Which 15 the Real Birthplace of Lord Mahavir ? (Part — III)
By Arpit Shah
Summary
The article explores the historical and scriptural evidence supporting Kundghat in the Jamui Hill Range near Lachhuar as the real birthplace of Lord Mahavir, continuing a multi-part discussion. It references ancient Shwetambar practices, including the worship of an 85-year-old idol of "Jivit Swami" in Kundghat. The analysis draws on literary and anthropological evidence, such as the Acharang Sutra's mention of "Sannivesh" (halting places for caravans), which aligns with the seven villages in the Jamui region. The text highlights the division of King Siddharth's kingdom into Brabmankundgram and Kshatriyakundgram, mirrored in the Jamui Hill Range's bifurcation by the Bahuvara River. It also identifies a lower hill area called Guantkhandvan, where Lord Mahavir reportedly took Diksha (initiation). Agam literature, including the Kalpasutra and Trishahstishalakapurushcharitra, describes his post-Diksha meditation and journey to Kurmargram, where he encountered his first obstacle. The author, Arpit Shah, is presented as a history researcher, musician, and Jain scholar with a corporate career, known for his books and articles on Jain heritage. The piece emphasizes scriptural and local traditions while maintaining factual neutrality.
Conclusion
This document explores the historical and scriptural evidence supporting Kundghat in the Jamui Hill Range as the potential birthplace of Lord Mahavir, emphasizing its alignment with ancient Jain texts like the Acharang Sutra and Agam literature. The analysis highlights the division of King Siddharth’s kingdom into Brabmankund and Kshatriyakund, along with the significance of Guantkhandvan, where Lord Mahavir is said to have taken Diksha. The discussion underscores the importance of oral traditions and geographical descriptions in connecting historical sites to Jain scriptures, offering insights into the early life of Lord Mahavir and the broader implications for understanding Jain heritage. The findings contribute to ongoing scholarly and devotional inquiries into the historical context of Jainism.