Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday praised the architecture and design of the Samrat Samprati Museum located at Korba Peeth, saying that it beautifully reflects the grandeur and identity of India.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Prime Minister highlighted that the seven galleries of the museum showcase the cultural richness and diversity of India.
He said the first gallery introduces visitors to the Navpad (nine gems) – Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyay and Sadhu Sangha, who present Samyak Darshan (right faith), Samyak Gyan (right knowledge), Samyak Charitra (right conduct) and Samyak Tapa (right penance).
Prime Minister Modi emphasized that these teachings inspire the visitors to live a life of discipline and righteousness, where true knowledge forms the foundation of equality and service.
PM Modi said, “This museum has been designed in such a way that the visitors can experience the grandeur and identity of India at every step. Its seven galleries reflect the diversity and cultural richness of India. In the first gallery, we are introduced to the Navpad (nine gems), namely Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyay and Sadhu Sangha. These are Samyak Darshan (Right Faith), Samyak Gyan (Right Knowledge), Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct) and Samyak Represents Tapa (right penance). In other words, we learn from those who have led a life of penance, and the knowledge we acquire must be right because when knowledge is right, it forms the basis of equanimity and service.”
On the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, Prime Minister Modi extended greetings from Koba Tirtha, a holy pilgrimage site of Jainism.
He said, “On this auspicious occasion of Lord Mahavir Jayanti, I have the privilege of visiting this holy Jain pilgrimage site today. First of all, I bow at the feet of Lord Mahavir. From Koba Tirtha, I extend my hearty greetings to all my countrymen on Lord Mahavir Jayanti.”
The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s unbroken tradition of knowledge. He said, “Knowledge has always been an uninterrupted stream in India. Tirthankaras and sages-thinkers have incarnated in every era. The collection of knowledge has been continuously increasing. With the passage of time, a lot of new things have been added to it.”
Reflecting on history, PM Modi compared the approaches of rulers: While some used violence to rule, Emperor Samprati pioneered non-violence from the throne, promoting truth, non-stealing and aparigraha.
Prime Minister Modi said, “While some rulers used violence as a weapon to rule, on the other hand, Emperor Samprati spread non-violence from the throne. He preached truth, non-stealing and altruism. Thus, to rule selflessly, to consider it a means of service and to live a life accordingly – this is the lesson we learn from India’s past.”
Named after Emperor Samprati, grandson of Ashoka and a revered figure of the Jain tradition, the museum showcases the rich historical, cultural and spiritual heritage of Jainism. The museum has seven distinct parts, each dedicated to unique aspects of India’s civilizational traditions.