Bhinmal Jain Itihas Ke Prushto Par - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Bhinmal Jain Itihas ke Prushto par" (Pages of Bhinmal Jain History), authored by Ghevarchand Manekchand:

The book "Pages of Bhinmal Jain History" by Ghevarchand Manekchand delves into the rich and multifaceted history of Bhinmal, a city in the Jalore district of Rajasthan, which has been known by various names throughout the four epochs: Shri Mal in Satya Yuga, Ratna Mal in Treta, Pushpa Mal in Dwapara, and currently Bhinmal in Kali Yuga. The text aims to provide a glimpse into the glorious past of this city, which has been a center for Jain and non-Jain scholars, ascetics, and wealthy merchants, whose legacies have illuminated India's history.

Early History and Royal Patronage:

Ancient Names: Bhinmal has a history dating back to ancient times, known by names like Shri Mal, Ratna Mal, and Pushpa Mal in different epochs.
Solanki Dynasty and Invasions: Around 202 V.S. (Vikram Samvat), Bhinmal was ruled by Ajitsingh of the Solanki Rajput dynasty. The city faced an invasion by the Mughal emperor Mir Mamucha, who plundered it, resulting in significant loss of life and destruction of temples and wealth. Despite this devastation, the city was rebuilt and continued to flourish.
King Singh and Jayankumar: In 503 V.S., King Singh of Bhinmal, childless, worshipped the goddess Jayna (sister of Khimja Devi) and was blessed with an adopted son, Jayankumar. Jayankumar ascended the throne in 527 V.S., leading to a period of great progress for the city.
Brahmagupta the Astronomer: In 685 V.S., the renowned astronomer Brahmagupta, also known as Bhinmalacharya, resided in Bhinmal. His work, "Brahmasphuta Siddhanta," mentions King Vyaghamukha (Varmalat) of the Chap dynasty as the ruler of Bhinmal during that time.

Huen Tsang's Visit and Bhinmal's Identity:

Chinese Traveler: The Chinese traveler Huen Tsang visited the region around 697 V.S. He described Bhinmal as the capital of the Gurjara state, a prosperous and densely populated city with a circumference of about 5 miles.
Religious Affiliation: Huen Tsang noted that the people of Bhinmal were considered "atheists." The author suggests this was likely because there were no Buddhists in Bhinmal, implying the populace followed either Vedic or Jain traditions. He also mentioned the presence of numerous temples.
Young and Capable Ruler: Huen Tsang observed that the ruler of Bhinmal was a young, intelligent, and valorous twenty-year-old who respected wise individuals.

Literary and Cultural Contributions:

Poet Magha: The text highlights the esteemed Sanskrit poet Magha, who lived in Bhinmal. Magha's work, "Shishupalavadha," is praised for combining the eloquence of Kalidasa, the depth of Bharavi, and the elegance of Dandi. The author discusses the difficulty in pinpointing Magha's exact period due to the tradition of ancient scholars omitting personal details in their works.
Magha's Patronage: An anecdote describes King Bhoja visiting Bhinmal and being astonished by Magha's immense wealth and generosity. However, Magha's charitable nature led him to poverty in old age, forcing him to relocate. He sent his famous poem to King Bhoja for financial assistance, which led to him receiving a substantial sum.
Jain Literary Figures: The text mentions that the "Kuvalayamala Katha" by Jain Muni Udyotan Suri was completed in Bhinmal in 778 V.S. Shri Haribhadra Suri's literary activities were also centered in Bhinmal. Muni Siddharsi completed the "Upamiti Bhava-Prapancha Katha" in Bhinmal in 662 V.S., indicating the city's significant literary achievements during that era.

Succession of Kings and Religious Transformation:

King Samant and Succession: In 705 V.S., King Samant, a descendant of Jayankumar, ascended the throne. Samant had two sons, Jayant and Vijayant. Jayant became the ruler of Bhinmal, while Vijayant was given the neighboring state of Lohiyaran (modern Jaswantpura).
Vijayant's Conversion to Jainism: Jayant usurped Vijayant's kingdom. Vijayant sought refuge with his uncle Vaji Singh. During his stay in Shankheshwar, he encountered Jain Muni Sarvadevasuri. Initially disrespectful, Vijayant was humbled by the Muni's spiritual influence and, on the tenth day of Margashirsha in 723 V.S., embraced Jainism, taking the twelve vows.
Reconciliation and Further Devotion: Vijayant later reconciled with his brother Jayant with his uncle's help. However, he became remiss in his spiritual practice. Muni Sarvadevasuri's intervention brought him back to the right path. Vijayant then invited the Muni to Lohiyaran and commissioned the construction of a temple dedicated to Lord Rishabhdev. Muni Sarvadevasuri passed away in 745 V.S.
Jayvant and subsequent rulers: Jayant's son, Jayavant, ascended the throne. Jayvant's grandson, Bharg ji, a powerful ruler, eventually incorporated Bhinmal into his domain when Jayant's lineage ended. Bharg raja's reign extended far and wide.

The Influence of Acharya Somaprabh Suri and the Sangha Yatra:

Somaprabh Suri's Influence: Acharya Somaprabh Suri, a renunciate and uncle of Bharg raja, returned to Bhinmal in 775 V.S. and resolved family disputes. He also observed Chaturmas there.
Grand Sangha Yatra: Bharg raja embarked on a grand pilgrimage to Shatrunjaya and Girnar, accompanied by Acharya Udayaprabh Suri. The procession was immense, with thousands of chariots, horses, elephants, camels, and bullock carts.
Protocol for Sanghavi Tilak: A dispute arose regarding the authority to perform the "Sanghavi Tilak" (coronation as caravan leader). After deliberation with various Acharyas, it was decided that the Kulaguru (family preceptor) held this right. A new convention was established, stipulating that the preceptor who initiated a lay follower into Jainism would be their Kulaguru. This agreement was documented and signed by numerous Acharyas and lay followers.

