All India Jain Temples And Tourist Places

This document is a comprehensive guide to Jain temples and tourist places across India, published by the ITI Jains Association, Bangalore, and the Shri Bharatwarshiya Digamber Jain Mahasabha, Lucknow. Released to commemorate the 2600th birth anniversary of Bhagawan Mahaveera, the book aims to provide a detailed overview of Jain religious sites and significant tourist destinations in various Indian states.

The book begins with a brief introduction to Jain Dharma, explaining its core principles, the role of Tirthankaras, and the historical development of Jainism, including its schism into Digambara and Shwetambara sects. It categorizes Jain pilgrimage sites into "Siddakshetra" (places of liberation), "Kalyanakshetra" (places of significant life events of Tirthankaras), and "Athishaya Kshetras" (places of miracles).

The main body of the book is structured by state, offering descriptions of Jain temples, historical sites, and notable tourist attractions within each region. For each location, it provides information on:

• Key Jain Sites: Names of important temples, their historical significance, the deities enshrined, and any associated miracles or special features.
• Historical Context: Brief mentions of rulers, dynasties, or historical events connected to Jainism in the region.
• Tourist Attractions: Inclusion of significant non-Jain landmarks and natural attractions, providing a broader perspective for travelers.
• Practical Information: Details about Dharmashalas (pilgrim guesthouses), facilities available, and sometimes information about local melas (festivals).

The guide covers a vast array of locations, from the capital city of Delhi with its numerous Jain temples and historical monuments to the sacred sites of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar (highlighting Sammed Shikharji, a major pilgrimage center), West Bengal, the Northeastern states, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttaranchal, Rajasthan (featuring Dilwara and Ranakpur temples), Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa (with the ancient Khandagiri and Udayagiri caves), Maharashtra (including Ellora caves), Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka (emphasizing Shravanabelagola and the Gommateswara statue), Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and many more.

The book also includes supplementary information such as:

• Tour Itineraries: Suggested routes for visiting various Jain pilgrimage circuits.
• Distances: A table listing distances between major capital cities.
• Tourist Offices: Contact information for relevant tourist departments.

The preface highlights the efforts of the ITI Jains Association in publishing previous directories and guides, encouraging them to undertake this comprehensive national guide. It expresses the hope that the book will be well-received and useful to all Jain brethren and tourists. The publication also acknowledges the support of various individuals and organizations in its creation.