura : Siãhapuri is the place, where
according to the Jaina tradition, the 11th Tïrthänkara Áreyäãáa was born.
There is a controversy among
scholars about the identification of this place. Some identify this place with
Särnäth. The evidence of Yuan Chwang seems to suggest that this place is
identical with Siãhapura, situated in the salt range (Punjab, Pakistan), which
has been described by that pilgrim as connected with a 'founder' of the
'White-Cloth' sect.
According to the Digambaras, this
place sacred to Neminätha, was located on the river Käverï. Jñänasägra, who
lived in the 16th century, has described this place. It was also called
Narasiãhapaûûana.1
Kauáämbï : Kauáämbi is identified with the
present Kosam in the Allahabad District. According to the Jaina tradition, this
place was birth place of the sixth Tïrthaõkara Padmaprabha. Mahävïra is known to
have visited this place personally during the reign of Udayana. The
Kalpasütra suggests that there was a Áäkhä named after this city.
Jinaprabha has also written on this Tïrtha.2
Pabhüsä
: Pabhüsä is situated near Kauáaãbï
in Allahabad District. There Jaina inscriptions of the Áuõga period have been
discovered here. These inscrptions inform that Ashäâhasena constructed the caves
in the Pabhosä mountain for the Arahantas of the Käáyapagotra.
Some ancient Jaina sculptures have also been discovered here. One is a
magnificent sitting icon of Padmaprabha.3
Chandrapurï : Chandrapurï is stituated near
Varäîasï, and it has been identified with the place of the same name. According
to the Jaina tradition, it was the birth place of the eight Tïrthaõkara
Chandraprabha. Jinaprabha mentions this Tïrthas in the
Vividhatïrthakalpa.1
Ratnapurï
: Ratnapur is
located in the Faizabad District. According to the Jaina traditions, it was the
birth place of Dharmanatha, the 15th Tïrthaõkara. Jinaprabha describes it as
situated near Ayodhyä.2
Devagarh : Devagarh is situated in the
Lalitpur District. It was the great centre of Jainism during the early medieval
period. The earliest Jaina epigraph from this place is dated 862 A.D. of the
reign of Pratihära Bhoja. In the ninth century A.D., it was called
Luachchhagira. Afterwards, it was given the name Kïrtigiri. A Chandella epigraph
also was discovered from this place. There was the temple of Áantinätha here.
From the inscriptions of the 15th century A.D., it is known to be a centre of
the Mülasaãgha. A large number of Jaina images of the Tïrthaõkaras, Yakshas and
Yakshïs have been unearthed here.3
Chandraväâa : Chandraväâa is a place on the
Yamunä near Firozabad in Agra District. It is sacred to Chandraprabha. The Jaina
temple of this Tïrthaõkara was constructed in 996 A.D. This town was founded by
the Chauhäna ruler Chandrapäla who was the follower of Jainism. This ruler and
his successors ruled up to the 16th century A.D. Most of these rulers, and all
their Ministers were devoted to Jainism.1
áaurïpura : (Sauryapura) According to the
Tiloyapaînatti, Harivaãáapuräîa and Ärädhanä Kathä Kosha of
Nemidatta, Arishûanemi was born at Áaurïpura. This place is identified with the
place near Bateávara in Agra District. The remains of old Jaina temples and
images have been discovered at this place. In the medieval period, it remained a
seat of the Bhaûûärakas of the Mülasaãgha. Bhaûûäraka Viávabhüshaîa of this
Saãgha constructed the Jaina temple and performed its installation
ceremony in 1667 A.D.2
Uchchanagara : It is difficult to identify
Uchchanagara correctly on the basis of present state of knowledge. J.C. Jain identifies it with Bulandshahar.
It was, in all probability, in Rajasthan or Sindh. An early Jaina Áäkhä,
mentioned in the Therävalï, originated from this place. It is mentioned
several times in the Kharataragachchha Bôihad Gurvävali, and it was
intimately connected with the activity of the monks of the Kharatarai
gachchha.3
Delhi
Region
Delhi
: The ancient name of Delhi was
Yoginïpura in the pre-Muslim period. The king Madanapala of this place gave a
cordial reception to the Jaina saint of the Kharatara gachchha in V.S. 1222. The Kharatara
gachchha Paûûavali informs that Pärávanätha temple existed here. Even in the
Muslim period, the Jainas played an important part in the religious affairs of
Delhi. The Prabandhakoáa of Räjaáekhara was written here in 1317 A.D. The
well-known Pheru belonged to Delhi and he accepted the teachings propounded by
the Jaina saints. A temple of Mahävïra was built in Delhi around 1328 A.D.,
under the patronage of Muhammad Bin Tughluq. Afterwards, also the manuscripts of
Jaina works were written at Yoginipura or Delhi.1
Rudrapalli : Rudrapalli was situated near Delhi.
The Rudrapallïya Gachchha originated from this place in 1147 A.D. The
Kharatara Gachchha Paûûävali mentions two temples of this place namely
those of Päráva and Ôishabha.2
Ashûäpada : Ashûäpada is generally identified
with Kailäáa, and according to the Jaina tradition, Rishabha attained
Nirväîa on the summit of this mountain. The Vividhatïrthakalpa
also mentions this Tïrtha.3
Kanyänayana : Kanyänayana was probably situated
near Delhi. The icon of Mahävïra was installed in the existing Chaityälaya
of this place in V.S. 1233 by the Kharatara Ächärya Jinapati This
Tïrtha, according to the Vividhatirthakalpa, was destroyed by the
Muslims in V.S.1385, and afterwards, the author of this work, namely Jinaprabha,
with the help of Muhammad Bin Tughluq, repaired the Tïrtha and once more,
installed the icon of Mahävïra,4 in the same temple-complex of
Kanyänayana.
Haryana
Rohitaka : The modern name of this place is
Rohtak in Haryana. A Yaksha shrine of this place is mentioned in the
Upäõga text, the Nïrayavalikä. It is also mentioned in the
Bôïhatkathäkoáa. A temple of Pärávanätha of this place was in existence
during the time of Emperor Babar in V.S. 1584 and 1586. The temple was under the
supervision of the Digambara monks of the Käsûhä Saãgha.1
Himachal
Pradesh
Nagarakoûûa : Nagarakoûûa is situated in the
Dharmsala District of Himachal Pradesh. It is mentioned in several Jaina works.
The Kharataragachchha Gurvaväli proves that there was a temple of
Áäntinatha at this place in the 13th century. The Vijñaptitriveîï by
Jayasägara in 1426 A.D. mentions this place as a Mahätïrtha and also
calls it by the name Suáarmapura. It also mentions the great Áäntinätha
temples-complex of this place. The same work also mentions the temples of
Mahävïra, Ädinätha and Neminäta of this place. The king of this place in V.S.
1484 was patron of Jainism. The Nagarakoûûa Chaityaparipäûï of Jayasägara
mentions also these four Jaina temples of this place and also the temple of
Ambikä.2
Punjab
Taxila : Taxila remained associated with
Jainism in early times as known from the archaeological remains. The
Vividhatïrthakalpa recognizes it as a Jaina Tïrtha and associates
this place with Bähubali.1
Madhya
Pradesh
Ujjain : Mahävïra is known to have visited
Ujjain where he did penance in a cemetery when Rudra and his wife tried in vain
to interrupt him. Jaina traditions ascribe that Pradyota was a follower of
Jainism and tried for its propagation. Chandragupta Maurya was admitted to
monkhood of Ujjain. When Ärya Suhastin visited Ujjain in order to worship the
image of Jïvanta Svämï, Avanti Sukumäla took the vocation of monkhood from him.
After the death of Avanti Sukumäla, a stüpa was erected in order to
commemorate him and the image of Pärávanätha was installed in it. After some
time, the stüpa became barren, and it was known by the name of
Kuâuãgeávara (God of the great Forest). Vikramäditya of Ujjain is known to have
been devoted to Jainism It was a seat of the Pontiffs of the Mülasaãgha. In the
middle of the thirteenth century, Devadhara seems to have been the head of a
Jaina monastery at Ujjain. In the Vividhatïrthakalpa, Jinaprabhasüri
mentions Kuâuãgeáavara of Ujjain.2
Daáapura : Daáapura is identified with the
modern city Mandsor. After Siãhagiri had taught him the eleven Aõgas,
Vajra went from Daáapura to Bhadragupta at Avanti (Ujjayinï) to learn the
twelfth viz. the Dôishûivädäõga. Daáapura is the birth place of the Jaina
saint Äryarakshita who learned from Vajra nine Pürvas, and a
fragment of the tenth, and taught them to his pupil Durbalikäpushpamitra. The
seventh schism in Jainism occurred at this place. Jinaprabhasüri mentions
Supäráva at Daáapura.1
Vidiáa : The king Pradyota is said to have
installed the Jïvantasvämï (lifetime) image of Mahävïra at Vidiáä. Jaina
traditions aver that Vajrasvämï and other Jaina Pontiffs obtained liberation in
the hills Kunjarävarta and Rathävarta in the neighbourhood of Vidiáä, now known
as Bhilsa. Three stone images of Jaina Tïrthaõkaras of the fourth or fifth
century A.D. made by Mahäräjädhiräja Rämagupta have been discoverd from
Vidiáä. The Udayagiri cave inscription of 425-426 A.D. in the neighbourhood
records the installation of an image of the Tïrthaõkara Pärávanätha by Áankara,
the disciple of saint Goáarman. Jinaprabhasüri refers to Mahävïra of
Bhäilasvämïgaâha.2
MaõgalapurA : Maõgalapura was sacred to
Abhinandana, the fourth Tïrthaõkara as mentioned by Jinaprabhasüri in the
Tïrthakalpa. The Áäsanachatustriãáatikä of Madanakïrti also refers
to Abhinandana Jina of Maõgalapura. it was destroyed by the Muslims apparently
in the 13th century and was again rebuilt. Jinaprabha tells that this temple
once received a grant of land from Jayasiãha II, the Paramära king of Malwa who
ruled in the third quarter of the 13th century.3
Chülagiri : Chülagiri, known to be the
Siddhakshetra, is situated in the West Nimar. it is now identified with
the present Baâawänï. According to the Prakrit Nirväîa Käîâa. Indrajïta
kumbhakarîa Munis have attained liberation from here. Mandanakïrti, a
scholar of the 12th or 13th century A.D., tells the image of Ädinätha as
Bôihaddeva in the Áäsanachatustiãáatikä. There are two
inscriptions dated 1166 A.D. engraved in the Jaina temple. In one, Rämachandra
Muni has been praised and in the other, Muni Lokänanda, Devänanda
and thier disciples who built this temple. It is possible that the king
Arkakïrti, at the preaching of Muni
Rämacahndra, got the main temple and big image of Ädinätha excavated in
the hill. This is larger than the Buddha image excavated in the hill of Baniyan
in Afghanistan. It is 84 feet in height. There are two images of Munisuvrata
dated V.S. 1231, two of Päráva dated V.S. 1242 and one of Neminätha dated V.S.
1380 in this temple. The image and temple were renovated in 1516
A.D.
Bhaûûäraka Árutasägara in the
Bodhaprabhôita has described this Tïrtha. According to Jñänasägara
in the Sarvatïrthavandaõä mentions fifty-two Saãghapatis who
performed the installation ceremony of several images. The number of images
installed in V.S. 1380 was large.1
Pavagini
(Uîa) : Üîa is situated in the West Nimar.
It is known to be the Siddha Kshetra by the name of Pävägiri which is
popular known as Üna. It is
mentioned in the Prakrit Nirväîakänâa that Svarîabhadra and four
Munis attained Nirväîa here. Bhaûûäraka Guîakïrti mentions it in
the Tïrthavandanä Saãgraha while Bhaûûäraka Árutasägara refers to it in
the Bodha-prabhôita ûïkä.1 The Chaubara Derä II and the
Goleávara temple are the Jaina temples of the Paramära period here. In the two
Jaina temples, a few colossal Jaina images of the twelfth century have been
found. An epigraph mentions the Paramära ruler Udayäditya. The Valleávara temple
appears to be built by Räja Balläla. These archaeological
remains2
prove that Üîa became a Jaina
Tïrtha even in the 11th century A.D.
Siddhavaraküûa : Siddhavaraküûa is known to be the
Siddhakshetra, and it has been mentioned in the Präkôita Nirväîa
Käîâa. It is believed that the two Chakravatïs, ten Kämadevas, and
three and half Koûi Munis attained Nirväîa from Siddhavaraküûa
located in the west on the bank of the Revä. The images of Chandraprabhu and
other Tïrthankaras have been discovered in its neighbourhood.3
Droîagiri : In the Prakrit Nirväîakäîâa,
Droîagiri has been mentioned as Nirväîa-Kshetra. From the top of the
hill of this place Gurudatta, Munis etc. obtained Nirväna. In the
Sanskrit Nirväîa Bhakti, only its name has been given. Bhaûûäraka
Árutasägara refers to its name the Bodhapräbhôta ûïkä. Droîagiri is
generally identified with a small hill near the village Droîagiri in the
Chhatarpur District. It has the temple of Ädiávara and also a few other shrines.
The earliest temple dedicated to Ädinätha, has an epigraph of V.S.
1549.1
Sonägiri : Sonägiri, a Siddhakshetra,
is situated in the Datia District. From the Prakrit Nirväîakänâa, it is
known that Naõga, Anaõga etc five and half Koûi Munis obtained liberation
after performing penances.2 An inscription3 found in the pedestal of an image
of the temple No. 76 has been assigned to the seventh century A.D. Several other
image inscriptions of the period between 1200 and 1600 A.D. have also been
discovered from different temples of this Tïrth. These inscriptions prove
that this Tïrth began to be recognised from the early
times.
Reshandïgiri : According to the Prakrit
Nirväîakäîâa, Varadatta etc five Munis obtained Moksha from
the top of the Reshandïgiri. Hence, it is known as the Nirväîa Kshetra.
The other name of this place is Nainägiri. This place has been located in the
Chhatarpur District. It is dedicated to Pärávanätha. One temple and thirteen
images were discovered in the excavation. One inscription dated V.S. 1109
engraved on the wall indicates the time of the temple and
images.4
Ahära
: Ahära is situated in Tikamgarh
District. Some people say that it is Atisäya Kshetra while others regard
it as Siddaha Kshetra. According to them, Madanakumära obtained Keval
Jñana from the Tïrtha of Mallinätha, and Shri Nishkaõvala from the
Tïrtha of Mahävïra. Actually, the ancient name of this place was
Madaneáasägarapura, named after the Chandella ruler Madanavarman. This place is
known to be associated with one Päâäáäha who built a Jain temple here. There are
inscriptions dated V.S. 1123 and V.S. 1136 engraved on the images available
here.
Gwalior : The mountain in Gwalior is known as
and it preserves Gopächala. Two rock-cut 40
feet height bidol to payrath in sing
posibles along with fiftin hours Swker Jain scuepire reliefs at this place, The
highters in India one showing Tirthankarara standing in meditation and the other
representing a Jina meditating in the Padmäsana posture, seem to be of
the Gupta period2. Bappabhaûûasüri built a Mahävïra
temple at this place. During the Tomara period, Jainism became a great dynamic
and cultural force. Temples and caves were built, and numerous images were
installed in them during the medieval period. Raidhü, who was a great poet,
belonged to this place.
Badnawar : Badnawar is situated in the Dhar
District. Its ancient name was Vardhamänapura kept after the Jaina Tïrthaõkara
Vardhamäna. Jinasena of the Puîîäta Saãgha finished the Harivaãáa Puräîa
at (Vaâhamäna) Vardhamänapura in 783 A.D. Harisheîa, who belonged to the
Puîîäûasãgha, composed the Kathäkosha in 931 A.D. at
Vardhamänapura3. Some image inscriptions with the
name of Puîîäûasaãgha have been discovered at this place. Most of the Jaina
images with the 12th-13th centuries inscriptions of the Paramära period have
been discovered here.
