Chaityaparipatini Vicharna - Book Summary

The Jain text "Chaityaparipatini Vicharna" by an unknown author and publisher, available at the provided catalog link, appears to be a treatise on Jain history and practices, with a particular focus on the significance of "Chaityaparipati" (pilgrimage routes or temple circuits) and the historical context of Jainism in India.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the key points discussed in the provided pages:

1. Scarcity of Historical Records in Ancient India and Jainism:

The text begins by lamenting the lack of detailed historical writing in ancient India, attributing it to political upheavals and the destruction of records.
It notes that much of the existing Jain historical literature is found within religious or didactic texts, where the primary focus is on teachings and sermons rather than strict historical accounts.
The author identifies only a few categories of Jain literature that can be considered genuinely historical from a modern perspective: Rasa (narrative poems), Prabandha (narrative compositions), inscriptions, eulogies (prashasti), Chaityaparipatis, and Tirthamalas (pilgrimage descriptions).

2. The Importance of Chaityaparipatis in Historical Understanding:

The author asserts that Chaityaparipatis (temple circuits or pilgrimage route descriptions) are a valuable historical source, even though they have received limited attention from scholars.
These texts, along with Tirthamalas, offer crucial insights into:
- The immediate religious history of Jainism.
- The prevailing religious sentiments and activities of the time.
- The prosperous condition of lay followers.
- Other valuable historical elements that are otherwise difficult to ascertain.

3. The Origins and Evolution of Chaityaparipatis:

The exact period when Chaityaparipatis began to be composed is unclear. However, the tradition of visiting and writing about pilgrimage sites (Tirthayatra) is very ancient.
Historical evidence suggests that the practice of Tirthayatra was prevalent even before the 4th century BCE. The writing of descriptive accounts of these journeys likely began after the 1st or 2nd century CE.
Early Jain scriptures like the Acharanga Niryukti and Nishitha Churni mention various Jain pilgrimage sites and the practice of circumambulating them.
The Bhashya and Churni of the Vyavahara Sutra emphasize the ritualistic importance of visiting all temples (chaityas) in a town or city, especially on auspicious days like the 8th and 14th lunar days. This practice of visiting all the temples of a town or village was known as Chaitya-paripati-yatra.
Over time, the term "Yatra" (pilgrimage) was sometimes dropped due to convenience, and the term "Chaityaparipati" became more prominent to denote this specific practice. Variations like Chaityaparivadi, Chaityapravadi, etc., emerged and became established in Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Apabhramsha languages.

4. Distinction between Tirthamala and Chaityaparipati:

While often used interchangeably, the text highlights a subtle difference between Tirthamala and Chaityaparipati.
Tirthamala: Focuses on describing famous pilgrimage sites, their temples, idols, historical narratives (real or imagined), glory, and related matters, followed by praise and veneration. Examples include Sakal-tirth Stotra by Siddhasensuri, Tirthamala Stavan by Mahendrasuri, and Shashvatashashvat-chaityamala by Jinprabhsuri.
Chaityaparipati: Specifically details the temples encountered in sequence during a pilgrimage within a particular town or city, including their names, the names of the localities, and the number of idols, followed by their glorification and praise. Examples include Revantagiri Raso by Vijayasen Suri and Girnar Chaityaparipati by Hemhansgani. The "Surat Chaityaparipati" is presented as an example of this latter category.

