Rediscovering Bhaddilpur: The Lost Birthplace of Lord Shitalnath
By Arpit Shah
Summary
The article discusses the rediscovery of Bhaddilpur, the lost birthplace of Lord Shitalnath, a significant figure in Jainism. Once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Bhadrikapuri, Bhaddilpur was home to Lord Shitalnath's birth, spiritual initiation, and enlightenment. The city thrived with grand Jain temples but was forgotten due to historical shifts in Jainism's center to western India, making travel to eastern Kalyanak Bhumis challenging. Foreign invasions and the decline of Jainism further led to the destruction of all traces of this sacred site by around 150 years ago, leaving it declared "Vicchedit" (destroyed and lost) for nearly a century. In 1993, Shri Lalit Kumar Nahata, a Jain layperson, initiated a pilgrimage to revisit all Kalyanak Bhumis, discovering that the locations of Bhaddilpur and Mithila were unknown. This prompted his quest to locate these lost tirths, ultimately leading to the rediscovery of Bhaddilpur. The article highlights the historical and spiritual significance of the site and the efforts to revive its recognition within the Jain community.
Conclusion
The rediscovery of Bhaddilpur as the lost birthplace of Lord Shitalnath marks a significant milestone in preserving Jain heritage. This document highlights the historical and spiritual resurgence of a site once deemed Vicchedit, forgotten for over a century due to geographical isolation, foreign invasions, and the decline of Jainism in eastern India. The efforts of Shri Lalit Kumar Nahata to locate and revive these Kalyanak Bhumis underscore the importance of grassroots initiatives in reclaiming lost sacred spaces. The rediscovery not only reconnects the Jain community with their history but also emphasizes the need for continued documentation and preservation of such sites to ensure their legacy endures for future generations.