In Jainism, a Sadhu Sammelan refers to an assembly or gathering of Jain monks (sadhus). After the nirvana (liberation) of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, the Jain sangha (community) continued to be guided by his immediate disciples, known as Ganadharas. These disciples played a key role in preserving and propagating Mahavira’s teachings.

After Mahavira’s Nirvana:

• The first significant assembly of Jain monks is known as the First Jain Council (Vallabhi Council), held at Pataliputra (modern-day Patna), around 300 BCE. It was organized under the leadership of Acharya Sthulabhadra, mainly by the Shwetambar tradition. The purpose was to compile and preserve the Jain Agamas (scriptures) as there was fear of losing the oral tradition due to famine and loss of knowledgeable monks.
• The Second Council was later held at Vallabhi (in present-day Gujarat) in the 5th or 6th century CE, where the oral teachings were further compiled and written down.

These assemblies (Sammelans or Councils) were crucial in ensuring the continuity, proper transmission, and preservation of Jain doctrine and monastic discipline after Lord Mahavira’s passing.

Summary: After Mahavira’s nirvana, Sadhu Sammelans or assemblies were held by the Jain monks to discuss, preserve, and compile Jain scriptures and to maintain the unity and discipline of the sangha. These gatherings ensured the survival and propagation of Jain teachings through the centuries.