Bramhanwada Tirthnu Sachitra Varnan

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bramhanwada Tirthnu Sachitra Varnan" by Jayantvijay, published by Vijaydharmsuri Jain Granthmala:

Overall Purpose and Scope:

This book provides a detailed and illustrated description of the Bramhanwada Jain pilgrimage site (Tirth). It aims to offer comprehensive information about the site's history, significance, religious practices, architecture, and the facilities available for pilgrims. It also includes details about the supporting individuals and organizations, as well as general guidelines for pilgrims.

Key Sections and Content:

1. Introduction and Acknowledgements (Pages 1-4):

   • The book is titled "Bramhanwada Tirthnu Sachitra Varnan" (Illustrated Description of Bramhanwada Tirth).
   • It is authored and edited by Muniraj Shri Jayantvijayji Maharaj.
   • It is published by Shri Vijaydharmasuri Jain Granthmala, Ujjain.
   • The publication is dedicated to the revered Gurudev Shri Vijaydharmasurishwarji Maharaj.
   • Financial assistance for the book was provided by Shravika Jethibai Mulchand of Radhanpur and her family.
   • The printing was done at The LuhanaMitra Steam Printing Press, Vadodara.

2. General Rules for Pilgrims (Pages 5-7):

   • This section outlines 27 rules for pilgrims visiting Tirthas (holy sites). These include:
     • Deep devotion and immersion in the pilgrimage.
     • Performing rituals like Snatra Puja, Abhishek, and large pujas.
     • Respecting Gurudev.
     • Observing fasts, abstaining from certain foods (sachitta bhojan, tribhojan, abhakshya).
     • Taking and following vows.
     • Practicing celibacy (brahmacharya) and sleeping on the ground (bhoomi shayanam).
     • Practicing charity (jñāndān, supātrdān, anukampādān) and serving fellow religious brothers (sadharmibandhu).
     • Performing evening prayers (pratikraman, sandhyā-vandanā).
     • Engaging in meditation (sāmayika, kātsarg, dhyāna).
     • Reading religious books during leisure.
     • Avoiding seven vices and four types of gossip (vikathā).
     • Practicing compassion (jivadaya).
     • Avoiding conflict and causing distress to others.
     • Being considerate of other pilgrims and using resources judiciously.
     • Providing assistance to fellow pilgrims in need.
     • Contributing to the Tirth's protection, restoration (jirnoddhar), and general upkeep.
     • Supporting educational and religious institutions.

3. Brief Introduction to Mrs. Jethi Behen (Page 7-9):

   • This section provides a short biography of Mrs. Jethi Behen, a financial supporter of the book.
   • She was born around Vikram Samvat 1910 in a respected family in Radhanpur.
   • Despite losing her husband at the young age of fifteen, she led a self-reliant life, dedicating her resources to religious activities and charity.
   • She lived a life of religious devotion until the age of eighty.

4. Author's Foreword/Note (Kinchit Vaktavya) (Pages 13-17):

   • The author, Munishri Jayantvijay, explains his process of writing the book.
   • He visited Bramhanwada multiple times, collecting inscriptions and notes.
   • The book was initially commissioned for a specific event but faced logistical challenges.
   • He completed the writing during a subsequent journey and published it through the Vijaydharmasuri Jain Granthmala.
   • He highlights the Tirth's antiquity, greatness, purity, and the devotion of the local rulers and jagirdars.
   • He addresses potential scholarly debates regarding Lord Mahavir's travels in Marwar and Gujarat during his un-enlightened period, citing evidence from the Mundasthal Mahatirtha inscription.
   • He discusses the installation related to the "Karn Kilak Upsarga" (nail in the ear affliction) and its connection to different historical sites, acknowledging that the exact location is debated but defending the current installations.
   • He hopes scholars will provide further insights into these matters.