Dhära : Dhära was the capital of the
Paramära rulers, and it remained associated with Jainism. Devasena wrore the
Daráanasära in V.S. 990 (933 A.D.) in the Jaina temple of Pärávanätha at
Dhära. Nayanandi composed the Sudarsana-Charita in 1043 A.D. while
staying in the Jinavaravihära of Dhära. Madankïrti of the 13th century
has also mentioned the temple of Päráva at Dhära. Dharasena lived in Dhära, and
his disciple was Mahävïra, a learned Ächärya. Äáädhara migrated to
Dhära from Mäîâalgarh in 1192 A.D. because of the Muslim invasion. Jaina
Ächäryas of the Kharatara Gachchha visited Dhära from time to time. In
1207 A.D. (V.S. 1264), Jinapati visited Dhära and propagated Vidhimärga
in the temple of Áäntinätha. Jinavallabha Süri, Jinadattasüri and others also
visited Dhära for the propagation of Jainism.1
Khajuräho : Khajuräho is situated in Chhatarpur
District, and there are templse of Áänti, Päráva and Ädinätha. These Jaina
temples are important from artistic point of view. The Jaina Äcärya
Väsavachandra has been represented as the teacher of king Dhaõga. The
inscription dated 953-954 A.D. in the temple of Pärávanätha records a number of
gifts and endowments by one Pähila who claims to have been held in esteem by
king Dhaõga. The devotion of the Grahapati family to which Pähila belonged is
also evidenced by Áäntinätha image inscription of V.S. 1132. This place has a
large number of Jaina images of the tenth to the twelfth century
A.D.2
Seven dancing damsels at the outer
portion of Shatinath temple are world- famous.
Nalakachchhapura
: Nälakachchhapura
is located in Dhär District. It was connected with the activities of the great
scholar Äáädhara who wrote his works in the Neminätha temple of this place. It
is alos mentioned along with Dhara in the colophon of a manuscript dated V.S.
12951.
Tripuri : Tripuri was the old capital of the
Kalachuris, and is situated near Jabalpur. A Jaina temple of this place called
Trilokatilaka, has been mentioned by Uadayakïrti who flourished in all
probability in the 13th century. Some of the beautiful Jina icons from Tewar
(present Tripuri) have been preserved in the Jabalpur Museum.2
Bahuriband : It is situated in Jabalpur
District. That Jainism flourished during the Kalachuri period is shown by the
Bahuriband stone inscription of Gayäkarîa and other archaeological remains. This
inscription records that one Mahäbhoja, son of Sädhu Sarvadhara, erected a
temple of Áäntinätha. The inscription further notes that white canopy over it
was, built by Sütradhära. The image of Áäntinätha was consecrated by the
Ächärya Subhadra who belonged to the line of Deáïgaîa in the
Ämnäya of Chandrakara Ächärya.3
Gyaraspur : Gyäraspur is situated at a distance
of 28 kms. from Vidisha. As it is believed to be the place of penance
(Tapobhümi), It is regarded as Kalyäîa Kshetra. It is alos an art
centre.1 The Mäladevô temple, which is
partly rock-cut and partly structural, is a mature example of Pratïhara temple
style. From the decorative motifs and architectural factures, this temple
appears to be of the ninth century A.D. The Bäjrämaûha is an example of
rare class of temple. Some scholars consider it to be a Jaina temple. The
sculptures enshrined in the temple of Mälädevï are remarkable from the artistic
point of view. The beautiful figure of Áälabhañjikä from Gyaraspur has attained
world wide renown for its finely arranged coiffure, sharp and prominent facial
feautes. Some people regard it as Atiáayakshetra.
Lakshmaîï : Lakshmanï Tïrtha, sacred to
Padmaprabha, is situated in Jhäbuä District. It is mentioned in the
Praväsagïtikä of Jayänanda (15th century) as a great Jaina centre with
more than one hundred temples and 2000 devotees.2
Amïjharä : Amïjharä is identified with modern
Amjherä in Dhära District. It is dedicated to Pärávanätha and it became a Jaina
Tïrtha from roughly 1500 A.D.3
Mäîâavagaâha
: Mäîâavagaâha. sacred to Supäráva,
is situated in Dhär District, and at present, is known as Mäîâu. There is also
an old temple of Áäntinätha at this place. Sumatisägara (16th century) and
Jñänasägara (C.1575 A.D.) have mentioned the Mahävïra temple of this place.
During the reign of the Sultans of Mäîdu, it became a great
Tïrtha.1
Tälanapura
: Tälanapura in Dhär District is
sacred to Ädinätha and is respected by both the Ávetämbaras and the Digambaras.
There are a few old icons in this temple-complex. One image was installed by
Viáälakïrti of the Käshûhä Saãgha in 1268 A.D.2
Kuîâalapura : Kuîâalapura is situated in Damoha
District. According to the Tiloyapaîîati of Yativôishbha, Árïdhara
attained liberation from Kuîâalagiri. There is mention of Kuîâalapura in the
Sanskrit Nirväîa Bhakti of Püjyapäda. The main deity at this Tïrtha is of
Ôshabha 6th century A.D. but not of Mahävïra, as is generally believed. This
Tïrtha was renovated by Mahäräja Chhatrasäla in V.S. 1757 through the
Bhaûûärakas. It is regarded as the famous Atiáaya Kshetra3 and at this place there also exists
sixty Jain temples.
Thuvauna : Thuvauna, dedicated to Ädinätha, is
situated in Gunä District. It is said that a Árävaka named Päâäáäha
belonged to this place, and built the jaina temple. This Tïrtha is believed to
be the famous Atiáaya Kshetra.4 Here there are 26 temples as in
these temples various idols are 30
feet
in
height.
Bajaraõga
Gaâha : Bajaraõga
gaâha is situated at a distance of 07 kms. from Guîä. There are three
Käyotsarga images of Jaina Tïrthaõkaras Áañtinätha. Araha Nätha and
Kuntunätha. Their installation ceremony was performed in V.S. 1236 by Läâäáäha
who belonged to the Gahoï Vaiáya caste. The main deity (Mülanäyaka) of
this place was of Áäntinätha. the Jaina images of V.S. 1075, 1115, 1225, 1312,
1320, 1321 and 1329 have been found here. There images prove the antiquity of
this place. It is well-known as the
Atiáaya-Kshetra.1
Büâhï
Chanderï : Büâhï
Cahnderï is at a distance of fourteen kms. from the modern Chanderï. This place
was ruled by the Chandellas. This place flourished between V.S. 1335 and V.S.
1334. It became a great art centre. Innumetable Jaina images of this period have
been discovered. These Jaina images possess peculiar certain characteristics. No
inscription and Árïvatsa are found on these Jaina images. Some Jaina
images have no symbols. These Jaina images are important from the artisic point
of view.2
Sihoniä : Sihoniä is situated at a distance
of 30 kms. from Mureîä. About 141 Jaina images of the 11th century A.D. are
found here. The there Jaina images of Áäntinätha, Kunthunätha and Arahanätha wer
together installed here. These there were Kämadevas and Chakrivatïs, and were the
natives of Hastinäpura. Sihoniä is known to be Atiáaya Kshetra because of
the image of Áäntinätha.3
West
India
Rajasthan,
Gujarat and Mahäräshûra
Räjasthan
Nagarï : Nagarï is situated eighteen kms.
north of Chittor. Its ancient name was Madhyamikä, The Madhyamikä branch
of the Jaina Saãgha
organization, as mentioned in the Sthirävali of the Kalpasütra,
became famous after the name of this place. Priyagrantha, the second pupil of
Susthita and Supratibudha, founded this branch probably in the second century
B.C. A Kushäîa inscription of the second century A.D. mentioning Madhyamikä
säkhä has been found at Mathurä. An inscription of the third or second
century B.C., which states that something was constructed for the welfare of all
living beings, has been discovered at this place.1
Jhälrä
Päûan
: The ancient name
of Jhälräpäûan is said to be Chandravatï which was situated on the banks of
Chandrabhäga. There was a famous old temple of Áäntinätha which is unique for
the point of view architects which
was built by Säha Pïpä in 1046 A.D., and its installation ceremony was performed
by Bhavadevasüri. An inscription dated 1109 A.D. on a pillar of Sätsaläkïpuhäri
records the death of Áreshï Pïpä. This temple was often visited by
Árävakas and Jaina Ächäryas. An inscription of 1047 A.D. records
the name of a visitor to the shrine. Jaina Ächäryas used to reside at
this place because we find a vast number of funeral memorials termed
'Nishedhikas' of Jaina priests.2
Bayänä
: Bayänä is
situated about forty-eight kms. to the South-West of Bharatpur. Its ancient
names were Árïpathä and Brahmaväâa. An inscription of 994 A.D. on the image of
Jina reveals that it was caused to be made in accordance with the instructions
of Áürasena of apparently the Vägaâa Saãgha by three brothers. During the Muslim
period, the activities of Jainism remained unrestrained. Images were installed
in the Jaina temples, and manuscripts prepared in order to present them to
monks. The installation ceremonies of images were performed in 1403, 1439, 1448
and 1456 A.D. at Brahmaväda, another name of Bayänä. A copy of the
Ätmaprabodhana was written in 1490 A.D. at Árïpathä, the alternative name
of Bayänä.1
Bhinmäl : The old name of Bhimäl, which is
situated about one hundred sixty nine kms. south of Jodhpur is Árïmäla. An
inscription of 1276 A.D. found here tells that Mahävïra in person came to
Árïmäla. It is supported by the Árïmälamähätmya, a work of the 13th
century A.D. Siddhasena Süri refers to this place as a holy place in the
Sakalatïrthastotra. Dhanapäla of the 11th Century informs about the Jaina
image of Mahävïra. Jinaprabhasüri in the Vividhatïrthakalpa mentions it
as a holy place of Vïra. Besides, there were other Jaina temples such as
Áäntinätha and Pärávanatha. The Árïmälïs among the Jainas originated from this
place. They were converted to Jainism by the Jaina saints about the eighth
century A.D.2
Vasantagarh : Vasantagarh is situated eight Kms.
to the south of Piîâwärä and its old names were Vatäkara, Vaûanagara and
Väáishûhapura. The inscription of the seventh or eighth century A.D. engraved on
the walls of this temple definitely proves its ancientry. Besides, a pair of
images of Rïshabhadeva with the inscription of 687 A.D. has been discovered from
under the ground. It is the earliest Jaina inscription discoverd in Rajasthan.
It is recorded that Droîovaka Yaáodeva caused to be constructed the beautiful
pair of Jaina images. The Jaina temple of this place appears to be renovated in
1450 A.D. by Maîisundara Süri during the reign of Kumbhakarîa1
Mandor : Maîâor, the ancient capital of
Märwär, is situated at a distance of eight kms. from Jodhpur. Its old names were
Maââodara and Mäîâavyapura durga. Kakkuka, the Pratïhära ruler of this place,
was a great patron of Jainism. He constructed a Jaina temple at Ghaûiyälä. There
are remains of the Jaina temple of the tenth century A.D. In 1186 A.D., the
Árävakas of this place went on pilgrimage with the Saãgha led by
Abhayakumära to the holy places. The Árävakas of Maîâor built, and
repaired temples of other places, and placed images in them. In 1311 A.D.,
Gosala with his brother and sons renovated the temple of Vimalavasahï at Äbü. In
1461 A.D., Sañjaka of Maîâor with the members of his family prepared Nandiávara
Paûûikä, and installed it durring the reign of Chächigadeva in the temple of
Pärávanätha at Jaisalmer through Jinachandrasüri. The Maîâovara gotra of the
Osavälas became famous after Maîâor. The Maîâora-gachchha, a branch of
the Kharatara-gachchha, originated from this place in 1497
A.D.1
Ghaûiyälä : At a distance of thirtyfive kms.
north west of Jodhpur is situated the town of Ghaûiyälä. In early times, It was
famous by the names of Rohiãsaka and Rohiãsaküpa. The Pratïhära ruler was a
patron of Jainism, and caused ot be built a temple of the god Jina for the
several merchants whom he invited to settle there, He entrusted this temple to
the community, presided over by the ascetics, Jambava and Ämraka and the
merchant Bhäkuta in the Gachchha of the holy Dheneávara. on the right
side of the temple is sculptured the figure of a Jaina goddess seated on a
lion.2
Mertä : At a distance of one hundred
seventeen kms. north- east of Jodhpur stands the town of Mertä. Its ancient
names were Meâantaka and Meâatapura. In medieval times, it was called
Medanïpura. After converting the Yaksha, Kaâameâa and a large number of
Brähmaîas to Jainism, Abhayadevasüri, who lived in the eleventh century A.D.,
caused the temple of Mahävïra to be built in this city. At the request of the
Chauhäna king Mäladeva, Jinachandrasüri in 1322 A.D., visited Mertä. In 1323
A.D., Seûha Räyapati of Delhi, while leading Saãgha to holy places along
with Jinakuáalasüri, came to Mertä. The activities of Jainism continued even
during the Muslim period. Copies of the manuscripts were written and images
installed in them. Hïravijaya Süri, on whom Akbar conferred the ritle of
Jagadguru, visited this place. Samaysundara, a distinguished scholar of
medieval times, wrote several works from Mertä. Áäntikuáala in his Árï Gaudï
Päráva Tïrthamälä, written in 1670 A.D., refers to Mertä as a holy place of
the Jainas.1
Osiä : Osiä is situated fiftytwo kms
north-west of Jodhpur. The Jaina temple dedicated to Mahävïra was famous. It
appears to have been first built at the end of the eighth century A.D. Osiä
remained specially associated with Jainsim. It is known as the cradle of a class
of Baniäs called Osavälas. It is said that Ratnaprabhasüri visited this
place and converted the king and his subjects to Jainism. At the request of the
temple committee, a merchant called Jindaka renovated the temple of Mahävïra.
The temple of Mahävïra continued as a holy place. The Näbhinandana
Jinodhära written by Kakkasüri in 1338 A.D. gives us useful information
about the town. Siddhasena Süri refers to Osia as a holy place in the
Sakalatïrthastotra. Upakeáa gachchha was also named after Osiä.
From the Upakeáa gachchha prabandha, it is known that the Muslim army
while passing through destroyed the town in 1195 A.D.2
Jälor : Jalor is situated about one hundred
twenty one kms. south of Jodhpur. From the Kuvalayamälä composed in 778
A.D. by Uddyotanasüri, it is clear that it was a flourishing town adorned with
temples and buildings of rich men. The famous Jaina temples were of Ädinätha,
Mahävïra, Pärávanätha and Áäntinätha. Jälor was regarded as a holy place of the
Jainas in early times. Siddhasenasüri pays high respect to it in his
Tïrthamäla. The Vidhichaitya movement gained strength, and
popularity by the frequent visits of the Jaina saints to this place. In 1168
A.D., Jinachandrasüri visited this place and propagated the teachings of
Vidhimärga to the Árävakas. Jineávarasüri remained specially
associated with this place. Jälor was a seat of learning in early times.
Uddayotana Süri, Buddisägara and Jineávara Süri composed their respective works.
Jinabhadrasüri founded Áästrabhaîâära at this place in the fourteenth
century A.D.1
Dïâwänä
: Âïâwänä is situated at a distance
of two hundred nine kms. north-east of Jodhpur. It remained associated with
Jainism from very early times. Jineávarasüri, who visited this place in the
tenth century A.D. composed the Kathäkoáa. Árïdattasüri of the Pürnatala
gachchha, the teacher of the famous scholar Hemachandrasuri, visited Dïâwänä and
addressed the ruler Yaáobhadra of this place. Yaáobhadra got a big Jaina temple
constructed known as Chauvïsa Jinälaya. Siddhasena Süri mentions this
holy place in his Sakalatïrthamälä.2
Nïlakaîûha
(Rajora
Garh) : Nïlakaîûha (Räjorgarh) is situated
fortyfive kms. to the south-west of Alwar. In the tenth century A.D., its name
was Räjyapura and it was capital of the Baâa Gurjara Räjputs. Jainism made
marked progress during the reign of the Baâa-Gurjaras. Jaina saints performed
penances in some caves. By their inspiration, their followers constructed
magnificent temples, and images in them. An inscription dated V.S. 979 (923 A.D)
of the reign of king Sävaûa records the construction of the temple as well as
the installation of an image of Áäntinätha therein at Rajyapura by Saravadeva,
son of Dedullaka, and grandson of Arbhaûa of Dharkaûa family. Three life-size
Jaina figures are all standing upright. One colossal Jaina figure known as
Nowgaza is said to have been built by Bhaiãsä Mahäjana during the
reign of some Baâa Gujara ruler.1
Sanchor
: Sanchor is
situated about two hundred kms. south--west of Jodhpur. Its old name was
Satyapura. Under the Muslim rule, It was named Mahamudäbäd. Sanchor was a great
centre of Jainism. Because of the celebrated temple of Mahävïra, it was
considered a holy place of the Jainas. In the old Chaityabandana stotra
of Jagachintamani, this Tïrth has been described with deep devotion.
