Jain Sidhant Bhawan
Sub Place Details: Jain Sidhant Bhawan, also known as the Shree Dev Kumar Jain Oriental Library, is a world-renowned research institute and library located in the heart of Arrah. Founded in 1903 by the visionary scholar Dev Kumar Jain, this institution is a sanctuary for some of the rarest manuscrip ts and books related to Jainism and Oriental studies. It houses over 25,000 printed books and 8,000 handwritten manuscripts written on palm leaves and ancient paper. The collection includes texts in various languages like Sanskrit, Prakrit, Tamil, Kannada, and even English, covering subjects ranging from philosophy and logic to mathematics and astronomy. The library is a pilgrimage site for researchers and historians from across the globe who come to study the evolution of Jain thought. Beyond its literary wealth, the Bhawan also features an art gallery with exquisite paintings and sculptures that date back several centuries. The institution played a crucial role in the preservation of Indian heritage during the colonial era and continues to be a center of intellectual excellence under the aegis of the Veer Kunwar Singh University. The peaceful atmosphere of the library, combined with the scent of aging parchment, creates an environment of deep learning and reverence for the past. It stands as a testament to the intellectual legacy of the Jain community in Bhojpur and remains a must-visit for anyone interested in India's rich literary and philosophical history.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2 to 3 HoursPlace Type:
Educational / HeritageEntry Fees:
Sub Place Entry Fees:
Nominal Fee: A very small maintenance fee of around 10-20 rupees is charged for tourists.
Research Access: Researchers may need to pay a separate fee for a day-pass to access the manuscr...Sub Place Entry Fees:
Nominal Fee: A very small maintenance fee of around 10-20 rupees is charged for tourists.
Research Access: Researchers may need to pay a separate fee for a day-pass to access the manuscript section.Timing:
Sub Place Timings:
Regular Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays).
Ideal Visit Time: Visit at 11:00 AM when the lighting is best for reading and exploring the gallery. ...Sub Place Timings:
Regular Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays).
Ideal Visit Time: Visit at 11:00 AM when the lighting is best for reading and exploring the gallery.Special Events:
Sub Place Special Event:
Foundation Day: Celebrated in January every year with seminars by eminent historians and scholars on Jainology.
Mahavir Jayanti: A day of special exhibitions where rare manuscripts re...Sub Place Special Event:
Foundation Day: Celebrated in January every year with seminars by eminent historians and scholars on Jainology.
Mahavir Jayanti: A day of special exhibitions where rare manuscripts related to Lord Mahavir are displayed for the public.Best Photo Spots:
Sub Place Best Photo Spots:
The Library Hall: The rows of ancient wooden shelves filled with thousands of books provide a magnificent scholarly backdrop.
Miniature Paintings: Close-up shots of the detailed ar...Sub Place Best Photo Spots:
The Library Hall: The rows of ancient wooden shelves filled with thousands of books provide a magnificent scholarly backdrop.
Miniature Paintings: Close-up shots of the detailed artwork in the gallery (check for permission) are highly prized by art lovers.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Sub Place Things to Do:
Manuscript Viewing: Request the librarian to show some of the ancient palm-leaf manuscripts to understand the traditional book-making process.
Art Gallery Tour: Explore the art gallery to see the rare Jain sculptures and paintings that represent various Tirthankaras.
Research Study: If you are a student or researcher, spend a few hours in the reading room studying the rare translations of Jain Agamas.
Architecture Photography: Take photos of the historic building's exterior and the beautiful wooden staircases inside.
Guided Tour: Talk to the curator to get a detailed history of how Dev Kumar Jain started the collection from a single street vendor.
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Information
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Why Famous:
Why Famous Sub Place: It is famous for housing one of the largest collections of Jain palm-leaf manuscripts in the world, some dating back several centuries.
Research Hub: The Bhawan is globally recognized by Indologists and Jain scholars fo...Why Famous Sub Place: It is famous for housing one of the largest collections of Jain palm-leaf manuscripts in the world, some dating back several centuries.
Research Hub: The Bhawan is globally recognized by Indologists and Jain scholars for its contributions to the study of ancient Indian languages. -
Architecture:
Sub Place Architecture: The architecture of Jain Sidhant Bhawan is a classic example of early 20th-century colonial-Indian fusion, designed to keep the interiors cool.
Dimension: The main building is a two-story structure with a floor area o...Sub Place Architecture: The architecture of Jain Sidhant Bhawan is a classic example of early 20th-century colonial-Indian fusion, designed to keep the interiors cool.
Dimension: The main building is a two-story structure with a floor area of roughly 5,000 square feet, featuring high ceilings and large wooden windows. The central hall houses massive teakwood bookshelves that reach the ceiling, and the walls are adorned with portraits of Jain scholars. The building is surrounded by a small garden and has a distinct serene aura that reflects the Jain principle of 'Ahimsa' or non-violence. -
How To Reach:
Sub Place How to Reach:
By Air: Patna Airport (95 KM) is the closest; from there, hire a taxi or take a train to Arrah.
By Train: Arrah Junction is just 2 KM away, easily reachable by auto-rickshaws or e-ric... -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Arrah House (0. 5 KM), 2. Aranya Devi Temple (1. 5 KM), 3. Maharaja College (0. 2 KM), 4. Koilwar Bridge (18 KM), 5. Masarh (12 KM), 6. Jagdishpur Fort (34 KM), 7. Bihia Maheshi Mandir (25 KM), 8. Shahpur (20 KM), 9. Maner Sharif (35 KM), 10. Patna (60 KM).
Tourism Tips
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Sub Place Tourism Tips:
Health & Safety: The old books can be dusty; if you have allergies, consider wearing a mask while browsing the archives.
Packing: Bring a notebook and pen as laptops might not be allo...
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