Bharat Ke Digambar Jain Tirth Part 2

This is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Bharat ke Digambar Jain Tirth Part 2" by Balbhadra Jain, published by Bharat Varshiya Digambar Jain Mahasabha. The text focuses on the Digambara Jain pilgrimage sites in Bihar, Bengal, and Orissa, India.

Overview and Purpose:

• The book is the second volume in a series dedicated to the Digambara Jain pilgrimage sites across India, commemorating the 2500th Nirvana Mahotsav of Lord Mahavir.
• The primary goal is to provide a detailed account and historical context of these sacred sites, highlighting their religious, historical, architectural, and artistic significance.
• The publication is a collaborative effort between the Bharat Varshiya Digambar Jain Tirthkshetra Committee, Bombay, and the Bharatiya Gyanpeeth, under the overall direction of Sah Shantiprasad.

Key Themes and Content:

1. The Concept of "Tirth":

   • The text begins by defining "Tirth" as a place of spiritual significance, a means to cross the ocean of worldly existence.
   • Jain Tirths are specifically places where Tirthankaras experienced significant life events (Kalyanakas) like conception, birth, renunciation, attainment of omniscience, and Nirvana. They are also places where great Acharyas and saints attained liberation.
   • The term "Kshetra Mangal" is also used interchangeably with Tirth, referring to areas associated with these sacred events and spiritual attainments.

2. Historical and Religious Significance of the Region:

   • Bihar: Emphasized as a major center of Shraman culture, the birthplace of six Tirthankaras (Sheetalnath, Vasupujya, Mallinath, Munisuvratnath, Naminath, and Mahavir). The region witnessed 46 Kalyanakas of Tirthankaras, making it a land of immense religious importance. It also played a crucial role in the history of democracy with the establishment of republics like Vaishali.
   • Bengal (Vanga): Mentioned as a historically prosperous region for trade, though not as politically dominant. It hosted Tirthankaras like Rishabhdev, Parshvanath, and Mahavir, and had significant Jain centers, though currently, no major Tirth remains as such. The "Sarak" community is noted as a living remnant of Jain heritage.
   • Orissa (Kalinga): Recognized as a significant center for Jainism in ancient times, particularly during the reign of Emperor Kharavela. While no Tirthankaras were born here, it was a place of pilgrimage and practice for Jain monks, with Kumari Parvat (Khandagiri-Udayagiri) being a possible Nirvana site. The text details the rise and fall of Jainism in Kalinga due to religious persecution by rulers like Shashank, Chola Rajendra, and Pandya Raj Jatavarma Sundara Pandya.

3. Geographical and Administrative Divisions:

   • The region is divided into Janapadas (ancient territorial divisions) for easier navigation and understanding of the Tirth locations: Vajji-Videha, Anga, Magadha, Bhangi, Banga, and Kalinga.
   • Detailed maps are provided for each Janapada, highlighting Jain Tirthas with red markings.

4. Key Tirths and their Descriptions:

   • Bihar:

     • Vaishali-Kundgram/Kaundalpur: The birthplace of Lord Mahavir. The text discusses its historical context, the meaning of Vaishali, the lineage of Mahavir's parents (Siddharth and Trishala), the Vajjian confederacy, and the democratic governance of the Lichhavis. It also touches upon the confusion regarding the exact location of Mahavir's birthplace and the historical reasons for the decline of Vaishali.
     • Mithilapuri: The birthplace of Tirthankaras Mallinath and Naminath. The text details their life events, mythological stories associated with the region, and its historical significance as a cultural and spiritual center.
     • Champa Puri (Bhagalpur): The birthplace of Tirthankara Vasupujya, where all five of his Kalyanakas took place. The text provides detailed accounts of Vasupujya's life, his renunciation, and his Nirvana from Mandargiri. It also recounts various historical and mythological events associated with Champa, including the story of King Dadhivahana, KarKandu, and the historical context of the region.
     • Mandargiri: Associated with Vasupujya's Diksha and Kevalgyan Kalyanakas, and also believed to be the Nirvana site of his Ganadhara, Mandar.
     • Rajagrihi: A significant Tirth, associated with four Kalyanakas of Tirthankara Munisuvratnath and the Nirvana of numerous monks. The text delves into the history of Rajagrihi (Girivajra), its five sacred mountains (Panchshail), the historical events of rulers like Bimbisara and Ajatashatru, and the Jain significance of sites like Vipulachal and Son Bhandar caves. It also details the presence of numerous Jain idols and the complex history of their preservation and veneration.
     • Pava Puri: The Nirvana site of Lord Mahavir. The text discusses the historical debate about its exact location, the significance of the Jal Mandir, and the legends associated with the site. It also presents the Jain perspective on the Nirvana of Mahavir and his chief Ganadhara, Gautam Swami.
     • Gunava: Believed to be the Nirvana site of Gautam Swami, though the text acknowledges scholarly debate and the importance of Vipulachal as per Digambara tradition.
     • Patliputra (Kamal Vah): Mentioned as a Siddha Kshetra where Muni Sudarshan attained Nirvana. The text provides details about the city's history, its association with significant figures like Chandragupta Maurya and Chanakya, and the presence of Jain artifacts and temples.