5. Detailed Description of Bramhanwada Tirth (Pages 19-72):

   • Location and Accessibility (Pages 19-23):
     • Bramhanwada is located in the Sirohi State, Ruwai Pargana, Pindwada Tehsil, about four miles northwest of the Sajjan Road (Pindwada) railway station (meter gauge) and ten miles east of Sirohi.
     • It is situated in a forest area with no nearby villages but is within a large compound with many buildings, including dharmashalas, giving it the appearance of a small village.
     • It is considered part of the "Choti Panchtirthis" of Abu or Marwar, making it accessible to many pilgrims.
     • Roads have been improved, including a paved road from Sirohi to Bramhanwada and a paved road with a bridge to Sajjan Road (Pindwada) station.
     • Motor service is available between Sajjan Road (Pindwada) and Sirohi, with specific fares mentioned.
   • Name (Page 25):
     • The ancient name found in texts and inscriptions is "Trayodvada," which likely evolved into "Bamanwada."
     • It is also known as "Bamanwarji" or "Banwaji" in Marwar. Older Gujarati texts use "Bambhanwad" and "Bambhanwad."
   • Purity (Pages 25-28):
     • The Tirth is considered pure as it was visited by Lord Mahavir Swami during his un-enlightened period.
     • The text cites evidence suggesting Lord Mahavir's travels through this region to Abu, supporting the "Jivit Swami" (Living Lord) status of the temples here, similar to Nan, Diyana, and Nadiya.
     • The author references the inscription found at the Mundasthal Mahatirtha, which mentions Lord Mahavir's presence in the Abu region during his 37th year.
   • Antiquity (Pages 28-33):
     • The Tirth's antiquity is supported by references in ancient texts and inscriptions.
     • It is mentioned that Maharaja Samprati, who propagated Jainism extensively, used to visit Bramhanwada (referred to as "Brahman Vatika") four times a year with a sangha.
     • References are made to Acharyas like Arya Simhasuri and Udyotan Suri, who visited Bramhanwada.
     • The text highlights renovations and repairs made by various ministers and rulers over centuries.
     • It mentions the presence of footprints of Yatis (ascetics) with inscriptions dating after Vikram Samvat 1700.
     • The author notes that ancient and modern texts consistently mention the existence of a temple to Lord Mahavir Swami at Bramhanwada.
   • Miracles (Pages 33-37):
     • The main idol of Lord Mahavir Swami is made of sand and is believed to remain intact due to the Lord's divine grace.
     • A detailed account of a miracle is given involving Shivsinhji, the younger brother of the ruler of Sirohi, who received the kingdom after the priest of Bramhanwada relayed a divine message.
     • Maharao Shivsinhji was a devout follower and made significant contributions to the Tirth, including donating land revenue and building the fort, gates, and associated structures.
   • Glory/Significance (Pages 37-38):
     • The Tirth is revered not only by Jains but also by Hindus of all castes, who visit and offer their devotion.
     • Two major public fairs are held here annually, attracting people from all walks of life.
   • Temple Architecture (Pages 38-41):
     • The temple is described as a large, beautiful, and shikharbandhi (towered) structure with a main sanctum, mandaps, multiple levels, a hall of assembly, and 35 surrounding deories (small shrines) in the parikrama.
     • The temple has 35 shikharas in total.
     • Recent renovations include marble flooring, tiles, glass work, and fresh painting, making the temple appear divine and magnificent.
   • Number of Idols (Pages 41-42):
     • The text lists the number of idols in the main sanctum, mandaps, and deories, including idols made of marble, metal, and silver.
   • Dharmashalas and Other Buildings (Pages 42-44):
     • Details are provided about the various buildings within the compound, including quarters for staff, a kitchen, a large stepwell (vav) for water supply, a main entrance with offices, and a large compound for dharmashalas.
     • There are also facilities for horses, guards, and administrative offices.
   • Installation of "Karn Kilak Upsarga" (Pages 44-54):
     • This section discusses the belief and installed representations related to Lord Mahavir's affliction of nails being driven into his ears.
     • It mentions an old description of a carving depicting this affliction, which is no longer present.
     • New representations of this and other afflictions are being installed.
     • The author discusses the historical debate about the location of these events, citing scholarly opinions and supporting the possibility of these events occurring in the region based on local traditions and inscriptions.
     • The text explores the connections to Nadiya and the Kankhakala Ashram, suggesting potential links between these sites and the afflictions.
   • Temple on the Hill (Page 55):
     • A description of a small, open structure on a hill near the Virwada gate, containing footprints (padukas) of Lord Mahavir, which are regularly worshipped.
   • Shri Mahavir Jain Gurukul (Pages 55-58):
     • The establishment of a Jain Gurukul (residential school) at Bramhanwada is detailed, founded in Vikram Samvat 1989.
     • The Gurukul's aim is to impart religious and practical education to create ideal citizens.
     • It currently houses 80 students and offers education in religious studies, Sanskrit, Hindi, and English, along with vocational training.
     • Appeals are made for donations to support the Gurukul's development.
   • Places towards Pindwada Gate (Pages 58-60):
     • Descriptions of a water fountain, a statue of Raval Amaraji (a revered priest), a Shiv temple, and buildings used by the Sirohi government officials and customs department.
   • Gaushala (Cow Shed) (Pages 61-62):
     • The Tirth maintains a Gaushala with about 60-70 animals, including cows, oxen, calves, and horses.
     • A new large building is under construction to accommodate pilgrims and potentially Gurukul students.
   • Veerji's Temple (Page 62):
     • A temple known as "Veerji's Temple" is described, likely dedicated to Shri Manibhadra Veer, located near a small lake.
   • Fairs (Melas) (Pages 62-64):
     • Two major public fairs are held annually, one in Fagan (spring) and another in Bhadrapad (monsoon).
     • The Fagan fair is particularly large, attracting traders and visitors from afar, with customs duties partially waived by the state.
     • The fairs are held within the Tirth's compound and are well-managed with security arrangements.
     • The Bhadrapad fair is smaller but also attracts merchants and visitors.
   • Jagir (Land Grant) (Pages 66-68):
     • Details are provided about the jagir granted by Maharao Shivsinhji of Sirohi to Bramhanwada Tirth, including land revenue from Virwada village and income from specific wells (arats).
     • The income from these grants is used for the Tirth's upkeep and activities.
   • Charity and Donations (Dana-Punya) (Pages 68-70):
     • The Tirth contributes financially to the upkeep of Jain temples in nearby villages (Undara, Sirohi, Mandwada, Mirpur, Baldar).
     • It supports the Gaushala, provides food to the needy, and offers resting places for travelers.
   • Management and Administration (Pages 70-71):
     • The Tirth is managed by the Sirohi Sangh, with a resident Munim (manager) overseeing operations.
     • Pilgrims are provided with essential supplies and amenities.
     • Donations received are accounted for and used for various temple expenses and charitable activities.
   • Conclusion (Upasamhar) (Pages 71-72):
     • The author reiterates that the focus of the book is on historical and current conditions rather than miracles.
     • He expresses hope that visitors will experience the divine presence and miracles firsthand.
     • The book concludes with references to other pilgrimage sites and the significance of the "Marwad Choti Panchtirthis."

