Bharatna Prasiddh Jain Tirtho - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bharatna Prasiddh Jain Tirtho" (Famous Jain Pilgrimage Sites of India) by Kanakvijay, published by Jain Sahitya Pracharini Sabha. The book details numerous significant Jain pilgrimage sites across India.

Overall Purpose and Theme:

The book serves as a guide to prominent Jain Tirthas (pilgrimage sites), emphasizing their spiritual significance, historical importance, and architectural beauty. It aims to provide readers with detailed information about these sacred places, encouraging them to undertake pilgrimages for spiritual merit and self-realization. The text highlights that a "Tirtha" is a place that helps the soul cross the ocean of worldly existence.

Key Content and Structure:

The book is structured as a geographical tour of Jain pilgrimage sites, primarily focusing on Gujarat, then moving to Marwar, Mewad, Malwa, and finally Eastern India.

I. Gujarat:

The book dedicates a significant portion to the pilgrimage sites in Gujarat, often referred to as "Gurjarbhoomi."

Shatrunjaya Mahatirtha (Palitana): This is described as a highly sacred and prominent Tirtha, considered the "King of Tirthas." The text details the journey to Palitana, the significance of Shatrunjay hill, and the numerous Jinamandalas (temples) and Deris (small shrines) located there. It mentions specific Tirthas like Vimalvashi, Motishah's Tunk, Balabhai's Tunk, and their architectural and historical aspects. The elaborate descriptions include details about the idols, the benefactors who built the temples, and the legends associated with the sites. The importance of respectful conduct during the pilgrimage is also stressed.
Girnarji: Another major Tirtha in Saurashtra, Girnarji is described with its spiritual significance and the arduous but rewarding journey to its summit. The text mentions various significant spots on the pilgrimage route, including the footsteps of revered figures and ancient temples.
Other Gujarat Sites: The book covers numerous other important Jain Tirthas in Gujarat, including:
- Shankheshwarji: Emphasized as a highly influential and ancient Tirtha, significant for its historical and spiritual connections to Lord Parshvanath and Lord Neminath.
- Taranga: Known for its beautiful and grand architectural style, with a remarkable temple dedicated to Lord Ajitanath. The book highlights the devotion and effort involved in constructing such magnificent structures.
- Patan: A historically significant city with numerous Jain temples, including the famous Panchasar Parshvanathji temple. The city's rich Jain heritage and the role of Jain ministers in its history are discussed.
- Khambhat (Sthambhan Tirtha): Described as a historically prosperous port city that was once a major center for Jainism, known for its rich history of trade, literature, and temples.
- Bharuch: Mentioned as an ancient Tirtha with a historical connection to Lord Munisuvrat Swami.
- Ahmedabad: Highlighted as a major center of Jainism in Gujarat, with a large Jain population and numerous temples, Upashrayas (monastic residences), and Jain institutions. The text details specific temples and the organizations that manage them.
- Idar: A historically important city with ancient Jain temples and a connection to revered Jain acharyas.
- Kishaniya, Motipeshna, Tharad, Vav, Dhima, Bharel, Sachiyer, Kuva, Dhanera, Ramsan, Navadisa, Junadisa: These are other significant Jain pilgrimage sites mentioned in Gujarat, often with descriptions of their main deities, historical anecdotes, and architectural features.
- Naliya, Kothara, Katharia: These sites in Kutch are described with their unique temples and the significance of their respective Jain communities.
- Bhadreshwarji: A very ancient and historically significant Jain Tirtha in Kutch, with a rich past and temples rebuilt over centuries.
- Anjar: Mentioned as a route to Bhadreshwarji, with its own Jain temples.
- Mandvi: A major port city in Kutch with a notable Jain presence and temples.
- Bhuj: The former capital of Kutch, also featuring Jain temples.

II. Marwar:

The book then details the Jain Tirthas in the Marwar region.

Abu-Delvada: This section extensively describes the magnificent marble temples of Delvada on Mount Abu, renowned for their intricate carvings and architectural grandeur. The temples of Vimal Shah and Vastupal-Tejpal are highlighted as masterpieces of Jain art and architecture.
Achalgarh: Located near Abu, this site is mentioned for its Jain temples and historical significance.
Kumbhariya: Another important site in the Abu region, known for its five beautifully carved Jain temples, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship.
Ranakpurji: Described as a unique and awe-inspiring Tirtha, famous for its grand temple with 1444 pillars and intricate carvings. The architectural marvel and spiritual significance of this site are emphasized.
Other Marwar Sites: The text also mentions other significant Tirthas in Marwar, including Sadadi, Varana, Nadol, Nadulai, Moorchala Mahavir, Ghanerao, Faldi, Oshiyaji, Jesalmer, Lodharva, Bikaner, and Korta. Each is described with its unique features, historical legends, and the main deities worshipped.

