Gaudi Parshwanath Tirth

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shri Gaudi Parshvanath Tirth" by Bhanvarlal Nahta, based on the provided PDF:

The text discusses the significance of the Shri Gaudi Parshvanath Tirth and the miraculous idol of Parshvanath that became its central point. It highlights that in every religion, places and dates associated with the lives of great figures are considered important. In Jainism, the "Panch Kalyanaks" (five auspicious events) of Tirthankaras and the places where these events occurred are revered as sacred Tirthas. Later, places where miraculous idols were established also became important pilgrimage sites.

The Gaudi Parshvanath Tirth falls into this latter category. Over the past five hundred years, its glory has steadily increased. Temples and idols of Gaudi Parshvanath were established in many villages and towns because the original location of the idol was in a very difficult-to-access region, making it impossible for everyone to reach. However, the miracles associated with this idol became widely known, leading to a strong devotion to Gaudi Parshvanath. For about five hundred years, from the 17th to the early 20th century, many pilgrimage groups undertook arduous journeys to the region of "Parkar" where the original idol was located. However, the text notes that this Tirth has now become almost lost.

The Tirth gained immense popularity primarily due to the "Gaudi Parshvanath Stavan" composed by Pritivimal, around Samvat 1650. This devotional hymn begins with the words "Vani Brahma-Vadini," leading to the Stavan being widely known as "Vani Brahma." Many people began reciting it daily, believing it to be a miraculous prayer that calms all disturbances and bestows auspicious fortune or divine grace. The Stavan narrates the miraculous account of the emergence of the Gaudi Parshvanath idol. Although other similar hymns were composed, they did not achieve the same level of fame. The presented article aims to provide a brief introduction to the establishment of this Tirth, based on the "Gaudi Stavan" composed by Nemvijay.

The text also refers to a description of the Gaudi Tirth in the second part of "Jain Paramparanur Aitihas" by Munishri Darshan Vijayji and Adr Tripuṭi. According to their account, the idol was consecrated in Patan in 1228 by Acharya Hemchandra Suriji. The article questions the ancient basis of this claim. According to Tripuṭi's view, a wealthy merchant named Gaudi Das from Jhivade and Sodhaji Bhala migrated to Malwa during a famine. On their return journey, a Koli named Singh suddenly killed Seth. The Seth was reborn as a Vyantar Dev (an attendant deity) and began to enhance the glory of the Parshvanath idol in his home. This idol, with the Seth as its presiding deity, performed many miracles. Because of Seth Gaudi Das, this Parshvanath idol came to be known as Gaudi Parshvanath.

Subsequently, the idol was brought to Patan and buried underground for safety during Muslim invasions. In Samvat 1432, the idol reappeared in the stable of Hasan Khan, the governor of Patan, and his wife began to worship it. One day, Hasan Khan's wife heard a divine voice in a dream stating that Seth Medha from the city of "Parkar" would come and that she should give the idol to him. The further narrative unfolds based on the aforementioned Stavan. In Samvat 1432, the idol traveled from Patan, via Radhanpur, to the city of "Parkar" through Medhashah. Twelve years later, Medhashah had a dream, according to which the desolate place where it was installed became known as Gaudi pur. Thus, the Gaudi Parshvanath Tirth was established in Samvat 1444. Its fame seems to have grown significantly from the 17th century onwards.

The city "Parkar" lies on the route from Marwar to Sindh. The Gaudi Parshvanath Tirth was located in a forest or a small village. Information about it was available until the partition of Pakistan. Shri Daulatramji, a propagator for the Rashtra Bhasha Prachar Sabha in Sindh and Rajasthan, visited Bikaner some years ago and mentioned that he had also visited the place. Due to the absence of a significant Jain population in the surrounding areas, information about the Tirth has not been available for many years. Therefore, the text appeals to anyone with information about the current status of the Gaudi Parshvanath idol and temple to bring it to light, expressing sorrow that such a famous Tirth for 500 years has not been thoroughly researched.

