Shri Shantinatji was the 16th Tirthankar of the Jain religion. Kothara’s Shri Shantinatji Jain Derasar is
dedicated to Shri Shantinathji.
Shri Shantinathji Derasar, now honoured asa Jinalaya, is 78 feet in length,
64 feet in width and 73.5 feet in height. Its premises have 228 idols in all, of which 153 are made of stone,
54 are made of metals, 20 are made of silver and one made of crystal and also 89 Siddhachakras,
all of which are placed in its various sanctums and sanctorum.
Its construction was completed in the year 1861, or in Vikram Samvat 1918,
on the 13th day of the bright half of the month of Magh. Its pran pratishta or installation of Shri Shantinathji’s idol was held in 1918, on Wednesday,
12 February, or Maha Sud 13. The pran pratishtha was done by Param Pujya Achal Gachchhadhipati Shri Ratnasagar Suriji of the Achal Gachchha.
Several revered Jain sadhu-sadhviji were present on this auspicious occasion.
The 50% of cost to build this Derasar was donated by Shah Velji Malu, and 25% each were donated by Shah Keshavji Nayak and Shivji Nenshi; Kutchi Osval Vanias of Kothara; living in Bombay.
The best craftsmen were employed to construct this Derasar and Sarbhai’s salat, or stone-mason Nathu Raghavji had supervised the entire construction process. Shah Shivji Nenshi, one of the prime donors, personally took interest in every detail of the construction work by staying in Kothara for long, leaving Mumbai and his business there aside.
The construction work had begun in the year 1914-15. Around 400 craftsmen worked on it for 4 years. 51 bullock-cart loads of coins were deposited in its foundation to make the structure strong and long lasting.
In all, it has cost 16 lakh (1.6 million) koris, or £40,000 to build this Derasar.
During those days, Shri Shantinathji Jain Derasar of Kothara was considered the richest temple of the entire Kutch region. Around this temple, there is a high fort with five cells. The gate is 12 feet high and 6 feet broad.
The architecture of Kothara Derasar was inspired by a Jain temple of Ahmedabad, which was built by Kutch workmen under the superintendence of Salat Nathu of Sabhrai.
Shri Shantinathji Derasar of Kothara is also known as Kalyan Tunk among devotees.
The white coloured idol of Shri Shantinathji is nearly 90 centimeters in height where He is seen sitting in the Padmasana posture.
The Kothara Derasar has highly impressive 2-stories entrance. To know more
click here.