III. Mewad:

Udaipur: The capital city of Mewad, with its historical and Jain significance, is discussed.
Kesariyaji: A highly revered Tirtha, known for its "Kesariya" idol of Lord Rishabhdev due to the liberal use of saffron in its worship. The text notes the historical context and the disputes that have arisen around this site.
Karedaji: Mentioned as an ancient Jain site with historical significance, including connections to Jain acharyas.
Dayalshah's Fort: A significant historical and Jain site in Mewad, with a grand temple that was once much larger.
Chittorgarh: The historic capital of Mewad, with mentions of Jain temples and the deep-rooted Jain heritage in the region. The text reflects on the need for preservation and revival of these historical sites.

IV. Malwa:

Ujjain: A historically important city where Lord Mahavir and other revered figures are believed to have visited. The text describes the ancient Jain temples and the confluence of various religious traditions in Ujjain.
Maksi Ji: Known for its "Makshiji Parshvanath" temple, believed to have emerged from the earth.
Ratlam, Sendhaliya, Savli Ji, Mandavgadh: These are other Jain Tirthas in Malwa, with descriptions of their temples, idols, and historical narratives. Mandavgadh is particularly highlighted for its historical grandeur and numerous temples in the past.
Bhopawar: Mentioned for its Jain temples and connection to the history of Jainism in the region.

V. Eastern India (Purva Desh):

Banaras (Varanasi): A significant spiritual center for various religions, including Jainism, with mentions of temples and the holy sites related to Lord Suparshvanath and Lord Parshvanath.
Singhpur, Chandrapuri, Bhilpur, Pataliputra (Patna), Mithila: These are discussed as historically important places where key events in the lives of Jain Tirthankaras and great acharyas took place.
Pawapuri: Highlighted as the birthplace and nirvana place of Lord Mahavir. The text describes the Jal Mandir and the importance of this site for all Jain sects.
Rajgir: Mentioned for its historical significance and its connection to Lord Munisuvrat Swami, Lord Mahavir, and other revered figures. The text describes various hills and temples associated with these figures.
Hastinapur: Known for its association with Lord Rishabhdev, Lord Shreyanshanth, Lord Kunthunath, Lord Aranhanth, and the Pandavas. The text emphasizes its importance as a spiritual site.
Agra, Shauripuri, Ratnapuri, Ayodhya: These are also mentioned as places with Jain significance, including temples and the history of Jainism in these regions.
Sikandra: The book briefly mentions Sikandra's tomb as a historical monument.
Kolkata: Described as a major commercial hub with a significant Jain population and several temples, including the famous Kesarimal Dungardas Jain Dharmashala.
Samet Shikharji: The most sacred of all Jain pilgrimage sites, described in detail as a mountainous region with numerous temples and caves associated with the liberation of Tirthankaras. The journey and the spiritual experience are emphasized.

Key Themes and Elements:

Spiritual Significance: The primary theme is the spiritual importance of these Tirthas as places of worship, penance, and self-discovery.
Historical Context: The book provides historical background, legends, and anecdotes associated with each Tirtha, often mentioning the rulers, acharyas, and benefactors involved in their establishment and upkeep.
Architectural Marvels: The descriptions often highlight the grandeur, beauty, and intricate craftsmanship of Jain temples, from the towering shikharas (spires) to the detailed carvings and sculptures.
Devotion and Benevolence: The text emphasizes the immense faith, devotion, and generosity of the Jain community in building and maintaining these sacred sites. The contributions of various individuals and families are often mentioned.
Practical Information: While primarily spiritual and historical, the book also includes some practical information, such as how to reach certain Tirthas, the presence of dharamshalas (pilgrim rest houses), and the management of these sites.
Emphasis on Respect and Conduct: The importance of proper conduct and avoiding "Ashata" (disrespect) at pilgrimage sites is repeatedly stressed, as such actions can lead to negative karma.
Legacy and Preservation: The book implicitly advocates for the preservation of these ancient and sacred sites for future generations.

Author and Publisher:

The book is authored by Panyas Maharaj Shri Kanakvijay Ganivar and published by Shri Jain Sahitya Pracharini Sabha. The "Prapti Sthan" (Distribution Point) is mentioned as Rajabhai M.P., Navagadh, Palitana. The second edition was published in V.S. 2014 (Vikram Samvat), corresponding to 1958 CE.

In essence, "Bharatna Prasiddh Jain Tirtho" is a monumental work that chronicles the rich heritage of Jain pilgrimage sites in India. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Jainism, its history, philosophy, art, and the spiritual journeys of its followers.