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Writer: Antarmukhi Muni Pujya Sagar Maharaj
Shravanabelagola is a vibrant pilgrimage that presents new history while presenting an unique example of service with development and religion. Shravanabelagola, the center of self-realization (meditation), is now known for social service also.Any way knowing history is like a reading a book that has no beginning and end. As we keep on reading new chapters open one after another. As long as there is information, the investigator of knowledge continues to do research. Same is with temple, saint, scriptures, history of pilgrimage or the life of great men. When they are discovered, new chapters are added to the chapters of history. The present also becomes history very next moment and every work becomes important. Sharavanabelagola has reformed from time to time and new chapters keep on adding one by one in its history. The special thing was that in new discoveries the old history was kept safe and there were no contradiction between them. Known history of Shravanabelagola started from 7th century. When it was known as the natural field of self-meditation, where the saints and shravakas used to acquire self-meditation, self-study and attain Ideal death (samadhimaran). With time gradually construction of temples, pond, caves, pillars, libraries etc. started there.
FOUR DEVELOPMENT PHASES OF SHRAVANABELAGOLA
The history and development of Shravanabelagola mainly divided in four phases. The development of three stages is considered till the 13th century, but the fourth step is associated with education, medicine, social-service and other development works with the conservation and enrichment of the ancient place of three steps, which happened rapidly in about 55years.This is the reflection of the history of Shravanabelagola. The first stage is between 7th to 9th century which is famous for self-practice and self-study. The second phase began in the 9th century when Emperor Ashoka built the temple here. The third phase is of 980 A.D. when Chavund rai, in the midst of Acharya Nemichandra Siddhant Chakravarti built a huge statue of lord Bahubali and gave the world a beautiful gift. With this Bhadrabahu Swami also performed the last rites of meditation here and maintain the sequence of spiritual meditation of this place. Saints sit here and compose several scriptures from time to time. Even today it seems like the voices of Dhawala-Mahadhawala’s speech are resonant here. Most of the temples, inscriptions, stupas, ponds etc. in Shravanabelagola was built in memory of anybody or have any incident behind them. Sharavanabelagola’s history and temples have been receiving state protection from time to time by then kings, ministers or powers.
The fourth step started about 55 years ago. At that time, construction of any temple, pond etc. in Shravanabelagola did not started, but to keep the basic nature of ancient heritage to ensure awareness of their safety and its history, the restoration work was done at a large scale. Under the guidance of current Bhattarak Swastishri Charukirti Swamiji, big change in the field of education, medicine, social- service and housing happened during this period. Special attention was taken to cleanliness in it. That is why before taking Shravanabelagola visit, take the pledge of cleanliness to take care the sanctity of an entire area. Religious places, educational, medical, social-service, the occasional activities are also here to keep its glory safe. For this it is necessary to religious, cultural, historical and traditions as well as administrative information.
MANY NAMES OF SHRAVANABELAGOLA, FROM BAHUBALI JI TO JAIPUR
Shravanabelagola is also known as Gommateshwarm, Bahubali ji, Jainbadri, Belagola, Jainpur etc. 2500 years ago its name was Kola. Kola was named Shravanabelagola around 2400 years by emperor Ashoka. ‘Sharavanabelagola’ is a kannnad word which means, “ White pond of digambar jain muni’s.”There was a large library in Shravanabelagola. The tone of recitation of Dhawala-Mahadhawala used to go on here that’s why this place was called white pond ( dhawal sarovar).
HERE ARE 40 BASADIS
Chandragiri mountain, Vindhyagiri mountain, City Jinnalaya, Jinnatpur, Hale Belagola, Sanehalli, Jakkallamma Temples are the main religious sites in Shravanabelagola. Where there are 40 basadis or temples are located.
On Chandragiri mountain Shaantinaath basadi, Supaarshvanaath basadi, Chandraprabh ya vakragachchh basadi, Chaavundaraay basadi, Paarshvanaath basadi(Megal basadi ),Eradu katte basadi, Savati Gandhavaaran basadi, Terin basadi, Shaanteeshvar basadi, Majjigan basadi, Shaasan basadi, Chandragupt basadi, Kattale basadi, Antaraal Paarshvanaath basadi,15 Temple of Bhadrabhu Swami Cave and Manastambha and Iruve Brahmadev Temple are prominent.
