Digamber Jain Siddh Kshetra, Kabirpur Road, Nathnagar

Jain word is made of Jin which means winner. One who has gained success on all senses and ignorance are called Jin. The one who follows this theory and religion are called Jain. It is believed that seeing the brutality and violence of the sacrifices the beginning of the religion later on called as the Jain religion of Jainism.

The worship gods of the Jains were called “Tirthankar”. Rishabhdev became the first tirthankar of Jain religion. Lord Mahavir was 24th and the last tirthankar of the Jains.

But here we are discussing about the Sri Champapur Digamber Jain Siddh Kshetra, Nathnagar Bhagalpur’s 12th tirthankar Sri 1008 Bhagwan Vasupujya’s Panchkalyanak Land.

Jain religion’s 12th Tirthankar Sri 1008 Bhagwan Vasupujya’s 5 auspicious Kalyanaks (Events) – conception (or descent in the womb of the mother), birth, renunciation, enlightenment all were performed in Champapur. Due to all the 5 kalyanaks of Bhagwan Vasupujya Ji the champapur is a famous all over in the world. It is the world’s only panchkalyanak land.

In the 24 tirthankars of Jain religion neither of the tirthankar’s, panch kalyanak was formed at one place except Bhagwan Vasupujya Ji. Due to the 12th tirthankar Bhagwan Vasupujya Ji’s panch kalian, Ang region has been blessed with this eternal truth and holiness. So, this holy land is peerless.

Father of Bhagwan Vasupujya Ji, Vasudev and mother Jaya were the King of Champa Nagar.
After denying the kingdom of Champa Nagar Bhagwan Vasupujya Ji, to get total rid of the world, giving varshidan for 1 year to his parents and fellow relatives, kingdom, gods and others, gained initiation with 600 mumukshus’ (one who seeks release from worldly bondage).

After getting the initiation he got the “Kaivalya gyan”. After roaming for 54 lac years in the Indian subcontinent Bhagwan Vasupujya Ji gained salvation with 600 ascetics.

In the jain religion there is samyagdarshan, samyaggyan, and samyakcharitra and the amalgamation of these 3 is called Ratnatray, whereas the unity of these is the route of salvation. Defining of outlook of the soul is Samyagdarshan, insight of the soul is Samyaggyan, and get absorbed in soul or say God is Samyakcharitra.

Bhagwan Vasupujya Ji formed the philosophical principles of ‘Syadvaad’ & ‘Anekatmvaad’ and termed the unity of ratnatray as the path of salvation. He also described the proper following of 5 basic principles of Jain religion truth, non violence, acharya, celibacy; non-possessiveness reserves the path of complete salvation.

Bhagwan Vasupujya ji inspired that tough prayers can make human being pious.

Though Bhagwan Vasupujya was th 12th tirthankar, but he collected the elements of Jain religion. After receiving the ‘Kaivalya Gyan’ he worked hard for spreading the Jain religion.

Life Introduction of Bhagwan Vasupujya:
Father: Vasudev
Mother: Jaya Devi
Age: 72 lac years
Varn: Vidrubh Varn
Lanchan: Mahish
Chyavan: Jyestha Sud Navami
Birth: Falgun vad chaudas
Diksha (Initiation): Falgun vad Amavasya
Kaivalya Gyan: Mahasud Vij
Nirvan: Asadh Sud Chaudas
Sadhu: 72 thousand
Sadhvi: 7 lac
Shravak: 2 lac 15 thousand
Shravika: 4 lac 36 thousand
(Chyavan-Janm-Diksha-Kaivalya-Nirvan Champapur Nagri)

According to archaeologist Major Franklin the construction of Champapur Digamber Jain Siddh Kshetra was made by Jaipur’s Sardar Sanghvi Sri Dutt in 541 BC. At present this temple is being taken care by the Bengal, Bihar & Orissa Pilgrimage Committee which is active since 1940.

Researches show that the Jain religion is older than the Buddhism. Through the rock carvings of Udaygiri, Junagarh, Ellora’s Indra Sabha proves its antiquity.

Stories of Bhagwan Vasupujya and Seth Charudutt, Mahamuni Karkundi, Dharm Ghosh, Seth Sudarshan, Daanvir Karn, Sripal, Maina Sundari, King Shranik, Queen Anant Mati and legends is related to this historical temple of Champapur.

Bhagwan Sri Adinath, Bhagwan Sri Parshvnath & Bhagwan Sri mahavir also visited the Champapur. For the followers of Jainism this place is one of the largest pilgrimages.

Undaygiri’s Tiger Cave, Ellora’s Indra Sabha, Elephant cave of Orissa, Jain Stupa of Mathura, Parshvanath Mountain & Rajgir in Bihar, Girinar & Palithana of Saurashtra, Abu in Rajasthan etc are the living examples of Jain religion’s art and antiquity.

The timely events of the Ang region is duly present in the form paintings in the temple premises of the Champapur’s digamber Jain Siddh Khsetra. The statues present here also depicts its presence from the olden times and are helpful in understanding the principles of Jain religion.

Jain religion is divided into two sects- Digamber & Shwetamber.

The Jainism followers who wore white dresses were called Shwetamber and other following the 24th tirthanker Bhagwan Mahavir and stopped wearing clothes like him were called as Digamber. But in both the communities there is no difference of principles and elements of the Jainism.

Faithful believe that the soil of the footprints or popularly known as ‘Gandhyotak’ of Bhagwan Vasupujya Ji’s antique foot marks gives instant relief from ailments which is present in the original altar of temple premises.

For the Jainism followers this pilgrim of Bhagwan Vasupujya’s panchkalyanak land is eternally holy place for them and is famous world over.