The text then details the origin of Gaudi Parshvanath, starting with a salutation to Goddess Saraswati. The poet resolves to narrate the origin of Gaudi Parshvanath. Briefly mentioning the life of Parshva Prabhu, the poet states that three idols of Gaudi Parshvanath were created in Patan and placed in an underground chamber. A Turk took one idol, buried it under the ground in his room, and slept on top of it. One day, the Yaksha King appeared in a dream and commanded the Turk to remove the idol, or he would be killed. The dream also informed the Turk that Medhashah from "Parkar" would come and offer him 500 Taka for the idol, advising him not to tell anyone about it for his own progress.

The city of "Parkar" had a town named Bhudesar, ruled by King Khangara of the Parmar dynasty. Fourteen hundred and fifty-two merchants resided there, the most prominent among them being Kajalshah, who was highly respected in the court. Kajalshah's sister was married to Medhashah. One day, the two brothers-in-law decided to go to Gujarat for trade. Medhashah departed for Gujarat after observing auspicious omens. As he passed through the market with a caravan of camels, he encountered a flower-gathering girl, a Vedic scholar, a bull, curd, and a Neelkanth bird, all considered good omens. Upon reaching Patan, he disembarked his caravan. That night, in a dream, the Yaksha King told Medhashah that a Turk would give him an idol of Parshvanath. He was instructed to pay 500 Taka in cash and take the idol.

The following morning, Medhashah happily paid 500 Taka to the Turk and took the idol of Parshvanath. He loaded twenty camels with cotton, placed the Lord amidst it, and set off towards the city of Parkar. When they reached Radhanpur, the custom officer, noticing a discrepancy in the camel count, asked in surprise. Upon learning from Medhashah that the idol was of Gaudi Parshvanath, the customs officers returned. The congregation rejoiced after having the darshan of the Lord. Upon arriving in Parkar, the congregation received a grand welcome. Then, on Saturday, the 2nd of the bright half of Phalguna, in Samvat 1432, the idol of Parshvanath was installed.

One day, Kajalshah asked Medhashah to account for the money taken to Gujarat. Medhashah replied that 500 Taka were given for the Lord. Kajalshah questioned why he spent money on a stone. Medhashah suggested that when they settle accounts, the 500 Taka should be deducted from his share.

Medhashah's wife was named Mrigavati, and they had two sons, Mahino and Mehra. Medha also inspired Dhanraj to worship the Lord daily. Later, the Yaksha King appeared in a dream to Medhashah and instructed him to depart the next morning. He was told to arrange for Bhaaval Charana's palanquin and Devanand Raika's two bulls, place the Lord in the palanquin, and drive it himself, traveling alone towards Banda Thala.

In the morning, following the Yaksha King's instructions, Medhashah set off towards Banda Thala. In the formidable forest of Banda Thala, when Medhashah was frightened by ghosts and spirits, the Yaksha King reassured him. As the palanquin approached the village of Gaudi pur, it suddenly stopped. In the waterless and desolate place, the merchant fell asleep alone, worried. The Yaksha King then revealed that in the southern direction, where a blue stain was present, a spring of water would emerge, and a stone quarry would be found. He also indicated that a treasure would be found by excavating at the location of a rice swastika, and that wealth would be found under a white Ak plant. He further mentioned that a sculptor named Milavara lived in Sirohi who was afflicted with illness. He was to be brought there, and he would be cured by the nhavan (ritual bathing) water of the Lord.

