Ghogha Tirth Itihas

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ghogha Tirth Itihas" (History of Ghogha Tirth) based on the provided pages:

The book "Ghogha Tirth Itihas" chronicles the history of the Ghogha Tirth, detailing its rise and fall, its magnificent temples, and the divine idols enshrined within. Published by Kala Mitha Pedhi Ghogha, the book aims to preserve the rich heritage of this significant Jain pilgrimage site.

Key Aspects and Information Presented:

• Introduction to Ghogha Tirth: Ghogha Tirth is described as a beautiful ancient port city located about 20 km from Bhavnagar in Saurashtra, on the coast of the Gulf of Cambay. It was a prominent trading center in ancient times, rivaling Piram Bet even before Bhavnagar was established. The region was once prosperous and had a significant Jain population.

• The Main Deity - Navkhanda Parshvanath Bhagwan:

  • The central attraction of Ghogha Tirth is the "Navkhanda Parshvanath Bhagwan" (Nine-Segmented Parshvanath Bhagwan).
  • The idol is described as ancient, potent, and 91 cm tall, housed in a temple resembling a divine abode.
  • The history of the idol's installation and reverence spans centuries, with mentions in various texts and inscriptions dating back to the 12th century and beyond.
  • Origin of the Name "Navkhanda": A significant part of the history details a disruptive event where the idol of Navkhanda Parshvanath Bhagwan was broken into nine pieces by invaders. A fortunate devotee received a dream instructing them to retrieve the pieces from a well (Bapeshwar well) using a rope made of diamonds. After retrieval, the pieces were to be placed in a mixture of nine mounds of lapsi (a sweet semolina dish) and brought out after nine days.
  • Dispute and Resolution: When the broken idol was ready to be retrieved from the lapsi, a dispute arose between the Ghogha and Bhavnagar communities, both claiming the idol. A resolution was reached where the idol pieces would be placed on an ox-less cart, and the direction the cart moved naturally would determine the idol's destination. Fortunately, the cart moved towards Ghogha, leading to the idol's return and re-installation.
  • The "Nine Joints": Due to the divine intervention and the premature removal of the idol from the lapsi (by one day, at the request of a visiting Sangh from Bharuch), the nine segments of the idol reportedly joined, but the joints remained visible, a unique characteristic still observable today.
  • Consecration and Annual Celebration: The idol was re-consecrated on Vaishakh Vad 10 in Vikram Samvat 1865 (AD 1809) by Acharya Jinendrasurishwarji Maharaj. This date is celebrated annually with great fervor.

• Other Important Jain Deities and Temples:

  • Adishwar Bhagwan: It is mentioned that Shri Adishwar Bhagwan was originally the main deity (Mulnayak) at Ghogha Tirth. The current main rangmandap (hall) of Navkhanda Parshvanath Bhagwan features idols of Chakreshwari Mata and Vimaleshwar Dev, and a beautiful idol of Adishwar Bhagwan is also present. It is suggested that the Adishwar Bhagwan idol might have been moved to Bhavnagar when the Navkhanda idol was re-installed.
  • Shantinath Bhagwan: A temple dedicated to Shantinath Bhagwan exists within the fort walls. The idols were consecrated by descendants of Seth Dharamchand Maganlal.
  • Suvidhinath Bhagwan: A temple of Suvidhinath Bhagwan, similar in design to the Navkhanda Parshvanath temple, is located on the right side.
  • Neminath Bhagwan: A temple of the 22nd Tirthankar, Neminath Bhagwan, stands opposite the Navkhanda Parshvanath temple.
  • Choumukhji: A temple dedicated to Choumukhji features both an marble and a Panchadhatu (five-metal) idol, believed to have been brought from Gandhar during a calamity. It also houses the idol of Acharya Dharmaghosha Surishwarji.
  • Jirawala Parshvanath Bhagwan: A separate temple is dedicated to Jirawala Parshvanath Bhagwan.
  • Chandraprabhu Bhagwan: The oldest shikharbandhi (spire-topped) temple is believed to be that of the 8th Tirthankar, Chandraprabhu Bhagwan, which predates the current Navkhanda Parshvanath temple.
  • Footprints (Paduka): Footprints of Takkrajga, Hemvimalsurishwarji Maharaj, and Dayauraj Gani are located in a daheri (shrine) near Sonariya Lake, outside the main village.

