Digambara Jaina Mahasabha

Digambara Jaina Mahasabha is the oldest organization of lay Jains in India.

History

It was founded in 1894 in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh.^[1] Its first president was Seth Laxmandas Tongya of Mathura. It is considered a traditionalist organization.^[2] Its two main branches are Dharm Sanrakshini Mahasabha and Teerth Sanrakshini Mahasabha.

In 1941, the leadership of the Mahasabha was handed over by Sir Seth Hukumchand of Indore to Sir Seth Bhagchand Soni at the Shravanabelagola convention.^[3] Later leaders included Seth Rajkumar Singh, Bhanvarilala Bakliwal, Raisahab Chandmal Pandya, and Likhamichand Chhabra.^[4]

Dr. Rajendra Prasad, President of India, was a guest of the Mahasaba on 16 April 1950.^[5]

Later in 1981, Shri Nirmal Kumar Ji Sethi was unanimously elected the Leader (National President) of Mahasabha and continues till date as the longest serving President in the History of the organisation. His initiatives and works in the field of spreading Jainism & its principles of Non Violence are beyond compare. Also the mission of rehabilitation of old Jain Temples & Monuments has been exemplary.

Publications

Jain Gazette, a weekly publication of Dharm Sanrakshini Mahasabha, has been published regularly for the last 103 years. It is the oldest Jain periodical in the world.^[6]

Shrut Samvardhini a magazine of Shrut Samvardhini Mahsabha and Teerath Jirnodhar Magazine Of Teerath Sanrakshini Mahasabha

The magazine Jain Mahiladharsh was founded by Brahmacharini Chandabai of Arrah in 1932.

See also

• Mula Sangh
• Kashtha Sangh
• Chandabai
• Digambar Jain Maha Samiti

References

1. ^ Trilokchand Kothari, Di. Jain Mahasabha ka Atit (1895-1980), Pub. Digambar Jain Mahasabha karyalaya, 2007
2. ^ Facets of Jainology: Selected Research Papers on Jain Society, By Vilas Adinath Sangave Published 2001, Popular Prakashan.
3. ^ http://web.archive.org/web/20020905051123/www.dsmahasabha.com/s.htm table of Presidents since 1894
4. ^ "Jain ! Shree Bharatvarshiya Digamber Jain (Dharma Sangrakshani) Mahasabha"
5. ^ Dr Rajendra Prasad: Correspondence and Select Documents : Presidency Period, edited by Valmiki Choudhary, Published 1992, Allied Publishers
6. ^ http://www.digjainmahasabha.org Shri Bharatiya Digambar Jain Mahasabha