Abhay Prabhavana Museum: Country’s Largest Museum Dedicated to Jain philosophy Opens in Pune
Pune, November 09, 2024: The country’s largest museum dedicated to Jain philosophy, the Abhay Prabhavana Museum, was inaugurated by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday.
Located in Parwadi village, around 50 km from Pune, the museum is an architectural marvel, built over a decade at a cost of ₹400 crore. The museum was developed under the guidance of Abhay Firodia, chairman of Amar Prerana Trust (APT) and founder of the Abhay Prabhavana Initiative. Firodia collaborated with Jain scholars, thinkers and artists to create this knowledge centre, which is also supported by the Firodia Institute of Philosophy, Culture and History.
Gadkari praised the museum as a symbol of value-driven social consciousness, and said it serves as an inspiration for generations in their pursuit of spiritual consciousness. Abhay Firodiasaid that the museum honours the deep values of the Shramana and Jain tradition, which are the core elements of India’s moral and cultural heritage.
📍Pune
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) November 5, 2024
Inaugurated 'Abhay Prabhavana – Museum and Knowledge Center,' a remarkable initiative by Amar Prerana Trust, in Pune today.
This center symbolizes the strength of education and cultural preservation, aiming to inspire future generations by connecting them with our… pic.twitter.com/iIM3okucYZ
Designed as a “museum of ideas,” Abhaya Prabhavana presents the teachings of Jainism in a scientific, logical, and accessible format. The museum’s five main sections include the Path of Timeless Wisdom, the Path of Jain Culture and History, the Path of Happiness, the Eternal Stream of Indian Values, and an open-air heritage walk. Each section is enriched with galleries, immersive displays, and state-of-the-art audio-visual installations.
Specifically, the Path of Timeless Wisdom explores the foundations of Jainism through 15 galleries, while the Path of Jain Culture takes you on a journey into the evolution and geographical spread of the philosophy. The Path of Happiness encourages visitors to pursue safety, happiness, and social well-being. The Eternal Stream of Indian Values showcases influential figures in India’s spiritual and ethical traditions. Additionally, the open-air heritage walk along the beautiful Indrayani River features a 43-foot-tall statue of Tirthankara Rishabhdev and replicas of historic Jain sites, offering visitors a serene journey amid nature.
Spread over 50 acres, the Abhaya Prabhavana Museum integrates advanced technologies like virtual reality, interactive systems and over 350 unique artefacts, sculptures and replicas, making it a dynamic tribute to Jain philosophy and Indian heritage.
