Suvarnapuri Jain pilgrimage site shaken by digital project row
Newzdaddy Religious Updates
Suvarnapuri Jain pilgrimage site row revives old community wounds
Anger is brewing within the Jain community over an electronic project currently under construction at the Suvarnapuri Jain pilgrimage site in Bhavnagar’s Songadh. Community leaders have said that the project, being developed at a cost of several crores, goes against the objectives of the Shri Digambar Jain Swadhyay Mandir Trust. They have expressed serious concerns that the project would result in large-scale violence to living beings, in violation of Jain religious principles. The community has demanded that construction of the project be stopped immediately and that the trust implement the original plan, including the installation of idols of Jain deities and the creation of a grand tableau around the large dome.
Jain philosophy places the highest importance on non-violence, known as ahimsa, which extends not only to humans and animals but also to the smallest life forms such as insects, microorganisms and plant life. Because of this belief, Jain religious spaces are traditionally designed to minimise harm to all living beings. Community members say that any activity involving heavy machinery, electrical systems and modern infrastructure must be examined very carefully, especially at a sacred pilgrimage site.
According to community representatives, Suvarnapuri is an important pilgrimage centre of the Digambar Jain faith. Revered spiritual leaders Shri Kanji Swami and Behnshri Champaben practised spiritual discipline here for 45 years and guided followers in Jain teachings. The trust had decided to create an artificial mountain and install a 41-foot-high idol of Bahubali Bhagwan, a large marble idol of Suryakirti Bhagwan, and a sculpted tableau depicting the history of the 24th Tirthankar, Lord Mahavir Swami, along with Shri Kanji Swami and Behnshri Champaben.
Pilgrimage sites linked to long years of spiritual practice hold deep emotional value for followers. For many devotees, Songadh is not just a physical place but a centre of learning and inner discipline. The proposed idols and tableau were meant to help visitors understand Jain history, values and teachings calmly and traditionally, without disturbing the natural balance of the site.
For this purpose, the concept and design of the world’s first large elliptical dome with a tableau were prepared by Rajendra Shah (Rajubhai–Parla), and work was started accordingly. It was also decided that no individual, trustee or person of a different ideology would be permitted to make changes or install any other structure within the dome.
Large domes and tableaux have long been used in religious architecture to narrate spiritual stories through sculpture rather than technology. In Jain tradition, stone and marble art is preferred because it is long-lasting, silent and non-intrusive. Community members say that once a design is approved collectively, any major change without consensus breaks trust and creates division.
However, using his influence and financial power for personal publicity and vested interests, Nemish Shah obtained an unlawful stay from the Charity Commissioner by misrepresentation regarding the installation of Suryakirti Bhagwan. Through deceit and pressure, he forced the trust president, Hasmukh Vora, to approve the construction of the electronic project illegally.
Disputes involving religious trusts are not uncommon, especially when large funds and high-profile projects are involved. Legal experts note that transparency and adherence to trust objectives are essential to avoid conflict. Community leaders argue that decisions affecting sacred spaces must be taken with collective approval, not driven by individual influence or personal ambition.
Over time, community members and trustees realised that the electronic digital project would involve extensive use of electronic devices, lighting systems, large air-conditioning units and substantial quantities of water. They fear that such a large-scale project would result in significant violence to the six forms of living beings, contrary to Jain principles and the teachings of Shri Kanji Swami. Moreover, the project violates the objectives and rules of the trust. Historically, even ceiling fans have not been installed in temples or large study halls in Songadh, making the installation of air-conditioning and a digital project unacceptable.
Jain monks and scholars have often spoken against the excessive use of electricity and water, especially in religious places. Bright lighting attracts insects, air-conditioning disturbs natural airflow, and water usage can harm tiny organisms. For a faith that encourages restraint and simplicity, such modern systems are seen as unnecessary and harmful.
Despite strong opposition from the community, Nemish Shah has continued working on the project. Construction had remained suspended from 2017 until October 2025 due to protests against the project’s violent nature, but work has now been restarted.
The long pause in construction reflects the seriousness of the opposition. Community members say the resumption of work has reopened old wounds and increased anger. Many feel that restarting the project without addressing concerns shows disregard for collective sentiment.
The Jain community believes that the project promotes violence against living beings and amounts to converting the sacred pilgrimage site into a commercial tourist destination. Terming it a “large-scale violent project”, community members have strongly condemned the move and said that the sentiments of the entire Jain community have been deeply hurt.
Across India, several religious groups have raised similar concerns about turning spiritual sites into tourist attractions. Devotees fear that commercialisation dilutes the spiritual purpose and invites crowds that may not respect religious discipline.
An appeal has also been filed in the Gujarat High Court seeking a halt to the construction. The community has previously submitted written and oral representations to the president and trustees of the Shri Digambar Jain Swadhyay Mandir Trust and has reiterated its demand that all works be carried out strictly in accordance with the original plan, including the installation of idols of Jain deities as originally planned.
The outcome now rests with the legal process. For the Jain community, the issue goes beyond construction. It is about protecting religious values, preserving a sacred legacy and ensuring that faith-driven spaces remain true to their original purpose.
