A unique pilgrimage complex  

Though it will be a Jain pilgrimage complex, involving temples and a research complex, the fundamental philosophy behind 'Mangalayatan' is not confined to the boundaries of a particular religion. A first of its kind to initiate 'research on Jainism and comparative research of its philosophy vis a vis other relitions, the Mangalayatan Research Centre would usher in a novel concept of the Indian ethos of 'sarva dharma sambhav' where all faiths could amalgamate to propound the theory of 'vasudhaiv kutumbakam.'

The 40,000 square yard temple-cum-research complex is being developed on the Siwan road, around 10 kilometers from Aligarh. On completition, 'Mangalayatan' will be one of the largest Jain religious centres of its kind in the country. Foundation stone of the complex was laid by Union Human Resources Development Minister Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi on December 27, 2000 in the presence of Sh. Rajnath Singh, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. 'Mangalayatan' will be developed in three phases, of which the first phase will be completed by March 2002. 

The complex will include Bhagwan Adinath (Rishabhdev) temple with a 20 feet tall statue of Bhagwan Rishabhdev atop a 35 feet high artificial hillock, a 63 feet high 'Manstanbh' of Bhagwan Adinath, a temple devoted to Bhagwan Mahavir and another to Bhagwan Bahubali. Besides, a grand 'Samvasaran' of Bhagwan Seemandharnath will also be a part of the sprawling 'Mangalayatan' complex.

One of the major features of the complex will be a modern and spacious research institute equipped with latest facilities for conducting studies on ancient Jain scriptures and manuscripts. It will include a library which will work for the preservation, documantation, catelogging and reproduction of rare scriptures. The main objective of this centre will be to study the fundamental principles of Jainism and the teachings of Grurudev Kaanji Swami among other noted Jain seers. The research centre will also cooperate with other institutions of its kind throughout the country and abroad. Proposal for getting the centre affiliated with a university and awarding of fellowships for research scholars are also being planned.

Shri Adinath Kund-Kund Kahan Digambar Jain Trust, the organisation behind the project, was established in July 2000 with the objective of promoting ideas like truth, non-violence and bramhacharya. It was founded by Pt. Kailash Chanda Jain, an 83 year old Jain scholar from Bulandshahar (UP).

Background  

So who's idea was it to built such a magnificant religious complex involving crores of rupees and years of hard work? 'Mangalayatan' is the brainchild of Sh. Pawan Jain, who, with the inspiration that he got from his father Pt. Kailash Chand Jain, decided to work dedicatedly for the sacred cause.

Sh. Jain, the Chairman of Aligarh's well-known Pavna group and an active member of many social and religious organisations, actually wanted to construct a building of an engineering college at the location, now earmarked for 'Mangalayatan.' But he later changed his mind and decided to donate the land for the cause of Jainism. He, alongwith other members of the Jain community in Aligarh, came up with an idea of building a Bahubali temple complex at the place.

Enthused with the support that he received from the fellow Jains, he later decided to expand the plan to make it a full-fledged pilgrimage centre. Apart from the land donated by Sh. Jain, another piece of land was purchased to cover an area of 40,000 sq. yards on the Sasni road, near Aligarh. "Had I not received the active support and immensely encouraging response from the Jain Samaj, I would not have been able to take this task up in my hands," Says Pawan Jain. He is fully confident that with the continued support, involvement and encouragement of the Jain community the world over, the development work for 'Mangalayatan' will be completed well on time.

What does 'Mangalayatan' mean   

What is Mangal? The word 'mang' means 'happiness', and the one who brings happiness in our lives is called 'mangal.'  (Shridhawala, Book-1, Page-34/35)

The word 'Mam' means sin, and the one who rids us (galayati) from that sin is also called 'mangal.' (Acharyakalpa Pt. Todarmalji, Moxmargprakashak, First Adhikar)

What is Ayatan? Ayatan is the Samskrit word for volume or place. Therefore, A place that will be instrumental in bringing happiness to our lives and ridding us from our sins is called 'Mangalayatan.'

Let's all come together to make 'Mangalayatan' a pilgrimage centre that rekindles the light of happiness, truth, non-violence and 'dharma' into every devotee's soul. Let it inspire every human being to follow the path of righteousness and learn to live in harmony with all other living and non-living entities. Let's make 'Mangalayatan' a grand success!