Char Jain Tirtho

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Char Jain Tirtho" (Four Jain Holy Sites) by Muni Vishalvijay, publisher Yashovijay Jain Granthmala, based on the provided PDF pages:

Overall Purpose and Context:

The book "Char Jain Tirtho" serves as a guide to four significant Jain pilgrimage sites in Gujarat, India: Matar, Sojitra, Kheda, and Dholka. The author, Muni Vishalvijay, has undertaken the task of documenting the history, architecture, and religious significance of these holy places. The publication is a continuation of a tradition started by his guru, Muni Jayantvijayji, who aimed to provide historically accurate and evidence-based information about Jain tirthas.

Dedication (Page 4):

The book is dedicated to Seth Motisha of Sojitra, a renowned merchant from Mumbai. He is recognized for his piety, having financed the construction of a temple on Shatrunjay hill, earning him the title "Dharmveer" (devotee of Dharma). He is also praised as a "Daanveer" (generous donor) for his philanthropic contributions to various institutions.

Table of Contents (Page 5):

The table of contents outlines the structure of the book, dedicating sections to each of the four tirthas. For each tirtha, it details:

• Matar: Village antiquity, rise of Sachadev, rise of Shri Suparshwanath, Jain temple, dharamshala and bhojanshala, temple structure and idols, influx of pilgrims, renovations, and appendices with inscription details.
• Sojitra: Ancient state, renovation of Jin Mandir, Devi's temple.
• Kheda: Documents (Document 1, Document 2), Pattavali (genealogy of spiritual successors), description of nine Jain temples, and inscriptions related to temple builders.
• Dholka: Temple details, Udayan Vihar, contemporary inscriptions, and the translation of a praise inscription.

Publisher's Note (Page 6-7):

The publisher highlights the continuation of their work in presenting books about pilgrimage sites, following the tradition of historical accuracy set by the late Muni Jayantvijayji. They express gratitude to Muni Vishalvijayji for his dedication and efforts in preparing this book and other similar publications. They also thank the printers for their work and express hope that the book will be useful to the public.

Author's Preface (Page 8-9):

Muni Vishalvijay explains that this book is a continuation of his guru's work on historical Jain sites. He acknowledges his limited abilities but attributes the work to the grace of his grand-guru and guru. He mentions consulting ancient and modern texts and thanks Pandit Ambalal Premchand Shah for his help in reviewing and organizing the content. He expresses that the positive reception of his previous books on Nakeda, Bherel, Charup, and Metrana inspired him to write this one. He notes that while some information about Matar might exist, this book aims to provide historically grounded information. Kheda and Dholka are ancient cities, and their history has not been independently explored. Sojitra is a medieval town, and this book is the first to provide Jain-centric information about it. He admits that complete information was not always available, but the scattered material has been compiled chronologically. He welcomes any corrections or additions for future editions. He also expresses gratitude to several young individuals from Bhavnagar who assisted him with the writing. He mentions having prepared similar booklets on other tirthas like Jhagadia, Kavi, Gandhar, Khambhat, Bharuch, and Deva, and hopes to publish them when the necessary facilities are available.

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Detailed Summary of Each Tirtha:

1. Matar (Page 11-34):

• Location and Demographics: Matar is the main village of the Matar taluka in Kheda district, Gujarat. It has a population of 5282. It's situated 25 miles from Ahmedabad and connected by paved roads. Previously, it was a prosperous trading town with a significant Jain population, but its importance declined due to its distance from the railway.
• Antiquity: Inscriptions found on Jain idols date back to 1573, 1555 (likely a typo and should be 1553 or similar), and 1591 AD, indicating the village is older than the 16th century. Jain monks visited and observed Chaturmas (monsoon retreat) here from the 16th century onwards. Several Jain manuscripts were written in Matar during the 16th and 17th centuries. Emperor Akbar's spiritual advisor, Shri Hiravijayasuriji, passed through Matar in 1580 AD. The existence of Jain temples is inferred from these mentions.
• The "Sachadev" (Shri Sumatinath) Temple: The current temple of Shri Sumatinath was built in 1854 AD. Before this, the temple of Shri Munisuvrat Swamiji was located behind the present dharamshala. The idol of the main deity from the old temple is now in the 42nd shrine of the current temple's circumambulatory path.
• Miraculous Discovery of Idols: The fame of Matar as a tirtha began after idols found in the villages of Suhanj and Baroda were brought to Matar and installed in a grand temple in 1960 (1854 AD). The narrative describes how three prominent residents of Matar had the same dream of idols emerging from a property in Suhanj. Upon investigation, idols of Shri Sumatinath and four others were indeed found in Suhanj. After much deliberation and a miraculous test where only the Matar residents could lift the idols, they were brought to Matar.
• Temple Construction and Development: In 1854 AD, a beautiful three-spired temple for Shri Sumatinath was completed. Later, in 1897 AD, a circumambulatory path with 52 shrines was added. The main temple's spire collapsed in 1939 AD and was renovated, with a flag-hoisting ceremony in 1945 AD.
• Shri Parshwanath Prabhu's Rise: The text then details the discovery of Shri Suparshwanath's idol in Baroda village. A potter found the idol, and due to its miraculous impact on his life, he kept it hidden. Later, through another dream, Jain monks from Matar located the idol. After a test of strength (lifting the idol), it was brought to Matar and installed in 1960 AD (1854 AD).
• Current Temple and Facilities: The temple is known as "Shri Matar-Sumatinath Prasad." It is managed by a committee of about a dozen esteemed individuals. There is a dharamshala and a bhojanshala (community kitchen) available for pilgrims. The temple complex has a main spire temple with 52 shrines, housing idols of various Tirthankaras and guardian deities. The main sanctum has 7 idols, and the circumambulatory path contains 92 idols.
• Festivals and Events: The text describes various pilgrimage events and festivals observed throughout the year, including monthly full moon gatherings, Bhai Beej, Dev Diwali, and anniversaries of the temple and specific deities.
• Renovations: Several significant renovations and reconstructions are detailed, including the spire collapse and reconstruction, the addition of the circumambulatory path, and a major renovation of the main sanctum in 2007 AD.

