Ahmedabad, December 19, 2025: Sections of the Jain community have expressed objections to an electronic digital projection project currently under construction at the Suvarnapuri Jain pilgrimage site in Songadh, Bhavnagar district. Community representatives have stated that the project is not in line with the stated objectives of the Shri Digambar Jain Swadhyay Mandir Trust and have sought an immediate halt to the ongoing work.

According to members of the community, the project involves the use of electronic equipment, lighting systems, air-conditioning units and water-intensive infrastructure. They have said that such installations could have an impact on living beings and are inconsistent with Jain religious principles. “The proposed project involves extensive use of electricity, lighting and air-conditioning, which is not in accordance with Jain teachings followed at Songadh,” a community representative said.

Suvarnapuri is regarded by the Digambar Jain community as an important pilgrimage centre. Community members noted that Jain thinkers Shri Kanji Swami and Behnshri Champaben practised and taught Jain philosophy at the site for several decades. They said the trust had earlier approved a plan to develop an artificial mountain and install a 41-foot idol of Bahubali Bhagwan, a marble idol of Suryakirti Bhagwan, and a sculpted tableau depicting the life of Lord Mahavir Swami, along with representations of Shri Kanji Swami and Behnshri Champaben.

“The original plan focused on religious idols and a traditional tableau within a dome structure,” a trustee familiar with the earlier decisions said. “It was also decided that no changes would be made to the design or additional structures installed.”

Community members have alleged that the original plan was later altered and that approval for the electronic digital project was obtained through misrepresentation. They have also claimed that the project does not comply with the trust’s rules and objectives. These allegations have been denied by those supporting the project, while the trust has not issued a detailed response on the matter so far.

Opponents of the project have pointed out that, traditionally, temples and study halls in Songadh have avoided modern electrical installations. “Even basic facilities like ceiling fans were not installed earlier. In that context, the introduction of air-conditioning and digital systems has raised concerns,” another community member said.

Construction of the project had reportedly remained suspended between 2017 and October 2025 following objections from sections of the community, but work has since resumed. The resumption has renewed demands for a review of the project. Community representatives have stated that they fear the development could alter the religious character of the pilgrimage site.

An appeal has been filed in the Gujarat High Court seeking a stay on the construction. Members of the Jain community have said they have also made representations to the president and trustees of the Shri Digambar Jain Swadhyay Mandir Trust, requesting that all work be carried out in accordance with the original plan approved for the site. DeshGujarat