Girnar Chaitya Pravadi

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Girnar Chaitya Pravadi" by Jayatilakasuri, based on the provided text:

Title: Sri Girnar Chaitya Pravadi Author: Jayatilakasuri Context: This work is a composition in Gurjar Bhasha (an older form of Gujarati) consisting of 36 verses (kadi) and is attributed to Jayatilakasuri, who belonged to the tradition of Ratnakarasuri of the Brihad Tapagachcha.

Dating and Historical Significance:

• Estimated Date: The text is estimated to have been composed around the end of the 14th century, specifically around 1393 CE.
• Evidence for Dating:
  • Jayatilakasuri is known to have completed a commentary on the Anuyogadvara-Churni in 1456 VS (1400 CE).
  • His disciple Ratnasinhsuri's disciple, Charitrasundargani, composed the Shiladuta Kavya in 1487 VS (1431 CE).
  • Crucially, it's mentioned that under Jayatilakasuri's guidance, the Shrimāli Sanghapati Harpati of Khambhat undertook a pilgrimage to Girnar in 1449 VS (1393 CE) and got the temple of Neminath renovated. This event strongly suggests the composition of the "Girnar Chaitya Pravadi" around this time.
  • The absence of any mention of temples built on Girnar in the 15th century further supports this dating.
  • Linguistic characteristics of the work also align with this period.
  • The text is considered older than the "Girnar Tirthamala" composed by a disciple (name unknown) of Ratnasinhsuri (after 1453 CE), placing it at least two generations earlier.

Content and Journey Description:

The "Girnar Chaitya Pravadi" describes a pilgrimage to the holy site of Girnar, focusing on the Neminath temple and its associated structures. The pilgrimage is presented as a spiritual journey, moving from general poetic descriptions to the specific sites:

• Introduction (Verses 1-5): Begins with general poetic descriptions, setting the scene and the intention of the pilgrimage.
• Initial Stages:
  • Paying homage to the Parshvanath idol at the Tejpur Vasahi (Tejpal Vasahi), established by minister Tejpal in the current Junagadh (below Uparkot).
  • Paying respects to the Adishvar and Vir idols in "Jirangadh" (Jirnadurg, the ancient fort, i.e., Uparkot).
  • Observing Sonrekh, Damodar, and Kshetrpal (Kalmegh).
  • Reaching the forest area at the foothills.
• Ascent of the Pathway (Paj):
  • Ascending the pathway (paj), passing by four water fountains (parabo) like Makadakundi and Suvavadi.
  • Expressing gratitude to Bahad Mehta (Mahanto Vagbhatt), the builder of the pathway.
• Entering the Temple Complex:
  • Entering the "Devkot ni Pol" (a lane or area).
  • Worshipping Jin Arishtanemi in his three-storied temple.
  • Paying respects in the seventy-two devakulikas (smaller shrines).
  • Saluting the eight Tirthankaras in the Apapamadhi (a shrine within the southern entrance).
  • Bowing to Neminath in the Kalyana-traya Jinalaya.
  • Seeing Chandragupha (Moon Cave).
• Further Sites and Rituals:
  • Washing oneself in the Gajendrapad Kund near Nagamar-Zra.
  • Visiting Indramandap.
  • Turning back to venerate the deities (Jinas) of Shatrunjayavatar, Sametshikhar, and Ashtapad, located behind the Neminath temple complex.
  • Paying homage at the temples of Kapardi Yaksha and Marudevi, built by minister Vastupal.
  • Going through the Rajul-Rathnemi cave.
  • Observing Ghantakshar and Chhatrashila.
  • Descending into Sahasramravan (Sansavan).
  • Visiting Ambika, Samba, and Pradyumna Shikhar (peak), and paying respects. At Pradyumna Shikhar, there's a mention of the "Kanchan Balak" (Golden Child) from a Datta story.
  • Saluting in the Siddhivinayak Pol.
  • Seeing Gangajala at Sahasrabindu.
• Return to the Main Temple and Conclusion:
  • Returning to the main temple of Neminath.
  • Expressing joy at the fulfillment of the pilgrimage.
• Authorial Declaration: The author, Jayatilakasuri, is explicitly named in the 31st verse.

Literary Merit:

The work is noted for possessing poetic qualities.

Manuscript and Editing:

The text is considered the oldest available composition in Old Gujarati related to the Girnar pilgrimage. It has been edited based on Manuscript No. 8601, pages 12-13, from the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Bharatiya Sanskriti Vidyamandir, and an old excerpt available with the first editor (late Agarchand Nahata).

Overall Significance:

The "Girnar Chaitya Pravadi" is a historically significant Jain text that provides valuable insights into:

• Pilgrimage Practices: It details the specific sites and rituals undertaken during a pilgrimage to Girnar.
• Religious History: It sheds light on the religious activities and patronage during the late 14th century.
• Linguistic Evolution: As an Old Gujarati composition, it contributes to the study of the development of the Gujarati language.
• Architectural and Historical Figures: It mentions important figures like Tejpal, Bahad Mehta, and Vastupal, and their contributions to the Girnar site.
• Literary Tradition: It represents a literary tradition within Jainism focused on devotional themes and pilgrimage accounts.