There are eight temples on the Vindhyagiri mountain. Chaubees teerthankar basadi, Odegal basadi, Chennann basadi, Siddhar gundu, Akhanad baaguli(bharat, baahubalee bhagavaan pratima), Siddhar basadi, Suttaalay basadi, Gommatasvaamee mandir.
There are 17 temples at Shravanabelagola and its nearby places. Jain math mandir, Paarshvanaath basadi (jain math mandir ke oopar), Neminaath mandir(Jain math mandir ke oopar), Bhandaar basadi, Mangaayee basadi, Nagar Jinaalay, Daanashaala basadi, Siddhant basadi, Akkanabasadi, Jaaruguppe Paarshvanaath mandir, Lakkivan, Bade pahaad kee parikrama mein Padmaavatee gupha, Shaantinaath basadi Jinanaathapur, Paarshvanaath basadi Jinanaathapur, Bastee hallee, Hale belagola ,Jakkalaamba Mandir this is under Sane hallee bastee, Samavasharan(Arihant nilay), Paanduk shila mandir, Rathnatraya mandir is also under Shri Digambar Jain Math Institutions Managing Committee Trust, there are 44 temples in Shravanabelagola, together with these four temples. Kushmandani Devi temple is counted in Jain monastery, Jaruguppe Brahmadev temple is counted only in Jaruguppe Parsvnath temple.
THE OPENING HOURS OF TEMPLE-
Glimpse of Lord Bahubali can be seen from 6am to 6pm.The monastery and the Bhandari basadi, which is the largest temple, it can be seen from 6 am to 8 pm, but infront of Bhandari basadi Panduksheela temples outside visit can be done for 24 hours.
FOOT PRINTS (CHARANS)
Acharya Bhadrabhu Swami (Chandragiri mountain), Chavundrai (Vindhyagiri mountain), Kundakund (Chandragiri mountain), Charitra Chakravarti Acharya Shri Shanti Sagar Maharaj (in town), Acharya Shri Mahavir Kirti Maharaj (Chandragiri mountain), Muni Prabhachandra Maharaj (Samrat Chandragupta) (Chandragiri Mountains), Gandhar Charan (Vindhyagiri Mountains).
TEXTS RANGING FROM RELIGION TO THEORY WERE CREATED HERE
Texts such as religion, justice, logic, mythology, fiction, poetry, grammar, jyothi, doctrine have been created on this holy land. Acharya Shri Nemichandra Chakravarti Deva created Jeevakaand and Karmakaand, Tilokasaar, Kshapanaasaar here on the occassion of chief minister ChaVundraaya.
Grammaticals like Shaktaan Indra and Chandra also composed their grammars here too. Element texts such as Dhawla, Jaydhawla were recited here. Samantrabracharya wrote his grandhahasti Mahaabhaashy right here. Acharya Jinsenarya wrought his great tribulation (Maha puraan) here. Ravishan Acharya also composed the Padmapuraan here too. Many religious texts have been found in this positively energized land. Think, how effective is the spiritual energy of the environment here.
FROM SPEAKING ROCK TO KUNDAKUNDA CAVE
Shaanti saagar smaarak, Kala bhavan, Janamangal kalash, Kalyaanee taalaab, Aadikavi pamp granthaalay, Dharm chakr, Raaja shreyaans aahaarashaala,painting made on the walls of Jain monastery temple, Padmavati cave etc. are in Shravanbelagola city. Kundakunda cave, Gulika Ajji statue, Tyag pillar, Akhand Bagilu, Nemichandra Peeth, Daanashaala mandap, Ashtadigpaal mandap etc. are on Vindhya giri mountain. Chandragupt shila, Mahaanavamee mandap, Bharat moorti (adhooree) Gangaraaj mandap, Shaantalaadevee stambh, Chatu stambh mandap, Indr stambh, Veeragallu stambh, Nishedhika mandap, Maanastambh, Jaalee(daasoj), Bolatee chattaanen etc., at Chandragiri mountain.
THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF 600 INSCRIPTION HERE IN THE COUNTRY
The highest inscriptions in the country are found in Shravanabelagola only. There are 559 inscriptions in Chandragiri, Vindhyagiri, and nearby villages. There are 274 inscriptions on Chandragiri, some of which are invisible. At Vindhyagiri 172, 80 in the city premises and 33 inscriptions are found in nearby villages, which are related only to this shrine. All of these inscriptions are from the 600 to the 19th century AD. All the inscriptions of the tenth century ago are only on Chandragiri. There is no inscription on the Vindhyagiri before 980 AD. All these inscriptions are written on rocky edges, pillars, statues, outer parts of the temple, rock and statues. It is believed that very ancient Marathi inscriptions of country have been written around the idol of Lord Bahubali on Vindhyagiri. 90 percent of all inscriptions are in ancient Kannada script, the language of the rest is Sanskrit. From time to time, the number of inscriptions was increasing As new inscriptions were found, the number changed even in the same way. It is said that large number of inscriptions have also been destroyed.
WHAT DOES THESE INSCRIPTION SAYS
- 40 Inscriptions about the valor and Digvijay of Shravak and ancient kings.
- 100 inscriptions of charity - worship etc.
- 100 inscriptions of construction of the temple and its restoration.
- 100 inscriptions of Jain-Munis and households commemorating commemorative deaths.
- 160 inscriptions in the form of a memorial of associations or commuters' visit.
- 100 Historical inscriptions.
TOWN OF LAKES
Shravanabelagola can also be called the city of lakes. Shettar has mentioned about 50 lakes by adding small, large, all in his Shravanabelagola book, the most beautiful pond is Kalyani pond between Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri mountain. In addition to this, on the Chandragiri mountain, Lekki Done, Devar done and Kanchin done on the Vindhigiri Mountains, on both sides of the Channan Basti (Temple), Zakkikte, chennann kund besides the town and there are several ponds around it.
MOST BEAUTIFUL POND KALYANI POND AMONG 50 PONDS
Surrounded by a high pavilion in the heart of the city, this beautiful water reservoir with stairs is all around. Its entrance is made of Gaupuram style in four directions. There is a pavilion in the north, whose record is known as the 17th Century. After this its poet's 'Gommeteshwar Charitra' is mentioned its construction, but all these but all these are inscriptions for renovation or reconstruction. In fact, it is the ancient Dhawal Sarovar of Kalyani, which led to its name 'Belgul Nagar'. In the long run, due to the proximity of the Shramana saints, it changed to 'Shravanabelagol'. Once in a year, the water journey of Lord Neminath is extracted from this pond.
INSTITUTION
INITIATIVE IN EDUCATION SECTOR
Education is the most important foundation of development. Without the welfare of its family, society and country cannot be developed. Educated youth is the future of the country and society, hence the most attention is given to education in the field development. Param pujya swami ji first gave importance to education and made the same goal and carried out many tasks and schemes. There are educational institutions also in Shree Kshetra Belgaum district, Dharwad district, Athani Tahaseel, Indi etc., which are running under the guidance of Swami ji. On 18 November 1982 Shri Shravanabelagola Digambar Jain Gyan Prakashak Sangh was established and headed by Swami ji. Under this, schools and various colleges were set up to educate the villagers.
1. Ambika Pre Primary and Primary School: Neminath Bhagwan's Yakshini Kushmandani Devi is also named Ambika, the name of the school is named after her. It was founded in 1982.
2 . Ambika English Medium School - It was established in the year 2001. In this, children are taught in English medium.
3. Ambika purva madhyamik school
4. Mrs. Shreyaalamma Nemarajaya established High School in 1990. Its medium is Kannada. There are currently many children studying in this.
5. Shreylamma Nemarajaya Pre University College: It was established in July, 1995.
6. Bahubali Polytechnic College: It was established in the year 1986. The three-year diploma here is in Computer Science, Electronics and Communication, Civil, Mechanical and Automobile Engineering.
7. Bahubali Engineering College: It was established in 1997. From the year 2002 till today, no branch of this college has less than 90 percent results. Its place is important in the engineering colleges of Karnataka.
