18th June, 2024
Ref. No.:202406E-03
Subject: Sanctity and Security of All Tirths of the Shwetambar Murtipujak Jain Sangh
Dharmlabh,
You would be aware of the recent sacrilegious act allegedly done by the Mandir trust of Pavagadh to disrespectfully dismantle and damage ancient Jain Shwetamber murtis on Pavagadh Hill. The entire ‘Shwetambar Murtipujak Jain Sangh’ (Jains) is shocked by this activity.
This is neither a one-off event nor an ordeal faced by just one tirth. All ancient sacred tirths of Jains throughout India are continuously facing such threats. The main reason for this is that almost all major Jain tirths have been taken away by the government or lost by Jains and are today under government control.
Palitana Hills, the most sacred for Jains, is under government control today. Such is also the case for Girnar and Taranga. The finest and most marvelous temples of Ranakpur and Muchhala Mahavir in Rajasthan have been snatched away by the government. The richest temple of Jains, the Kesariyaji temple, is presently under government ownership and management. 16,000 acres of Shikharji Hills in Jharkhand were taken away by the government in the name of land reforms in 1953, and till today, the issue is entangled in legal battles. Being under government control, they have faced many sacrilegious onslaughts like tourism, encroachment, mining, etc. Many more tirths and their issues can be listed here, but the point is that in Gujarat and all of Bharat, Jains are facing gross injustice, unprecedented insecurity and blatant discriminative treatment with regards to their tirths. Jains are extremely aggravated and agitated due to this. The government has miserably failed to provide protection and security to Jain tirths in independent India.
The Shwetambar Murtipujak Jain Sangh has made repeated efforts to protect these revered tirths, including Shatrunjaya, Samet Shikharji and Kesariyaji, among others. Despite numerous rallies and peaceful protests, a satisfactory resolution remains elusive. Last year, a massive rally across India saw lakhs of Jains, including myself in Surat, coming together to voice our concerns. Despite our hopes, the results have been disappointing, with only assurances received but no substantial actions taken.
Today, the BJP government is in power at the centre and in many states. Traditionally, it has had the goodwill of being pro-religious. BJP enjoys the unconditional support of Jains financially and electorally. However, we have observed that Jains and their religion are not given the deserved and desired protection and security in Bharat. It always receives the cold shoulder whenever such a situation arises. This approach goes against the 2024 election promise of “Modi ki Guarantee”. I would quote here the advertisement from the Times of India on 9th May, 2024. It said, “Will develop other religious places on the lines of Kashi corridor. This is Modi’s guarantee.” Today, the events at Pavagadh are in complete contradiction of this.
Jains never have and are not asking for a favour or government contribution. They always only demand that their rights be secured and justice be delivered. Historically, Jains have always been a donor community, working for the welfare of people according to the belief of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and will always keep moving in that direction.
After the 2024 election, in a speech on 8th June, Pradhan Mantri Modi has expressed the BJP’s policy of “સર્વ પન્થ સમ્ભાવ”. We only expect their government to walk this talk and support Jains to protect their identity, their tirths and their religion.
I hope this message reaches the appropriate authorities and office bearers at the earliest for quick action.
Dharmlabh
(Ga. Acharya Yugbhushansuri)
To,
Bhupendrabhai Patel
Mukhya Mantri
Gujarat