6. Appendices (Parishisht):

   • Appendix 1: Ancient Inscriptions (Pages 73-84):
     • Transcriptions and translations of inscriptions found on the temple doors, dating from Vikram Samvat 1519 and 1521. These record the construction of deories by various donors.
     • Includes inscriptions on metal idols, indicating the donors and the Acharyas who consecrated them.
   • Appendix 2: Copper Plate (Tamrapatra) (Pages 85-86):
     • The text of a copper plate detailing the land grant and revenue contributions made by Maharao Shivsinhji of Sirohi to Bramhanwada Tirth in Vikram Samvat 1876.
   • Appendix 3: Ancient and Unpublished Stanzas (Stavans) (Pages 87-108):
     • Includes three devotional stanzas in Gujarati praising Bramhanwada Tirth and Lord Mahavir.
     • Details the origin of these stanzas and their authors, suggesting a connection to the poet Lavanyasamyaji.
     • Provides explanations of some Gujarati words used in the stanzas.
   • Appendix 4: Villages with Jain Temples within a Five-Mile Radius (Pages 109-114):
     • Lists nearby villages with Jain temples, providing information about their location, size, and facilities. This helps pilgrims plan multi-Tirth visits.
   • Appendix 5: Panchtirthis Villages and Sirohi (Pages 115-118):
     • Describes the villages associated with the "Choti Panchtirthis" and the city of Sirohi, further aiding pilgrims in planning their journeys.
   • Errata (Shuddhipatrak):
     • A list of corrections for errors found in the text.

Overall Impression:

"Bramhanwada Tirthnu Sachitra Varnan" is a scholarly and devotional work that serves as a comprehensive guide to the Bramhanwada pilgrimage site. It combines historical research, epigraphy, devotional poetry, and practical travel information, making it an invaluable resource for Jain pilgrims, historians, and anyone interested in Jain heritage. The inclusion of photographs (as indicated by "Sachitra Varnan") enhances its appeal and utility.