- Outrage over threat to ahimsa and sanctity of pilgrimage site
- Community says electronics, lighting and AC violate core Jain principles
- Trust accused of deviating from original spiritual vision
- Matter reaches Gujarat High Court
NE NEWS SERVICE
AHMEDABAD, DEC 19
Deep anger and anguish have gripped the Jain community over an electronic digital project under construction at the Suvernapuri Jain pilgrimage site in Songadh, with community leaders warning that the initiative strikes at the very core of Jain philosophy and the sanctity of the holy site.
Addressing the media, trustees and community representatives said the multi-crore project violates the founding objectives of the Shri Digambar Jain Swadhyay Mandir Trust and risks large-scale violence to living beings, a direct contradiction of Jainism’s central doctrine of ahimsa. The speakers included Pravinbhai Doshi, Rajendra Vasant Lal Shah, and Rajendra Vinodrai Kamdar, who collectively demanded an immediate stoppage of construction and restoration of the original spiritual plan, including the installation of idols of Jain deities.
Sacred Legacy Under Threat
Community members stressed that Suvernapuri is not a tourist destination but a revered Digambar Jain pilgrimage centre, where Kanji Swami and Behnshri Champaben practised spiritual discipline for 45 years, guiding generations in Jain teachings. The original vision, they said, was deeply spiritual—envisaging an artificial mountain, a 41-foot idol of Bahubali Bhagwan, a large marble idol of Suryakirti Bhagwan, and a sculpted tableau depicting the lives of the 24 Tirthankars, Lord Mahavir Swami, Kanji Swami and Behnshri Champaben.
The design for the world’s first large elliptical dome with a spiritual tableau was prepared by Rajendra Shah (Rajubhai–Parla), and construction began strictly on the understanding that no trustee or individual of a different ideology would alter the plan or add structures inside the dome.
Allegations of Misrepresentation and Forced Changes
The community alleged that Nemish Shah, driven by personal publicity and vested interests, obtained an unlawful stay from the Charity Commissioner through misrepresentation and later pressured the trust president Hasmukh Vora to approve the electronic digital project. According to them, this approval was granted in violation of trust rules and Jain religious values.
‘Large-Scale Violence’ to Living Beings
As details of the project emerged, trustees and devotees realised that it involved extensive electronic devices, heavy lighting systems, large air-conditioning units and high-water consumption. They warned that such infrastructure would cause severe harm to the six forms of living beings, making the project unacceptable within Jain doctrine and contrary to the teachings of Kanji Swami.
They pointed out that even ceiling fans have historically not been installed in temples and study halls in Songadh to avoid harm to living organisms. “Introducing air-conditioning and a digital spectacle in such a sacred space is unimaginable,” community members said.
Protests, Restarted Work and Legal Battle
Construction of the project had remained suspended from 2017 until October 2025 following sustained protests. However, work has now resumed despite continued opposition, further intensifying anger within the community.
Terming the initiative a “large-scale violent project”, Jain leaders said it effectively converts a sacred pilgrimage site into a commercial tourist attraction, deeply hurting religious sentiments. An appeal has been filed in the Gujarat High Court seeking an immediate halt to the construction.
The community reiterated that it has repeatedly submitted written and oral representations to the trust, demanding that all work strictly follow the original plan, including the installation of Jain deity idols and abandonment of the electronic digital project.
