Ahmedabad Shaher Yatra

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ahmedabad Shaher Yatra" by Bhavyanandvijay, published by Dahelano Upashray. The book chronicles a significant city-wide pilgrimage (Shaher Yatra) in Ahmedabad organized under the guidance of the revered Acharya Shrimad Vijay Himalachalsurishwarji Maharaj.

Key Aspects of the Book:

• Author and Inspiration: The book is written by Mumukshu Bhavyanandvijay, a disciple of Acharya Shrimad Vijay Himalachalsurishwarji Maharaj. The pilgrimage was undertaken in Ahmedabad under the spiritual guidance of the Acharya and as a result of his teachings. The author mentions it's his first attempt to write in Gujarati, being a Hindi speaker, and requests readers to correct any linguistic errors.

• The Pilgrimage Event:

  • Context: The Shaher Yatra was organized by the Shri Sangh of Dahela's Upashray in Ahmedabad when Acharya Shrimad Vijay Himalachalsurishwarji Maharaj was invited to spend the monsoon (Chomasu) there. The invitation process and the Acharya's acceptance are detailed, starting from his stay in Rajkot and then Junagadh before heading towards Ahmedabad.
  • Journey to Ahmedabad: The Acharya's journey to Ahmedabad involved stops and religious ceremonies in various towns like Dhuvav, Jamnagar, Aliabada, Wankaner, Bhuj, Surendranagar, Wadhwan, and Viramgam. The arrival in Ahmedabad was marked by significant welcoming ceremonies, including band music and processions.
  • The Shaher Yatra (City Pilgrimage): The core of the book details the city-wide pilgrimage, which spanned twenty-five days. The pilgrimage involved visiting numerous Jain temples and residences (gharderas) across different areas of Ahmedabad.
  • Schedule and Itinerary: The book meticulously lists the daily itinerary of the Shaher Yatra, starting from Kartik Vad 12 (November 22, 1954) and concluding on Margashirsha Vad 8 (December 9, 1954). Each day's journey involves visiting specific temples, with details of the presiding deities (Mulnayak), the number of idols, and the specific locations within the city.
  • Participating Monastics: The pilgrimage saw the participation of a large congregation of monks and nuns, including Acharya Shrimad Vijay Himalayasurishwarji Maharaj, Acharya Shrimad Vijay Udaysuriji Maharaj, Acharya Shrimad Vijay Manharsuriji Maharaj, Acharya Shrimad Vijay Dharamsuriji Maharaj, and various other respected Panthas and Munis.
  • Welcoming and Hospitality: The text highlights the enthusiastic welcome and hospitality extended by the local Jain community (Shri Sangh) at each location. They organized processions with band music, offered prabhavana (distribution of sweets), and managed the arrangements for the visiting monastics and participants.
  • Key Locations Visited: The itinerary covers numerous localities within Ahmedabad, including Ratanpol, Kasumba Wad, Kathadaiya, Khadia, Delhi Gate, Shahpur, Dhal, Jamalpur, Patan, Sarangpur, Vanva Sheari, Giridhar Nagar, Delhi Gate, Ghikanta, Zaveri Wad, Kadiya, Halaya Pol, Chekhava Ki Pol, Pipadi Ni Pal, Lambaser, Pachoya Ni Pol, Dhal Ni Khadki, Brahma Puri, and many others.
  • Temple Details: For each temple visited, the book often mentions the Tirthankar (e.g., Adinath, Parshvanath, Shantinath, Mahavir Swami, Vasupujya Swami, etc.), the material of the idols (stone, metal), and the approximate number of idols.
  • Special Events: The text mentions various religious activities like Chaitya Vandan (worship), Manglik (auspicious discourse), Prabhavana (distribution of sweets), and public lectures. It also notes the celebration of festivals like Diwali and Saubhagya Panchmi. A special mention is made of a procession (varghoda) in honor of Jagadguru Shrimad Vijay Hirsurishwarji Maharaj.
  • Contributions: The book acknowledges the financial contributions made by various individuals and families for the printing and events, such as Rs. 101 from Chunibai, Rs. 51 from Himmatlal Hirachandbhai, and Rs. 25 from Kantilal Ratanchandbhai for the block printing costs.

• Spiritual and Social Impact:

  • The pilgrimage is described as a source of great joy and spiritual upliftment for the attendees. The author emphasizes the harmonious participation of the community, the enthusiasm of the youth, and the respectful reception of the monastic order.
  • The event fostered a sense of unity and shared devotion among the Jain community of Ahmedabad.
  • The book serves as a historical record of this significant religious undertaking, documenting the places visited, the monastics present, and the community's involvement.

• Acknowledgements: The author expresses gratitude to Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi and Munim Shah Keshavlal Dalshukhbhai of Dahela's Upashray for providing crucial information and also mentions relying on the book "Shri Jain Tirth Sarva Sangrah."

• Publishing Details: The book was first published in 1955 (Vikram Samvat 2001) with a price of eight annas.

In essence, "Ahmedabad Shaher Yatra" is a detailed and devotional account of a multi-day city-wide Jain pilgrimage in Ahmedabad, highlighting the spiritual fervor of the community and the guidance of their revered Acharya. It provides a day-by-day record of visits to numerous Jain temples, underscoring the religious and social fabric of the Jain community in Ahmedabad during that era.