Chalo Girnar Chale

This document is a Jain religious text titled "Chalo Girnar Chale" (Let's Go to Girnar) by Hemvallabhvijay, published by Girnar Mahatirth Vikas Samiti Junagadh. The book, written from the perspective of the Shwetambar Murti-pujak sect, focuses on the significance and glory of Girnar, a prominent Jain pilgrimage site.

Here's a comprehensive summary of its content:

Core Message: The central theme of the book is to highlight the immense spiritual importance and glory of Girnar Mahatirth, which the author feels has been largely overlooked by the Shwetambar Jain community in favor of Shatrunjaya. The book aims to revive devotion and encourage more Jains to visit and venerate Girnar.

Author's Motivation and Inspiration: The author, Muni Hemvallabh Vijay, was inspired by his spiritual mentor, Param Pujya Acharya Shrimadvijay Himanshurisurishwarji Maharaj. Acharya Himanshurisurishwarji was deeply distressed by the neglect of Girnar Mahatirth by the Shwetambar community and desired that people recognize its greatness. He expressed this desire in his final days, motivating Muni Hemvallabh Vijay to undertake the task of compiling literature on Girnar's magnificence.

Significance of Girnar Mahatirth: The book extensively details the importance of Girnar, referring to it by various names such as Girnar, Raivatgiri, Ujjayant, Swarnagiri, Nandbhadra, and Kailas. It emphasizes the following aspects:

• Eternal Nature: Girnar is considered an eternal Tirth, with its height remaining significant even in the latter eras when other Tirths diminish.
• Spiritual Attainment: Girnar is a place where numerous Tirthankaras, including the 22nd Tirthankara, Lord Neminath, attained Kevalgyan (omniscience) and Moksha (liberation). Many other saints and souls have also achieved liberation here.
• Divine Presence: The Tirth is believed to be eternally visited and venerated by celestial beings, including Indras, devas, apsaras, gandharvas, and yaksas.
• Miraculous Properties:
  • The water of the Gajpad Kund (Elephant's Footprint Pond) and other sacred pools within Girnar are said to have purifying and healing properties, capable of eradicating sins and diseases like leprosy.
  • Even the shadow of a bird touching Girnar can lead to its liberation.
  • The very soil of Girnar is believed to possess alchemical properties, capable of turning iron into gold.
  • The presence of celestial trees like Kalpavruksha are mentioned, fulfilling wishes.
  • It is stated that even animals residing in Girnar attain liberation within a few lifetimes.
• Historical and Religious Significance: Girnar holds importance for various Hindu sects as well, being revered by Vaishnavas, Brahmins, Shaivites, devotees of Dattatreya, and Ambika. The text highlights historical events and the presence of various revered figures, including King Krishna, Queen Rajulmati, and various historical Jain acharyas and patrons who contributed to the Tirth.
• The Main Idol of Lord Neminath: The book provides a detailed history of the main idol of Lord Neminath, stating it's the most ancient in the current era, over 165,735 years old. It describes its origin, installation, and future destiny, including its eventual relocation to the underworld.
• Specific Locations and Legends: The text elaborates on various significant spots on Girnar, including:
  • Sahsavan: The place where Lord Neminath attained Kevalgyan and gave his first and last sermons. It houses ancient temples and the Samavasaran temple.
  • Gajpad Kund: A sacred pond with immense purifying power.
  • Chhatrashila, Aksharshila, etc.: Various sacred rocks with symbolic significance.
  • Ambijika Devi's Temple: The Yakshini guardian of the Tirth, who plays a crucial role in the legends.
  • Numerous Jin-temples: The book lists and describes many Jin-temples located on the different peaks (dhooks) of Girnar, highlighting their architectural beauty and the idols enshrined within.
  • The "99 Parikramas" (circumambulations): The book explains the significance and method of performing 99 parikramas of Girnar, comparing its difficulty to Shatrunjaya and suggesting it's a spiritually rewarding endeavor.
• Stories of Devotees and Transformation: The book narrates compelling stories of individuals who were transformed by their devotion to Girnar:
  • King Bhimsen: A wicked prince who underwent a profound transformation through devotion to Girnar, eventually becoming a righteous king and then attaining Moksha.
  • Ashokchandra: A man afflicted by poverty and misfortune, who found prosperity and spiritual liberation through Girnar's grace.
  • Durgandha: A woman cursed with an unbearable stench, who was cleansed and attained a beautiful form after bathing in the Gajpad Kund and venerating Lord Neminath.
  • Vashishtha Muni: A tapasvin who, after committing the sin of killing a pregnant deer, found redemption and liberation through rigorous penance at Girnar.
  • Vastupal and Tejpal: Renowned Jain ministers who, through their devotion and patronage, contributed significantly to the restoration and maintenance of Jain temples, including those at Girnar. Their role in resolving disputes and establishing the authority of Shwetambar Jains over Girnar is detailed.
  • Dhar Shravak and his sons: A merchant whose devotion and the martyrdom of his five sons in defending the Tirth led to their rebirth as guardian deities of the Tirth.
  • Ratsana Shravak: instrumental in the rediscovery and re-consecration of an ancient idol.
  • Purna Shreshthi and Pethad Mantri: Their contest to claim ownership of the Tirth based on their devotion and wealth, culminating in Pethad Mantri's victory and the resolution of disputes regarding temple access.
• Deities and Guardians of Girnar: The text mentions various deities and celestial beings who act as guardians and protectors of Girnar Mahatirth, including Indra, Amba Devi, Gomeda Yaksha, and several other regional deities.
• Miracles and Occurrences: Numerous anecdotes and miracles are recounted, illustrating the divine power and influence of Girnar, involving yogis, siddhas, and divine interventions.
• Practical Information: The book includes practical information for pilgrims, such as railway timetables to Junagadh, contact details for accommodation, and routes to various nearby Jain Tirths. It also provides a detailed description of the ascent to Girnar, marking various significant spots and temples along the path.

Conclusion: "Chalo Girnar Chale" is a comprehensive guide and devotional text aimed at revitalizing devotion to Girnar Mahatirth within the Jain Shwetambar community. It serves as a testament to the Tirth's profound spiritual legacy, historical significance, and the miraculous transformations it offers to its devoted pilgrims.