Dhanapäla composed the poem Satyapurïya Mahävïra Utsäha in honour
of the order of Mahävïra. From the account of Jinaprabhasüri, it was believed to
have been built by Nähaâa of Maîâor. This Jaina temple of Mahävïra was destroyed
by the Mulsims. Sanchor, being a holy place, was visited by Jaina saints such as
Jinakusalasüri and Jinapadmasüri from time to time. Some of them composed their
literary works, and got the copies of manuscripts prepared in order to spread
knowledge. It was a birth place of the great scholar named
Samayasundara.1
Chätsu
: Chätsu is
situated about fortytwo kms. south of Jaipur. Its early name was Champävatï. the
temple, crowning the hill, was originally a temple of the eighth century A.D.
The religious activities of Jainism continyed during the reign of the Muslim
ruler Ghiyäsuddïn. Under the patronage of the Solaõkï ruler Rämachandra, a
feudatory ruler of Saõgräma Siãha of Mewär, Jainism flourished exceedingly.
Several copies of manuscripts were prepared, and the consecration of the images
took place. Bhaûûäraka Chndrakïrti of Mülasaãgha seems to have removed his seat
from Chitor to this place. It also became a centre of learning in medieval
times. Ûhakurra, and author of the sixteenth century A.D., composed some
Apabhraãáa works here.2
Nägdä : Nagda is situated at the fort of
the hill of Ekaliõgajï. Its old names are Nägahôida and Nägadraha. The temple,
now, known as the temple of Padmävatï was originally the famous temple of
Päráavanätha. The Jaina temple known as Adbhudjï is so called, because it
contains a wonderful image of Áäntinätha. It was constructed by a merchant named
Säraãga of the Poraväla caste during Kumbhakaraîa's reign. Nägdä was well known
as a holy place of the Jainas in early times. Viáälakïrti's disciple named
Madanakïrti, who lived in the thirteenth century A.D., prayed to Pärávanätha of
Nägadraha along with other Tïrthaõkaras in the Áäsanachatustriãáatikä.
Jinaprabhasuri also refers to it in his Vividhatïrthakalpa, written in
1332 A.D. This Tïrtha has been described in the Tïrthaãäläs of the
late period. Sundarasüri composed an independent stotra in devotion to
Nägahôida Pärávanätha.1
Ähär
: Ähär is about
three kms. east of Udaipur city. Its ancient names were Äghaûapura and Ätpura.
Jainism flourished here under the patronage of the Guhila rulers. Pradyumnasüri
of Chandra Gachchha is siad to have defeated the Digambara saints in
discussions in the royal court of Allaûa at Äghäûa. From the
Räsasaãgraha, it is known that the Minister of Allaûa, built the Jaina
temple, and got the image of Pärávanätha installed through Yaáobhadrasüri of
Saîâeraka Gachchha who passed away in 972 A.D. This is further confirmed
from the Jaina inscription fond on devakulikä of the Jaina temple. In
this inscription, Mayüra, Árïpati and Mattaûa have been described as
Akshapatalikas respectively of Allaûa, Naravähana and Áaktikumära. They
might have constructed this Jaina temple. Dhanadeva, who lived in the tenth
century A.D., refers ot the temple of Mahävïra in his poem 'Satyapurïya
Mahävïra Utsäha, Siddhasenasüri, an author of the twelfth century, refers to
this place in the Sakalatïrtha Stotra. Jagachandrasüri was a great Jaina
ascetic who performed hard penances. Seeing him, Jaitrasiãaha, the ruler of
Mewar, gave him the title Tapä in 1228 A.D. at Äghäûa., By the
inspiration of Jaina saints several copies of manuscripts were prepared under
the royal patronage. Jhänjhaîa, in the company of his teacher Dharmaghoshasüri,
organized the Saãgha to holy places and visited Äghäûa
also.1
Chitor
: Chitor is
situated at a distance of about one hundred eight kms. to the north-east of
Udaipur city. Its ancient name was Chitraküûa. The great Jaina scholar named
Haribhadrasüri of the eighth century was a native of this place. He wrote the
Dhürtäkhyäna at Chitor. Vïrasena learnt the Shaûkhaîâägama and the
Kashäyaprabhôita from Elächärya at Chitor. Harisheîa, who originally a
resident of Chitor, wrote the Dharmaparïkshä in 987 A.D. Jinavallabha
made Chitraküûa his headquarters for the propagation of Vidhimärga in the
early twelfth century A.D. The reformed temples were established at his
persuatsion. After Jinavallabha, the function of Paûûa ceremony of
Jinadattasüri was celebrated in 1112 A.D. with great rejoicings. Vädidevasüri
defeated Áivamürti in discussions. This place was also a seat of Digambara
Bhaûûärakas in the twelfth century A.D. The kings and officers, though followers
of Brahmanical religion, were highly influenced by the teachings of the Jaina
Ächäryas. The ruler Samarasiãha issued an ordinance prohibiting the
slaughter of animals in his kingdom on certain days.
Chitor was considered to be a holy
place of the Jainas as known from the Sakalatïrtha Stotra of
Siddhasenasüri. The Jaina Kïrtistambha was built in honour of the Jaina
Tïrthaõkara Adinätha by Punasiãha, the son of Jijä of the Bhagherväla caste
during the reign of Kumbha. Kumbha's treasurer Bhaîâärï Belä, a Jaina
erected the charming temple known as Sriõgära Chaurï in honour of the
Jaina Tïrthaõkara Áäntinätha. Some Chittraküûa Chaitya Paripäûïs, written
in the fifteenth and the sixteenth centuries, are important as they point
out that there were temples of
different Gachchhas. Various copies of manuscripts on religion and
philosophy were prepared for presentation to the Jaina monks in the twelfth and
thirteenth centuries.1
Shergarh : Shergarh is about one hundred
forty-five kms. to the south-west of Koûah. Its ancient name was Koáavardhana.
In the tenth century A.D., one Räjapüta Saradära installed three Jaina
images, which are now in dilapidated condition. An inscription of 1105 A.D.
records how a great festival of the Jaina Tïrthaõkara Neminätha was celebrated at the new
Chaitya. At this time, the Jaina saint Vïrasena was residing here in 1134
A.D, Devapäla caused to be made the ratnatraya (images of three
Tïrthaõkaras Áäntinätha, Kunthanätha, and Aranätha); and performed their
installation ceremony in association with his son, parents, relatives and
Genûhins at Koáavardhana.2
NäGaur : Nagaur, the chief town of the
District of the same name, is situated in Jodhpur Division. It was known by
various name such as Nägapura, Nagapattana, Ahipura and Bhujaõga-nagara. From
the literary sources, it is known as a great centre of Jainism. Jayasiãhasüri
wrote the Dharmopadeáamälävivaraîa in 858 A.D. Chandrasüri started to
write the Upadeáavôitti in 1177 A.D. In 1105 A.D., Hemachandrasüri was
ordained as Ächärya by Devasüri. Jinavallabhasüri and Jinadattasüri of
the Kharatara gachchha visited this place, and established
Vidhichaityas in the twelfth century A.D. In the fifteenth century A.D.,
Jinabhadrasüri set up grantha-bhaîâära at this place. Bhaûûaräka
Ratnakïrti established a different seat of the Mulasaãgha at Nagaur in
the fifteenth century A.D. The Nagaura Bhaîâära containing about 15,000
manuscripts is famous. Nägapurïya gachchha, a branch of the Tapägachchha,
among the Jainas, originated from Nägaur. There were several Jaina temples at
this place. Siddhasena refers to Nägaur as a holy place in the Sakalatïrtha
Stotra. The temple of Näräyaîavasahï built in 860 A.D. was in existence in
the Seventeenth century A.D. as known from the Nägaurachaitya Paripäûi.
Dhanadeva got the installation ceremony of the temple of Neminätha performed
from Jinavallabhasüri. Ûhäkura Achalasiãha of this place got the
ordinance from Qutbuddin, the Khilji Sultan of Delhi for pilgimage to holy
places in 1317 A.D.1
Khaîâelä : At a distance of fortyfive kms.
from Sikar stands the town of Khaîâelä. Its old name as known from literary
sources were Khaîâilla and Khaîâelapura. Jinasenächärya, in the line of the
saint Aparäjita, is said to have converted the Chauhäna ruler of this place with
his subjects to Jainism, and formed the Khaîâelaväla caste. When this incident
took place, is not definitely known. Probably, it happended in the eighth
century A.D. because the Khaîâelaväla caste is not known to be in existence
earlier. Its earliest mention is found in the inscription of 1197 A.D. When
these Khaîâelavälas increased in number, They formed gotras after the
names of villages, surnames, etc. From a Praáasti of the Dharmaratnäkara
written in 998 A.D., it is known that its author Jayasena visited
Khaîâalika, and there, he impressed the people with his teachings. In 1287 A.D.,
Jinaprabhasüri also came to Khanâelapura and he converted the people to Jainism
by his teachings. Brämaîika, a pupil of Bhaûûäraka Jinachandra of Mülasãgha,
paid visit to Khaîdelapura in 1461 A.D. Khaîâelä remained a great holy place of
the Jainas as is mentioned in Sakalatïrtha Stotra of Siddhasenasüri.
Probably, Khaîâila gachchha among the Jainas was named after this place.
There are remains of an old Jaina temple at this place.
Kämän : Kämän lies at a distance of
sixtyfour kms. from Bharatpur. There are remains of the old Jaina temples.
Kämyaka gachchha originated from this place, Durgadeva, the Jaina author,
furnished the Rishûasamuchchaya in a fine temple of Áäntinatha at
Kumbhanagara ruled over by Lakshmïniväsa. Kumbhanagara may be identified with
Käman. As regards the king Lakshmïnivasa, he may be the Sürasena ruler named
Lakshmaîa.2
Hathuîâï : Hathuîâï is about five kms.
south-east of Bijapura, and its old name was Hastikuîâï. In the tenth century,
it was a capital of the Rästrakütas who were the followers of Jainism. Vidagdha,
at the preaching of Väsudevächärya, built a temple of Ôishabhadeva at Hathuîâï, and also made
a grant in favour of his teacher Balaprasäda and the temple. His son Mammaûa
renewed this grant. Dhavala, son of Mammaûa, renovated the Jaina temple built by
his grand-father. After the rule of the Räshûraküûas, Hathuîâï probably suffered
from the Muslim attack, which is responsible for the change of Mülanäyaka
from Ôishabhadeva to Mahävïra in the temple of this place. Gradually, it became
a famous holy place by the name of Räûa Mahävïra. Pilgrims from different
places came to visit it. Áilavijayasüri and Jinatilakasüri describe their holy
place in their Tïrthamäläs. The Hastikuîâïya gachchha was started
by Väsudevächärya in the tenth century A.D. after the name of this
place.1
Varman
: At a distance of forty-five kms.
from Äbü station, there stands a village of Varmäî. Its old name was Brahmäîa.
Varmäî remained a stronghold of Jainism. Siddhasenasüri refers to this place in
the Sakaltïrtha Stotra, Brähmaîaka Gachchha among the Jainas
originated from the place Varmän, whose ancient name was Brähmaîa-Mahästhäna.
The Mahävïra Jaina temple of this gachchha was built in 1185 A.D. or even
before by the Árävakas of this place2.
Näâol : Näâol, now a village, is situated
at a distance about thirteen kms. from Jawälia Station. It was the capital of
the Chauhänas. Jainism made a striking progress here under the patronage of the
Chauhäna rulers. This town became one of the celebrated Pañchatïrthas of
the Jainas of Märwär. The Jaina temple of Mahävïra was very famous. The king
Aávaräja, who was a feudatory of Kumärapäla, gave commands for the strict
observance of Ahiãsä on certain days. In 1171 A.D., Älhaîadeva also
forbade the slaughter of animals on certain days, Älhaîadeva and his son
Kïrtipäla made gifts to the temple of Mahävïra.1
Korûä
: The old name of Korûä, situated
twenty-six kms. to the south-west of Saîâera, is Koraîûaka. Korûä was a famous
place of pilgrimage of the Jainas. In the tenth century A.D., Dhanapäla, in his
poem Satyapuramahävïrautsäha refers to the temple of Mahävïra of Koranta.
This place is also mentioned in the Sakalatïrtha Stotra of Siddhasena
Süri. According to the Prabhävaka Charitra, Koraîûapura was a prosperous
town inhabited by rich people who were devoted to their religion. This town
remained a place of pilgrimage in medieval times also. Megha, Áïlavijaya and
Jñävimalasüri describe this place in their Tïrthamäläs. The people of
this place led Saãghas to holy places. Koraîûa gachchha originated from
this place.2
Saîâerä
: Saîâerä is about sixteen kms.
north-west of Bäli in Jodhpur Division. It seems to have been founded by
Yaáobhadrasüri in the tenth century A.D. Saîâerä remained a great centre of
Jainism in the past. Siddhasena. Süri mentions this place in the list of holy
places in his Sakalatïrtha Stotra. Saîâeraka gachchha founded by
Yaáobhadrasüri, originated from this place in the tenth century A.D. Its early
name was Välabha gachchha. Its early influential Ächäryas
Yaáobhadrasüri Áälisüri and Sumatisüri rendered valuable services to Jainism.
There were two Jaina temples of Mahävïra and Pärávanätha of Saîâeraka
gachchha. The chauhäna rulers of Näâol patronized the activities of
Jainism, at Saîâerä.1
Näâläï : Näâiäï is a small village six kms.
north-west of Desürï in Jodhpur Division, Jainism flourished greatly at this
place under the patronage of the Chauhäna rulers. There were two old temples of
Neminätha and Mahävïra here. Kings, feudatories and their subjects made
donations to these temples. These temples were destroyed by the Muslims, and
therefore rebuilt by the Saãghas of the various places. Näâläï also
remained a holy place even in medieval times. The founder of Kaâuä sect, named
Kaâuä Áäha, was born here in 1440 A.D. Áäntikuáala mentions the temple of
Pärávanätha in his Gauâï Pärávatïrthamälä written in 1610 A.D.
Samayasundara, a poet of the Seventeenth century A.D., has given a lively and
beautiful description of Näâuläï, and its Neminätha temple in his poem.
Áïtavijaya also refers to it in his Tïrthamälä.2
Päli : Päli is situated seventy-two kms.
south-east of Jodhpur. It remained a place of pilgrimage of the Jainas.
Siddhasenasüri offers high respect to this place in his Sakalatïrtha
Stotra. This place was well known by the name Pürîabhadra Mahävïra.
Madanakïrti mentions Palli Jineávara along with other holy places in the
Áasanachatuátriãáatikä, written in the thirteenth century A.D.
