PM Narendra Modi inaugurated Samrat Samprati Museum (Samprati Sangrahalaya) at Koba village in Gandhinagar on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti (31 March 2026). The museum is a major cultural institution dedicated to Jain heritage, philosophy, and non-violence (Ahimsa).
About Samrat Samprati Museum
The museum is located at Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra, Koba Tirth and was conceptualised by Acharya Padmasagar Surishwarji.
- Houses over 2,000 rare artefacts
- Organised across seven thematic wings in chronological order
- Integrates modern audio-visual technology for immersive learning
It presents a comprehensive timeline of Jainism, blending ancient heritage with modern presentation techniques.
Key Artefacts and Collections
The museum showcases a rich collection related to Jain Tirthankaras and religious traditions:
- Jina Matruka Patta (marble slab depicting Tirthankaras with mothers)
- Stone idols (sandstone, granite, marble) ranging from 2nd century BCE to 16th century CE
- Vasantagadh hoard (7th–9th century CE)
- Pancha-dhatu idols
- Palm-leaf manuscripts, paper texts, and miniature paintings
These artefacts provide insights into the evolution of Jain art, philosophy, and practices.
Why “Samrat Samprati”?
The museum is named after Samrat Samprati (224–215 BCE), grandson of Emperor Ashoka, who played a key role in:
- Propagation of Jainism
- Promotion of non-violence (Ahimsa) across his kingdom
About Mahavir Jayanti
Mahavir Jayanti is the most important festival of Jainism, marking the birth anniversary of Mahavira.
- Celebrated on Chaitra Shukla Trayodashi
- Mahavira is regarded as a spiritual teacher and reformer who emphasized dharma, non-violence, and truth
Jainism: Key Concepts
Jainism emerged in the 6th century BCE as a Sramanic tradition, opposing ritualism of Vedic religion.
- Based on teachings of 24 Tirthankaras
- Core principles: Ahimsa (non-violence), Aparigraha (non-possession), Asceticism, Self-discipline
Important Tirthankaras
- Rishabhdev (Adinath) – First Tirthankara
- Parsvanatha – 23rd Tirthankara (historically attested)
- Mahavira (Vardhamana) – 24th Tirthankara
Life of Mahavira
- Birth: 540 BCE at Kundagrama (Vaishali, Bihar)
- Parents: Siddhartha and Trishala
- Renounced worldly life at age 30
- Attained Kaivalya (i.e. Supreme Knowledge) at 42
- Preached across Magadha and Kosala
- Died at Pawa (Bihar) at age 72 (468 BCE)