8. Bahubali School of Nursing: It was established in the year 2001. Residents of the area with the clinical facilities take advantage of the government hospital. Its course is of 3 years.
9. Shrutkevali education trust was established to educate Jain religion, Prakrit language, etc. Under this, Gomteshwaram University Brahmacharya Ashram was opened. The monastery carries the expenses of boarding and lodging, reading and books. The children studied in this ashram are presided on many prestigious places as Bhattarak. This Ashram is 6 km away from Shravanabelagola.
10. The National Institute of Prakrit and Research Center has also been opened here. This institute has got permission for Ph.D. in the year 2000 by Mysore University. A diploma course is conducted for a reputable study. Here is the Manuscript Store named Agamdarshan. It has more than 6000 manuscripts preserved, which has been collected from village to village. They have also been treated for chemical protection. These manuscripts are in Kannada, Prakrit, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Marathi and Sanskrit. Kamm Paththadi Pahuda, Katha Pahuda, Hindi translations of these two Prakrit texts are available in Section 37 (Volume). The work of translating them into Kannada continues at war level.
11. Prakriti forest is also built here, in which medicinal plants and herbs have been planted.
12. Training institute for Prakrit language: In this institute, once a year, they are prepared by training of Prakrit language, then they teach lessons of Prakrit by sending these instructors to the village to village. It is examined, then the certificates are distributed to the passed children. It is currently running classes from 1st to 4th standard.
13. Prakrit University - Prakrit University's work has also been given in the form of progress under Mahamastakbhishak 2018.
HEALTH
Medical examination laboratory, X-ray components etc. are being run smoothly in the direction of Swami ji, so that people of the area can get health facilities. The Bahubali childrens hospital was established on February 10, 2006. Which was inaugurated by the then President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. All patients are given free treatment here. Only Rs 10 The treatment is done on the basis of the registration fee. So far, about one lakh 35 thousand infants have been treated free of cost in this hospital. There are tools available for pathology, eye-dental X-ray machines, operation theater (AC), equipment for raising base camp, ambulance and DG of 40 KV. There is currently a 50 bed arrangement. 50-bed General Hospital will be inaugurated on February 7, 2018 and a hospital of 100 beds is underway and ongoing. Here, specific health camps are kept from time to time.
CULTURE AND LITERATURE
Swamiji gave utmost importance to the protection of literature and cultural heritage. All the manuscripts of ancient literature today are safe because of them, and the values of Jain culture are being protected in Karnataka. He has also declared many awards and honors for the Jain writers. Organised seminars, literature and cultural gatherings have also been organized in Shravanabelagola from time to time.
THESE ARE MAJOR AWARDS AND PROGRAMS
-Prakrit Gyan Bharti Prashasti Award has been instituted to reward the study of Prakrit language and its literature. Inter-national prakrit award is also given.
- The scholars who have made significant contributions in Jain literature, culture and culture are being given 'Shri Gomteshwar Award' since 1980.
- Shravak who has made special contribution in cultural field has been awarded 'Shri Gomteshwar University Cultural Award' from 1998.
- Jain Kannada Literary Conference is organized every year. Jain Studies Institute was established for its organizing. This institution is publishing an introductory booklet of 20th century unbelievable and remarkable work of scholars and facilitators of society. For this, the contribution amount of the Shree Kshetra is provided every year.
- By establishing a permanent amount in the Kannada Sahitya Parishad, scholars who make outstanding contributions to Kannada literature every year on behalf of this Council are conferred 'Chamundraay Prashasti'. Every year this event is organized and it is given prashasti, mementos and honorary amount.
- There is a 'non-violence' conference every year in the Shri kshetra. Under the guidance of Swamiji, this last 28 years has been going on. In it, the religious leaders and representatives of all religions participate in their religion and give a lecture on the principle of 'Ahimsa'. This signifies the ordinance of the Sabbath.
- Swamiji started the 'Chandragiri Chikkabeta Festival' from the year 2001. It happens once in twelve years. In this context, 'Akshar Kalash' scheme is in progress for the purpose of publishing 108 texts. The history-based inscriptions and the Shilashasan Sahitya Research Center were honored with 'Shilashasan Sahitya Praashti' in this event.
