Panipat Dhundiwalan Jain Mandir
In the temple, the most sacred Jain Tirthas such as Shri Sammed Shikharji, Shri Girnarji, and Gomatesh Bahubali Ji, have been depicted through golden paintings.
The management of the temple is carried out efficiently by local Jain residents. The active members of the temple are as follows :
Introduction
The construction work of the temple was done by Seth Dhundiwalan Jain Ji some 250 years ago. It is said that the Seth Dhundiwalan Jain family was a family of scholars. In the family, there were Pandit Kabool Singh Jain, Advocate Babu Ratan Lal Jain, Lala Basant Lal Jain, Pandit Sumit Prasad Jain, famous poet Padam Sain Gauhar, Lala Sain Singh Jain, Pandit Jiya Lal Jain, Lala Shanti Prasad Jain, and Pandit Ramesh Chand Jain. When Pandit Kabool Singh Jain used to go out in the market, people of all castes would hide their hookahs saying that Pandit Ji is coming. The Seth Dhundiwalan Jain family is like a banyan tree. Although many members of the family have moved out of Panipat, but whenever any member of the family comes to Panipat, they definitely visit the temple built by their ancestors. Every year on the auspicious occasion of Dhup Dashami, Maha Aarti comes to Shri Digambar Jain Mandir Dundiwalan from local Digambar Jain Bada Mandir while circumambulating the area (Nagar). After reaching here everyone worships Bhagwan. On Anant Chaudas, Rath Yatra is organized from Digambar Jain Bada Mandir. The Rath Yatra comes to the temple here via Bada Mandir Ji and the Abhishek (auspicious bath of the idol) of the Jinendar Bhagwan’s idol is performed here. The management of the temple was done for a long time by Lala Shanti Prasad Jain, and during his tenure, he also carried out the grand renovation of the temple. From 2004 to 2006, under the inspiration of Acharya Saurabh Sagar Ji Maharaj, the magnificent renovation of the temple was carried out, and a grand Pratishtha Mahotsav (consecration ceremony) was held. During the renovation of the temple, excavation revealed an ancient temple beneath the Vedi and an ‘old well’ as well. Prachin Jain Pratima were obtained from the well, which were enshrined in the Garbh Grah of the temple. In the main (mool) Vedi of the temple, the Moolnayak Pratima (main deity’s idol) of Shri Parshvanath Bhagwan ji is enshrined. Along with the Moolnayak Pratima, idols of Shri Padmaprabhu bhagwan and Shri Munisuvratnath Bhagwan ji are also enshrined in the Vedi. The idols enshrined in the Garbh Grah of the temple date back to the 12th to 14th centuries.
“In the temple, the most sacred Jain Tirthas such as Shri Sammed Shikharji, Shri Girnarji, and Gomatesh Bahubali Ji, have been depicted through golden paintings.”
The area of the temple spread over 280 square yards of land.
Jain Samaj
The Jain community in Panipat comprises 100 to 150 families. Despite the relatively small size, the Jain community actively participates in various social programs. Due to the dispersal of the Jain community across different areas in Panipat, Digambar Jain Temples were also built in different parts of the city. However, regardless of their locations, all temples are managed by the Panipat Pachranga Bazar Digambar Jain Committee. The committee ensures that the needs of the devotees visiting the temple are well taken care of during worship, rituals, and ceremonies. For the convenience of Jain pilgrims coming from outside, a Digambar Jain Dharamshala has been constructed to provide accommodation. The Dharamshala consists of seven rooms and two large halls for the pilgrims. Additionally, parking facilities are available for vehicles of pilgrims coming from distant areas. For the rest and Aahar of Jain Saints in the temple premises, a Tyagi Bhavan (rest house) and a Aahar (dining) hall have been constructed. The committee also operates a homeopathic center within the temple premises, where appropriate medicines are provided at nominal charges. Moreover, there is a Jain Kids School within the premises of the Bada Mandir, providing education up to the 5th grade to children.
History
Panipat is an ancient and historic city located in the state of Haryana, India. It has been a center for many important events in Indian history. The ancient name of Panipat was 'Paniprastha'. It is situated on National Highway 1, between Delhi and Chandigarh. Panipat falls within the National Capital Region and is located 90 kilometers away from Delhi. According to Jain literature, Panipat was also known as ‘Panipath Durgh’ during that time. Three significant battles were fought in Panipat in the years 1526, 1556, and 1761. The language spoken in Panipat is Haryanvi. Panipat is a part of the National Capital Region. There are many historical sites in Panipat such as the Panipat Fort, the tomb of Ibrahim Lodhi, the tomb of Abdali, etc. In modern times, Panipat has become an important industrial center with the establishment of various industries, contributing significantly to its economy. Panipat also holds a special place in tourism due to its numerous historical sites that attract tourists. Panipat is also a treasure trove of Indian cultural heritage, where festivals, fairs, and religious events are given importance. The Panipat region holds significance from historical, cultural, and economic perspectives. Its historical evidence, major battles, and cultural heritage have made it a special place.
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The management of the temple is carried out efficiently by local Jain residents. The active members of the temple are as follows :