SHRI KARNAVATI (AHEMDABAD) TIRTH

PRESIDING DEITY AND LOCATION :

Shri Dharmanath Bhagwan in white color, seated in a lotus posture, of height 63 Cms in a shrine located in Sheth Hathesingh’s Wadi, outside Delhi Gate in the city of Ahemdabad. (Shve).

ANTIQUITY AND SALIENT FEATURES :

The city of Ahmedabad is believed to have been founded in Vikram year 1468 but before this period, there used to be here according to some references, cities of Ashaval and Karnavati. The available references states that the city of Ashaval (Ashapalli) was founded before 10th century when there existed a large temple of Bhabha Parshvanath Bhagwan, Minister Udayan had built a temple which was called Udayan Vihar. Besides that, there existed here several Jain and Hindu temples. The army commander Shreshthi Sri Abhayad belonged to this city.

During 11th century Sri Karnadev defeating, the king of Bhils Sri Asha in a battle, changed the name of the city to that Karnavati. At some time Karnavati already had flourished as the centre of Jain religion. During the period of Solanki king Sri Siddharaj, Acharya Sri Vadidevsurishvarji had visited this place. Sri Santu minister had built here a large Jain temple. Acharya Sri Hemchandracharya has taken his first and preliminary learning here. Minister Sri Pethadshah had established a large Gnan Bhandar ( Library of books) in this place. Colonel Tod has mentioned about many Jain temples existing here. Today the city and the remains of those temples cannot be seen. In the course of time every place undergoes periods of rise and fall and accordingly it must have happened here too. However, as good fortune would have it, once again a large metropolis was founded here which later became well known as Ambavad. Since its beginning till to date, this city had always hundreds of Jain temples. Even today there are more than 225 temples both large and small. Amongst the temples existing today, the one located in Zaverivad of Sri Sambhavnath Bhagwan is believed to be the oldest. The temple of Hatheebhai’s Wadi is famous in Ahmedabad both for its large size and delicate art.

In all architectural creations in Gujarat, this incomparable and large temple, with 52 surroundings small single shrines erected by Sheth Sri Hathisingh making the best use of his wealth and affluence, maintains a unique place of pride which even today reminds one of his magnanimity and religious favor. His ambition was for a ceremonial consecration of the temple with unsurpassable festivities and accordingly after his unforeseen and unfortunate demise, his wife Sri Harkobai who too had great religious favor and was intelligent and generous got the ceremonial consecration ceremonies performed with a festival for 21 days on a grand scale at the expense of lakh of Rupees at the hands of Acharya Sri Shanthiasagarsurishvarji on the auspicious Thursday, on Magh Krishna 11 in Vikram year 1903. On this occasion, lakhs of people from various places throughout the country participated. The great festival gave a vivid appearance of a divine city in which wherever eyes went cast gatherings of hundreds of Jains were visible transforming the area into a city of Jains only. This however, was only the realization of the holy ambition of late Sheth Hatheesinhji.

The contribution of Jain Shreshthis of Ahemdabad since and even before it was founded, to the glorification of Jainism is ever lasting. During period of Muslim rule SHeth Sri Shantidasji was honored with the title of Nagarsheth (Lord of the city). His many actions in the direction of general human welfare were praise worthy. Once the large and beautiful temple of Sri Chintamani superior in all respects built by Nagarsheth in Vikram year 1682 was being converted into a mosque in Vikram year 1700 and this has caused a great sensation in the whole of Gujarat. Nagarsheth was highly respected personality in the court of Shahjehan at Delhi and as soon as the latter heard about these news of sacrilege, he immediately issued orders to restore the temple in its original form to the former. Thereafter Aurangzeb, the son of Shahjehan, completely destroyed the temple and today no trace of it is found anywhere.

