A Jain monk has claimed that the site where Bharuch’s historic Jama Masjid currently stands was once an important ancient Jain pilgrimage centre known as ‘Samadi Vihar’ (Shakunika Vihar), and has demanded an ASI survey of the entire premises.
Following claims that ancient idols were found in the mosque’s basement and the circulation of related videos and photographs on social media, the Jain community has now entered the debate alongside several Hindu organisations.
Jain saints and community leaders have asserted that the location is associated with three significant Jain pilgrimage sites and have called for a scientific and impartial archaeological survey.
The controversy began after videos and photographs purportedly showing the basement of the Jama Masjid went viral on social media. Claims were made that ancient idols of Lord Mallinath, the 19th Jain Tirthankara, along with idols of Hindu deities and architectural remains, were present inside the basement.
Jain saint Rajsundervijayji Maharaj outlined three important Jain pilgrimage sites associated with Bharuch: Ashwabodha Tirtha (where Lord Munisuvratswami, the 20th Tirthankara, visited Bharuch), Prayashchit Tirtha (where sages performed penance), and Samadi Vihar.
According to Jain folklore, a bird named Samadi was struck by a hunter’s arrow. Jain monks recited the Navkar Mahamantra, enabling it to attain spiritual liberation, and it was reborn as a princess in Lanka who returned to establish the grand Jain pilgrimage centre.
Representatives of the Jain community said they sought permission to inspect the basement but were not allowed access by the mosque trust. They are now demanding a comprehensive, scientific and impartial archaeological survey of the entire site.
Meanwhile, leaders of the Jama Masjid Trust have dismissed the allegations, calling them misleading and potentially harmful to communal harmony, and urged the administration to take strict legal action against those responsible.
Jain community demands ASI survey of Bharuch Jama Masjid site, claiming it was an ancient ‘Samadi Vihar’ pilgrimage centre, with a basement allegedly containing Lord Mallinath idols.
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