• History and Decline of Ghogha:

  • The original name of Ghogha was Gundi Gadh. It was a significant port during the time of the kings of Vallabhi.
  • The decline of the kingdom led to a decrease in the port's importance.
  • A significant event mentioned is when the sea waters receded, causing a crisis. Devotees performed a ritual at the shore, and the sea waters returned to their normal level.
  • The decline is also attributed to the natural depletion of large oil tanks in a place called "Mahajan no Kanto," with the oil reportedly found on the Porbandar coast.
  • Various historical periods are mentioned, including conquests by Muslims and the Delhi Sultanate. The port's destruction by the Portuguese in 1614 led to a loss of prosperity. While it became a busy port again under British rule, the development of Bhavnagar led to Ghogha's diminished significance.

• Notable Figures and Events:

  • Mahendrasurishwarji: In VS 1168, Shri Mahendrasurishwarji's teachings led to the installation of the idol by Nanavati Shri Hirubhai of the Shrimali caste, indicating the presence of Jains and temples before that time.
  • Jinesurasurishwarji: In the 14th century, Acharya Jinesurasurishwarji of the Kharatragachh sent an epistle mentioning visits to Ghogha for the darshan of Navkhanda Parshvanath Bhagwan.
  • Vastupati: In VS 1483 and 1499, the wealthy Shravak Vastupati, a resident of Ghogha, is mentioned for undertaking numerous pilgrimages and festivals.
  • Vrindhichandraji Maharaj: A significant figure who brought the influence of samvegi (ascetic) saints to Ghogha, which was previously dominated by jati (ascetic groups with different practices). The first chaturmas of samvegi saints in Ghogha and Bhavnagar are attributed to him and Shree Buterayji Maharaj, respectively.
  • Dalichandji Jati and Vadhechand Jati: These jati held significant influence in Ghogha. Stories are recounted of Dalichandji Jati's spiritual powers, such as stopping celestial instruments during a procession and using mantras to ward off cholera.
  • Hiravijayasurishwarji Maharaj: Mentioned as a significant influence, he traveled from Patan to Palitana with a large Sangh, including a contingent from Ghogha.
  • Gulabvijayji Maharaj: His chaturmas in Ghogha and his subsequent passing were influential. A new upashray was built due to his inspiration, and a temple with his idol was established.
  • Yashovijayji Maharaj: Resided in Ghogha and, inspired by the sea, composed a notable Gujarati poetic work titled "Samudra Vahan Samvad" in 1717.

• Religious Practices and Facilities:

  • Bhojanshala (Dining Hall): A well-maintained dining hall operates year-round, providing navkashi (morning meal), afternoon meals, and chauvihar (fasting until dusk) meals free of charge.
  • Bhatakhata (Food Distribution): A facility for distributing food is also available throughout the year.
  • Atithi Gruh (Guest House): Well-appointed rooms are available for visitors, with no charges levied.
  • Donations: The book lists various donation options for supporting the Tirth, such as funds for the collective Attamtap on Posh Dashmi, the dining hall, the guest house, and the perpetual lamps.
  • Posh Dashmi: The auspicious day of Parshvanath Bhagwan's kalyanak is celebrated annually with a collective attamtap (fasting for eight days).

• Connectivity: Ghogha Tirth is located 20 km from Bhavnagar, with bus services available every thirty minutes from 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM. Air connectivity is available between Mumbai and Bhavnagar, and Ghogha is 15 km from Bhavnagar airport.

• Architectural Features: The temple of Navkhanda Parshvanath Bhagwan is described as grand and well-constructed, with a surrounding wall. Within the compound, there are four temples. The temples at Ghogha, Mahuva, and Dholka are noted to have been built by the same sculptor, exhibiting similar architectural styles.

• Epigraphical and Historical Records: The book refers to inscriptions and mentions in historical texts, including a 1677 Arabic inscription, indicating the ancient nature of the site. The presence of inscriptions from the 14th century on statues found at Piram Bet further supports the historical significance.

The book serves as a comprehensive guide and historical record, urging visitors to experience the spiritual significance of Ghogha Tirth. It highlights the devotion, resilience, and faith of the Jain community in preserving this sacred site.