The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today inaugurated the Samrat Samprati Sangrahalay, Jain Heritage Museum at Koba Tirth in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on the auspicious occasion of Bhagwan Mahavir Jayanti. "Koba Tirth is steeped in spiritual tranquillity, a place where the tapasya of so many Jain Munis and saints finds expression, and where creation and service naturally blossom," said Shri Modi.
Highlighting the enduring traditions of Koba Tirth, the Prime Minister noted that for years, the traditions of study, sadhana, and self-discipline have been flourishing at this sacred site. He underscored that the preservation of values, the nurturing of sanskaras, and the nourishment of knowledge form the triveni , the confluence that constitutes the very foundation of Indian civilization. "Keeping this triveni flowing uninterrupted is the shared responsibility of all of us," affirmed Shri Modi.
The Prime Minister expressed his happiness that the timeless knowledge of Jain Dharma and India's rich heritage are now being preserved for centuries to come through the Jain Heritage Museum, conceived by the saints to present ancient wisdom to the next generation in new and modern forms. "Today, that grand vision has been realized in the form of the Samrat Samprati Sangrahalay , a sacred centre of Jain philosophy, Indian culture, and our ancient heritage," stated PM Modi.
The Prime Minister congratulated all the Jain Munis, saints, and the thousands of devoted individuals who made immense contributions to this endeavour. Underlining the importance of innovation in heritage preservation, he observed that when ancient knowledge is presented in new ways, the heritage is enriched and future generations find renewed inspiration. "The Samrat Samprati Sangrahalay belongs to the crores of people of India and stands as a testament to our glorious past," he remarked.
Dwelling on the historical significance of Samrat Samprati, the Prime Minister observed that while many civilizations produced great thinkers and philosophers, rulers in several parts of the world often abandoned ideals when confronted with the question of power, creating a chasm between thought and governance. He noted that Samrat Samprati was not merely a historical king but a bridge connecting India's philosophy and practice. "In India, rulers like Samrat Samprati treated power as service and sadhana, expanding ahimsa from the throne, and propagating satya (Truth) , asteya (non-stealing), and aparigraha ( non-possessiveness) with utmost detachment and selflessness," Shri Modi asserted.
The Prime Minister noted that the museum has been thoughtfully designed so that every step reveals the grandeur of India, with its seven galleries proclaiming the nation's diversity and cultural richness. He highlighted the first gallery showcasing the Navpad, Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, Sadhu, and the four principles of Samyak Darshan, Samyak Gyan, Samyak Charitra, and Samyak Tap and the third gallery, which artistically brings to life the stories and teachings of the Tirthankaras. "When knowledge is samyak ,righteous , it becomes the foundation of equanimity and service," PM Modi observed.
Pointing out that the museum also gloriously represents India's other religious traditions , Vedic, Buddhist, and others alongside Jain heritage, the Prime Minister highlighted India's greatest strength: its diversity and unity in diversity. He noted that while the world has witnessed conflicts in the name of religion and sect, this museum presents all traditions together like a rainbow , Vedas, Puranas, Ayurveda, Yoga, and Darshana standing harmoniously side by side. "This can only happen in India," he affirmed.
Referring to the prevailing global instability and unrest, the Prime Minister stressed that the heritage and message embodied in this museum hold profound significance not just for India but for all of humanity. He expressed the hope that the number of curious visitors, students, and researchers from around the world would continue to grow. "Those who visit here should carry the teachings of India and Jain Dharma to every corner of the world," Shri Modi urged.
The Prime Minister recalled how India's ancient universities such as Takshashila and Nalanda were once filled with lakhs of manuscripts, which were destroyed by foreign invaders driven by religious narrow-mindedness. He noted that in those difficult times, ordinary people preserved the remaining manuscripts generation after generation, and lauded the extraordinary dedication of Acharya Bhagwant Shri Padmasagar Surishwarji Maharaj Saheb, who spent sixty years travelling from village to village and city to city, searching for manuscripts across the length and breadth of the country. "Over three lakh manuscripts inscribed on palm leaves and birch bark, some hundreds of years old, are today safely compiled at Koba, representing a monumental service to India's past, present, and future,"asserted Shri Modi.
Highlighting the government's commitment to manuscript preservation, the Prime Minister said that the Gyan Bharatam Mission has been launched to correct the neglect of previous governments, leveraging technology for digitization, scientific preservation, scanning, chemical treatment, and digital archiving of ancient manuscripts. He also referred to his recent Mann Ki Baat episode, where he spoke about a nationwide survey enabling citizens to upload manuscripts preserved with them. "This campaign will play a significant role in collecting manuscripts scattered across every corner of the country," PM Modi stated.
The Prime Minister described the joint efforts of the Gyan Bharatam Mission at the government level and the extraordinary contribution of Koba Tirth as symbols of India's new cultural renaissance. He noted that today, efforts to preserve, understand, and showcase the country's cultural heritage are underway at every level from restoration of ancient temples and development of pilgrimage sites to promotion of Ayurveda and Yoga. Mentioning ongoing landmark projects, including the grand Maritime Museum at Lothal, the museum at Vadnagar, and the upcoming Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum in Delhi, he emphasized that for the first time, meaningful and comprehensive work is being done to bring out the true history of India's freedom struggle, free from political bias. "We have ended the mentality of viewing heritage through a political lens and are moving forward with the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,' which is the soul of the Viksit Bharat vision," he asserted.
The Prime Minister lauded the saints for their tireless efforts in preserving India's heritage and recalled the historic Navkar Mahamantra Divas program in Delhi, where all four Jain sects came together. He reiterated the ten resolves he had outlined on that occasion: saving water; Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam; the cleanliness mission; Vocal for Local; Desh Darshan; natural farming; healthy lifestyle; yoga and sports; helping the poor; and the tenth resolve added by the community itself , preservation of India's heritage. "Today's program is a living reflection of these very resolves," he said.
Expressing confidence in the future, the Prime Minister said that India's unity and cultural strength will be the driving force in achieving the nation's larger goals. He stressed that when people rise above personal aspirations and work for the goals of society and nation, the pace of development accelerates. "I am confident that the Samrat Samprati Museum will emerge as a vital centre of knowledge, sadhana, and culture , inspiring the new generation and energizing society in the times ahead," Shri Modi concluded.
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मैं भगवान महावीर के चरणों में प्रणाम करता हूँ।
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 31, 2026
मैं कोबातीर्थ से सभी देशवासियों को भगवान महावीर जयंती की शुभकामनाएँ देता हूँ: PM @narendramodi
सम्राट संप्रति संग्रहालय...
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 31, 2026
ये भारत के कोटि-कोटि लोगों की धरोहर है।
ये भारत के गौरवशाली अतीत की धरोहर है: PM @narendramodi
सम्राट संप्रति ने सिंहासन पर बैठकर अहिंसा का विस्तार किया।
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 31, 2026
उन्होंने सत्य, अस्तेय और अपरिग्रह का प्रचार प्रसार किया: PM @narendramodi
भारत में ज्ञान हमेशा से एक मुक्त प्रवाह रहा है।
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 31, 2026
हर युग में तीर्थंकरों और ऋषियों-मनीषियों का अवतार हुआ।
ज्ञान का संकलन बढ़ता चला गया।
समय के साथ बहुत कुछ नया जुड़ता गया: PM @narendramodi
