Girnar Chetta Parivadi

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Girnar Chetta Parivadi" by M.A. Dhaky:

The text "Girnar Chetta Parivadi" is a valuable and extensive chaitya paripaati (description of temple complexes and their pilgrimage routes) focused on the temples of Girnar (Ujjayantgiri). It comprises approximately 41 verses.

Key Aspects and Significance:

• Support and Elaboration: It builds upon and clarifies information found in earlier Girnar Teerthmaalas, specifically mentioning one by Hemhans, a disciple of Ratnaśekharasuri, who belonged to the Brihat Tapagachchha lineage and was a disciple of Ratnasinhsuri.
• New Information: The text also introduces novel facts not found in other paripaati accounts.
• Author: The author remains anonymous. However, a conjecture based on the 41st verse suggests it might be a composition by a monk accompanying a pilgrimage led by a "Sanghvi Shavraj."
• Dating: The manuscript used for this transcription (from the collection of Muni Punyavijayji) does not specify its composition or script date. However, based on its language and content, the work is estimated to be from the latter half of the 15th century CE, while the script of the manuscript appears to be from the latter half of the 17th century CE.

Summary of the Pilgrimage Description:

The chaitya paripaati details a comprehensive pilgrimage to Girnar, describing the sites visited in a sequential manner:

1. Invocation: The pilgrim-poet begins by invoking the deity Ambika and the goddess Saraswati, paying homage to Mijin (a deity), and declaring their intent to joyfully praise the Jina (Tirthankara) of Ujjayantgiri (Girnar).

2. Junagadh (Early Stops):

   • The pilgrimage starts by mentioning Junagadh (Jirnadurga), located at the foot of Girnar.
   • It describes paying respects at the "Salakh Prasada" (temple built by Shresthi Salakh).
   • Homage is paid to the idol of Parshvanath in Tejpala's city (Tejalpur) which was restored by Samarasinha of the Oswal lineage.
   • The pilgrim is directed to worship the first Jina (Adinath) in the temple of Sanghvi Dhundhal.
   • The text mentions worshipping Lord Mahavir in the Dharanig Vasahi and notes that the Bhadraprasada on the left was constructed by Shresthi Puniga.
   • Finally, the Khamaṇāvasahi, built with enthusiasm by Lakharaj, where the brass idol of Rishabheshwara (Adinath) is worshipped, is mentioned.

3. Ascent to Girnar:

   • The journey towards Girnar itself is described, mentioning the Varshapatha region, the Damodar and Sonrekh rivers, and the Kshetrapala Kalamegh.
   • The natural beauty encountered is described.
   • The text notes the construction of "Pan" by Bahad, son of minister Udayan, at a cost of sixty-three lakhs.

4. Sequence of Stops (Parbs/Watering Places): The ascent involves a specific sequence of stops and parbs (resting places/watering places):

   • The first parb belongs to Oswal Soni Padama.
   • The second is associated with the Porwads.
   • The third parb is near the Rayan tree in Hathivank.
   • The fourth is near Mankakudi, called Mali Parb (gardener's parb).
   • The route then proceeds along a winding path, mentioning Silakhadki and another Khadki.
   • The fifth parb is Suvavadi, from where the Sahavind cave is located to the right.
   • Further ahead, toranas (arches) and the Achaliya Prasad (temple of the Anchalgachchha sect) become visible on both sides.
   • The first and second pol (gateways/sections) are then mentioned.

5. Arrival at Neminath Temple:

   • The pilgrim reaches the temple of Tirthnayak Lord Neminath.
   • The grand entrance of the sangh (pilgrim group) is described with umbrellas, fly-whisks, and the sounding of Panchashabda instruments, along with the deafening sounds of conches and drums, trumpets, and the singing of auspicious songs by young women.

6. Worship and Rituals:

   • The pilgrim first bows to Dharmanath in the Melasa shrine.
   • They then worship the idol of Nemiśara at the 'Savalaakhi Chuki Dhar' opposite the main gate, installed by Vastupal.
   • Homage is paid to the temple of Parshvanath (a replica of the Stambhanpura construction by Vastupal).
   • Upon seeing Neminath, the pilgrim offers worship, makes donations, and visits the Padumandap (footprint pavilion).
   • After circumambulating the temple (with its hidden chambers) three times and making further donations, they offer various fruits and flowers to the Jina.
   • Performing adhukul worship (worship with folded hands) is said to make human life successful.
   • After bathing in the Gajpadakund and washing, they return to the Neminath temple for an avahana-mahotsava (abhisheka ceremony) and worship with saffron and sandalwood.