5. Description of Temples in Surat (Surat Chaityaparipati): The bulk of the provided text delves into a detailed account of various Jain temples in Surat. This section appears to be the "Surat Chaityaparipati" itself. It lists numerous temples with information such as:

Temple Name: E.g., Shri Ashtapadji, Shri Mahavirswamiji, Shri Sambhavnathji, Shri Dharmanathji, etc.
Location: Specific areas within Surat, such as Gopipura, Wadachauta, Mali Phalia, Sayadpura, etc.
Primary Deity: The main idol (Mulanayak) of the temple.
Founders/Donors: Names of individuals or families who commissioned or renovated the temples.
Dates of Construction/Consecration: Significant years in Vikram Samvat.
Architectural Details: Mentions of specific features, artistic carvings, paintings, etc.
Inscriptions and Legends: Quoted inscriptions from temple pillars, doorways, and mentions of historical events or local beliefs associated with the temples.
Gachchha (Sect/Lineage): Identification of the Jain lineage under which the temple is managed (e.g., Anansur Gachchha, Devsur Gachchha, Kharatar Gachchha, etc.).
Annual Festivals: Mentions of significant dates like the birth anniversary of the Tirthankara.

6. Importance of Devadravya (Donated Wealth for Deities) and its Management:

The text includes significant discussion on the management and utilization of Devadravya.
It emphasizes that Devadravya is solely for the upkeep and enhancement of temples and the worship of deities.
It strongly advises against using Devadravya for personal gain or unauthorized purposes, highlighting the severe spiritual consequences according to Jain scriptures.
The text advocates for proper financial management, transparency, and the establishment of dedicated funds for temple maintenance, renovations, and charitable activities.
It suggests that the income generated from Devadravya should be reinvested in the temple's upkeep and potentially in supporting other Jain institutions or distressed temples.

7. The Role of Jain Pujaris (Priests) and Temple Administration:

The author expresses a strong preference for employing Jain individuals as priests and temple administrators (mundis, nekars, etc.) due to their inherent understanding and commitment to Jain principles.
It highlights the issues arising from the employment of non-Jain priests, citing instances where their personal beliefs or external pressures have led to the introduction of non-Jain deities or symbols within Jain temples.
The text stresses the importance of proper oversight and accountability for temple staff to prevent mismanagement and safeguard the sanctity of Jain places of worship.
The need for professional architectural and administrative advice for temple construction and renovation is also emphasized.

8. The Significance of Rituals and Pilgrimages:

The text reiterates the importance of various Jain practices, including pushpa-archana (worship with flowers), adherence to the agamas (scriptures), protection of devadravya, celebrating festivals, and undertaking Tirthayatra.
It emphasizes that these practices are not mere rituals but are considered essential for spiritual progress and the acquisition of merit.
The author also touches upon the concept of Chaityapuja (worship of temples) as a means of spiritual upliftment and the eventual attainment of liberation.

9. Historical Instances and Examples:

The text provides numerous examples from history and scriptures to support its arguments about the antiquity and importance of temple worship, idol veneration, and the benefits of Devadravya.
It recounts the story of Emperor Akbar commissioning statues of Veeramalla and Fateh Singh, and their subsequent worship, as an example of honoring valor through iconography.
It mentions the incident of Arjuna learning archery from a statue of his guru, Dronacharya, as evidence of the power of devotion and the efficacy of idol worship as a means to attain spiritual or practical skills.
The text also refers to stories of various figures in Jain history, such as Queen Draupadi and Damayanti, who attained merit through devotion to Jain idols.

10. Addressing Controversies and Misinterpretations:

The author addresses potential criticisms or alternative interpretations of terms like "Chaitya," asserting that in the context of Jainism, it primarily refers to Jain temples and idols.
It refutes the idea that idol worship is a recent or problematic practice, citing scriptural evidence and historical examples that demonstrate its ancient roots and positive spiritual outcomes.
The text implicitly defends the concept of idol worship as a vital tool for spiritual concentration and devotional practice, a path to realizing the formless nature of the soul.

In essence, "Chaityaparipatini Vicharna" serves as both a historical document, cataloging the Jain temples of Surat, and a philosophical discourse on the importance of Chaityaparipati, temple worship, Devadravya management, and the adherence to Jain traditions in the face of changing times and external influences. The detailed listing of Surat's temples, along with historical and scriptural references, makes it a significant resource for understanding the Jain heritage of the region and broader Jain principles.