Viávanätha, pupil of some old Bhattäraka, records Päliáäntijina in the list of
holy places. This definitely proves that there was a Jaina temple of Áäntinätha
of the Digambara Jainas in early times. Päli was visited by the Jaina saints
from ime to time. Some monks devoted themselves to learning, and writing
literary works. Copies of the manuscripts were prespared. Palliväla
gachchha among the Jainas was named after Päli in 1093 A.D. Kumarapäla's
ordinanace of forbidding the slaughter of animals on certain days was strictly
enforced at this place. The caste of Pallivälas among the Jainas was named after
Päli in about the eight century A.D.1
Kheda : Kheâa, the old capital of the
Räûhors of Marwar, is situated at a distance of eight kms. from Nagara. Kheâa
was a great centre of Jainism. Siddhasenasüri refers to it as a holy place. It
was frequently visited by Jinapati Süri, and other saints. Different functions
were organized by people in honour of Jaina saints. There was the existence of
Jaina temple of Ôishabha in the twelfth century A.D. Uddharaîa constructed a
beautiful temple of Áäntinätha at this place, whose consecration ceremony was
performed by Jinapatisüri in 1201 A.D. The Chauhäna ruler Pôithvïräja of Ajmer
paid visit to Kheâa in order to see Uddharaîa. Lakshmïgaîi, a poet of the
fourteenth century, describes it in his Áäntinätha Devaräsa. From the old
remains, it is known that there was also Jaina temple of Mahävïra at Kheâa in
early times.1
Ajmer
: Ajmer former called as Ajayameru
was founded by the Chuahana ruler Ajaipäla in about 1123 A.D. It was frequently
visited by Jaina saints for the propagation of Jainism. During the reign of
Arhoräja, Jinadatta Süri came to this place to perform the installation ceremony
of the Jaina temple built by Ûhakura Äáädatta. He died here, and was
cremated at a place, which came to be known as Dädäbärï. His disciple
Jinapatisüri spent the rainy season in 1178 A.D. The Saãgha of Ajmer
participated in a pilgrimage to holy place organized by Abayakumara with
Jinapati Süri. In the thirteenth
century A.D., it was a seat of Bhaûûärakas of the Mulasaãgha. There are
strong traditions among the Jainas that presently known as
Aâhäï-din-kä-Jhoãpara was a Jaina temple. Jaina Bhaûûärakas and their
disciples rendered a valuable sevice to Jaina literature in medieval time.
Several copies of the manuscripts were prepared.2 Soõs temple is renowned for golden
painting wood carvings and Samavasarana (replica of the discouse assembly of
Tirthankar).
Naraiîä : Naraiîä is a small station on the
metre-gauge line of the Western Railway between Phulera and Ajmer. Its ancient
name was Näräyaîa. During the reign of the Chauhänas, it became a great centre
of Jainism. Siddhasenasüri in his Sakalatïrthastotra mentions it as a
holy place of the Jainas. Jaina saints used to reside here. The Bijauliä rock
inscription dated 1169 A.D. tells that Püîyaräsï, one of the ancestors of Loläka
of the Prägväûa caste, built the temple of Vardhamäna. Dhanapäla, an author of
the eleventh century A.D, refers to the famous temple of Mahävïra of this place
in his poem 'Satyapurïya Mahävïra Utsaha. From the archaeological remains
of images, pillars, doorways and other remains discovered from the underground,
it appears that they belonged to the temple of Mahävïra. It was excellent in
construction from the architectural point of viw. It was probably destroyed by
the Muslim invasions in the twelfth century A.D.1
Narhaâ : Narhaâ is situated at a distance of
eight kms. from Pilani in Jhunjhunu District. Its ancient name was Narabhaûa. It
remained a place of pilgrimage in
early medieval period. The Saãgha, which started on pilgrimage to
Hastinäpura in 1318 A.D. along with Jinachandrasüri, stayed at this place to
worship Pärávanätha and they were all cordially welcomed. The Árävakas of
this place also joined this Saãgha for pilgrimage to Hastinäpura. In 1319
A.D., on his way to Mertä from Delhi, Jinachandrasüri stayed at Narhaâ. In 1323
A.D., when Jinakuáalasüri started on a pilgrimage to holy places such as
Ujjayanta, he dropped at Narhad to worship the image of Pärávanätha installed by
Jinadattasüri in the twelfth century A.D. Vinayaprabhasüri, an author of the
fourteenth century A.D., in his Tïrthayäträstavana mentions this holy
place, and refers to the image of Pärávanätha.2
Bagherä
: Bagherä is
situated about seventy-four kms. south-east of Ajmer. It was a stronghold of
Jainism. Frm the Bijauliä Rock inscription dated 1169 A.D., it is known that
Vaiáravaîa, the ancestor of Loläka, built many a temple at Bagherä and other
places. This place was a seat of the Bhaûûärakas of the Mülasaãgha in the
twelfth century A.D. They placed several Jaina images in the temples of this
place. The images of Jaina goddesses found here are notworthy from the artistic
point of view. The importance of Bagherä is further clear from the fact that the
Bagheravälä caste among the Jainas originagted from this place in the eighth
century A.D.1
Harasaur : Harasaur is situated between
Pushkar and Degänä in the District of Nagaur, and its early name seems to be
Harshapura Jainism prospered here under the Chauhäna rulers. Siddhasenasüri
mentions this town in his Sakaltïrtha Stotra. Harshapura gachchha
a branch of Árï Pärávanätha Kula, originated probably from this place.
Some Jaina Ächäryas of this gachchha were very powerful, and they
had a great influence over their contemporary rulers. The name of this
Gachchha is mentioned in the inscription of 1496 A.D. found at Nagaur. A
Jaina stone image with the inscription of 996 A.D. has been also discovered. One
of the Mahäjana castes named Harasaurä originated from this
place.2
MäroTh : At a distance of eleven kms. from
Cuchäman Road Station in Nagaur District stands the town of Märoûh. It remained
a stronghold of Jainism from early times. Many Jaina images of the eleventh and
twelfth centuries have been found here. From some of their inscriptions, it
seems that their consecration was performed by Sakalakïrti of the Mäthura
Saãgha in 1165 A.D. (V.S. 1232). The temples of the early period could
not survive by now, however there are four Jaina temples of the medieval period.
Beîiräma Ajmerä performed an installation ceremony of the temple of Ädinätha
Chaityälaya in 1328 A.D. Chandraprabhu Chaityälaya was built by
Jïvanadäsa Päûodï in 1425 A.D. Rämasiãha, the chief minister of Bairïsäla,
performed an inauguration ceremony of the temple and images with great
rejoicings in 1737 A.D. through Bhaûûäraka Anantakïrti of
Ajmer.1
Chandävatï : Chandrävatï, situated near Äbü, was
the capital of the Paramäras. As it remained a place of pilgrirmage, it was
visited by Jaina saints, scholas and laymen from time to time. Sidhasenasüri
refers to this place in the Sakala Tïrtha Stotra. Jinaprabhasüri, author of the
Vividha Tïrtha kalpa, Written in 1389 A.D., describes the city as full of
wealth, and he also mentions the temple of Chandraprabhu. Megha in his
Tïrthamälä (written in about 1443 A.D.) describes its prosperity and compares it
to Läõkä. According to him, there were about 1800 Jaina temples and the most
prominent among them was the temple of Ôishabha. From the Upadeáa Saptati
of Somadharma written in 1446 A.D., it is known that there were 444 Jaina
temples, Áïlavijaya in his Tïrthamälä of 1689 A.D. writes that there were
about 1800 beautiful Jaina temples at the time of Vimala. All these statements
show that there was a large number of Jaina temples in the past. The predecessor
of Padmadevasüri, who lived in 1235 A.D., built the Jaina temple of
Chandraprabhu. When Peïhaâakumära and Saãgaräma, ministers of the Sultan of
Malwa, came for a pilgrimage to this place, they constructed the Jaina
temples.1
Bärmer : Bärmer is situated at a distance of
about two hundred nine kms. south-west of Jodhpur. Jaina saints such as
Jineávarasüri, Jinakuáalasüri and Jinapadmasüri visited this place and urged the
Árävakas to organize religious functions. Vinayaprabhasüri in his
Tïrthamälä mentions the temples of Ôishabha and Áänti. There was also the
temple of Mahävïra. The Árävakas from various places such as Jaisalmer,
Läûahôida and Pälanpur came to participate in them.2
Barodä
: Barodä, the old capital of Vägaâa,
is situated at a distance of forty-five kms. from Dungarpur. Its early name was
Vaûapadraka. It was also a centre of Jainism in early times. Vinayaprabhasüri,
an author of the fourteenth century, refers to temple of this place in his
Tïrthayäträ Stavana. There are several remains of the old Jaina temples.
One of them is the temple of Pärávanätha. Jinachandrasüri of the Kharatara
gachchha performed the installation ceremony here. Various copies of the
Jaina manuscripts were writtin here in medieval times.3
Âüngarpur
: Âungarpur is
located at a distance of about one hundred five kms. south of Udaipur. It was
the capital of the same name. From the Praväsajïtikätraya of Jayänanda
written in 1370 A.D., it is known that there were five Jaina temples and
about nine hundred Jaina families living at that time. The Jainas were given
high posts of Ministers of the State. They constructed temples and celebrated
the consecration of the images with pomp and show. Düõgarpur was visited by the
Jaina saints from time to time, and manuscripts were presented to them as a mark
of honour. In 1404 A.D., Prahläda, the Minister of Rävala Pratäpa Siãha,
constructed a Jaina temple. It is clear from the Guruguîaratnakara Kävya
that Sälha, who was the chief Minister of Somadäsa, renovated the temple of
Pärávanätha. The Bhaûûärakas of the Mülasaãgha and the Käsûhä Saãgha had a great
stronghold at Âüngarpur.1
Tahangarh : Tahangrah is twenty-three kms. to
the south of Bayänä. Its old name was Tribhuvanagiri. During the reign of the
Yädavas, Jainism remained specially associated with Tahangarh. Pradyumnasüri
defeated his opponents in the coutrs of the rulers of Sapädalaksha and
Tribhuvanagiri. Kardamabhüpati, the ruler of this place, is said to have been
initiated to monkhood by Abhayadevasüri. Jinadattasuri and his disciples visited
this place. From the Upakeáa gachchha Paûûävali, it is known that there
was an old temple of this gachchha. From a Praáasti of the
Jinadattachariu written in 1218 A.D., it is known that Lakshmaîa fled to
Viläsapura from Tribhuvanagiri in panic on accoutn of the Muslim
persecutions.1
Jaisalmer : Jaisalmer was the capital of the
Bhäûïs, and it was founded after 1163 A.D., They were great patrons of Jainism
which made a striking progress during their reign. The great Jaina temples of
Chintamaîi Pärávanätha, Ôishabhadeva, Áañtinätha. Sambhavanätha and Mahävïra in
the fort of Jaisalmer constructed one after another in period between the
twelfth and the fifteenth centuries were excellent. Scholars here pursued their
literary activities. It is said that hinabhadrasüri, who live in the fifteenth
century A.D, spent the best part of his life in establishing the store- house of
knowledge at this place. Various copies of the manuscripts brought from other
places for presentation were prepared. The installation ceremony of the images
was performed.2
Alwar : There is a definite evidence of the
association of Jainism with Alwar
from the fifteenth century A.D. In the Tïrthamäläs, Alwar, a place of
pilgrimage, was known as Rävaîa Pärávanätha. Jaina literature was written
in Alwar. There is mention of its name in the inscription. In 1531 A.D, a
Árävaka of Alwar installed the image of Sumatinätha through Siddhasüri.
An inscription of 1589 A.D. records the building of a temple of Rävaîa
Pärávanätha at Alwar. It is a place of pilgrimage known as Ôävaîa
Pärávanätha Tïrtha. It means that Rävaîa worshipped the image of Pärávanätha
at this place. It is legendary, but it points out the importance of Alwar as a
centre of Jainism.1
Ämber : Ämber is situated at a distance of
ten kms. from Jaipur. Jainism flourished exceedingly during the reign of the
Kachchhaväha rulers who were on friendly terms with the Mughal Emperors of
Delhi. A large number of Jaina temples were constructed, and images placed in
them. Various copies of manuscripts were written for presentation to Jaina monks
by the Árävakas, Encouraged by their preachings, they also led
Saãghas to holy places from this place. Even the Jaina pontiffs of the
Mülasaãgha transferred their seat from Chätsu to Ämber in the eighteenth century
A.D. The Áästrabhaîâära was established by Mahendrakïrti at this place,
and it became famous by the name of Mahendrakïrti Bhaîâära.2
Bijaulia : Bijaulia became a holy site of the
Jainas after the manifestation of an image of Pärávanätha in the twelfth century
A.D. In accordance with the instructions or his preceptor Jinachandrasuri,
Loläka, a Poraväla Mahäjana, constructed or repaired the temple of
Pärávanätha, and surrounded it with seven smaller temples. The Chauhäna ruler
Pôithvïräja II, who lived in 1168 A.D., gave the village Moräjharï, and
Someávara endowed the temple of Pärávanätha with a village named Revänä in
charity. The Bijauliä inscription records various donations made to the temple
by certain persons of the neighbouring places. A mythological treatise called
the Uttama Áikhara Puräîa was composed and engraved on a large rock
nearby. Being a holy place of the Jainas, this place was visited by the Jaina
saints from time to time. In early times, It was a seat of the Jaina
Ächäryas of the Mäthura Saãgha. The author of the Bijauliä inscription
dated 1170 A.D. was Guîabhadra, a Mahämuni, who belonged to the Mäthura
Saãgha. Afterwards, it became centre of the activities of the Mulasaãgha. There
are two inscriptions of 1408 and 1426 A.D. when the Jaina pontiff Subhachandra
was living. On one side of the pillar is engraved the name of Bhaûûäraka,
Árï Padmanandi and on the other Bhattäraka Áübhachandra.1 It is said that the Upasarga on
Parvanatha took place in here.
Keáoräya
Paûûana
: Keáoräyapaûûana,
located at a distance of fifteen kms. in the north-east of Kotah was a Jaina
holy place. It was famous for the temple of Jaina Tïrthaõkara Muni
Suvrata. In this temple, Nemichandra wrote the Bôihad-dravya-Saãgraha.
Madanakïrti mentions it as a place of pilgrimage in the
Áäsana-chatustriãáatikä. In the Präkôita Nirväîakäîâa and the
Apabhraãáa Nirväîabhakti also, there is a reference to this temple
of Munis Suvrata. Now, it is known as Bhuvidevara for its being on
underground temple. One Kalpavôiksha Paûûa of Jaina mythology and othe
Jaina sculptures were discovered at this place, and they may probably have
belonged to this Jaina temple.2
Naîä : Naîä is at a distance of three kms.
from the Railway-Station of the same name on the Ahmedabad-Ajmer line. Näîä was
specially associated with Jainism as the Tïrtha of Jïvitasvämï. It means that
once the life size image of Mahävïra was worshipped there. It is legendary, but
in the tenth century A.D., there was a temple of Mahävïra. A small fragmentary
inscription on the door of the shrine dated 960 A.D. definitely proves the
existence of Jainism at this time. Näîäväla or Jñanakïya gachchha was
founded by Prabhänanda at Näîä. The earliest mention of this Gachchha is
found in the inscription of 1045 A.D.1
Müõgathalä
: Müõgathalä, near
Mount Äbü, is an old village in Sirohi state. It remained famous as a
Mahätïrtha of the Jainas. Jinaprabhasüri, in the Vividha Tïrtha
Kalpa written in 1332 A.D., refers to the temple of Mahävira of this place.
This place was believed to be visited by Mahävïra. An inscription of 1369 A.D.
tells that an image was consecrated by Keáï Ganadhara during the 37th year of
the life of Árï Mahävïra. It is further confirmed by the literary source
of the Ashtottarï Tïrthamälä. This temple of Mahävïra has been described
in the Jaina Tïrthamäläs as the temple of the Jïvitasvämï. The temple of
Jïvitasvämï means to be a temple of the life-time of Mahävïra. This temple of
Mahävïra was renovated from time to time, and the images were installed. A large
number of Árävakas lived at this place, and they participated in the
festivals in connection with the temples held from time to
time.2
Talawäâä : The old name of Talawäâä, situated
at a distance of thirteen kms. from Banswara, was Talapäûaka. It remained a holy
place of the Jainas. From the Upadeáakandalïvôitti of Bälachandra Süri,
it is known that Pradyumnasüri, who lived in the tenth century A.D., visited
this place and addressed its ruler. Siddhasenasüri refers to this place in his
Sakala-Tïrtha-Stotra. Vinayaprabhasüri, author of the fourteenth century
A.D. in his Tirthayäträ Stavana, mentions this place and temple of
Áäntinätha. By the inspiration of Jinabhadrasüri, the Jaina temple was
constructed at this place and images were placed therein. At present, there is a
big Jaina temples of Sambhavanätha, with some images of the eleventh and twelfth
centuries.1
Maâära : Maâära is situated at a distance of
thirty-two kms. from Äbü. This is famous as a holy place of the Jainas. The
famous saint Vädidevasüri was born at this place in 1086 A.D. Maâähaâïya
gachchha originated from village Maâära. Megha, in his Tïrthamälä
written in about 1442 A.D., refers to the temple of Mahävïra of this place.
