Foundation stone of the complex was laid by Union Human Resources Development Minister Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi on December 27, 2000 in the presence of Sh. Rajnath Singh, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. 'Mangalayatan' will be developed in three phases, of which the first phase will be completed by March 2002. 

The complex will include Bhagwan Adinath (Rishabhdev) temple with a 21 feet tall statue of Bhagwan Adinath (Rishabhdev) sitting over a kamal simhasan,  atop a 35 feet high artificial hillock, a 63 feet high 'Manstanbh' of Bhagwan Adinath, a temple devoted to Bhagwan Mahavir and another to Bhagwan Bahubali. Besides, a grand 'Samvasaran' of Bhagwan Seemandharnath will also be a part of the sprawling 'Mangalayatan' complex.

One of the major features of the complex will be a modern and spacious research institute equipped with latest facilities for conducting studies on ancient Jain scriptures and manuscripts. It will include a library which will work for the preservation, documantation, catelogging and reproduction of rare scriptures. The main objective of this centre will be to study the fundamental principles of Jainism and the teachings of Grurudev kanji Swami among other noted Jain seers. The research centre will also cooperate with other institutions of its kind throughout the country and abroad. Proposal for getting the centre affiliated with a university and awarding of fellowships for research scholars are also being planned.

The Trust   

Shri Adinath Kund-Kund Kahan Digamber Jain Trust, the organisation behind the project, was established in July 2000 in Aligarh. The trust will work for religious and social upliftment of the society and will spread the message of Jinvani. Apart from building the 'Mangalayatan' complex, the body will also engage in construction of Digamber Jin temples, dharmashalas, libraries, research institutions etc. 

The trust will also carry out extensive charity activities in the field of education by establishing educational institutions of various levels, from primary schools to universities.  The trust will also undertake publication of religious scriptures, books, magazines and journals to publicise and spread the messages of Jinvani and Pujya Gurudev Shri Kanji Swami. We will also conduct activities to instill qualities such as Truth, Non-violence, Non-theft, Celibacy etc. 

The organisation will engage in other works of social and human welfare including establishment of hospitals and dispensaries, conducting pilgrimage tours etc. Everyone will be able to benefit from the Trust's activities, irrespective of his religion, caste or gender. 

The trust, working from its head office at Vimalanchal, Hari Nagar, Aligarh, has renowned Jain scholar Pt. Kailash Chandra Jain as its Founder and Chief Patron. 

Background  

So who's idea was it to built such a magnificant religious complex involving crores of rupees and years of hard work? 'Mangalayatan' is the brainchild of Sh. Pawan Jain, who, with the inspiration that he got from his father Pt. Kailash Chand Jain, decided to work dedicatedly for the sacred cause.

Sh. Jain, the Chairman of Aligarh's well-known Pavna group and an active member of many social and religious organisations, actually wanted to construct a building of an engineering college at the location, now earmarked for 'Mangalayatan.' But he later changed his mind and decided to donate the land for the cause of Jainism. He came up with an idea of building a Bahubali temple complex at the place.

Enthused with the support that he received from the fellow Jains, he later decided to expand the plan to make it a full-fledged pilgrimage centre. Apart from the land donated by Sh. Jain, another piece of land was purchased to cover an area of 40,000 sq. yards on the Agra road, near Sasni in Hathras district. "Had I not received the active support and immensely encouraging response from the Jain Samaj, I would not have been able to take this task up in my hands," Says Pawan Jain. He is fully confident that with the continued support, involvement and encouragement of the Jain community the world over, the development work for 'Mangalayatan' will be completed well on time.

A sacred location   

'Mangalayatan' complex could not have got a better location than the one it is being developed at. The place falls under the limits of village Sasni, the birth-place of Pt. Daulatramji, the revered writer of popular Jain scripture Shri Chheh-dhala. 

What does 'Mangalayatan' mean   

What is Mangal (Mang+al)? The word 'mang' means 'happiness', and the one who brings happiness in our lives (Al-Layati) is called 'mangal.'  (Shridhawala, Book-1, Page-34/35)

Another interpretation of Mangal (Mam+Gal) is done this way: The word 'Mam' means sin, and the one who rids us (Gal) from that sin is called 'mangal.' (Acharyakalpa Pt. Todarmalji, Shri Mokshamargprakashak, Adhikar-I).

What is Ayatan? Ayatan is Sanskrit for volume or place. Therefore, A place that will be instrumental in bringing happiness to our lives and ridding us from our sins is called 'Mangalayatan.'

Let's all come together to make 'Mangalayatan' a pilgrimage centre that rekindles the light of happiness, truth, non-violence and 'dharma' into every devotee's soul. Let it inspire every human being to follow the path of righteousness and learn to live in harmony with all other living and non-living entities. Let's make 'Mangalayatan' a grand success!

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