- A separate Shastri Bhavan was laid for the Pandits. All arrangements will be made to stop and read the pundits. There will be a museum of all kinds of texts, where scholars can do self-meditation and self-contemplation.
SOCIAL SERVICES
Many welfare schemes are being run for the people of Shravanabelagola and nearby villages under guidance of Swamiji. Many medical camps are imposed. Jain student's ventilator provides free meals and accommodation. Medical facilities and financial assistance are also provided for economically backward people. Sahay Dhan Yojana is also underway in this episode. Under this, Rs.1100 / - is unable to provide medicines and nutritious food, poor, sustainable and retarded adults. And children Rs 600 Per capita is given per month. Since July 9, 2010, the subsidy amount has been started at the primary level. You can also become a participant in this welfare scheme.Jain Shravak Vriddhashram is run on the field in the direction of Swami ji. In this, the destitute old people of the society are given shelter. They stay here and earn knowledge by worshiping, meditating and meditating on God and meditating in Dharma-meditation.
RESIDENCE
35 guest houses, 600 rooms are there for facilitating pilgrims. There is a system to accommodate 3000 passengers together.
BHOJAN SHALA
In Akshay Shravak Bhojanalya 300 people can have their food at once.
SHRAVANABELAGOLA ... A LOT OF LAND
This pilgrimage area has been extremely overwhelming since the beginning. Behind the statue of Bahubali, not to be fully anointing of the statue, then Abhisheka by Gulika Ajji from head to toe, construction of kalyani lake, meditation and penance of 14 thousand Munni's together on Chandragiri, Donating food by God to Muni Chandragupta in the service of the Guru, etc. All of them are very ancient. At the same time, the way it has grown and is happening, that too is no less than anybody. Only Rs.1000 Swamiji took over the reins of the capital with the deposit of the new day and every day started with the new energy, with the development of new development work and after seeing this, the appearance of the Shri Area changed itself. First of all, some of the unique work done here.
-First of all, the largest copper kalash and shreephal was made in the year 1980. For the centenary of Mahamastakabhishek's centenary of 1981 Janamangal kalash was introduced throughout the country, which started on September 29, 1980, from the Red Fort of Delhi, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi of the country, with the swastika marking on the urn. This Janmangal Kalash Yatra was concluded on 20th February 1981 in Shravanabelagola. At the same time, this Janamangal Kalash was established in Shravanabelagola. In one hundred and forty-five days, the procession of Janamangal kalash was collected at 180 places in twenty three thousand kilometers. The first Abhishek on the statue is from this same quill. It contains 52 inches of turquoise and the urn is 70 inches. Its total height is 122 inches. The round and upper axis of the pinnacle is 80 inches and the middle circle is 208 inches.
- Silver Kalash made in the Mahamastakabhishek of 2006 was established in the form of Vunshabh Kalash. This is also the largest silver vase and God's first consecration was from this same vase.
- During the Mahamastakabhishek of 2006, silver umbrella was built for the statues of Lord set in all the buses of Shree kshetra. In the bhandar basadi here, the same 24-umbrella of the same size was made for the statue of twenty-four pilgrims. At the time of the special program all the statues are put together.
STAINT SERVICE… FIRST DUTY
In Shree Kshetra Shravanabelagola, Swamiji considered the service to be the first term. He says that from the beginning, Shraman (Sage-Saint) has been the site of the Mahatma, hence its name is Shravanabelagola. This area and monastery have always been regarded as the first duty to serve the sadhu-saint and will continue to be respected. While proving these truths, they have built many saint dwellings here and also built the King Shreyan's diet. There is this two-storeyed building, where shavakas cooks for saints. Chouk is imposed daily from the monastery, so that whenever a saint comes suddenly, he can be fed food with the tender devotion. Every facility related to the kitchen is available to facilitate passengers coming to the area. Anyone can come here and start the round. There is a store for grains, fruits, vegetables etc. There is also a cow, who gives pure milk. Here a person is always working, who provides round-the-clock supplies to the Shravakas. This building is not used for any other purpose. It has four big rooms, one huge hall and two small halls. Its area is.......