Gandhinagar: On the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is inaugurating the Samrat Samprati Museum at Koba Tirth in Gandhinagar, marking a significant step towards preserving and showcasing the rich spiritual and cultural legacy of Jainism.

Named after Samrat Samprati—the grandson of Emperor Ashoka and a revered figure in Jain tradition—the museum pays tribute to his enduring commitment to non-violence and the propagation of Jain philosophy.

Located within the Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra campus, the museum features seven expansive galleries, each dedicated to different facets of India’s civilisational and spiritual traditions. Blending traditional exhibits with modern digital and audio-visual installations, the museum offers an immersive and research-oriented experience for visitors, scholars, and historians.

The museum houses over 2,000 rare artefacts, including intricately crafted stone and metal idols, Tirth Patta and Yantra Patta, miniature paintings, silver chariots, ancient coins, and manuscripts. Some of these exhibits date back to around 200 BCE and are displayed across seven grand galleries, enabling visitors to trace the evolution of Jainism and its cultural influence through the centuries.

The project was the lifelong vision of Acharya Padmasagarsurishwarji, who undertook extensive foot pilgrimages across India and Nepal over six decades, collecting invaluable artefacts that now form the core of the museum’s collection.

Developed with support from the UNM Foundation of the Torrent Group, the foundation has also assumed responsibility for the museum’s long-term management and maintenance.

Sudhir Mehta, President of Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra, Koba, described the museum as a “guiding light of shared heritage,” expressing satisfaction at the realisation of a long-cherished vision. He said the institution would inspire future generations to engage deeply with India’s spiritual, cultural, and artistic traditions.

Each of the seven galleries presents a distinct narrative—from the lives and teachings of Jain Tirthankaras, including Lord Mahavir and Lord Parshvanath, to the historical evolution of Jain art, literature, and philosophy. The museum also highlights broader aspects of Indian heritage, including ancient scriptures, coins, and traditional crafts.

A dedicated digital auditorium enhances the experience with immersive presentations of major Jain pilgrimage sites such as Shatrunjaya Giriraj, Girnar, and Ranakpur Jain Temple.

Designed as a confluence of ancient tradition and modern technology, the museum integrates audio-visual storytelling, spiritual music, and interactive displays to communicate the core values of non-violence, discipline, and compassion.

Positioned as an emerging spiritual and cultural tourism hub, the Samrat Samprati Museum is expected to become a key destination for students, researchers, and visitors seeking deeper insights into India’s civilisational heritage.