2. Sojitra (Page 35-42):

• Location and History: Sojitra is an ancient village in the Petlad taluka of Kheda district. While the founder is unknown, Jain texts suggest its existence since the 14th century. The Jain population and their influence grew from the 14th to the 19th century, but has since declined, with only about eight Jain families remaining.
• Ancient Status: An inscription from the 14th century mentions Seth Asadhara of the Ukesh dynasty, who built Jain temples in various places, including "Sojitrika," which is identified as present-day Sojitra. This confirms a Jain temple existed here before the 14th century.
• Second Temple and Scholarly Activity: In the 15th century, Minister Gadraj of Ahmedabad built another Jain temple in Sojitra. Renowned Jain acharyas like Shri Vimal Suri, Shri Hiravijaya Suri, and Shri Vijayasen Suri visited and stayed in Sojitra. A branch of the Bhattarak Gadi (seat of a Jain religious head) was also established here.
• Inscriptions: An inscription from 1523 AD mentions a Jain family from Sojitra installing an idol of Shri Kunthunath Bhagwan.
• Prominent Figures: Seth Motisha, a renowned citizen of Mumbai, hailed from Sojitra. He built a house-temple there. His daughter-in-law also undertook renovations of a Jain temple in the village.
• Current Temples: There is one domed Jain temple in "Samdi Chakla." It houses a beautiful idol of Shri Mahavir Swamiji. The temple has 14 marble idols in the main sanctum and 18 marble idols in a wooden sanctum dedicated to Shri Shantinath Bhagwan. The temple structures feature intricate carvings and artwork.
• Renovations and Idol Status: The temples were renovated by the wife of Seth Mansukhbhai Bhagubhai. During the renovation, the main idols of Shri Mahavir Swamiji and Shri Shantinath Bhagwan could not be moved, but other idols were relocated.
• Devi Temple: A domed shrine dedicated to Shri Mahalakshmi Mata is located in a corner of the temple complex. This idol is said to be the kuldevi (family deity) of the Motisha Seth family. There are also idols of Ambika Devi and other Yakshinis.

3. Kheda (Page 43-66):

• Location and Historical Significance: Kheda is a district headquarters situated at the confluence of the Shedi, Mahi, and Vatrak rivers. It is an ancient city that was once a flourishing center of trade and a significant hub for Jainism, with a substantial Jain population.
• Decline: Due to its distance from the railway, Kheda's trade and prosperity declined, leading to a decrease in population and the abandonment of many homes. Today, about 150 Jain families reside there.
• Early Mentions: Historical records mention Kheda in connection with Shiladitya in the 5th century and its significance as a major city in the 7th century, as noted by the Chinese traveler Xuanzang. It is also referenced in the Valabhi grants.
• Manuscripts and Inscriptions: A "Vinaypatra Yantra" written on cloth from 1504 AD, attributed to Shri Jinbhadra Suri, is mentioned. Two documents from 1675 AD related to Shri Hiraratna Suri and his interactions with royal figures are also detailed, indicating the influence of Jain religious leaders.
• Pattavali (Genealogy of Spiritual Successors): A page from a Pattavali found in Kheda details a lineage of Jain acharyas, starting from Shri Mahavir and continuing through various Suris and Upadhyayas, providing a historical account of the Tapa Gachha lineage.
• Udayaratna Suri: The text highlights the importance of Udayaratna Suri, a prominent Jain poet and resident of Kheda. His writings describe the religious and social conditions of Kheda. A notable event is attributed to him: his prolonged meditation in Kheda reportedly converted 500 followers to Jainism.
• Nine Jain Temples: The book provides descriptions of nine Jain temples in Kheda:
  1. Shri Adishwar Bhagwan Temple (Rasulpura): A shikhara-bandhi (spire) temple with 8 marble idols, numerous metal Panchtirthis, and 2 Chavishees. It also features a shrine of Shri Manibhadra Yaksha.
  2. Shri Mahavir Swamiji Temple (Dongar Bhudhar): A flat-roofed stone temple with 5 marble idols.
  3. Shri Padmaprabh Swamiji Temple (Dalal Tekra): A flat-roofed temple built by ancestors of Seth Hemchand Dalal, renovated in 1885 AD.
  4. Shri Rishabhdev Bhagwan Temple (Seth na Wada): A flat-roofed temple built by Seth Punsi.
  5. Shri Shantinath Bhagwan Temple (Seth na Wada): A flat-roofed temple built by Rangbai, wife of Seth Vasatibhai. It has 10 marble idols, some dating back to 1745 AD.
  6. Shri Munisuvrat Swamiji Temple (Lambi Sheri): Built by Kunwarbai in memory of her husband, Damodardas Nagardas.
  7. Shri Shantinath Bhagwan Temple (Rabari Wada): A two-story wooden temple, likely a former house-temple.
  8. Shri Amizara Parshwanath Bhagwan Temple and Shri Bheedbhanjan Parshwanath Bhagwan Temple: Located in a compound, these are large and grand temples. The Amizara Parshwanath idol is said to have emerged from Rupal village.
  9. Shri Bheedbhanjan Parshwanath Bhagwan Temple: Built in 1794 AD.
• Detailed descriptions of idols, inscriptions, and management of each temple are provided. The text mentions miraculous events related to the idols, particularly the Amizara Parshwanath idol.

