Agyatkartuk Girnar Chaitya Paripati Ras

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Agyatkartuk Girnar Chaitya Paripati Ras" by Vidhatri Vora, based on the provided pages:

Overview of the Work:

The "Agyatkartuk Girnar Chaitya Paripati Ras" (Unknown Author's Girnar Temple Circumambulation Chant) is a devotional poem, specifically a "Ras" (a genre of medieval Gujarati literature often sung or recited), that describes a pilgrimage to the sacred Girnar mountain. The poem is dated to the 16th century CE (Samvat 16th century).

Key Themes and Content:

The poem's central theme is the description of a pilgrimage to Girnar, detailing the various Jain temples and sites visited and the devotional acts performed. The author emphasizes the sensory experiences of the journey, the beauty of nature, and the spiritual significance of the sacred sites.

Pilgrimage Route and Sites Described:

The poem meticulously outlines the pilgrimage journey, starting from "Uparkot" (likely an ancient fort or settlement near Girnar). The pilgrim then proceeds through several key locations and temples, including:

• Tejalpur Parshvanath: A temple attributed to Tejpal.
• Adishwar (Aadi Jin): Revered as the "incarnation of the victory of the Shaka era" and the "king of all pilgrimage sites."
• Satyapuramandana Mahavir: A temple dedicated to Mahavir, mentioned in the context of conquering "Hamir."
• Junagadh Bazaar: The pilgrim visits the bustling market of Junagadh.
• Nemnath Temple (at the foothills): Located to the right of the main path as one descends.
• Sonrekh River: Mentioned in relation to the Nemnath temple.
• Damodar Kund: A sacred water reservoir.
• Kalamedha (Kalamegha) Kshetrapala Temple: A temple dedicated to a Kshetrapala deity.
• "Paj" (Stepwell/Platform) built by Bahadmantri: The poem highlights the importance of this structure, built by Bahadmantri, son of Ajiyad Mahata (Abhayad Dandnayak), for making the journey easier. The author expresses gratitude to Bahad for its construction.
• Beautiful flora and shade: The pilgrim experiences the pleasantness of the natural surroundings.
• Girnar Fort ("Kot"): The poem then shifts to describing the fort on Girnar.
• Nemimandir (within the fort): The main temple dedicated to Nemnath.
• Gajpad Kund: Water from this kund is used to bathe the deity.
• Kalyana Traya Temple: A temple built by Vastupal.
• Chandra Gufa (Chandra Cave): Where Chandraprabhu is worshipped with sandalwood.
• Nagjara-Marjara: Mentioned as places visited.
• "Shaka Avtar" Temple: Another temple visited for worship.
• Rajmoti-Rathnemini Temple: A temple associated with Rathnemi.
• Ambaji: The pilgrim visits Ambaji and notes associated legends.
• Sahasram (Sheshavan-Sahasraram): An area visited.
• Avalon (Avakan-Gurudattatreya) Shikhar: The peak of Avalana.
• Samb (Shakh-Gorakhnath) and Pajun (Pradyumna-Oghadnath) Peaks: These peaks are also visited.
• Siddhivinayaka: The poem praises the Siddhi (power) of Siddhivinayaka.
• Kan Kamanpa (Kanchan Balnik): A pavilion built by Ratnashravak, where four idols are venerated.
• Completion of Chaitya Parikrama: The pilgrim returns to the Nemimandir (in the fort) to complete the circumambulation.

Literary Style and Structure:

• Genre: The poem is composed in the "Ras" genre, with the author explicitly stating the intention to "dance and sing the Ras" ("Harhkhai Ras Ramesivu").
• Structure: The poem consists of 36 verses (kadis).
• Emotional Tone: The author's heart is moved by the beauty of nature, which is evident in almost every verse, with specific verses (7, 8, 12, 13, 15, 25) being highlighted as examples.
• Historical and Literary Acumen: The author, Vidhatri Vora, notes that while this poem shares similarities with other Girnar Chaitya Paripati poems found in the Patan Shri Sandh Jain Bhandar and the Ahmedabad La. Da. Bharatiya Sanskriti Vidyamandir Punya Vijaya Ji Bhandar, it stands out due to the poet's historical awareness. The poet doesn't miss the opportunity to mention the historical context of significant places.

Dating and Context:

• Author's Age: The author mentions completing the poem at the age of 61 on the day of Ashu Vad Amas (a specific day in the Hindu lunar calendar), but the year is not specified.
• Manuscript Age: The manuscript is believed to be from the 16th century CE.
• Estimated Composition Time: Based on this, the composition is estimated to be around Samvat 1561 / 1505 CE at the latest.
• Manuscript Location: The work is found on page 6 of a manuscript (No. 3211, dimensions 264 x 11.1 cm) in the La. Da. Bha. San. Vidyamandir.

Author's Humility and Faith:

The poem concludes with verses expressing the author's humility, acknowledging their lack of intelligence and their simple request for divine grace. They pray for liberation (Pancham Gati) and express that their work is a humble offering. The author desires that by singing these verses, they may remember the virtues of Girnar and that the pilgrimage benefits their mind. The poem ends with a final prayer to the Lord of the universe.

In essence, "Agyatkartuk Girnar Chaitya Paripati Ras" is a valuable devotional poem that not only details a Jain pilgrimage to Girnar but also provides glimpses into the historical context of the sites and the emotional and spiritual experiences of the pilgrim. The author's keen observation and literary skill are evident in the way they weave together descriptions of nature, religious devotion, and historical references.