Girnar Chaitya Pravadi Vinati

This document is a detailed analysis and partial transcription of a Jain text titled "Girnar Chaitya Pravadi Vinati," authored by Vidhatri Vora. The text is presented as part of a larger work on Jainology.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided pages:

Overall Nature of the Text:

• The "Girnar Chaitya Pravadi Vinati" is a devotional poem or pravadi (a type of lyrical composition) that describes a pilgrimage to the sacred Girnar mountain and its associated sites.
• It is presented as a poetic rendition, distinct from a purely factual historical account. The author of the analysis highlights that Vidhatri Vora's work is a beautiful poetic creation, with deeper emotional experience and more engaging expression compared to a previously discussed similar work.
• The poem is structured as a conversation where the poet sings or recites the chaitya pravadi to a friend (sakhi). This format makes it melodious and engaging.

Key Features and Content:

1. Poetic Quality: The analysis emphasizes the poetic merit of the "Girnar Chaitya Pravadi Vinati." The poet's sensory experiences and emotional depth are noted, especially in describing nature and the spiritual atmosphere.
2. Pilgrimage Route: The poem details a pilgrimage journey, starting from:
   • Mangalpur (Mangrol): Paying homage to Parshvanath.
   • Vanthali: Visiting the sixteenth Tirthankara (likely Shantinath).
   • Tejalpur (below Uparkot): Offering prayers to Parshvanath, mentioning a lake which is identified as Kamalasar built by Tejpal.
   • Junagadh (Uparkot): Worshiping Mahavir and Adinath.
   • Sonrekha River: Mentioned as the poet takes the path towards Damodar.
   • Damodar Tirth: The path is described. The text mentions a temple of Kalamegh Kshetrapal and the bavlis (stepwells) built by Vastupal near the Dadar ghat.
   • Path to Girnar's Foot: The natural beauty of the path is vividly described, with a romantic anecdote about a couple resting.
   • Girnar's Foothills (Paj): Acknowledgment of the builder, Bahaddev (minister Vagbhat), for the paj (likely a pathway or structure).
3. Ascent and Inner Experience:
   • The ascent of the mountain is linked to the shedding of karma.
   • The poet describes the natural wonders encountered during the climb with great appreciation.
   • Upon reaching the kot (fortification or inner sanctum), the poet describes the divine fragrance emanating from the temple.
4. Temple Worship and Inner Sanctum:
   • Entering the gabhara (main sanctum), the poet bows to Neminath.
   • Passing through the Indramandap (Indra's pavilion).
   • Bathing in the Gajpad Kund.
   • The poet details the worship rituals:
     • Worshiping the bimba (idol) of Neminath and the bimba of Ashtapada.
     • Visiting temples of Adinath (as 'Shatrunjayavatar Adishwar'), Ashtapada, Samet Shikhar deities, Marudevi, Kapadil Yaksha, and the kalyan-traya (three auspicious events) of Neminath.
     • Visiting the temples of Rathnemi and Rajimati.
     • Reaching Ambaji's peak.
     • Paying homage at Avalokana Shikhar and Shastrapadymna.
     • Worshiping the bimba of Hemkhalanak.
5. Other Sacred Sites Mentioned:
   • The poem lists other significant places visited or paid homage to: Sahasraram (Sheshavan), Lakharam, Chandbindu (Chandragufa), Sahasrabindu Guddha, Satpuda, and Kalkagufa.
   • Mention of unlisted sites and Chhatrashila (possibly Bhairav Jap).
6. Historical and Comparative Notes:
   • The analysis mentions that this work includes details not found in the earlier "Girnar Chaitya Paripati," such as the mention of Parshvanath at Mangalpur, Shantinath at Vanthali, the ghats at Damodar built by Vastupal, Hembalanak, and Chhatrashila.
   • The manuscript is dated to the 17th century. The poem's language is noted as being from a slightly later period than the earlier work, with a fluidity similar to Brij Bhasha poetry.
   • The text is believed to have been composed after the construction of the Rathnemi temple, likely in the second half of the 15th century.
7. Poet's Devotion and Artistic Skill:
   • The poet's devotional fervor is evident in the detailed descriptions of rituals.
   • The first eight stanzas are dedicated to praising the enchanting natural beauty, reflecting the poet's deep emotional connection to nature.
   • The latter half of the pravadi provides historical information while maintaining the poetic style.
8. Transcribed Stanzas: A portion of the original Gujarati text (stanzas 1-33) is transcribed at the end, providing a glimpse of the poem's original form.

In essence, "Girnar Chaitya Pravadi Vinati" is a significant Jain devotional poem that serves as both a spiritual guide for visiting Girnar and a lyrical expression of the poet's profound experiences of faith, nature, and the sanctity of the pilgrimage sites.