Áilavijaya in his Tïrthamälä written in 1691 A.D. describes this
pace.2
Phalodhi : Phalodhi is at a distance of two
kms. from Mertä Road Station. It became of famous Tïrtha of Pärávanätha
from the twelfth century A.D. It was founded by Dharmaghoshasüri. It remained
closely associated with the Kharatara gachchha of the Jainas. In 1182
A.D, Jinapatisüri visited this place. Jinaprabhasüri describes it in his
Vividha Tïrtha Kalpa, and Vinaya Upädhyäya gives a description of the
temple of Pärávanätha. Being a holy place of Jainas, Phalodhi was visited by the
Jaina saints and scholars in medieval times.1
Jïrävalä
: Jiravalä, a
famous holy place of the Jainas, is situated at a distance of thirty-two kms.
from Delwäâä. It is known by the name of Jïravalä Pärávanätha. This
Tïrtha came into existence in the twelfth century A.D. It got popularity
in the fifteenth century, and people from different places began to visit it.
The Jaina saints composed the Stotras in honour of the deity. Saãghavï
Pethaâa and Jhäñjhaîa of Mäîâavagaâha in Malwa visited this place for
pilgrimage. They also constructed a Jaina temple. The Árävakas of
different places such as Kälavgrä, Kodinära, Vägharä, Vïsalanagara, Pätana and
Stambhatïrtha visited Jïravalä in the fifteenth century. Jïräpalli
gachchha originated form this place. Bhaûûäraka Padmanandi pupil of
Prabhächandra, wrote the Jïrävallï Pärávanäha Stotra in the fifteenth
century A.D.2
Nagara
: Nagara is at a distance of five
kms. south-west of Jasol in Mällänï District. Its old name was Mahevä of
Vïramapura. When the image of Pärávanätha was installed in the Jaina temple of
this place, the place became famous by the Tïrtha of Näkoâä Pärávanätha.
Even before the temple of Pärsvanätha, Nagara was considered a holy place of the
Jainas. There were temples of Mahävïra and Áantinätha. This holy place was
visited by Jaina saints from early times. The Kïrtiratnasüri
Vivähala and the Kirtiratnasüri-Chaupäï of Kalyäîavijaya give
information of the town regarding temples, people and other religious
activities. The renovation of the Näkoâä Pärávanätha took place in 1507 A.D.
Áäntikuáala mentions it in his Gauâï Pärávanätha-Tirthamälä written in
1612 A.D.1
Äbü : Äbü is a celebrated mountain in the
south of Sirohi District. A town after the name of the mountain gradually
developed at this place. On the basis of the old traditions, It has been
described as a place of pilgrimage. From an inscription of 1369 A.D., it is
known that Mahävïra visited Arbüdabhümi. It is famous for two celebrated Jaina
temples – Vimalavasahï temple and Lünavasahï temple. The former dedicated to
Ädinätha was built by a Minister named Vimala in 1032 A.D., and latter temple
Luîavasahï dedicated to Neminätha was built by Tejapäla in 1230 A.D. Both the
temples are important from artistic point of view. These are built in white
marble and are very widely known for dedicacy of carving, beauty of details and
magnificent ornamentaion. Both these temples were repaired and renovated from
time to time. The temple of Vimalavasahï was renovated by the descendants of two
brothers Gosala and Bhïma of Maîâor. As Äbü became the holy place of Jainas,
several Stavanas, Stotras, Chaityaparipäûïs,
Tïrthamälas etc. were written about Äbü by Jaina scholars from the
fourteenth century onwards.1
Säõgäner : At a distance of thirteen kms. to
the South of Jaipur stands the town of Säõgäner. This town is specially famous
for the Jaina temple called Siõghïjï kä Mandira which is a wonderful
specimen of Jaina architecture. This temple seems to have belonged to the tenth
century A.D., because there is an inscription of 954 A.D. on a
Bandarawäla of the main shrine. During the medieval period, it became a
great literary centre. It was visited by Jaina monks from time to time, and
therefore manuscript copies were prepared to present them.2 In the Bosenh five storeys of this
Sanghiji temple having there are numerous idols of precious
stones.
Dhuleva
: Dhuleva is situated in Udaipur
District. The famous Rishabhadeva temple of this place is popularly known as the
Keáariyäjï temple because people worship the main deity with Keáara
(Saffron). It seems that the image of Ôishabhadeva and the original temple
belonged to the eighth century A.D. The earliest known epigraph from this place
is dated 1373 A.D. This temple was renovated, Bävaîa Jinälaya,
Sabhämîâapa etc. were constructed, and images were installed at the
preaching of the Bhaûûärakas of the Kashûhä Saãgha and the Mülasamgha by the
Árävakas of the Hümaâa, Narasiãhapura, Bagheraväla, Khaîâelaväla castes
etc. from time to time, It is a famous Atiáaya Kshetra.3
Ghoûärsï : Ghoûärsï is situated near
Pratapgarh. The existence of a Pärávanätha temple at this place, is provec by a
fragmentary tenth century epigraph, discovered from the ruins of this
place.1
Gujarat
Giranara : Giranära is a group of hills
situated in Kathiawar. On the peaks of hills, several beautiful Jaina temples
have been erected. Here, the twenty-second Tïrthaõkara, Neminätha, practised
sacrifices, preached religion and attained Moksha. Pradyumnakumära,
Gajakumära, Gaîadhara Varadatta and imnumerable ascetics attained liberation on
this place. The antiquity of the place is traced to the time of Rishabhadeva,
the first Tïrthaõkara, and it was the scene of various important events in the
history of Jaina community.2 It is connected in the Jaina
literature with the activities of the Jaina Tïrthaõkara Neminätha. The
Vividhatïrthakalpa gives vital information about this
Tïrtha.
Áatruñjaya
Hills
: Áatruñjaya or
Siddhagiri is a celebrated place of pilgrimage at Pälitänä. From here, three
Päîâupatras and several ascetics attained Moksha. As there are three
thousand five hundred Jaina temples, it is known to be the city of temples.
Jinaprabhu gives an interesting information of this Tïrtha. In V.S. 1369,
the original image of the Mülanäyaka Ôishabha was destroyed by the
Muslims and it was restored by Samara Shäh in V.S. 1371, In V.S. 1686, Ratnasï,
Saãghapatï of Ahmedabad, installed the image of Áäntinätha when Shahjahan
was ruling.3
Ajäharä : Ajäharä is situated in Junagarh
District. The earliest epigraph, from this place is dated in V.S. 1042. This
Particular Tïrtha is associated with Pärávanätha in Jinaprabha's
celebrated work. Bhaûûäraka Sumatisägara, Bhattaraka Jñänasägara
and Bhaûûäraka Jayasägara mention this Tïrtha.1
Aãkaleávara
: Aãkaleávara is situated in Broach
District. It is mentioned in the Dhavalä and other works in connection
with Ächärya Pushpadanta and Bhütabali. It had a Jaina shrine called
Chintämaîi Pärávanätha in the sixteenth century. Upädhyäya Dharmakïrti
wrote the Yaáodhara Charita in V.S. 1657 in the temple of Chintämaîi
Pärávanätha. This Tïrtha remained under the influence of the
Bhaûûärakas of the Käshûhä Saãgha and the Mülasaãgha. It is famous as
Atiáaya Kshetra.2
Äräsäîa : Äräsäîa was a famous Ávetämbara
centre of pilgrimage and it is at present known as Kumbhäriyä. The Kharatara
gachchha Bôihad Gurvävali calls it a Mahätïrtha. The earliest
temple of this place was dedicated to Neminätha. There were also temples of
Mahävïra, Päráva, Áänti etc. The temples of this place have yielded a number of
important epigraphs of the medieval period.3
ÄÁäpalï : Äáäpalï is still known as Ashawul
and it is almost the site of the present Ahmedabad. It came into the limelight
in the days of the Chaulukya Karîa (1066-1092), as we learn from Merutuõga.
Several Jaina manuscripts, dating from the twelfth century, to the last quarter
of the 13th century, were copied at this place. There is a reference to the
Árï Vidyämaûha of this place in a manuscript of Hemachandra's
Vyäkarana Laghu Vritti. This place was destoyed by the
Muslims.1
Bhadreávara
: Bhadreávara is a well-known
Ávetämbara Tïrtha of Cutch district, and was the birth place of the great
Jaina business maganate Jagaâu. The temple of Pärávanätha of this place is well
known. In the Jagaâu charita, there is a reference to the Vïranätha
shrine of this place, which was beautified by that merchant. A separate Jaina
temple, containing the icons of all the 24 Tïrthaõkaras, was also built by
Jagaâu. And lastly, a Paushadhasäla was also erected by that merchant in
the same place.2
Bhïmapalli : Bhïmapallï is a village, fifteen
kms. south-west of Päûan and was a well-known Jaina centre from the last quarter
of the twelfth century. The temple of Mahävïra of this place, was celebrated
throughout Gujarat and this Tïrtha was closely associated with the
activities of the monks of the Kharatara gachchha.3
Bhôigukachchha : The ancient port city of
Bhôigukachchha was associated with the Jaina religion, probably form
pre-Christian times. A Ávetämbara monk called Jinadeva defeated the two Buddhist
monks in a debate at this place in the second century A.D. In the
Niryukti and Bhäshya commentaries, Bhrigukachchha has been
recognized as a Tïrtha, and there are early reference to the
Áakunikä-vihära of this place which was dedicated to the Tïrthaõkara
Munisuvrata. The earliest datable reference to this temple, occurs in the ninth
century works of Jayasiãha, entitled Dharmopadeáamälä. Jinaprabha, also
in his celebrated work, the Vividhatïrthakalpa gives a short history of
this Tïrtha. There was another temple here, called the
Mülavasati.1
Chärüpa : Chärüpa is situated in the Päûan
Taluk of Mahesäna District. From the Vividhatïrthakalpa, it is
famous for the temple of Pärávanätha. The temples dedicated ot Ädinätha, Áänti
and others were built afterwards. However, at present, no other temple, except
that of Päráva, exists in this place. Sumatisägara writing in the sixteenth
century mentions this particular Tïrtha in the Tïrtha Vandanä
Saãgraha.2
Darbhavatï : Darbhavatï is situated in Baroda
District. It is well known for the two temples, dedicated to Pärávanätha. It is
recognized as a Tïrtha in a manuscript of Hemachandra's
Yogaáastravôitti written in V.S. 1251. In an earlier Jaina manuscript,
dated V.S. 1211, this place has been mentioned. It has also been mentioned in
several other later manuscripts. Jñanasägara and Jayasägara have mentioned the
päráva Temple – complex of this place, called by the name
'Loâana-Pärávanätha' in the Tïrthavandanäsaõgraha. There are also
epigraphic references to it.3
Devapattana : Devapattana is situated in the
Junagarh District. It is also known as Prabhäsa Paûana. According to Jinaprabha,
the Chandraprabha temple was founded here after the destruction of Valabhï in
V.S. 845. Merutuñga has also mentioned this Tïrtha in his Prabandha
Chintämaîi. Hemachandra and Kumärapäla showed their respect for this great
Tïrtha. Jinaprabha has also referred to the Päráva temple of this
place.1
Dhavalakkapura : The present name of the ancient
town Dhavalakapura is Dholkä, situated is Ahmedabad District. It has still a few
Jaina temples, including the great Kalikuîâa Pärávanätha-shrine. The Purätana
Prabhanda Saãgraha mentions the Simandhara Svämin temple of this town, built
by the merchant called Üdä. It was
popularly known as Üdävasati and it was consecrated by Devächärya in the
first quarter of the twelfth century. This work also refers to the temple of
Päráva of this town and associates him with the celebrated saint Abhayadeva, the
author of the Aõga commentaries. This town was closely associated with
the religous activities of the two great Jaina Ministers, namely Vastupäla and
Tej Ahpäla. In V.S. 1372, the Püîâari-ka-charita of Kamalaprabhasüri was
written at this town.2
Gandhära
Tïrtha
: Gandhära Tïrtha,
on the sea-coast in Broach District, came into limelight only during the days of
the great Hïravijaya, in the sixteenth century. It has the temples of both
Päráva and Mahävïra and also an interesting image of Hïravijaya himself. The
icon of Päráva was consecrated by Vijayasenasüri, the most important disciple of
Hïravijaya. The Diagambaras also had a temple, dedicated to Ädinätha at this
place.3
Ghoghä
: Ghoghä is situated in Bhavnagar
District, near the sea-shore, It is well known for the temple of Pärávanätha. A
copy of the Neminätha Charita was written in V.S. 1512, at this town. The
Jaina images from V.S. 1276 to V.S. 1379 are found in the Ávetämbara temples
while images of V.S. 1511, V.S. 1513, V.S. 1643 and 1679 belong to Digambara Jaina
temples. Probably, the Pärávanätha temple of this place, is referred to by the
term 'Ghoghamandira' in a literary record of V.S. 1575.1
Ïâar
: Idar is situated
in the present Säbar Käntha District. It was also known as Ilädurga, Iläpadra
etc. It was an old Tïrtha, being associated with Áäntinätha. Jinapati in his
Tïrthamälä mentions a temple of Ädiávara which was built by Kumärapäla in
this place. We have also an Idaranäyaka Rishabhadeva Stavana by
Munisundara and Iltädurga Ôisabha-Jinastotra by Somasundarasüri. The Digambaras
also had a separate potifical seat at this place. The Palya vidhäna kathä
of Digambara Brahma Árutasägara was written during the reign of Bhänu of
Ïâar.2
Jamaîapura : Jamaîapura, situated in Mahesäna
District has the temple of Chandraprabha. The Jämaîakïya gachchha
originated at this place and is mentioned in a metal icon of V.S.
1285.3
Mahuvä : Mahuvä is situated in Bhavnagar
District. In the Vividha tïrtha kalpa, it has been mentioned as
Madhumatï. It is mentioned in the Tïrthamälä of Vinayavijaya composed in
the fourteenth century A.D. This place is sacred to Mahävïra.4
Mahuvä
: There is another
place named Mahuvä in Surat District. It is a famous Atiáaya Kshetra by
the name 'Sri Vignahära – pärávanätha. Its ancient name was
Madhukara Nagara or Mandükanagara. Brahma Jñänasägara described the importance
of the Tïrtha in the Sarvaatïrtha vandanä. Bhaûûäraka
Vädichandra, disciple of Bhaûûaraka Prabhächandra of the Mülasaãgha
Sarasvatïgachchha, composed the Jñänasüryodaya drama in V.S.
