Shri Atma Vallabh Jain Smarak also popularly known as Vallabh Smarak Jain Mandir Tirth is a Jain Temple and a multi-faceted Memorial in the sacred memory of Jain Acharya Shri Vijay Vallabh Surishwer Ji, located on GT Karnal Road, Delhi.
History
The Smarak's construction was completed in 1989 by the followers of Acharya Vijay Vallabhsuri, to whom the temple is dedicated as a memorial. Having been solemnized as a Jain saint at a very early age by the illustrious Jain Acharya Shri Vijayanand Surishwer Ji, he was one of the most erudite saints of his era. Apart from being an effective preacher of Lord Mahavira's message of Non-violence, World Peace and Universal brotherhood, Acharya Vallabh Suri was a great reformer, thinker, writer and educationist who actively supported India's freedom movement and relentlessly worked for the up-liftment of the Jain community as well as the masses. His Panchamrut of Sewa, Sangathan Shiksha, Swawlamban & Sahitya gave a new direction and impetus to the Jain community towards holistic development. He is known for establishing many Educational Institutions in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat & Maharashtra including Mahavira Jain Vidhyalaya. He also worked to improve the religious and social life of the people in Punjab, earning him the honorific Punjab Kesari. His area of work however included Delhi, U.P., Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra. His broad and progressive outlook, unparalleled work on Moral Values Based Education for Holistic Development, amelioration of masses, eradication of social evils and empowerment of women was immensely appreciated during his life time and remembered even at present with utmost reverence. He supported freedom movement and actively supported the Swadeshi movement and use of Khadi. He was in regular touch with the national stalwarts such as Sardar Patel, Shri Moti Lal Nehru, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, Shri Morar Ji Desai and many others. To him goes the solemn credit for the safe passage of a large number of Jains and others from Gujranwala to India in the peak of violence during September 1947. As a mark of acknowledgement for his great services as an erudite and enlightened Jain Saint, Government of India issued a postage stamp in February 2009 in the honour of Acharya Vallabh Suri. The construction of Vallabh Smarak Jain Mandir Tirth was led by Acharya Samudrasuri to start with and then Acharya Indradinsuri with Mahattaraa Mrigavati being the torch bearer for this project. At present the activities of this Smarak are carried out under the guidance of Acharya Nityanandsuri - the senior most Acharya and Gachhadhipati of Acharya Vallabh Suri Samuday.
Architecture
The main hall of the temple is considered a brilliant example of the structural design as per ancient Jain Sthapatya Kala. It is built in dome-shaped internally with an external design having stepped roof. The temple belongs toŚvētāmbara sect of Jainism. The temple itself consists of ancient idols along with the manuscripts, images, sculptures dating back to the medieval period. The mulnayak of the temple is 12th Tirthanker Shree Vasupujya Swami placed along with Tirthanker Shree Munisuvrat Swami, Shree Rishabdev & Shree Parshwnath in a typical Chaumukha formation. Many an ancient murals and artifacts are displayed in the basement Museum. Guru Mandir on the ground floor has a stunning sculpted image ofAcharya Vallabh Suri and His charan paduka. These images are sourced mainly from Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra. Besides in the circular hall, of 64 feet width and 84 feet height, there are 10 panels of exquisite three dimensional stone work depicting the illustrious life and ideals of Acharya Vallabhsuri.
About temple
The temple is managed by Shree Atma Vallabh Jain Smarak Shikshan Nidhi. Besides a Jain Temple, Guru Mandir, Smadhi Mandir, Dev - Devi Mandir, there is Jain Bharati Mrigawati Vidyalay - a school imparting quality education from Nursery to Class XII and an Institute Bhogilal Lehar Chand Institute of Indology engaged in studies, research on Jainism and other contemporary religions and teaching Prakrit. A vast collection of Jain ancient literature, hand written manuscripts, rare books, memoirs and literature of Atma - Vallabh samuday brought from Gujranwala and later supplemented from Patan, Kutch & Vadodara make the Library truly unique. Jain Museum of Art & Culture located just below the Guru Mandir houses some stunning murals, parikars, artifacts, other remnants of past heritage. The Museum also houses articles personally used by Acharya Vallabh Suri, during his life time such as Acharya's clothes, utensils, denture, and inkwell, showcased alongside Jain images and panels. There is a wonderful photo exhibition of Acharya Vallabh Suri in a room just outside the Guru Mandir. The Smarak is also equipped with all necessary infrastructure such as two Upashray Bhawans for the stay of Jain Monks & Nuns separately, Bhojanshala, hostel for scholars and devotees, administrative block etc.
