History

Shri Katariya Jain Tirth - The Unique and Historic Pilgrimage

Visiting this pilgrimage reduces the wanderings of the soul. Unlike modern-day hill stations, which provide temporary relief, even a small Jain pilgrimage like this can guide one across the ocean of existence. With elevated thoughts, concentration, penance, self-restraint, and inner purification, a pilgrimage here becomes inspiring for every individual and may put an end to the cycles of birth and death.

Let’s take a glance at the thrilling and heart-touching history of the grand and ancient Shri Katariya Ji Jain Tirth, which spreads the light of religious fervor in the unique region of Vagad in the flourishing Kutch Mandal.

Before the reign of the brave Kutch ruler Lakha Fulani, there was a large and prosperous city named Anandpur. This city included both present-day Karariya and Vandhiya villages. It was here that the magnificent temples of the great Jain benefactor Shri Jagdusha were located. In times of terrible famine, he supplied enough grain to save the people of various states, earning a golden chapter in history for his generosity. Anandpur was a city full of wealth, with towering mansions of the wealthiest citizens. However, this city also fell into the trap of time and foreign invasions by Muslim rulers, leading to destruction. The once-thriving city faced continuous attacks, forcing many of its residents to flee for their lives. Thus, Anandpur split into two villages: Katariya and Vandhiya.

The names of both these villages have an interesting origin. To the north of Anandpur lived a mystic fakir, a caretaker of goats and sheep, who built a large enclosure for his animals. In the Vagad region, such an enclosure is called a “Vodh.” When the enemies attacked Anandpur, the fakir bravely defended the northern part of the city but eventually succumbed. The place where the fakir shed his blood became known as "Vandhiya" (derived from “Vodh”).

In the southern part of Anandpur, when the enemies attacked, a brave woman, with her hair untied and a sharp dagger in hand, leaped into the battlefield. Her husband had been killed by the invaders, and she was out for revenge. After recognizing her husband's killer, she pulled the commander off his horse and stabbed him in the chest with her dagger. The courageous woman also perished in battle. In memory of her valor, the place where she fought became known as "Karariya" (after the “katari” or dagger she wielded).

In this chaotic environment, the grand Jain temple in Anandpur was desecrated. However, the image of Lord Mahavir, which had been consecrated in Vikram Samvat 1641 by Acharya Vijay Singh Suri under the blessings of the great Jain Acharya Hiravijaysuri (advisor to Emperor Akbar), remained safe. In Vikram Samvat 1875, the idol was relocated to the Vandhiya Jain temple. The devotees of Katariya made several attempts to bring the idol back to their village, but their wishes were not fulfilled for many years.

According to the records of the 'Archaeological Survey of Western India,' excavations between Vandhiya and Karariya have unearthed remnants of grand buildings, 52 Jain temple ruins, foundations of small and large shrines, and intricately carved stones. These ruins suggest that the grand Jain temple of Anandpur was likely built on a foundation of around 50 feet.

In Vikram Samvat 1977, during the Chaturmas (four-month monsoon retreat) of Muniraj Shri Kanakvijayji Maharaj in Vandhiya, he experienced a divine inner revelation urging him to visit Katariya. Upon visiting Katariya, he felt inspired to restore the ancient and grand pilgrimage site. With the support of the Sangh (Jain community), restoration efforts began.

In Vikram Samvat 1978, Muniraj Shri Kanakvijayji Maharaj arrived in Vandhiya with a group of devotees to ceremonially relocate the idol of Lord Mahavir. When they attempted to touch the idol, a miraculous event occurred – the idol lifted itself from the ground and became incredibly light, as if eager to return to its original site. Witnessing this divine event, the devotees were filled with awe and tears of joy. Muniraj declared that the presence of such a powerful deity would bring blessings to all. Subsequently, with great celebration and joy, the idol was re-consecrated at Shri Katariya Tirth on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya. This momentous occasion was made memorable with the support of Thakor Saheb of Maliya and Sheth Shri Amritlal Jadavji.

A few days after the re-consecration, another miracle occurred. Sounds were heard from the sky, and lightning struck. Goddess Chavdeshwari, accompanied by her vehicle, appeared in the sanctum, offering her devotion before Lord Mahavir. Drums were played, and 52 warriors along with 56 maidens joined in unified devotion. This divine event during the Vikram Samvat 1979 festival deeply moved the devotees and instilled faith in the power and grace of Lord Mahavir.

After the re-consecration, the management of the tirth was entrusted to Jain Sheth Shri Amritlal Jadavji Mehta of Maliya, under whose leadership the pilgrimage site flourished.

Later, in Vikram Samvat 1993, under the guidance of Muniraj Shri Kanakvijayji’s disciple Shri Gulabvijayji and Acharya Bhagwant Vijay Kanaksuriji, other Jain idols and deities were consecrated with the participation of a large gathering from Kutch, Kathiawar, and Vagad.

After the re-consecration, a surprising event occurred in the village. The local river, which usually ran dry after the monsoon season, began to yield sweet water. Previously, villagers had to fetch sweet water from two miles away, but now, the water from the local well turned sweet, providing a permanent source for the village.

The village of Katariya is now a place of pilgrimage not only for Jains but for people of other faiths as well. It has its own unique identity, with temples such as the Bhaveshwar Mahadev Temple, Ramji Temple, and the shrine of Kshetrapal Dada across the river. Additionally, the village hosts the Devlibai Temple and the towering Momai Mata Temple. Katariya has become a hub of activity with a constant influx of pilgrims and visitors.

In Vikram Samvat 2057, a devastating earthquake struck the region, causing widespread destruction. Although many villages were completely destroyed, the original idol of Lord Mahavir remained unharmed.