1648.1
Modhera : Modhera situated in Mahesäna
District was connected with Jainism from the eighth century. According to the
Prabhävakacharita, Bappabhaûûi was initiated by Siddhasena, at this
place, apparently in the eighth century. The Prabhävaka Charita and the
Vividha tïrtha kalpa refer to the temple of Mahävïra here. At present,
the temple of this place is dedicated to Pärávanätha. The Moâhera
gachchha originated from this place.2
Pattana : Pattana is situated in Mahesäna
District, and its ancient name, was Aîahilapura. It remained a great centre of
Jainism from the eighth century to the late medieval period. According to the
Prabhävaka charita and the Vividhatïrtha kalpa, the great Päráva
temple of this place was built by the Chäpotkaûa king Vanaräja and it came to be
known as the Vanaräja vihära. Afterwards, many other Jaina temples were
built, at this town. Jinaprabha mentions the great temple of Arishûanemi of this town
and he represents it as the Tïrtha, sacred to that Tïrthaõkara. The
Kharatara gachchha Bôihad gurvävali repeatedly mentions the Áäntinätha of
this place, which was apparently in existence before 1300 A.D. A temple of
Mahävïra was built here during the time of Jinapati of the Kharatara gachchha in
118 A.D. Several Jaina works were written at this place. Great Jaina saints and
writers remained associated with this town in one way or other. Even in Muslim
period, there were more than hundred Jaina temples at this
town.1
Pävägaâha : Pävägaâha is situated in the Panch
Mahäla District, and its ancient name was Pävägiri. According to the
Prakrit- Nïrväîa Käîâa, the two sons of Rämachandra attained
Nirväna after performing penances. It is a Siddhakshetra or Nirväîa
kshetra. Besides five Koûi kings of Laûadeáa obtained liberation
here. Bhaûûäraka Guîakïrti, Árutasägara, Jñänasagara, Chimaîä
Paîâita regarded this place as Siddha kshetra. This Tïrtha
was in existence in the fifteenth century and the earliest epigraph from this
place is dated in V.S. 1613.2
Prahlädanapura : The modern name of the ancient
Tïrtha Prahlädanapura is Palanpur, and it is located in Banäs-Kantha. The
Kharatara Gachchha Bôihad gurvävali repeatedly refers to this place and
mentions several temple including those of Chandraprabha and Yugädideva. Several
temples including those of Mahävïra, Rishabha, Nemi, Päráva and Nandiávara were
built in V.S. 1305 during the time of Kharatara Ächärya Jineávara II at
this town. At present, the Päráva temple of this place is the most important
Jaina shrine. The earliest reference ot Prahalädanapura is found in a Jina
manuscript dated V.S. 1274.1
Áankheávara : Saõkheávara situated in Mahesäna
District was associated with Pärávanätha from early times. The Kharatara
Gachchha Brihad gurvävali mentions this temple of Pärávanätha. The Kharatara
gachchha Ächäryas like Jinachandra III and Jinakuáala visited this place,
When Jinachandra III first came to this place in V.S. 1352, it was known as a
great Tïrtha. Jinaprabha in his celebrated work has devoted a
Kalpa on it. The Digambara writers like Sumatisägara and Jñanasagara have
mentioned the temple-complex of Áankheávara. Sajjana and Vastupäla were also
associated with this Tïrtha.2
Stambhapura : The great Tïrtha
Stambhapura, now known as Khambhat Cambay, is of the medieval period. The
earliest reference to this place is found in the Kavi grant of Rashûraküûa
Govinda III, dated Áaka 749. According to the Vividhatïrthakalpa, this
place came to be associated with Jainism from the days of Abhayadeva, the author
of the nine Aõgas. That Abhayadeva was the founder of this Tïrtha,
sacred to Pärávanätha, is also supported by the evidence of the
Prabhävakacharita and also the Prabadha Chintämaîi. A manuscript
of the original Bhagavatï, which was copied at Stambhatïrtha between V.S.
1110 and 1119, is probably the earliest Jaina work to refer to this holy place.
This shows that even in Abhayadeva's life time, it was recognised as a
Tïrtha. Hundreds of Jaina manuscripts were afterwards copied here and
other temples were also built in this place.1
Surat : Surat is an important station of
the Western Railway, and its ancient name was Süryapura. The important Jaina
temples of this place were of Chandraprabhu, Ädinätha and Väsupüjya. Bhaûûäraka
Jñänasägra mentions Chandraprabhu temple as Atiáaya in his Sarvatïrtha
vandanä. Adinätha Jinälaya and Väsupüjya Jinälaya became
literary centres. Bhaûûäraka Devendrakïrti, disciple of Padmanandi,
established the seat of the Mülasaãgha at Surat, and he established the
Ratnäkara caste after converting seven hundred families to Jainism.
Devendrakïrti performed the installation of several images in Avanti region.
Surat was also a seat of the Bhaûûärakas of the Käshûhä Saãgha. A temple of
Ôishabha of this place has been mentioned in a literary record of V.S.
1664.2
Täraõgä : Täraõga, a sacred hill situated in
the Mahesana- District, became a holy place of the Jainas. Its ancient name was
Täräpura. According to the Präkrit Nirväîa Käîâa, Varadatta Varaõga,
Sagaradatta, three and half Koûi Munis etc. attained Nirväna.
Täraõgä was mentioned by Guîakïrti in the Tirtha vandanä written in the
fifteenth century A.D. Árutasägara, Megharäja Dilasukha etc. also described this
Tïrtha. It became famous as Nirväîa Kshetra.3
Tarañgä became a holy place of the
Ávetämbaras from the days of Kumärapäla. A magnificent temple of Ajitanätha, the
second Tïrthaõkara, was built by this great king on this hill. Jinaprabha also
associates this hill with Ajitanätha.1
Tharäda : Tharäda is situated in the District
Banas Kantha, and its ancient name was Thäräpadra. The well known play Mahäräja-
Paräjaya was first enacted in the Kumäravihära temple, dedicated to
Mahävïra of this place. Taräpadra gachchha originated from this place. At
present, this Tïrhta is sacred to Ädiávara.2
Ünä : Ünä siturated in Junagarh District
is dedicated to Ädinätha, It was known as Unnatapura. It is mentioned in the
fourteenth century work of Vinayavijaya called
Tïrthamäla.3
Upariyälä : Upadiyälä is situated in the
Surendranagar District. This place,
sacred to Ädiávara, is mentioned in the fifteenth century works of Jayasägara,
called Chaitya-Paripäûi.4
Valabhï
: Valabhï is situated in Bhavanagar
District. Before its destruction in the last quarter of the eighth century by
the Muslims, it was a great centre of Jainism and the Jaina canon was first
edited here in the fifth century. It became a great centre of Ávetämbara Jainism
by the fifth century A.D. The discovery of the sixth century Jaina icons from
the ruins of this place also proves that it was a Jaina centre in the Gupta
period. The temples of Chandraprabha and Mahävïra existed before the eighth
century A.D. This city has also
been mentioned in the Bôihat Kathä Koáa which was written in
931 A.D.1
Vaâälï : Vaâälï Tïrtha, sacred to
Pärávanätha, is situated in the Sabar Kantha District. It was known in ancient
times as Vatapalli. The Kharatara-gachchha-gurvaväli mentions the Päráva
temple of this place. This proves that the Päráva temple of this town existed in
the middle of the twelfth century.2
Sajoda : Sajoda is situated at a distance of
eighth kms. from Ankleshwar in Bharoch District. It is an Atiáaya
Kshetra. Here is an old Digambara Jaina temple. The Jaina image of
Áïtalanätha and that of Pärávanätha have been discovered here. The image of
Pärávanätha is an artistic, and belongs to seventh or eighth century
A.D.3
Maharashtra
Dhäräáiva : The great Dharäáiva Tïrtha
is situated at a distance of five kms. from the town of Osmänäbad. It has a few
very old Päráva icons, some of which were probably fashioned from the fifth to
the eighth century A.D. The history of this Tïrtha has been given both in
Harishena's Bôihat Kathä Koáa and the Karakaîâachariu of
Kanakämara. There is little doubt that the famous caves of Dhäräáiva, which were
near the city of Teräpura, were quaite well known in the early medieval period.
These caves may belong to the third century A.D.1
Gajapanthä : Gajapanthä is situated in Nasik
District. As seven Balabhadras and eight Koûi Yädavas attained liberation
according to the Präkrit Nirväîa Käîâa from Gajapanthä, it is regarded as
Siddha Kshetra of Nirväîa Kshetra. Only the name of Gajapanthä has
been mentioned in the Sanskrit Nirväna Bhakti of Püjyapada. It is
mentioned by several authorities, including Gunabhadra, Asaga (10th century),
Sumati, Jayasägara and others. Asaga in his Áäntinätha charita clearly
refers to it, as situated near Nasik. The old Jaina remains from the fourth to
the eighth century have been discovered in the region of this
place.2
Kärañjä : Kärañjä is situated in Akola
District. This Tïrtha emerged into the limelight in the fifteenth
century. Jñänasägara mentions Chandranätha (Chandra Prabhu) temple of
this place. Afterwards, a temple of Päráva was also built in this place. There
is the second Chandraprabha temple at this place. These temples have the
respective seats of Senagaîa, Käshûha Saãgha and Müla Saãgha Bhaûûärakas.
Áïlavijya. (17th century) in his Tïrthamäla, has given a very detailed
account of this Tïrtha, which shows that it was a flourishing Jaina
centre in his time.3
In
this place, in Kastha Saãgha temple 11th century remarkable wooden carving and
precious stone idols.
Kolhäpura
: Kolhäpura was a
celebrated Digambara Tïrtha in early times. The epigraphic evidence
suggests that Jainism was popular in Kolhapur region. The inscription of
Áilähära king Vijayäditya dated Saka Saãvata 1073 is important. There are
other inscriptions discovered here, and in the neighbourhoood. There are temples
in which images of the twelfth century are found.1
Mäõgï-Tüõgï : Mäõgï-Tüõgï is situated in
Mangi-Tungi District. According to the Prakrit Nirväîa Kaîâa, Räma,
Sugrïva, Hanumäna and several Munis attained Nirväîa here. Hence it is
called Siddha Kshetra. In the Sanskrit Nirväîä Bhakti of
Püjyapada, Balabhadra is known to have obtained Nirväîa from Tuõgagiri.
The later writers Udayakïrti, Árutasägara, Abhayachandra and others have also
mentioned Mängtuõgï as Siddha Kshetra. The earliest epigraph from this place is
dated in V.S. 1443 (1387 A.D.).2
Muktägiri : According to the Präkrit Nirväna
Käîâa and the Sanskrit Nirväîa Bhakti, Muktägiri is Sidha Kshetra or
Nirväna-Kshetra because three and half Koûi Munis attained
liberation. Its ancient name was Meîâhägiri. It is mentioned by the later
medieval Digambara writers including Jñänasägara, Sumatisagara and others. There
are about fifty-two Jinälayas. Most of them belonged from V.S. 1545 to
V.S. 1950.3
Näsikya : The well-known Näsik or Näsikya is
recognised as a Tïrtha in the Vividhatïrthakalpa. The work mentions the
Jïvitasvämï Tribhuvanatilaka Chandraprabha temple of this place. Thre is
a sepatate Kalpa, on this celebraed Tïrtha of Näsikya. This temple of
Chandraprabha of Nasik has been mentioned in the Prabhävaka
Charita.1
Paiûhän : Paiûhän is situated in Aurangabad
District, and its ancient name was Pratishûhäna. According to the tradition,
Jainism gained a firm foothold at this town as early as the time of the
Sätavähana king Häla. Jinaprabha has written three separate Kalpas
on this Tïrtha which was considered, sacred to Munisuvrata. It is further
learnt from this work that the saint Kälakächärya visited this town, 993 years
after the Nirväîa of Mahävïra. It is famous by Munisuvratanätha
Atiáaya Digambara Jaina Kshetra.2
Rämateka : Rämaûeka is in Nagpur District. Its
ancient name was Rämagiri. This place was connected with Jainism from very early
period. It is mentioned by Vimala in his Paumachariyam, and by Ravisheîa
in his Padma Puräîa and also by Jinasena II in his Harivaãáa. Rämachandra
is known to have constructed several Jaina temples at Rämagiri. Kälidäsa also
mentions Rämagiri in the Meghadüta. The identification of Rämagiri is
controversial.3
Sirpura : Sirpur is situated in Äkolä
District, and its ancient name was Árïpura. This Tïrtha is famous by the name of
Antariksha Parávanätha. The worship of this Antariksha Pärávanätha has
been mentioned in the Präkrit Nirväîa Käîâa. Madanakïrti has mentioned
this Tïrtha in his Áasana Chatuátriãatikä. Besides Lakshamaîa, Gunakïrti,
Megharaja, Sumatisägara Jñänasagara, Jayasagara, Chimaîä Paîâita, Somasena,
Harsha etc. have mentioned Antariksha Pärávanätha. The Pärávanätha temple
of this place was known even to Jinaprabha who wrote a Kalpa on this
Tïrtha. Áilavijaya has also mentioned it. Aila Árïpäla is known to have
constructed this temple probably in the tenth century A.D. The old Digambara
Jaina images and other remains have been discovered at this
place.1
Ukhalada : Ukhalada is located in Parbhanï
District. It has yielded a number of inscribed Jina images which show that the
temple here was in existence before 1215 A.D. It was a Digambara shrine under
the monks of the Mülasaãgha, Sarasvatï gachchha.2
Daulatäbad : The ancient name of Daulatabäd was
Devagiri. It was considered a Jaina Tïrtha. Jinaprabha wrote a section of
his Tïrtha Kalpa at this town. At this place, a Jaina work was copied in
V.S. 1383. Árïbhushaîa of the Käshûhä Saãgha, Nanditata gachchha composed
his Pärávanätha Puräîa in V.S. 1654 in the Päráva temple of Devagiri. It
has also been called a Mahästhäna.3
Tagarapura : Tagarapura was known as Teräpura,
and the Jaina caves here were well-known in earlier times. Both Harishena and
Kanakämara have mentioned the Päráva Tïrtha of this place. Tagarä is
mentioned in the Seventy century Churîi on the Uttarädhyana and
the Vyavahärabhäshya also proves its association with Jainism. It seems
that in earlier times, it was a Ávetämbara stronghold, and only at a later
period, it came under the influence of the Digambaras.1
South-India
Karîäûak,
Ändhara Pradesh And Tamilîäâu
Karîäûak
Áravaîa
Belagola
: Áravaîabelagola
is situated in the Hassan District. As Áramaîas or Jaina ascetics used to
live in large number, the place was named as Áravanabelagola. It comprises two
hills, namely, Chandragiri and Vindhyagiri, and a white pond in between. The
Emperor Chandragupta Maurya came here along with his preceptor Bhadrabähu and
stayed here for many years as an ascetic and breathed his last according to the
Jaina fashion, namely that of Sallekhaîä. On the Chandragiri mountain,
there are caves for the residence of ascetics and fourteen large temples. The
foot-prints of Bhadrabähu Svämï are kept in one of the caves. On the Vindhyagiri
mountain, there are in all ten temples and the exquisitely beautiful statue of
Gommaûeávara. The importance of Áravaîabelagola is further enhanced by the
existence of several ancient inscriptions of great historical
values.2
It
is to be noted that the image of Bahubali King as Gomatesvar is 58 th height
carved out of one stone standing without of lateral support. The image is the
latest one.
AlBür
(Abbalüru)
: Albür is situated
in Dharwar District. The well known Ablür epigraph dated C. 1200 A.D proves that
this place had a Jaina temple before 1200 A.D. which was destroyed by Ekäntada
Rämäyya, the Áaiva teacher.1
Aâaki : Aâaki was an important center of
Jainism in Gulbarga District and has yielded a few epigraphs of the twelfth
century. The Koppa Jinälaya of this place was dedicated to the god Pärávanätha.