The Reign of Bharg Raja and Mass Conversion:

Desire for Offspring: Bharg raja, despite having 325 wives, had no children. His Kulaguru, Udayaprabh Suri, advised him to marry Ratnabai, the daughter of Shri Jayamal Seth of Upaish.
Marriage and Sons: After some resistance, Bharg raja married Ratnabai, with the condition that her son would inherit the throne. Ratnabai bore him two sons, Rana and Kumbha.
Bharg Raja's Devotion and Proclamation: The birth of his sons deepened Bharg raja's devotion to Jainism. He took the twelve vows and proclaimed that anyone who embraced Jainism would be considered a spiritual brother, and their wishes would be fulfilled. This proclamation, made in 795 V.S., led to the conversion of 62 crorepatis (millionaires) from the Shrimali Brahmin community.

Later Period and Decline:

Continued Prosperity: The city enjoyed prosperity and a righteous ruler for 316 years under these conditions.
Further Invasions: In 1111 V.S., a Muslim ruler again attacked Bhinmal, plundering its wealth and causing many inhabitants to flee to neighboring Gujarat. This led to a migration of culture and prosperity from Bhinmal to Gujarat.
Vanshaj of Vijaya Sett: Descendants of Vijaya Seth of the Gautam lineage settled in Bhalej near Champaner around 1111 V.S.

The Story of Yashodhan and Arya Rakshit Suri:

Yashodhan's Illness: Yashodhan, son of Sahade Bhansali, fell gravely ill. His mother's devotion to their patron goddess was answered with the revelation that the family's deviation from true Jainism had caused the illness.
Healing and Conversion: The goddess instructed them to seek the blessings of Muni Vijayachandra, who was staying in their city. Yashodhan was healed by the holy water from the Muni's feet. Impressed, Yashodhan became a devout follower and invited Vijayachandra's guru, Acharya Jayasingh Suri, to his city.
Arya Rakshit Suri: In 1169 V.S., Acharya Jayasingh Suri conferred the title of Acharya and the name Arya Rakshit upon Vijayachandra. Yashodhan Bhansali supported this event lavishly and commissioned the construction of seven temples and participated in the Shatrunjaya Mahasangha Yatra.

The Legacy of Acharya Dharmaprabh Suri and Acharya Bhavsagar Suri:

Acharya Dharmaprabh Suri: The text highlights Acharya Dharmaprabh Suri, who was born in Bhinmal and became a renowned scholar. He composed the famous "Kalakacharya Katha" in 57 Prakrit verses in 1389 V.S. This work gained international acclaim and was published by scholars in Western countries.
Acharya Bhavsagar Suri: Acharya Bhavsagar Suri, another prominent figure from the Aanchal Gacch, was also born in Bhinmal. He studied extensively, became a master of the Agamas, and was devoted to the deity Godi Parshvanath. He performed numerous consecrations and was a significant spiritual leader.

Modern-Day Bhinmal and its Remains:

Ancient Sites: The text describes various ancient remnants in Bhinmal, including temples, ponds, step-wells, and memorial structures (dehris) built in remembrance of wives who became Sati. These include the Chandi Nath temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Surya (Sun God), and a temple of Varaha Shyam.
Jain Temples: Currently, there are seven Jain temples in Bhinmal, four within the city, one at the station, and two outside. The temples of Lord Parshvanathji and Mahavirswamiji in Hathiyon ki Pol are notable, housing idols from the eleventh century. The Shantinathji temple in Ganesh Chowk is a subject of legend, said to have been brought to Bhinmal by a mystic.
Jain Community: The city has a population of approximately 25,000, with about 800 Jain households. The Jain community is divided into two sects: Tapagachh Tresthuta Samaj (approx. 650 households) and Aanchal Gacch (approx. 150 households). The community enjoys a harmonious environment and follows traditional governance.

Appendix 1: Shrimali Shravak's Bhakti:

Shrimali Lolla Shravak: Under the guidance of Acharya Bhavsagar Suri, the Shrimali Shravak Lolla from Bhinmal had the Shrikalpsutra illustrated in 1563 V.S. This manuscript, preserved by the Prakrit Bharti Sansthan in Jaipur, is praised for its ancient illustrations and contribution to Jain literature.

Appendix 2: Influence of Aanchal Gacch:

Aanchal Gacch Acharyas: Several prominent Acharyas of the Aanchal Gacch, including Arya Rakshit Suri, Jayasingh Suri, Dharmaprabh Suri, Bhavsagar Suri, and Kalyan Sagar Suri, were associated with Bhinmal, either by birth or by visiting and influencing the community.
Kalyan Sagar Suri's Hymn: The text mentions that Acharya Kalyan Sagar Suri composed a hymn dedicated to Lord Parshvanath during his visit to Bhinmal, highlighting the city's continued importance as a spiritual center.

In essence, "Pages of Bhinmal Jain History" is a scholarly endeavor to illuminate the historical significance of Bhinmal as a hub of Jain culture, spirituality, and learning, tracing its evolution through royal patronage, scholarly achievements, and the profound influence of Jain religious leaders and practices.