4. Dholka (Page 67-89):

• Location and Ancient History: Dholka is an ancient city in Gujarat. While some suggest it's the ancient Viratnagar, evidence is lacking. Historical accounts suggest its establishment around 400 AD or earlier, possibly founded by Dhawal.
• Early Jain Connections: Shri Abhaydev Suri, a commentator on the Nava-Angi, visited Dholka around 1160 AD. Shri Jindutt Suri, a scholar of the Kharatar Gachha, was born here in 1175 AD. The famous logician Vadi Shri Dev Suri defeated his opponent Bandha in Dholka in 1186 AD.
• Udayan Vihar: Minister Vadhava, son of Minister Udayan, built a grand chaitya named "Udayan Vihar" in Dholka. This temple was extant until the 14th century. The text includes a translation of the inscription related to Udayan Vihar, detailing the valor of King Kumarapala's contemporaries and the construction of the temple by Minister Vadhvat.
• Prominent Acharyas and Royal Patronage: Shri Jinbhadra Suri and Shri Chandrasuri, disciples of Maladhari Shri Hemchandrasuri, visited Dholka. Queen Minaldevi, mother of King Siddharaja, built a lake named Minal Sarovar. Siddharaja also constructed various structures in Dholka. King Kumarpala gifted Dholka to a woman named Shri Devi as a token of gratitude.
• Temples Built by Ministers Vastupala and Tejpal: Ministers Vastupala and Tejpal, influential figures during the reign of King Virdhavala, contributed significantly to Jainism. They built grand temples in Dholka, including "Shatrunjayavatar" (Shri Adishwar Bhagwan) and "Ujjayantaavatar" (a chaitya).
• Decline and Current Status: Today, Dholka has lost its former grandeur, and much of its historical Jain architecture is lost. The remaining 3 Jain temples, 1 upashraya, and 2 dharamshalas are remnants of its past glory. The current Jain population is around 75.
• Detailed Descriptions of Temples:
  1. Shri Sumatinath Bhagwan Temple (Ambaji ni Pol): A shikhara-bandhi temple with 7 marble idols, including the main deity. It also houses beautiful marble sculptures of Kausaggia figures and other Tirthankaras.
  2. Shri Shantinath Bhagwan Temple (Panchbhai ni Pol): A stone, domed temple with a large sabha mandap and circumambulatory path. It contains 6 marble idols, including the main deity, and various metal idols.
  3. Shri Adishwar Bhagwan Temple (Bhalapola): An ancient wooden house-temple with 5 marble idols. It also features a shrine of Shri Chakreshvari Devi and a valuable chavishee (a set of 24 idols). The text details the history and inscriptions associated with this temple, including those related to the ministers Vastupala and Tejpal.
• Udayan Vihar Inscription: The text concludes with a detailed explanation of the Udayan Vihar inscription, providing its Sanskrit text, a Gujarati translation, and historical context. It highlights the military achievements of the era and the construction of the Udayan Vihar temple by minister Vadhvat, following the guidance of Acharya Hemchandrasuri.

Conclusion:

"Char Jain Tirtho" meticulously documents the historical and religious significance of these four important Jain pilgrimage sites. It relies on inscriptions, ancient texts, and local traditions to provide a comprehensive overview of their past glory and present state. The book serves as a valuable resource for those interested in the history of Jainism in Gujarat and the architectural heritage of Jain temples.