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Professor Noel King, Professor Emeritus of History & Comparative Religion of University of California Santa Cruz had visited Pakistan briefly late last year and has kindly forwarded details of his finds of Jain relics. He had made a detailed visit several years ago but had to leave in a hurry due to bad health. Last year's visit was very brief and details given are a little scanty neverthless interesting. The so called Jaina Stupa at Taxila Valley The Lahore Museum has a fine collection of Jain relics mainly of the material collected from the city of Gujranwala and Darkhana. It is believed that Mr Raghavji Virchand Gandhi, the first person to represent Jainism abroad and who attended the first Parliament of World Religions in 1893 in Chicago was supported by the Jain center from this area. The following murtis are all on display at the Lahore Museum, unfortunately the quality of photographs is not very good and it is difficult to identify the symbol (lancchan) on any of the murtis. Photos: CourtesyPakistan Tourist Development Corporation A murti with damaged eye and broken arms. It was the tradition of the Muslim raiders to deface the murtis and cut the arms as a sign of 'victory'. http://jainism.a.googlepages.com/jainrelicsinpakistan more pictures special Jain Temple from Thar Desert Pakistan An example of another complete murti. The inscription underneath is in Urdu. On the road from Rawalpindi to Lahore in the Pothohar area, there are so-called 'Kafir Kots', ruins of old temples. No details of these temples are available but the architecture seems to be Jain. On a near by hill top about 2000 ft high there is a small lake called Shiva Tears for Sati. There are ruins along the hill side up to the top and sorrounding the lake. Many of the building look like monasteries. There is a Shiva statue in the temple in the photograph below but Prof King suspects that the statue may have been of a tirthankar and that a Jain temple was converted to a Hindu temple. Just a few dozen meters from the Shrine of the Double-Headed Eagle sits the Jain Stupa, a relic of the Sirkap city period (2nd century B.C. to the 2nd century A.D.). The shrine is badly ruined. Nothing of the superstructure survives. The persepolitan columns with lion ornamentation that sit on the four corners were brought here from the ruins of the courtyard. A Jain sanctuary in Taxila, looking like a stupa. LIST OF JAIN TEMPLES IN PAKISTAN
Punjab Province
Sindh Province
North West Frontier Province
It is said that Jainism was found in specks in Egypt - Babylon, Alexandria and Greece. The idols, inscriptions, copper plates and picturesque documentations narating the heritage of Jainism are found in the museums of Switzerland, East Gremany, England, America and Denmark.
The ardent followers of Jainism (Digambara, Swethambara, Sthanikavasi, Terapanthi and Oswal) have constructed many temples in Afro-Asian and European countries in the recent past. Kenya, Japan, Canada, West Germany, Britain, Singapore and America. The beckon of ahimsa and the axioms of Jaina principles have spread all over the globe striving for the cause of humanity.
Jainism crossed India from South India at about eighth century B.C., if not earlier, and become one of the most important religions of Ceylon, which was known in those days by the name of Lanka, Ratnadvipa or Simhala. The Mahavamsa (10.65-70; 33. 43-79) refers to the existence of Jainism in Ceylon even before the arrival of Buddhism. According to it, Pandukabhaya built a house at Anuradhapur for the Nigantha Jotiya and Giri and some more Niganthas, Jain tradition takes the history of Jainism in Ceylon even prior to its Aryanization, or the Arrival of the Aryans. Ravana, a king of Lanka long ago is said to have erected a Jain temple there at Trikutagiri. Another statue of Parsvanatha, the 23rd Jina found in the caves of Terapur is also said to be from Srilanka. Jainism was a living religion of Srilanka up to the 10th A.D.
Kalakacarya, another Jain monk, is said to have visited Burma or Svarnabhumi (Uttaradhyayana Niryukti, 120). Rsabhadeva is said to have traveled to Bali (Bacteria), Greece, Svarnabhumi, Panhave (Iran), etc. (Avasyaka Niryukti, 336-37). Tirthankara Parsvnatha also went to Nepal. The existence of Jainism can also be proved in Afghanistan. Tirthankara images in the Kayotsarga, or meditating pose have been found in Vahakaraj Emir (Afghanistan). Digambara Jain monks have been in Iran, Siam, and Philistia31. Greek writers also mention their existence in Egypt, Abyssinia and Ethyopia32. It had also propagated in Kabul, Campa, Bulgaria and some other foreign countries. If anyone has access to more accurate information on jainism in Pakistan please let us know. |
Monday, October 8, 2012
There are several Jain relics spread across Pakistan.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
WHY TO VISIT TEMPLES ? (Scientific Reason)
WHY TO VISIT TEMPLES ?
(Scientific Reason)
There are thousands of temples all over India in different size, shape and locations but not all of them are considered to be built the Vedic way. Generally, a temple should be located at a place where earth's magnetic wave path passes through densely. It can be in the outskirts of a town/village or city, or in middle of the dwelling place, or on a hilltop. The essence of visiting a temple is discussed here.
