Jain Literary Centre Mozamabad
+ Mozmabad/Mouzamabad is a Jain Heritage Centre Located at a distance of 53 Kms from Jaipur & 86 Kms from Ajmer in Rajasthan.
+ Flourished as a major Jain literary centre in the 17th Century.
+ Has Sri Adinath Digambar Jain Temple/Bada Mandir & Sri Neminath Swamy Digambar Jain Temple/Kanch Mandir.
+ Sri Adinath Digambar Jain Temple has 2 basements along the left and right of the main temple. Houses some of the magnificent Jain idols.
– Article & Photos: Nitin H P, Bengaluru
Mozmabad / Mozamabad / Mouzamabad was a prominent Jain centre and a hub of literary activities in the 17th century. It is an old town which seems to be later on renamed as Mozamabada.
It has two Digambar Jain Temples, Viz – Bada Mandir / Sri Adinath Mandir & Kanch Mandir.
Sri Adinath Swamy Digambar Jain Mandir – This temple was built in the year 1607 A.D. by Amatya (chief minister) Nanumal Godha one of the close aides of Raja Mansingh of Amer, one of Akbar’s trusted general. This is the biggest of both the temple and hence called as Bada mandir. The temple has 3 pinnacles with attractive carvings all over. Many carvings of Tirthankars can be found all along. The pinnacle is completely made of stone.
Idols at the Temple – Jain idols are installed on the ground floor and as well as the two basements. Quite a good number of Tirthankar idols are installed systematically on the ground floor. Among these, the idol of Adinath (main deity) and Chaturmukha Nandishwara idol deserves special mention.
Bhouharen Mandir – The installation of idols in the basements has given it the name Bhouharen Mandir (cave temple).
Right Basement – The right basement houses a good collection of idols. The idol of Lord Adinath (main deity) & of Goddess Kushmandini are worth noting.
Left Basement – The left basement houses 3 huge Tirthankar idols of Lord Adinath, Lord Ajithanath & Lord Shambhavanath in padmasana. These idols are very attractive.
Jain Idols in the 1st basement of Adinath Digambar Jain Temple
Jain Idols in the 2nd basement of Adinath Digambar Jain Temple
Shastra Bhandar
The Sastra Bhandar is a part of this temple which is situated in the centre of the town. The manuscripts are placed in two Almirahs and their total number is 68, The condition of the Sastra Bhandar is not satisfactory. The collection over here and details given below about the works that were written here helps us substantiate the fact that this was a Jain literary centre.
- In 1603 A.D. Chitar Tholia a Hindi writer completed his work Holi ki Katha’ at Mozamabad.
- In the year 1538, Bhavisyadatta Carita of Dhanpal Kavi was written in this town it is now preserved in the Shastra Bhandara of Amer.
- Sravakacar of Vasunandi which was written in 1573 A.D. is preserved in the Grantha Bhandar of temple.
- In the year 1589 A.D. Adinathapurana in Apabhramsa language was copied in the Adinatha temple.
- Yasodhara Caritra’ of Sakal Kirti and of Gyana Kirti were copied in the year 1603 A,D,
- Two copies of Illustrated manuscripts of Jasahara Cariya by Puspadanta in Apabhramsa language have been found here. Out of these one is complete and other is incomplete. These were copied in 16th century. The paintings are very fine.
- The earliest dated manuscript is of the 15th century.
- Other Manuscripts
- Pravacansara of Kunda Kunda Acarya,
- Jinendra Vyakarana & Satkarmopdesa Ratnamala of Amarkirti.
- Trisastismrati Sastra by Asadhar.
- Yogasara by Amitigati.
- Tattwartha Sutra Tippani by Yogadeva.
- Adipurana Tippana by Prabhacandra.
- A rare manuscript of Krisna Rukamani veli written by Prithivi Raj with the commentary of Lakhacarana is found here.
Sri Neminath Swamy Digmabar Jain Temple / Kanch Mandir – The temple has quite a bit of mirror work. Hence the name Kanch mandir. It has the black coloured idol of Lord Neminath in Padmasana as the main deity. In addition to this it has the idols of Adinath, Parshwanath a couple of other Tirthankar idols.
How To Reach – It is located at a distance of 54 Kms from Jaipur, 13 Kms from Dudu & 25 Kms from Narayana.
Accommodation – Accommodation facilities are available at Mozamabad in a hall beside the Adinath Mandir.
Contact Details – Sri Adinath Swamy Digambar Jain Mandir, Mozmabad/Mozamabad, Jaipur District, Rajasthan. Ramji – 9694268050.