🧘♂️ Where Did Lord Mahavira Reside During Chaturmas?
A natural question arises:
When Lord Mahavira reflected and observed Chaturmas, where did He stay?
- Was there a Sangh?
- Were there Upashrayas or Derasars?
- What kind of arrangements existed during those times?
The truth is, when the Lord resided somewhere, the celestial beings themselves constructed the Samavasaran – the divine preaching assembly. Each day, wherever the Lord was present, a Samavasaran with Ashta Pratiharyas (eight divine symbols) was erected by the Devas, including:
- Ashoka Tree
- Flower rain
- Divine sound
- Camaras (fans)
- Throne
- Radiance (Bhamandal)
- Celestial drum sound
- Divine umbrella
Thus, the Lord needed no Upashraya or Stavanak – He resided in Udyaan (divine gardens), and even these Udyans were created with deep scientific structure.
🌳 The Scientific Layout of Ancient Cities and Gardens
Every major town in ancient times had a vast garden in the northeast direction. These weren’t small—spanning 25, 50, even 100 kilometers, with cities many times larger. Such precise urban planning was prevalent 2,500 years ago.
Even in later periods, like the 5th Aara and beyond, when decline set in, the basic structure remained. After Lord Mahavira’s nirvana, Sudharmaswami (his foremost disciple) still attracted Samavasarans, and monks continued Chaturmas in these Udyans.
🛕 Where Did Monks Reside After the Samavasaran Era?
As monks wandered in small groups with their Acharyas and Upadhyays, they resided in places like Rathshalas (chariot stables) of wealthy merchants. These were not like today’s tiny garages. They were massive parking spaces where horses, elephants, and carts were kept.
In these Rathshalas or Gajshalas, monks and nuns would rest and practice their spiritual sādhanā.
Another structure was the Paushadhshala – often maintained by individual householders. These were peaceful spots, separate from their homes, where they and monks could engage in sādhanā. For instance, Anand Shravak’s house was in one place and his Paushadhshala in another.
🏡 The Rise and Fall of Spiritual Infrastructure
Over time, as the 5th Aara progressed:
- Shrāvaks and Shravikas became poorer
- Scientific planning was lost
- Other religions flourished with large temples, educational centers, and organized rituals
Jains lost touch with their systems. Weddings, cultural events, and rituals moved to other communities’ sacred spaces.
Yet, post Mahavira’s Nirvana, for 1000 years, Jains faced great difficulty. Then, Derasars began to flourish again across India, and sanghs began arranging stay for monks.
🏢 Birth of Upashrayas in Modern History
Around 400–500 years ago, the earliest Upashraya in Limdi was built. Sheth Nanji Dungarshi donated his haveli permanently for monks and vowed it would never be used for worldly purposes.
Initially, these spaces were known only as places of service, not “Upashraya” or “Sthanak.” Over time, Acharyas and monks began traveling, and the need arose for fixed, peaceful places for nuns and monks to reside. Thus, Shravaks started arranging such spaces in their homes.
🛖 From Personal Hosting to Organized Sangh Management
Earlier, a single household would host monks. Slowly, a collective approach emerged – even the poor should benefit, not just the wealthy. That spirit gave rise to communal Upashrayas and Sthanaks where:
- Even those who didn’t know rituals could learn
- Everyone could participate in Samayik and Pratikraman
This was a turning point. Sanghs were formed. Initially, there were no registered trusts – just leaders, elders, and Sanghpatis overseeing everything with sincerity.
💰 The Modern Drift and Challenges
In the last 50 years, financial aspects began creeping in. Registered trusts were created. And gradually:
- Aymbil Shalas started inside Upashrayas
- Community kitchens and hot water facilities were added
- Dependence on Sangh grew, while personal responsibility diminished
A major misconception took root:
People began saying: “Why not get water from the Upashraya?”
But Upashraya is not a resource center – it is a sacred space for sādhanā, not to provide cooked meals or boiling water. These developments are side effects, not core functions.
🔔 Preserving the Real Spirit
Once, a Shravak told me, “Why don’t you get hot water from the Sthanak? We do too.” That’s a wrong mindset.
If your home cannot accommodate a Sadhu or Sadviji or host rituals, the Sangh will help, but the first responsibility is yours. These arrangements should not breed dependency, but spiritual upliftment.
🔮 Looking Ahead – The Reality of the Fifth Aara
If we dream of going to Simandhar Swami and taking diksha, remember:
There won’t be plastic chairs and air-cooled halls.
Today’s setup exists because we’re in the Fifth Aara, and we must preserve it wisely.
The modern rise of Ashrams and Tirthdham is good. Places to host Brahmacharis, education programs, and facilities for monks are all necessary. But, they must not divert us from core sādhanā.
Today, Terapanthi Jain centers and Jain universities are training students in proper Jain rituals. More such spiritual zones must rise.
🙏 Conclusion: A Heartfelt Thanks to Upashraya and Sangh Founders
We bow to all Shravaks, Shravikas, Sheths, and Shresthis who built and maintained Upashrayas, Paushadhshalas, Dadawadis, and Derasars – and kept the Jain tradition alive.
Let’s remember:
- Without Sangh support, Chaturmas couldn’t happen
- Especially for Sadvijis, the Vaiyavach and essential arrangements would be nearly impossible
So as time progresses, let us serve, reflect, and protect the infrastructure not just for convenience, but for spiritual growth. That alone is the real inner blessing.