Sthanak is a place of silence and deliverance. Here you will find no idol worshipping, nor any ceremonial rituals, instead believers sit in quietness, each reflecting and striving for its own soul’s, salvation. Soul is formless, therefore neither will you find an idol or picture of the lord hanging anywhere in the temple of peace. Shri Vardhaman Sthanakvasi Jain Sangh, Cochin is the only Sthanakvasi Sangh in the state of Kerala. It was established about 105 years ago, Jointly by Kutch Mundra’s Shah Devsibhai Bhanji’s (owner Shah Bhanji Ramji & Co Damji Ramji and Mundra’s Shah Ukabhai. As per the details available, Smt. Jashodabai w/o Shri Jethabhai Kaltunwala, held the baton of the Sangh as the President, 80 years back. Supporting her in the day-to-day affairs of the Sangh was Shri Devshibhai Rayshi, Secretary. The Constitution was created as early as September 23, 1973 and the managing committee consists of 11 members. At present there are eighty-two families of Stanak Vasi Sangh

Shri Sangh is the only one of its kind in the world, in that; it shares a common entrance with the Murtipujak Derasar. There are about 70 families from Kutch, Saurashtra, Kathiawad, Marwar and Punjab residing in and around Cochin who are members of the Sangh.

Shri Sangh, along with the Deravasi Sangh, organizes the annual functions with regards to ‘Paryushan Parva’ and celebrates ‘Samvatsari’, ‘Swamivatsal’, and felicitation of ‘Tapasvis’, Samuhik Kshamapana’. All Munis, Sadhus, Sants and guests return very impressed with the unity and harmony among the members of the two Sanghs, viz Sthanakvasi Sangh and Deravasi Sangh.

Shri Sangh has hosted the Param Pujya Terapanthi Acharya Tulsi Maharaj in the year 1981 when he arrived in Cochin passing through from Chennai, Kanyakumari, Tiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha. This was the first time a Jain Muni had arrived in Cochin. The Acharyajis’s entourage included 52 Sadhu-Sants, 17 girls seeking ‘Diksha’, 175 ‘Shravak-Shravikas’. Ever since Cochin has been in the route-map of several Acharya Muni’s who have blessed the town with their honorable presence.

Common Entrance for Sthanakvasi and Jain Temple

The 2500th Birth Anniversary of Shri Bhagwan Mahavir was celebrated with great aplomb and pomp in the year 1975 with appreciable support from various social, religious and financial organizations in the city. The then Governor and the Home Minister graced the occasion as the Chief Guests. The organizing committee was chaired by the then president of the Sangh, Shri Kantilal R. Mehta and included the then Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri Achyut Menon, as the Patron.

The young and old members have always awaited the arrival of Pujya Sadhus and sants. Realizing the importance of religions values and teachings into the youth of today, the Sangh has had immense pleasure in hosting 4 learned Munis on different occasions for the ‘Chaturmaas’ in Cochin.
During ‘Paryushan’, learned men are invited from various places. Recently, Shri Sudharma Prachar Mandal, Ahmedabad had very graciously accepted our invitation and learned Pandits and knowledgeable people attached to Shri Sudharma Prachar Mandal, Ahmedabad arrived in Cochin and made the ‘Paryushan’ memorable festival.
The Sangh building consisted of 2 halls and 1 office cum-storeroom. Available facilities were found insufficient for hosting Sadhu-Sants, Munis, Acharyas and guests who had to face a lot of hardships. To make their stay more comfortable a new structure was constructed with the blessings of Pujya Anilabai Mahasatiji and generous help from various donors in Cochin, Ernakulam, Coimbatore, Chennai, Selam, Tirupur, Erode, Ooty, Coonnor, Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi. There are now 2 halls (1 on ground floor and one on 1st floor), 4 rooms and bathrooms.

Religious discourse in progress

Each day regular religious activity, mainly in the form of Samayik/Pratikraman is held. The family members also hold Samayik in the fond remembrance of the departed souls. Apart from this, 51 and 108 Samayik /Pratikraman are organised in every 3 months. Donations from the Sangh are made towards ‘Goshala/Paathashala’ (dairies/religious schools) in Kutch, Gujarat, and Coimbatore etc.

The Sangh runs a religious school – ‘Paatahshala’ by the name ‘Matushri Surajben Kantilal Mehta Jain Paathshala’. During Paryushan the annual examination is held, competitions conducted and prizes distributed.
The importance of a library in the quest for knowledge cannot be undermined. Books are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers. The Trustee of the Deravasi Sangh, Shri Kishorebhai Shamji Kuruwa, inaugurated a library in February 2004. This library was formed with the basic idea of service to the Jain community. It is called ‘Indra-Vidya-Bharati’ Jain Library.. Shri Virendra Jain donated a cupboard and a table to the library and Shri Jain Seva Samaj donated 5 wooden cupboards.