Now, these temples are located strategically at a place where the positive energy is abundantly available from the magnetic and electric wave distributions of north/south pole thrust. The main idol is placed in the core center of the temple, known as "*Garbhagriha*" or *Moolasthanam*. In fact, the temple structure is built after the idol has been placed. This *Moolasthanam* is where earth’s magnetic waves are found to be maximum. We know that there are some copper plates, inscribed with Vedic scripts, buried beneath the Main Idol. What are they really? No, they are not God’s / priests’ flash cards when they forget the *shlokas*. The copper plate absorbs earth’s magnetic waves and radiates it to the surroundings. Thus a person regularly visiting a temple and walking clockwise around the Main Idol receives the beamed magnetic waves and his body absorbs it. This is a very slow process and a regular visit will let him absorb more of this positive energy. Scientifically, it is the positive energy that we all require to have a healthy life.
Further, the Sanctum is closed on three sides. This increases the effect of all energies. The lamp that is lit radiates heat energy and also provides light inside the sanctum to the priests or *poojaris* performing the pooja. The ringing of the bells and the chanting of prayers takes a worshipper into trance, thus not letting his mind waver. When done in groups, this helps people forget personal problems for a while and relieve their stress. The fragrance from the flowers, the burning of camphor give out the chemical energy further aiding in a different good aura. The effect of all these energies is supplemented by the positive energy from the idol, the copper plates and utensils in the *Moolasthan*am / *Garbagraham*. *Theertham*, the “holy” water used during the pooja to wash the idol is not
plain water cleaning the dust off an idol. It is a concoction of Cardamom,*Karpura* (Benzoin), zaffron / saffron, *Tulsi* (Holy Basil), Clove, etc...Washing the idol is to charge the water with the magnetic radiations thus increasing its medicinal values. Three spoons of this holy water is distributed to devotees. Again, this water is mainly a source of magneto-therapy. Besides, the clove essence protects one from tooth decay, the saffron & *Tulsi* leafs protects one from common cold and cough, cardamom and *Pachha Karpuram* (benzoin), act as mouth fresheners. It is proved that *Theertham* is a very good blood purifier, as it is highly energized. Hence it is given as *prasadam* to the devotees. This way, one can claim to remain healthy by regularly visiting the Temples. This is why our elders used to suggest us to offer prayers at the temple so that you will be cured of many ailments. They were not always superstitious. Yes, in a few cases they did go overboard when due to ignorance they hoped many serious diseases could be cured at temples by deities. When people go to a temple for the *Deepaaraadhana*, and when the doors open up, the positive energy gushes out onto the persons who are there. The water that is sprinkled onto the assemblages passes on the energy to all. This also explains why men are not allowed to wear shirts at a few temples and women are requested to wear more ornaments during temple visits. It is through these jewels (metal) that positive energy is absorbed by the women. Also, it is a practice to leave newly purchased jewels at an idol’s feet and then wear them with the idol’s blessings. This act is now justified after reading this article. This act of “seeking divine blessings” before using any new article, like books or pens or automobiles may have stemmed from this through mere observation.
Energy lost in a day’s work is regained through a temple visit and one is refreshed slightly. The positive energy that is spread out in the entire temple and especially around where the main idol is placed, are simply absorbed by one's body and mind. Did you know, every Vaishnava(Vishnu devotees), “must” visit a Vishnu temple twice every day in their location. Our practices are NOT some hard and fast rules framed by 1 man and his followers or God’s words in somebody’s dreams. All the rituals, all the practices are, in reality, well researched, studied and scientifically backed thesis which form the ways of nature to lead a good healthy life.
The scientific and research part of the practices are well camouflaged as “elder’s instructions” or “granny’s teaching’s” which should be obeyed as a mark of respect so as to once again, avoid stress to the mediocre brains.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Monday, April 2, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
GODIJI TEMPLE 200 YEARS CELEBRATION
Never before seen 18 day celebration.
Almond Sweet Mithai already delivered to 135000 homes all over Mumbai and figure still going higher
Ladoo delivered to 10000 households around Pyhonie area
Thousand of kilos of wheat rice daal and cooking oil to be used
· 150000 Kilo of mango pulp
· 30000 kilo wheat flour
· 24000 kilo basmati rice
· 10000 kilo tuver daal
· 16000 kilo vaal daal
· 16000 kilo dhokla flour
· 3000 kilo cooking oil
· 2000 kilo red chilli
· 125 cooks to work
· 20000 workers
At 125 different locations all over Mumbai 800000 people will be fed dinner
All food including mango processing to be made fresh everyday according to Jain rules.
Govt of India to release a special Rs 5/- postal stamp for this 200th celebration
Everyday there will be Jeevdaya and Anukampa donations
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
કોણ કેવી રીતે કેવલજ્ઞાન પામ્યા......?
કોણ કેવી રીતે કેવલજ્ઞાન પામ્યા......?
