Jain Tirth - Bh. Suvrat Swami

Rajgriha has its own importance from the Puranic point of view. It has been the place of activities of Lord Mahavir and Lord Buddha. Lord Mahavir performed Twelve 'Chaturmas' here and sprayed his spiritual ambrosia on this district. Of the Nearly seven lakh hermits and nuns devoted to Lord Mahavir, nearly one-fourth belonged to Rajgriha district. From this viewpoint it can be said that Lord Mahavir had a boundless influence on Rajgriha district.

Lord Buddha had a special relation with Rajgriha. In fact the inhabitants of Rajgriha accorded full respect to religion and spiritualism. They saw in Lord Mahavir and Lord Buddha the fragrance of divinity and enlightenment due to which both these great personages had absolute dominance over here. It is due to this very reason that in the mountain ranges and caves situated around Rajgriha, Jain sages and Buddhist monks both used to remain in 'Sadhana' (spiritual practices) here. After the 'nirvana' of Lord Buddha the first religious conference of the Buddhist monks took place but in Rajgriha. What we call 'Saptaparni' cave today is actually the venue of the first conference/synod of the Buddhist monks. The kings such as Raja Shrenik and Raja Ajatshatru (Kunik) etc. who have been mentioned in Jain scriptures with great veneration, were as a matter of fact, the rulers of this very district. Raja Shrenik is considered to be one of the principal disciples of Lord Mahavir. Shrenik savoured the nectar of enlightenment emitted by the omniscience of the Lord, and even though he was an emperor, he led a life of austerity and equanimity. Although Shrenik died an unnatural death, he had gathered so much virtue and means of attaining salvation that he carved a niche for himself, as per Jain tradition, amongst the would be 24 Tirthankars. What we know as Padmanabh Swami, is actually the name of the future reincarnation of Raja Shrenik.

Rajgriha has been the birthplace of exemplary personalities like Metarya, Dhanna, Shalibhadra, Meghkumar, Abhay Kumar, Jambooswami, Poornia etc.

Besides being a place for spiritual practices, Rajgriha has also been maintaining its importance in view of trade, prosperity and tourism. Today, at Rajgriha only ruins have remained in the name of city, but being an equally important place of worship for the Jains, the Buddhists and the Hindus, travellers keep thronging this place. The famous Jain pilgrimage situated on the hills, besides the renowned Buddhist Stupa, also has a hot-water spring called 'Brahm Kund'. 'Virayatan' has also been constructed here for education, service and art.

This pilgrimage has been constructed on five hills. At a little distance away from the Jain Dharmshala built at the first foot-hill is the Vipulgiri hills. After ascending about 2 Kms. we come across the Vipulgiri 'Toonk'. On the hills are situated the temples of the sects - Shwetambar and Digambar.

On descending down nearly 2 Kms. from Vipulachal hill and then again ascending 2 Kms. we come to the Ratnagiri hill. On this Ratnagiri hill are also situated Shwetambar and Digambar temples. There is a huge temple of Lord Buddha on the Gridhakoot hill just in front of the Ratnagiri hill. Nearly 4 kms. away from the Ratnagiri hill is the Udaigiri hill. The ascent of this hill is very complicated.

Swarnagiri is the fourth hill here. It is also known as Shramangiri. This hill is five kms. away from the 'dharmshala' (charitable boarding house). The ascent distance is nearly 3 Kms. There are two caves on the southern part of this hill. 'Jina' images have been carved on the walls in the caves. Vaibhargiri hill is situated 2 Kms. away from here. There is the Shalibhadra temple also besides the 'Jina' temple. On the left of this temple is an ancient dilapidated temple. There are many ancient and artistic idols in it.

Besides the mountain pilgrimage, there are several magnificent ancient and modern 'Jinalayas'. The journey to this pilgrimage may be helpful in the journey to the inner self.

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From : World Renowned Jain Pilgrimages Reverence & Art
By : Mahopadhyaya Lalitprabh Sagarji M. S.

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