Its ancient name was Ädakki and it had some other Digambara
temples.2
Annigeri
(Annigere)
: Annigeri was a
Jaina centre of the Dharwar District. The earliest Jaina temple of this place
was built in 751 A.D. The temple of this place was in charge of the monks of the
Mülasaãgha and Balätkäragaîa.3
Arasibïâi : Arasibïâi was a well known Jaina
centre of the Bijapur District. It came into the limelight from the eleventh
century.4
Ayyävale
(Aihole)
: Ahihole in
Bijapur District has supplied a Jaina epigraph dated 634 A.D., composed by the
poet Ravikïrti. This inscription shows that in the first half of the seventh
century, there was a Jinendra temple, built of stone at this place. Another
epigraph records the reconstruction of the same temple. The merchants of this
particular place were quite influential in South India.5
Badli
: Badli is a place in Belgaum
District. An epigraph from this place discloses the existence of a Jaina shrine,
called Brahma Jinälaya, which was built by Märasiãha.1
Baligräma : Baligrama is situated in Shimoga
District. This was a famous Jaina Ûïrtha associated with the Tïrthaõkara
Áäntinätha. This temple of Áäntinätha was originally built by Jayasiãha II
(1015-1043 A.D.) of the Western Chälukya dynasty.2
Bandalike : Bandalike is situated in Shikarpur
Täluk of Shimoga District, and its Sanskrit name is Bändhavapura. This
place was recognized as a Tïrtha, as early as the first quarter of the
tenth century A.D. The Áäntinätha temple of this town was well known throughout
Karîäûaka.3
Baõkäpura : Baõkäpura, a great Jaina
Tïrtha of Dharwar District, became a Jaina centre from the ninth century
A.D., as it is learnt from the Praáasti of Guîabhadra's
Uttarapuräîa. It was founded by Baõkeyarasa, a sämanta of the
Räshûraküûa Amoghavarsha I, who ruled in the ninth century A.D. Jaina
inscriptions of later times also have been discovered from this place. Even in
the seventeenth century, it was considered a flourishing Jaina Tïrtha by
Áilävijaya who visited the Jaina Tïrthas of South India in the second
half of that century.4
Belur
: Belur is in Hassan District, and it
was associated with Jainism from the early medieval period, and a few epigraphs
have been discovered from the ruined temples of this place.1
Bhäraõgï : Bhäraõgï is a place located in
Shimoga District. It was well known for the temple of Pärávanätha which was
built before 1415 A.D.2
Bhaûkal : Bhaûkal in North Kanara District
was founded in the fifteenth century and was associated with the Jainas, from
the very beginning of its existence. We find references to several temples of
this place in the epigraphs, discovered from this town. The shrines, dedicated
to Päráva and Mahävïra are quite famous. Another temple, called the Ratnatraya
basadi, dedicated to Aranätha, Mallinätha and Survrata, was built in the
sixteenth century. It is learnt from an epigraph that this town owed its
existence to the saint Vijayakïrti of the Mülasaãgha.3
Biligi : Biligi was a Jaina centre of North
Kanara District. It was associated with the Jaina religion from the sixteenth
century. It appears that the Ratnatraya basadi was the earliest Jaina
temple of this town. It was built, according to an epigraph of that temple, in
the early sixteenth century.4
Chandakavate : Chandakavate is situated in the
Sindgi Taluk of Bijapur District, and its ancient name was Chandrikävaûa.
This place has been mentioned as the seat of a line of Jaina teachers of the
Sena Saãgha. This Tïrtha contains a few Jaina epigraphs, including one
dated 1068 A.D. The earliest guru of the line, who had the seat, at this
place, was Dharmasena, who founded a monastery at this place in the early ninth
century A.D. His disciple Kumärasena was a very influential monk, who afterwards
left this Tïrtha for Mulgund.1
Dvärasamudra
: Dvärasamundra is situated in the
Hassan District. The Puîisa Jinälaya of this place, was built in the
eleventh century, and was probably the earliest Jaina shrine of Dvärasamudra. It
was dedicated to Pärávanätha. Another temple, built by Boppa, the son of the
famous Gaõgaräja, the Jaina general of Vishîuvardhana, was given the name
Vijaya-Päráva Jinälaya. There was another temple dedicated to Áäntinätha,
at this place.2
Yalbargi : Erambarge was the old name of
Yalbargi in the Raichur District. It was also known as Erambarapuram. There was
a temple of Pärávanätha at this place. Some other Jaina shrines of this town are
known; it was once a flourishing Jaina centre.3
Gabbür
: Gabbür is a place in Raichur
District, and had a Jina temple called Nagara-Jinälaya or Brahma Jinälaya
in the twelfth century.4
Gerasoppe : Gerasoppe in North Kanara District,
was associated with Jainism, at least from 1378 A.D., the date of the earliest
dated Jaina epigraph from this town. Another name of Gerasoppe was Kshemapura.
The epigraphs found from this town, disclose the existence of several Jaina
temples, the earliest of which was probably the temple of Anantanätha, built by
a rich woman, called Rämakka before 1392 A.D. Others epigraphs refer to the
temples of Pärávanäha (1421 A.D.), Neminätha (15th century), Vardhamäna etc. of
that town. According to a somewhat later epigraph (1560 A.D), the Anantanätha
temple was actually built by Rämakka's husband Yojana Seûûi. The same
epigraph also mentions the temple of Neminätha of Gerasoppe. Viávabhüshaîa of
the Balätkära gaîa, who flourished in the third quarter of the seventeenth
century, has mentioned the temple of Päráva of this place and the earlier writer
Jnanasägara has also described the three Päráva temples of this place. There is
therefore little doubt that this town was intimately associated with Jainism
from the fourteenth century.1
Häâuvalli : Haâuvalli was also known as
Saõgïtapura and is now situated in North Kañara District. The rulers of this
area were champions of the Jaina faith and there was a pontifical seat of the
Digambaras which started from the middle of the fifteenth
century.2
Hale
Sorab
: Hale Sorab,
which has yielded a few epigraphs of the fourteenth cenury, is in Shimoga
District.3
Hanturu : Hanturu is situated in Chikmagalur
District and had a very large Jaina temple-complex.2
Hassan : Hassan is the headquarters of the
same name. The name of the Pärávanätha temple of this place has been mentioned
in the seventeenth century Digambara writer Viávabhüshaîa.3
Haûûana : Haûûäna is situated in Tumkur
District. It had a Jaina shrine called Nakhara Jinälaya.4
Hattiyamattura : Hattiyamattura is a place in
Dharwar District. It had a Jina temple during the days of the
Yädavas.5
Heragü : Heragü is a place in Hassan
District. It had once a great Jaina temple-comlex, dedicated to
Pärávanätha.6
Hire-Abli : Hire-Abli located in Shimoga
District has yielded a very large number of epigraphs. There was a famous temple
of Pärávanätha in this place.7
Hogekeri : Hogekeri is situated in Shimoga
District. Its former name was Vogeyakera. It had a well-known Päráva temple,
from which a few epigraphs of the fifteenth century have been
discovered.8
Honwäâ : The ancient name of Honwäâ
located in Bijapur District, was Ponnaväâa. A great temple of Áäntinätha, called
Tribhuvanatilaka, existed in this place, as early as the eleventh century. There
were two other shrines, dedicated to Päráva and Supäráva respectively at this
place.1
Hosahollu : Hosahollu situated in Mandya
District had once very large Jaina temple-complex called Triküûa
Jinälaya, in the early twelfth century.2
Humcha
: Humcha is a great
Jaina centre of Shimoga District. Its ancient name was Pomburcha. This place has
yielded a very large number of important Jaina epigraphs. The earliest Jaina
temple of this place was built in the ninth century. Epigraphs of this place
mention Päliyakka temple, Paûûana-svämi temple, Nokkiyabbe temple, Urvitilaka
temple and some other temples. As late as the seventeenth century, it was
considered a Tïrtha, as its name is found in the list of Jaina
Tïrthas of South India, given by Áilävijaya. The Digambara writers like
Jñänasägara, Viávabhüshaîa, Jinasägara and Topakavi have mentioned this
Tïrtha. Some of the surviving temples of this place are important for the
historians of the Indian architecture.3
Iõgaleávara : Iõgleávara is situated in Bijapur
District, and it was a stronghold of the Digambara Jainas. The sect Iõgaleávara
bali belonging to the Mülasaãgha and Pustaka gachchha, was
evidently associated with this place. Several epigraphs of this place, are
known. There was a temple called Tirthada basadi at this place. The
earliest epigraph of this village is dated 1189 A.D. The monks of this
particular bali were known throughout Karîäûaka.1
Ingalgi : The earlier name of the place
Ingalgi situated in Gulbarga District was Ingunige. It is and old place
associated with Jainism. The earliest epigraph from this place is dated 1094
A.D. The Mahumäîikyadeva temple (probably Mahävïra) of this place, was built,
according to this epigraph, in that year, by Jäkaladevï, a prominent queen of
the Emperor Vikramäditya VI.2
Käâakol : Käâakol was a Tïrtha
situated in Dharwar District. It has yielded a number of epigraphs which prove
that it existed as a Jaina sacred place, before the thirteenth
century.3
Kalbhävi : The ancient name of Kalbhävï in
Belgaum District was known as Kumudaväda in the eighth century. It had a Jaina
temple of that time. This temple was under the supervision of the monks of the
Maitäpa anvaya and the Käreya gaîa, which was a section of the
famous Yäpanïya Saãgha.4
Kalholi : The ancient name of Kalholi
situated in Belgaum District was known as Kalpole or Sindana Kalpole. From an
inscription of 1204 A.D., it is learnt that there was a temple of Áäntinätha at
this place. This temple was under the supervision of the monks of the Hanasoge
Section of the Pustka gachchha, the Mulasaãgha and the Kundakunda
anvaya.5
Kärakala
: Kärakala in South
Kanära District emerged as a Jaina Tïrtha in the fifteenth century. There
were several temples at this place, including one dedicated to Gommaûeávara and
another to Pärávanätha. The local kings, of this area, gave full patronage to
the Jainas and their temples. Karakala is extremely well known for its famous
Jaina Mänastambha. This place was under the supervision of the monks of
the Panasoge Áäkhä. The great icon of Bahubali, of this place, was built
by Päîâyaräya in 1432 A.D. A detailed account regarding some Jaina shrines of
this place can also be obtained from an epigraph of the place dated 1586 A.D.
The sixteenth century Digambara writer, Jñänasägara has also mentioned the
famous statue of Gommaûeávara and also a temple of Neminätha of this place.
The seventeenth century writer
Viávabhüshaîa has also mentioned this place as a Jaina
Tïrtha.1
Kopaîa : Kopana, a celebrated
Tïrtha, is situated in Raichur District. It emerged into the limelight in
the ninth century A.D., and it was considered a most important Tïrtha
from that time. Several epigraphs, inscribed after 1000 A.D., are also known,
and we have references to some Jaina shrines of this place, including the Kuáa
Jinälaya. Even in the epigraphs from Áravaîa-Belgola and other places, we
get references to Kopaîa as Mahätïrtha.2
Kuppaûuru : Kuppaûuru Tïrtha is
Shimoga district was well-known for its Päráva temple, which was known as
Brahma-Jinälaya. Its antiquity goes back to the eleventh
century.3
Lakshmeávara : The ancient Lakshmeávara
Tïrtha in Dharwar District existed from the sixth century A.D., and the
Áaõkha Jinendra of this place was known throughout Karîäûaka. There were several
other temples at this holy Tïrtha. Some of them were apparently built by
the Western Gaõgas during their reign and some afterwards. Among the prominent
Jina temples, we can mention Tïrtha basadi, Mukkara basadi,
Ganga-Kandarpa Jinamandira, Peramäâi-Chaityälaya, Árï Vijaya
basadi, Marudevï basadi, Dhavala Jinälaya, Gogiya basadi,
Änesejjaya basadi and also a temple, dedicated to Áäntinätha. That the
Änesejjaya basadi of this place was one of the most prominent Jina
temples of South India, is also proved by the famous Ablur epigraph Which
mentions it specially in connection with the eight hundred Jaina temples. It was
originally built by Kuãkumadevï, the younger sister of Chälukya Vijayäditya. We
have also other epigraphs from the same Tïrtha. As late as the
seventeenth century, this place was known as Jina
Tïrtha.1
Lakkuîâi
: The ancient name
of Lakkuîâi in Dharwar District was Lokkiguîâi, and there were once several
Jaina temples in this place. The great Jaina lady Attimabbe, constructed in the
first decade of the eleventh century, a Jaina temple at this place. The temple
of Áäntinätha, of this place, is mentioned in an epigraph of 1185 A.D. There was
also a temple of Neminätha at this village.2
Malkheâ : The ancient name of Malkheâ in
Gulbarga District is Maleyakheâa, and it represents Mänyakheûa of the
Räshûrakütas. It was considered to be great Jaina Tïrtha by the Jainas in
the medieval period. It is mentioned by both Jñänasägara and Viávabhüshîa. The
latter writer refers to its Neminätha temple which is mentioned by the fouteenth
century epigraph.1
Maleyüra
: Maleyüra was a
very important Jaina Tïrtha sacred to Pärávanätha. It is situated in
Mysore District and has yielded a number of epigraphs, the earliest of which is
dated in 1181 A.D. The Vijayanätha temple (probably Pärávanätha) is mentioned in
several later inscriptions.2
Maski : Maski situated in Raichur
District was considered a Jaina centre, in the medieval period. There were two
Jaina temples, including one called Jagadekamalla Jinälaya, apparently
named after Jayasiãha II.3
Mattävara : The ancient name of Mattävara
situated in Chikmagalur District was Mattavüra. It has yielded epigraphs, which
prove that it was very closely associated with Jainism, from the eleventh
century. The earliest epigraph, from thisl place, bears the date 1069 A.D. Other
inscriptions discovered from this show that the Hoysala kings took active
interest in he Jaina shrine of this village.4
Müâabidri
: The important
Digambara Jaina Tïrtha Müâabidri is situated in the South Knara District,
and it is also known as Biâure and
Bedarï. The earliest Jaina epigraph, from this place, is dated 1504 A.D. A
copper plate inscription from this place, dated 1546 A.D., discloses the name of
Chandranätha (i.e. Chandraprabha) temple of this place and records some grant
for the temple, by the local ruler of Biligi. This temple of Chandraprabha is
mentioned by the sixteenth century writer Jñänasägara and also by Viávabhüshaîa.
Jñänasagara also mentions the Pärávanätha temple of this place, which too is
mentioned in a copper plate inscription, found from this place, dated 1563 A.D.
The temple of Chandraprabha, according to the earlier inscription, was known as
Tribhuvana Chüâämaîi temple. An inscription of 1622 A.D. mentions one
Tribhuvanatilaka temple of this place. From this town were discovered invaluable
manuscripts of the entire Dhavalä and Jayadhavalä. The seventeenth
century writer Áïlavijaya has mentioned nineteen Jaina temples of this place,
including the temples of Ädiávara, Áäntiávara, Chandraprabha and Päráva. He has
also referred to the palm-leaf manuscript, preserved at this
town.1
Niralgi : Niralgi in Dharwar District, had
a temple, called Mallinätha Jineávara in the twelfth century. An epigraph of
1147 A.D. of the reign of Jagadekamalla II, from this place, mentions a
Jaina Ächärya of the Mulasaãgha, Sürastha gaîa and Chitraküûa.
anvaya.2
Halsi
: The ancient name
of Halsi situated in Belgaum District is Paläáikä. This place is a Tïrtha
of great importance. Paläáikä had a Jaina temple, which was probably built in
the fourth century A.D. In all probability, it was dedicated to Ôishabha. The
Kadamba kings were good patrons of Jainism. It appears that there were several
Jaina temples at Paläáikä, in the early period. At present, there is no trace of
Jainism at Halsi.1
Hungund : The ancient name of Hungund in
Bijapur District is Ponnuguîâa. There were at least three Jaina temples at this
place namely Tribhuvanatilaka Jinälaya, Mahäárïmanta basadi and
Arasara basadi of the eleventh century.2
Hüli : The ancient name of Hüli in
Belgaum District was Püli. It had a well-known temple-comlex, called
Mäîikyatïrtha basadi. It was apparently a sacred place of the Jainas.
There were several Jaina temples, at this place, and an epigraph of the eleventh
century, refers to the monks of the Yäpanïya Saãgha and
Punnägavôikshamüla gaîa.3
Räyabäg : Räyabäg, in Belgaum District, was
once a flourishing Jaina Centre under the Raûûa kings. A few inscriptions have
been discovered from the local Ädinätha temple of this place. The earliest
epigraph is dated 1041 A.D.4
Árïraõgapaûûaîa : Árïraõgapaûûaîa near Mysore town
had temples of Ôishabha, Päráva and Mahävïra during Áilavijaya's
time.
Tavanidhi
: Tavanidhi, sacred
to Áäntinätha in Shimoga District, has yielded a few Jaina epigraphs of the
Thirteenth century. It was also known as Tavanandi. It was a surely Jaina sacred
place where Jaina monks embraced voluntary death.1
Tenagali
: Tenagali, a place
in the Gulbarga District, had a Jina temple of the twelfth
century.2
Uchchhaõgi : Uchchhaõgi is situated in Dharwar
District. This was a holy place, sacred to the Jainas from quite early times.
There was a shrine at this place, under the supervision of the
Yäpanïyas.3
Udri : Udri in Shimoga District has
yielded a very good number of Jaina epigraphs of the medieval period. At this
place, there was a Áäntinätha temple which was built at the close of the twelfth
century by a Jaina General called Mahädeva Daîâanätha in Áaka Saãvat.