The acts of philanthropy done by sons of Sheth Sri Shantidashi during the acute famine of Vikram year 1717 are noteworthy. It is stated in a composition entitled “Tirthmala” of Pandit Shilvijayji that in Vikram year 1746, there existed here 178 Jain temples and fifty thousand homes of Jain householder families. Even today, one is able to see Jain temples wherever one casts a glance in this city. It is believed that the temple located at present in Zaveriwad and of Sri Sambhavanath Bhagwan is the oldest among them all. In Nisha Pole of Zaveriwad, the temple of Sri Jagvallabh Parshvanath Bhagwan is believed to have been built according to one reference by the local Jain community in Vikram year 1600. the idol is both artistic and miraculous. It is said that at one time, one had to pay one gold coin to have sight of this idol. Miracles of this idol are well known. The temple holds a place of significance also because of its art.

Beside various artistic Jain temples, this city has 11 Gnan Bhandars (treasure stores of religious books) containing old handwritten manuscript of great importance and many ancient Jain volume throwing light on Jain history. It is veritable ocean which lends prestige to whole of India. Here are seen invaluable books commandeered for writing by ministers Vastupal and Tejpal, Raja Kumarpal, minister Pethadshah and many other kings, ministers and Shreshthis and also actually written by great erudite Acharyas. Here there are many Jain libraries, Upashrayas, Gnanshalas and Pathshalas for studies of and research in Jainism.

On account of such great personalities like Nagarsheth Sri Shanthidas Johari, the responsibility for the leadership of the whole Jain community is being shouldered even this day by the city of Ahemdabad. Even today it is the chief centre of Jainism and therefore it is often even addressed as Jainpuri (the city of Jains). In Vikram year 1880, at the instance of all Swetamber Jain Sanghs of India, the firm of Sheth Sri Anandji Kalyanhi was registered which was said to have been founded almost 250 years ago. This firm is shouldering the responsibility of being the sole representative of all Swetamber Murthipujak sanghs of India, and it has always participated in carrying out repairs and renovations of ancient Swetamber Jain Shrines. It also carries on management and administration of several such shrines of great importance including those of Mt. Shatrunjay and Mt. Girnar. Its principal office is located in this city. Besides above temples, there are more than 225 temples both large and small located in the city.

In every temple, a different style of art is visible. The architectural style of Hatheesinh’s temple is unique and the delicacy and intricacy of sculptural art therein is beyond words. Observation here reminds one instantly of the temples of Mt Abu and Dilwara. The sculpture in the temple has been appreciated without reservation by such eminent art critics and historians like Fergusson, James Samuelson, Anandkumar Swami, Ratnamanirao and others. It may be mentioned as relevant in this connection that the idol of Sri Ajitnath Bhagwan in the temple of his name in Vaghan Pole, Zaveriwad cast in five metals and in standing posture is particularly worth seeing on which there is an inscription dated Vikram year 1112.

In the city of Ahemdabad, there exists one Sri Lalbhai Dalpathbhai Bhartiya Sanskriti Vidya Mandir which has an extensive and invaluable collection of thousands of volumes and pictures, sculpted statues and idols, all of great archeological and artistic significance, the like of which is nowhere else to be found. For pilgrims, this institution is also worth a well deserved visit.

APPROACH – ROUTE :

The railway station of Ahemdabad is 3 Kms away from the temple and at the station, taxis and auto rickshaws are available.

AMENITIES FOR JAIN PILGRIMS :

For lodging there are dharamshalas as under :

1. In the courtyard of this temple itself, there are 12 blocks with all facilities.
2. Sheth Dalpathbhai Bhahibhai Swetamber Murtipujak Jain dharamshala, Ratan Pole, Marichi pole, Ahemdabad.
3. Bai Ichchha, wife of Raichandra Jaichandra Swetamber Jain Dharamshala, Ratan Pole, Marichi Pole, Ahemdabad.
4. Bai Jamna, daughter of Shah Balchandra Bechardas Jain dharamshala, Ratan Pole, Golwad, Ahemdabad.

MANAGED BY :

Shri Dharmanath Bhagwan Jain Mandir
Sheth Hatheesinh Kesariasinh Trust
Outside Delhi Gate,
P.O. Ahemdabad – 380 004,
Gujarat.
Tel: 079 – 2180774 / 2120455