   • Bengal:

     • Calcutta: Described as a modern city with limited ancient Jain history but with several Jain temples today. The text provides a brief history of Calcutta's development and lists prominent Jain temples and cultural centers. It also mentions the Indian Museum's collection of Jain artifacts.

   • Orissa (Kalinga):

     • Kalinga Region: Historically a stronghold of Jainism, influenced by Tirthankaras Rishabhdev, Parshvanath, and Mahavir. The text mentions the possible Jain significance of sites like Kumari Parvat.
     • Kataka (Cuttack): Home to ancient Jain temples, particularly the Chandraprabha Digambara Jain Temple, housing old Jain sculptures.
     • Bhubaneswar: Mentioned for its numerous temples, and its State Museum holds significant Jain sculptures from the 8th-10th centuries.
     • Khandagiri-Udayagiri: The most prominent Jain sites in Orissa, known for their numerous rock-cut caves, many of which contain ancient Jain sculptures and inscriptions. The text details the significance of the Queen's Cave (Rani Gumpha) with its elaborate carvings, the Hastighati Cave with the famous Kharavela inscription, and other caves like Ganesh Gumpha and Navamuni Gumpha, highlighting their architectural and artistic value and Jain connections. The text also discusses the historical context of Emperor Kharavela, a great patron of Jainism.

5. Jain Art and Archaeology:

   • The book explores Jain art, including Tirthankara images, Jain caves, temples, symbols, and copper plates, found in the region.
   • It highlights the ancient origins of Jain art, tracing it back to the Indus Valley Civilization and discussing the evolution of idol worship and temple architecture.
   • The influence of various dynasties and historical events on the preservation and destruction of Jain heritage is noted, particularly the impact of religious intolerance.

6. The "Sarak" Community:

   • A significant portion of the appendix discusses the "Sarak" community in Bihar, Bengal, and Orissa, who are believed to be descendants of ancient Jain followers. Despite assimilation into other religious practices, they retain certain Jain customs and beliefs.

7. Pilgrimage Practices and Guidance:

   • The text offers practical advice for pilgrims, including the best times to visit, travel arrangements, appropriate attire, and the importance of maintaining the sanctity of the pilgrimage sites.
   • It also touches upon the historical evolution of worship practices and resolves some of the debates within Jainism regarding rituals.

8. The Significance of Tirths:

   • The text emphasizes that the sanctity of these places is due to the presence and spiritual activities of Tirthankaras and enlightened souls. Their virtues and spiritual power sanctify the land, making it a source of peace, inspiration, and spiritual merit for pilgrims.

Overall Contribution:

• "Bharat ke Digambar Jain Tirth Part 2" serves as a valuable compendium of information on the Digambara Jain heritage in Bihar, Bengal, and Orissa.
• It combines historical accounts, scriptural references, archaeological findings, and geographical details to offer a comprehensive understanding of these pilgrimage sites.
• The book aims to foster a deeper connection to these sacred places, encourage pilgrimage, and preserve the rich legacy of Jainism in these regions.

This summary covers the major aspects presented in the provided text, from the introductory pages to the detailed descriptions of the Tirthas and their historical context.