Introduction to Valabhipur’s Historical Significance
My name is Nilesh Shah, and I hail from Valabhipur, a city rich in history and deeply intertwined with Jainism. Valabhipur holds immense significance in the Jain community, as it was once located near the sacred Sri Shatrunjaya Mahatirtha. Between 300-313 AD, a landmark event took place—the Second Jain Council—during which Jain scriptures began to take their current form. Later in 453 AD, under the leadership of Sri Devardhigani Kshamashraman, 500 Jain acharyas dedicated years in Vallabhi to meticulously document the 45 Agamas, thereby preserving this invaluable knowledge for future generations.
My Roots and Early Influences
Growing up in Valabhipur, I was influenced not only by its rich cultural heritage but also by the traditions of my father and grandfather. As a child, I spent countless hours exploring Jain manuscripts, which nurtured my deep love for history, writing, reading, photography, and social service. During my student days, I developed a passion for politics and eventually began contributing articles to newspapers.
Clearing Misconceptions About Jainism
Over time, I realized that there are many misconceptions about Jainism, even within the community itself. In fact, Jainism is one of the oldest religions, with a rich heritage that spans across Asia. For example, evidence of this heritage can be found in the form of Tirthankara idols and ancient Jain temples scattered across the continent. In India, Jain pilgrimage sites are often located atop mountains, and on a global scale, Jain temples and manuscript libraries can be found in various countries. The Jain community is spread far and wide, and it has contributed significantly to the Indian economy. Specifically, Jains account for:
- 24% of total income tax,
- 62% of charitable funds,
- 46% of stockbrokers are Jains, and
- 12,000 out of 16,000 cow shelters in India are run by the Jain community.
Creating Jain Story9 to Preserve Our Legacy
As a result of these influences, I launched my website, Jain Story9, and later the YouTube channel, Jain Story9, to share stories and historical facts about Jainism. The goal is to provide valuable knowledge to both current and future generations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I used my time to develop these platforms to share accurate information about Jain history. Ultimately, serving Jainism in this way has brought me immense joy.
Let’s Connect
I hope you find the content both informative and insightful. If you have any feedback or suggestions, I would love to hear them. For business inquiries, feel free to contact me at info@jainstory9.com.