1119 during the rule of the Hoysala Balläla II.4
Uppina-Betgiri : Uppina-Betgiri in Raichur
District came into prominence in the tenth century A.D. It had a Jina temple
called Jayadhïra Jinälaya, which was built by a Räshtraküûa Governor
called Áankaragaîâa, in the tenth century.5
Vaâaväla : Vaâaväla is situated in South
Kanära District. According to Viávabhüshaîa, there was Áantinätha temple here,
during the seventeenth century.6
Väraõga : The ancient name of Väraõga
situated in South Kanara District was Varäõganä. It had several temples in the
late medieval period. A fifteenth century epigraph found at this place,
discloses the existence of the Neminätha temple. Áïlavijaya, a monk of the
seventeenth century, has mentioned this temple.1
Vïrapura
: Vïrapura is
mentioned as a Tïrtha in an epigraph of the twelfth century, found from
Seâam, in Gulbarga District. Its exact identification is still
unknown.2
Yälbargi : Yälbargi, in Raichur District,
has yielded a number of Jaina antiquities of the early medieval period. It was
surely a Jaina Tïrtha and its earlier name was Eraãbarageya. There
existed here a temple of Päráva, which was under the supervision of the monks of
the Deáï gaîa, and Mülasaãgha.3
Ändhra
Pradesh
Bodhan : Bodhan is situated in Nizamabad
District. The original Jina temple of this place was afterwards destroyed by the
Muslims, and converted into a mosque. A teacher called Munichandra
Siddhäntadeva, has been mentioned in a damaged Jaina epigraph of the time of the
Western Chälukya Emperor Vikramäditya VI. This epigraph also mentions a Jina
temple of this place. Its ancient name was Podanapura.4
Guâiväâä : Guâivädä is situated in Krishna
District. It has a medieval temple of Paarávanätha.1
Hemävatï : Hemävatï is situated in Anantapur
District. It was once the capital of the Nolamba pallavas and a damaged epigraph
from this place of the ninth century mentions a local Jaina temple. Its ancient
name was Henjeru.2
Penugoîâa : Penugoîâa situated in Anantpur
District, is known for its Pärávanätha temple. It has yielded a few Jaina
antiquities. In the sixteenth century, it was considered an important Digambara
Jaina centre.3
Tamil
Näâu
Jinagiri
: The ancient Jaina
Tïrtha of Jinagiri is situated in South Arcot District. It was known by
several names such as Uchchandvälamalai, Vaâapäli, Varatirumalai, Tirumetrisai,
Närapattiraîâu and Perumapalli. Several Tamil epigraphs from this place are
known. It was the home of Vïranandi of Nandi Saãgha. The monks of this place,
afterwards popularised Jainism in other places of Tamil Nadu. The main icon of
the present temple is that of Pärávanätha.4
Jina-Käñchï : Jina Käñchï is another celebrated
Jaina Tïrtha, near Käñchï in the District of the same name. Its history
goes back to the days of the Pallavas. The presiding deity of the Tïrtha
is Vardhamäna, and some seventeen epigraphs, ranging from the twelfth century to
the sixteenth, have been found from this temple-complex. Several inscriptions
belong to the reign of Chola kings like Kulottuõga I, and Vikrama Chola. Four
epigraphs, of the time of the Vijayanagara, kings like Bukka II and Krishnadeva
are also known. There is little doubt that it was the greatest Jaina centre of
Tamil Nadu from early times to modern period. It was also known as
Trailokyavallabha temple. There is also a temple of Chandraprabha near the main
temple of Vardhmäna.1
Kalugumalai : The ancient place Kalugumalai
situated in Tirunelveli District was once a flourishing centre of Jainism.
Inscriptions from the third century B.C. to the eleventh century A.D. have been
found from this site.2
Käñchï : Känchï was a stronghold of
Jainism during the post-Christian period. The great Samantabhadra was a resident
of this city. An eighth century epigraph form this city of the time of
Nandivarman II refers ot an Arhat temple of this city.3
Odalaväâi : Odalaväâi situated in the Polür
Täluk had a Jaina temple of the thirteenth century. It was dedicated to
Gommaûanätha.4
Tirumalai : Tirumalai, a well known
Tïrtha, is situated in the North Arcot District. It is famous for the
magnificent standing image of Neminätha. A few Jaina inscriptions of this place
prove that it was a Jain sacred palce even before 1000 A.D.5
Vijayamagalam : Vijayamagalam, sacred to
Chandraprabha, was a well-known Jaina centre in the present Erode District
(Periyar). It was known as Kurumbunadu. Its antiquity goes back to the sixth
century A.D.1
References
1.
This work is a later work, and its author is different from the real
Kundakuna.
2.
Jinabhareti Samgndha PP 454-456.
3.
BBdjt, III, pp.
148-152.
4.
JGPS, I, P. 112, No. 171.
5.
BBDJT, III, p. 112.
6.
CHJ, II, No. 41, p. 293.
7.
Ibid, II, No. 275, p. 353
8.
Jlaidjc, p.
272.
9.
K.D. Bajpai Feliciation Volume.
10.
CHJ, II, p. 323.
11.
CHJ, II, p. 313.
12.
JDaiDJC, p.
291.
13.
CHJ, No. 73, p. 302.
14.
BBDJT, III, Appendix I, pp. 23-27.
15.
Ibid.
16.
CHJ, No. 140, p. 318.
17.
CHJ, II, No. 204, pp. 335-336.
18.
Ibid, II, No. 250, p. 348.
19.
Ibid, II, No. 135, p. 317.
20.
CHJ, II, No. 22 p. 287.
21.
Ibid, II, No. 280, p. 354.
22.
CHJ, II, No. 8, p. 284.
23.
Ibid, II, No. 238, pp. 45-46.
24.
Ibid, II, No. 89, pp. 305
25.
CHJ, II, No. 124, pp. 314.
26.
Ibid, No. 159, p. 322.
27.
CHJ, II, Nos. 234 and 235, pp. 343-344.
28.
Ibid, II No. 132, p. 316.
29.
Ibid, II, No. 187, p. 330.
30.
CHJ, II, No. 42, pp. 293-294.
31.
Ibid, II, No. 216, p. 238.
32.
Ibid, II, No. 54, p. 297, JUPJ, pp. 56-60, BBDJI, pp.
179-194.
33.
CHJ, No. 43, JUPH, p. 64.
34.
JUPJ, pp. 44-46, BBDJI, pp. 66-72.
35.
CHJ, No. 262, p. 350.
36.
CHJ, No. 290, pp. 356-357.
37.
Ibid, No. 220, p. 339.
38.
Ibid, No. 21, p. 287.
39.
Ibid, No. 127, p. 314.
40.
CHJ, No. 219, p. 339.
41.
Ibid, No. 174, pp. 326-327.
42.
CHJ, No. 253, p. 349.
43.
MTJ.
44.
MTA.
45.
MTA.
46.
CHJ, No. 154, p. 321.
47.
BBDJI, III, pp. 287-297.
48.
BBDJI, III, pp. 302-316.
49.
MTA
50.
BBDJI, III, pp. 316-326.
51.
BBDJI, III, pp. 150-160.
52.
Ibid, III, p. 59.
53.
JSLS, IV No. 5
54.
BBDJI, III, pp. 160-168.
55.
BBDJI, III, pp. 116-127.
56.
KMTA, I, P. 289.
57.
Ibid, II, p. 364.
58.
MTA, pp. 400-405.
59.
KMTA, p. 453.
60.
CHJ, II, No. 176, p. 327.
61.
Ibid, II, No. 261, p. 350
62.
KMTA, p. 410.
63.
KMTA, pp. 371-372, p. 378.
64.
CHJ, II, No. 144, p. 318.
65.
Ibid, II, No. 12, p. 285.
66.
CHJ, II, No. 153, pp. 320-321.
67.
Ibid, No. 248, p. 347; BBDJT, pp.
298-300.
68.
BBDJT, pp. 179-202.
69.
Ibid, pp. 84-86.
70.
BBDJT, pp. 78-84.
71.
Ibid, pp. 102-103.
72.
Ibid, pp. 29-33.
73.
ACTR, p. 99.
74.
Ibid, p. 136.
75.
ACTR, pp. 153-154.
76.
Ibid, pp. 161-163.
77.
ACTR, p. 166.
78.
ACTR, pp. 173-175
79.
Ibid., p. 176.
80.
ACTR, pp. 178-179.
81.
Ibid., pp. 182-184.
82.
ACTR, p. 187-191.
83.
Ibid, p. 194.
84.
ACTR, pp. 197-198.
85.
ACTR, pp. 201-203.
86.
Ibid, pp. 207-208.
87.
ACTR, p. 217.
88.
ACTR, pp. 223-224.
89.
ACTR, pp. 231-233.
90.
Ibid, p. 240.
91.
ACTR, pp. 247-249.
92.
ACTR, pp. 262-263.
93.
Ibid, p. 269.
94.
ACTR, pp. 271-273.
95.
Ibid, pp. 274-275.
96.
ACTR, p. 284.
97.
Ibid, pp. 285-285.
98.
ACTR, pp. 287-288.
99.
Ibid, pp. 290-292.
100. ACTR, pp.
294-296.
101. ACTR, pp.
299-300.
102. Ibid, pp.
305-307.
103. ACTR, pp.
317-318.
104. Ibid, p.
324.
105. ACTR, pp.
326-327.
106. Ibid, p.
328.
107. ACTR, p.
340.
108. ACTR, pp.
344-345.
109. Ibid, pp.
352-353.
110. Ibid, pp.
356-357.
111. ACTR, pp.
359-360.
112. ACTR, pp.
361-362.
113. Ibid, pp.
371-78.
114. ACTR, p.
384.
115. Ibid, p.
391.
116. ACTR, pp.
403-404.
117. Ibid, p.
415.
118. ACTR, P.
416.
119. Ibid, pp.
418-419.
120. ACTR, pp.
420-21.
121. Ibid, pp.
422-23.
122. ACTR, pp.
425-27.
123. Ibid, pp.
427-431.
124. ACTR, pp.
432-433.
125. ACTR, pp.
449-455.
126. Ibid, pp.
455-457.
127. BBDJI, pp.
106-127.
128. ACTR, p.
413.
129. Jaina
Community – A Social Survey, p. 256.
130. CHJ, No.
227, p. 341.
131. CHJ No. 9,
BBDJI, IV, pp. 200-201.
132. Ibid, No.
13, pp. 285-286; BBDJI, IV, pp. 195-198.
133. Ibid, No.
16, p. 286.
134. CHJ, No. 20, p.
287.
135. Ibid, No.
32, p. 290.
136. Ibid, No.
36, p. 291.
137. CHJ, No.
38, p. 292.
138. Ibid, no.
46, pp. 394-395.
139. Ibid, no.
51, p. 296.
140. CHJ, No.
57, p. 298.
141. Ibid, No.
60, p. 299.
142. Ibid, No.
73, p. 302.
143. CHJ, No.
75, p. 303.
144. Ibid, No.
99, p-307.
145. Ibid, No,
107, p. 309.
146. Ibid, No.
150, p. 320.
147. BBDJI, pp.
185-188.
148. CHJ, No.
164, pp. 323-24.
149. CHJ, No.
192, p. 332.
150. BBDJI, IV,
pp. 178-185.
151. CHJ, No.
200, pp. 334-335.
152. Ibid, No.
226, pp. 340-41.
153. CHJ, No.
241, pp. 345-346.
154. BBDJI, Iv,
pp. 189-195.
155. Ibid, Iv,
pp. 137-138.
156. CHJ, No.
251 p. 348.
157. Ibid, No.
256, p. 349.
158. Ibid, No.
269, p. 352.
159. Ibid, No.
270, p. 352.
160. CHJ, No.
276, pp. 353-354.
161. Ibid, No.
273, p. 353.
162. BBDJI, pp.
198-199.
163. CHJ, No.
59, p. 299; BBDJI, p. 248.
164. Ibid, No.
71, p. 301; Ibid, pp. 203-207.
165. Ibid, No.
130, BBDJI, p. 303.
166. CHJ, No.
138; BBDJI, p. 233-237.
167. BBDJI, pp.
208-217; CHJ No. 155.
168. Ibid, pp.
319-330.
169. CHJ, No.
181, pp. 328-229.
170. Ibid, No.
201, p. 235; BBDJI, p. 274.
171. Ibid, No.
212, pp. 336-337, BBDJI, pp. 311-316.
172. BBDJI, pp.
288-303; CHJ, no. 239.
173. CHJ, No.
266, p. 351.
174. Ibid, II,
No. 55, p. 297.
175. CHJ, II,
No. 245, No. 347.
176. Jaina
Community – A Social Survey, p. 257.
177. CHJ, No.
2, p. 283.
178. Ibid, No.
5, p. 283-284.
179. Ibid, No.
18, p. 287.
180. Ibid, No. 19, p.
287.
181. Ibid, No. 19, p.
287.
182. CHJ, No.
24, p. 288.
183. Ibid, No.
27, p. 288.
184. Ibid, No.
28, p. 289.
185. Ibid, No.
29, p. 289.
186. CHJ, No.
31, p. 290.
187. Ibid, No.
33, p. 290.
188. Ibid, No.
35, p. 291.
189. Ibid, No.
39, p. 292.
190. CHJ, No.
45, p. 294.
191. Ibid, No.
66, pp. 300-301.
192. Ibid, No.
68, p. 301.
193. Ibid, No.
70, p. 301.
194. CHJ, No.
74, pp. 302-303.
195. Ibid, No.
82, p. 304.
196. Ibid, No.
83, p. 304.
197. CHJ, No.
84, p. 304.
198. Ibid, No.
85, p. 304.
199. Ibid, No.
86, p. 304.
200. Ibid, No.
90, p. 305.
201. Ibid, No.
91, p. 305.
202. Ibid, No. 93, pp.
305-306.
203. Ibid, No.
94, p. 306.
204. Ibid, II,
95, . 306.
205. CHJ, No.
96, p. 306.
206. Ibid, No.
97, p. 307.
207. Ibid, No.
98, pp. 306-307.
208. CHJ, II,
No. 100, p. 307.
209. Ibid, No.
101, pp. 307-308.
210. Ibid, No.
119, p. 313.
211. Ibid, No.
121, p. 313.
212. Ibid, No.
122, p. 313.
213. CHJ, II
No. 129, p. 315.
214. Ibid, No.
139, p. 318.
215. Ibid, No.
142, p. 318.
216. CHJ, II,
No. 145, pp. 318-319.
217. Ibid, No.
148, pp. 319-320.
218. CHJ, II,
No. 151, p. 320.
219. Ibid, No.
152, p. 320.
220. Ibid, No.
158, p. 322.
221. Ibid, No.
160, pp. 322-323.
222. CHJ, II,
No. 165, p. 324.
223. Ibid, No.
184, 329.
224. CHJ, II,
No. 189, p. 331.
225. Ibid, No.
199, p. 334.
226. Ibid, II,
No. 203, p. 375.
227. Ibid, II
No. 217, p. 338.
228. CHJ, II,
No. 252, p. 348.
229. Ibid, II,
No. 254, p. 349.
230. Ibid, II,
No. 263, pp. 350-351.
231. Ibid, II,
No. 264, pp. 351.
232. Ibid, II,
No. 271, p. 352.
233. Ibid, II,
No. 274, p. 353.
234. CII, II,
No. 281, pp. 354-355.
235. Ibid, No.
288, p. 356.
236. Ibid, No. 289, p.
356.
237. CHJ, II, No. 40,
pp. 292-293.
238. CHJ, II, No. 81,
p. 304.
239. Ibid, II,
No. 92, p. 305.
240. Ibid, II,
No. 195, p. 333.
241. Ibid, II,
No. 110, p. 310.
242. CHJ, II,
No. 111, pp. 310-311.
243. Ibid, II,
No. 123, p. 313.
244. Ibid, II,
No. 125, p. 314.
245. Ibid, II,
No. 185, p. 329.
246. Ibid, II,
No. 259, pp. 349-350.
247. CHJ, II,
No. 286, p. 355.
248. Ibid, No.
288, p. 355.