HISTORY OF PORWAL FRATINITY

BACK GROUND AND GROWTH

Seeds of Jainism was already sown  in Indian soil much  before the birth of Lord Mahaveer.  After  Lord Mahaveer Swami it got impetus but Jainism was more on less remained a personal religion untill about Vikram Samvat 700. Its followers was limited to themselves . Their of spring was not inclined to follow its principals, rites and rituals . In Vikram Samvat 704 a Temple of Lord Adinath was constructed by Shri Doda of Shrimalpar (presently Bhinmal) at Navhar by the inspiration of Shrimad Shanti Suri Maharaj. In about Vikram Samvat 750 Shrimad Swayam Prabh Suriji arrived at Shrimal Pur (Bhinmal) and he eradicated various evils like yagyas,  hawans and other   misbelieves and   spread the message of Lord Mahaveer’s  Non – violence (Ahimsa)  amongst    people.  He introduced various upper caste Vysyas, Brahmins  and Kashtriyas etc to the right path of Jainism  and solemnized them as Jains and they were came to be known as Pragvat. He further introduced   the upper class people  of ancient  capital of Aravali region,  Padmavati  into the fold of Jainism and brought   them  into the fold of Pragvat Samaj. Present day Sirohi,  north west region of state of Palanpur  and  Godvad  (Giri region) was known as Pragavat region and  the people living in the region who newly embraced Jainism were also know as Pragvat. In due course of time this Pragvat  Samaj was known as  Porwal Jain Samaj.

PRESENT DAY PORWAL JAIN SAMAJ

Porwal and Oswal both branches  of Jains are originated in  Rajasthan . Pragvat, Purvat, Porvad  and Porwal words are one and the same. The ward kept on  being  refined over the course of time.

It is evident from various stone plaques, copper plaques, family trees maintained by various Charans and Bhattas , and  manuscripts written by  various  Jain Acharyas and renowned  Jain Shravakas that  the community Pragvat Samaj which was formed  by preaching of Jain Acharyas and  various Goutras established in and around  middle of  Eight  Century of   Vikram Samvat.   Ambika Devi is Kuldevi of Pragvat Samaj. The period between  8th and 13th century of  Vikram Samvat is the golden period of all round growth of Porwal Samaj.

Having solemnized into jainsm  from upper castes like  Vysya  and Kastriyas, Porwal Samaj is business minded and wealthy right from beginning.

In the course of time with  the blessings of Jain Acharya ,  Jain Munis and Learned  Jain Shravakas the  development and growth of  an important part of Jain Samaj – Porwal Samaj  went unabated. Thus arose the proud Porwal Samaj.

Pragvat and Porwal Samaj’s history was made by  various philanthropic deeds of historic figures such as Javad Shah,  Vastupal , Tejpal , Vimal Shah , Dharna Shah etc. which is  written in golden letters.

Whatever prestige name , fame and wealth the present day Porwal Samaj possesses,  all  credit goes to  our Jain Acharyas and our ancestors.  It is only   due to their teachings, blessings , efforts and attachment  towards  motherland  we have reached  to this  stage.  Today  though  the Porwal Samaj is spread all over  India and world but  it is still emotionally  attached to its motherland.  Porwal   Fratinity  is living  in large  numbers   in the Jalore, Sirohi and Pali district of southern Rajasthan and the same prestigious fraternity is today settled  in Mumbai, Maharashtra  and  southern India and  continuing   its great Tradition.

Credit
These extracts are taken from  “History of  Pragvat History  - 1953 by Shri   Daulat Singhji .