(1) મરૂદેવા માતા - હાથી ઉપર બેઠા બેઠા.
(2) પૃથ્વીચંદ્ર - સિંહાસન ઉપર બેઠા બેઠા.
(3) ગુણસાગર - હસ્ત મેળાપ વખતે.
(4) વલ્કલચિરિ - પાત્ર પડિલેહણ કરતાં કરતાં.
(5) રતિસાર કુમાર - પત્ની ને શણગાર સજતાં.
(6) ભરત મહારાજા - અરીસા ભવન માં અનિત્ય ભાવના ભાવતાં.
(7) ઈલાચી કુમાર - દોરીપર નાચતાં નાચતાં.
(8) અષાઢાભૂતિ - નાટક કરતાં.
(9) સાધ્વી શ્રી પુષ્પચૂલા - ગોચરી લાવતાં લાવતાં.
(10) અર્ણિકાપુત્ર - નદીપાર કરતાં કરતાં.
(11) અઈમુત્તા મુનિ - ઇરિયાવહી કરતાં કરતાં.
(12) કુરગડુ મુનિ - આહાર કરતાં અને સાથે તપસ્વીઓની અનુમોદના કરતાં.
(13) નાગકેતુ - પ્રભુની પુષ્પપૂજા કરતાં કરતાં.
(14) પ્રસન્નચંદ્ર રાજર્ષિ - કાર્યોત્સર્ગ ધ્યાનમાં.
(15) કૂર્માંપુત્ર - ઘરમાં બેઠા બેઠા.
(16) બાહુબલીજી - નાના ભાઈઓને વંદન માટે પગ ઉઠાવતાં.
(17) મેતાર્ય મુનિ - ચામડાના પટ્ટાથી મસ્તક તુટતાં,આંખો બહાર નીકળતાં.
(18) ઢંઢણ મુનિ - ગોચરી પરઠવતાં પરઠવતાં.
(19) સ્કંદકસુરિ ના ૪૯૯ શિષ્ય - ઘાણી માં પીલાતા પિલાતા.
(20) પુણ્યાઢ્યય રાજા - જિન દર્શન કરતાં કરતાં.
(21) ગૌતમ સ્વામી - વિલાપ કરતાં (વીર નિર્વાણ સમયે).
(22) પાંચસો તાપસ - ખીરનું ભોજન કરતાં કરતાં.
(23) ખંધક ઋષિ - ચામડી ઉતારતા.
(24) ઝાંઝરીયા મુનિ - વધ કરતી વખતે.
(25) ચંડરૂદ્રાચાર્ય ના શિષ્ય - વિહારમાં ગુરુ ના અપશબ્દ અને માર ખાતાં ખાતાં.
(26) ચંડરૂદ્રાચાર્ય - શિષ્યને ખામાવતાં ખામાવતાં.
(27) મૃગાવતી સાધ્વી - ગુરુણી ને ક્ષમાપના કરતાં.
(28) ચંદનબાળા સાધ્વી - શિષ્યા ને ખામાવતાં.
(29) ગજસુકુમાલ મુનિ - મસ્તક પર અંગારા બળતાં.
(30) સંયતિ રાજા - મૃગને મારતાં મારતાં કર્મ નું અપહરણ કર્યું.
(31) માસતુષ મુનિ - બાર વર્ષ લાગટ " મા રૂષ, મા તુષ " શબ્દ ગોખતાં.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Celebrations Amidst the Opening of a Jain Temple in Tamil Nadu
Celebrations Amidst the Opening of a Jain Temple in Tamil Nadu
The temple takes up an area of 8,000 square feet and is claimed to be built as the first of its kind in Tamil Nadu. It is the first such temple to have idols of all 24 Tirthankaras. The temple,which is located near the Mint clock Tower on Basin Bridge Road has been built by the family of Sankarji Prithviraj Kawad.
The people associated with building the temple have stated that it has been built in a Rajastani style and is made of white marble that has been brought from across various centres of the country. The main deity of the 24 Tirthankaras is the one of Bhagwan Sheetainath, hence the name of the temple. He is the 10th deity among the 24 Tirthankaras.
The organizers further stated that the central dome of the temple, also created by rich intricately carved marble is 83 feet high and has carvings of 14 very sacred symbols to the religion.
Various substances considered auspicious in the Jain community were used to decorate and ornate the eyes of the deities. This was a part of the ceremony ritual which took place on the day the temple opened for traditional rituals. Rose quartz, yellow morgue and black rainbow were some of the many rich stones that were used to create the idols.
Each night after the consecration ceremony, there were programs held to take part in devotional singing for the deities. A play depicting the life of Sheetainath was also held for the devotees to watch and learn from. Finally, the highlight of the ceremony was after the 9th day when a procession was taken out from Mint Street to the temple. Over 15,000 Jain’s participated in this procession and are looking forward to the completion of the temple within the next eight months to come.
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