The merchant began the construction of the temple at an auspicious moment. As per the Yaksha's instructions, he excavated the ground and obtained wealth. He founded the village of Gaudi pur and invited his relatives. One day, Kajalshah arrived and told Medha that he had half a share in this endeavor. Medha replied that he did not need Kajalshah's money, as by the grace of the Lord, they had no shortage of wealth. He reminded Kajalshah of his earlier dismissive comment about the stone. Kajalshah, his plans foiled, returned angrily and began plotting to harm Medha. He planned to host a feast for the entire community to celebrate his daughter's wedding, and then, seizing an opportunity, kill Medha to become powerful and claim the credit for building the temple. He invited his daughter Manda and Medhashah to the wedding. As the construction of Medha's temple was progressing rapidly, he sent his family instead of going himself. Upon Medha's absence, Kajalshah declared that the work could not proceed without Medhashah and decided to go to Gaudi pur himself to fetch him.

The Yaksha warned Medha that Kajalshah was coming to get him and harbored malicious intentions. Medha was advised not to go. After the Yaksha departed, Kajalshah arrived and, feigning affection, insisted on taking Medha to his village, Mudesar. After the wedding and community feast were over, Kajal gave a signal to his wife to mix poison in the milk when they would dine together. His wife pleaded not to kill Medha, fearing it would bring disgrace to their lineage. Despite her earnest attempts, Kajal remained unmoved. As Kajal and Medha sat down to dine together, the wife brought milk. Kajal swore by the milk, but Medha drank it and was immediately overcome by poison, leading to his death. Kajal's infamy spread everywhere. Miranade and Mahino, Mehra mourned.

After performing Medha's cremation, Kajal consoled his sister. Kajalshah completed the Jinālaya (temple). When the pinnacle could not be set firmly, Kajalshah became anxious. When the pinnacle fell for the second time, the Yaksha King appeared in Mahino's dream and told him to place the pinnacle, and it would remain stable. The text questions how the murderer Kajal would receive credit. According to the Yaksha's instructions, Mahino placed the pinnacle, the congregation rejoiced, the consecration took place, and the miraculous Tirth gained widespread recognition.

The text also describes a painting depicting the emergence and procession of Gaudi Parshvanath. The painting, measuring 31x30 inches, features the idol of the Lord mounted on a white elephant with a howdah and seven tusks. The description of its manifestation is mentioned nearby. Men and women are present on both sides, holding urns and worship materials. In the upper part of the painting, there are six celestial vehicles above cloud formations, depicted in various forms such as horse-faced, elephant-faced, and swan-faced, with two deities in each showering flowers. The lower part of the painting shows tents and awnings. Accompanying this painting is a descriptive board with the following inscription: "The meaning of Shri Gaudi Parshvanath Swami's manifestation." "Created by Ganesh Musavara of Jaipur city in Calcutta." "Samvat 1925, Kartik Sudi 15, Saturday, by Shrimāl Jñātī Phophaḷiyā Rīghulāl, son Shikharachandran."

Finally, the text presents the Shri Gaudi Parshvanath Stavan by Shri Nemvijay, beginning with verses that praise Goddess Saraswati and implore her for inspiration to sing the glories of Gaudi. It describes the appearance of the idol in Patan and the devotion of its followers. The Stavan recounts the story of Parshvanath's life, his leaving the palace, enduring asceticism, and facing difficulties. It then details the creation of three idols in Patan, the burial of one by a Turk, and the prophetic dream of the Yaksha King to Medhashah. The narrative continues with Medhashah's journey to Parkar, the consecration of the idol, and his subsequent conflict with Kajalshah. It details Kajalshah's treachery, his poisoning of Medhashah, and the eventual completion of the temple under Mahino's efforts. The Stavan concludes by mentioning the consecration in Samvat 1432 and the subsequent fame and miracles of the Tirth. The concluding verses mention poets like Shri Heer Vijay Surishwar, Shubh Vijay Kavi, and Nem Vijay Kavi.

In essence, the document provides a historical and devotional account of the Gaudi Parshvanath Tirth, tracing the origin of the miraculous idol, its journey, its establishment, and the miraculous events that led to its renown. It also laments the current state of obscurity of this once famous pilgrimage site and includes the devotional hymn that contributed significantly to its popularity.