7. Further Temples and Shrines:

   • The pilgrimage continues to the shrine of Nemiśara established by Ratna Shravaka, worshipping with incense.
   • They perform chaitya paripaati in the bhamti (circumambulatory passage) and worship the Jina in the Rangamandap.
   • After bowing in the Dharamshala temple, the pilgrim moves towards Apapamadha.

8. Apapamadha and Other Sites:

   • In Apapamadha, they worship the Jinas of the previous Chaturvimsati (24 Tirthankaras) and seven other Tirthankaras to absolve sins.
   • The idol of the eighth Tirthankara (Neminath), which was magically drawn from Trivati (Khambhat) by Bappabhattisuri and presented to Amaraaj, is worshipped.

9. Temples of Object-Worship and Donor Contributions:

   • They worship the brass idol of Neminath and then offer worship in the 72 shrines built by minister Vastupal around the main temple.
   • From there, they proceed to pay homage to Adinath in the Shatrunjayavatara temple, a construction of Vastupal costing millions, featuring three deities.
   • Mention is made of the market stalls on the left and right, featuring images of Vastupal, Tejpal, Soma (Vastupal's paternal grandfather), and Asaraj (Vastupal's father).
   • The captivating statues in the Rangamandap are admired.
   • The 24 Jinas in Ashtapada on the left and the 20 Jinas in Sametshikhar on the right are also described.
   • The temple of Jirapalli-Parshvanath, established by Govinda Shresthi, is worshipped.
   • The palaces of Shren and Bhuvan of Khambhat, housing Vimalnath and Parshvanath, are described with beautiful mukhamandaps.
   • The brass idols in this temple are praised, and the temple is likened to a golden balcony.
   • The temple of the Kalyanatraya, restored by Samarasinha, with Neminath in three forms and the Meghnad Mandap with pillars, is mentioned.
   • The 52 shrines on the jagati (platform) are described, bringing joy to the heart.
   • The text details specific shrines: the southern Bhadraprasada built by Maldeva with a large brass idol by Ratnadeva; the western Bhadraprasada built by Haji Shresthi; and the northern one built by Shresthi Sada and Shresthi Vatsaraja.

10. Khartarvasahi and Related Structures:

    • The pilgrim then visits the Khartarvasahi, established by Sadhu Narpal, featuring a brass idol of Vir with a torana.
    • Around it are beautiful brass kausggiyas (standing idols) of Shantinath and Parshvanath.
    • The ceilings of the Rangamandap, with their Nagabandha and Panchangavira designs, and the statues within the mandap, are pleasing to behold. The mandap itself is built on the "Mala Khada."
    • On the right is the Ashtapada Bhadrasad built by Bhansali Joga, and on the left is the renowned Sametshikhar construction by Dharanashah.
    • From here, they proceed to see other significant sites like Abhut Murti, Chandragupha, Purnasinhvasati, Sumatijin, and the beautiful Homsar established by Vraj Shresthi.
    • They worship Sarangjinvar, installed by Somesimha, and the charming vasati of Khartargachchhiya Shresthi Jetha.
    • After worshipping Chandrprabhajin, they visit the two Kunds of Nagzhar and Morzhar.
    • They pay homage at the Shantinath Prasad, containing 72 Jinalayas, established by Purnasinh Kothari.
    • The Indramandap and the Indramahotsava are mentioned, along with a visit to the Punim temple.

11. Further Sites and Deities:

    • The pilgrim moves on, mentioning the eight idols on the Gajpadakund, Sankaliiali Paj, and Chhatrashila.
    • In the morning, they depart for the Ambika Shikhar.
    • En route, they praise Chandrprabhajin and visit the Kapardiyaksh temple renovated by Siddhraj.
    • They worship Mata Marudevi, installed by Chakri Bharata, and pass by the two temples of Ram Dungar, turning towards Rajimati.

12. Rajimati's Cave and Digambara Sect Sites:

    • They visit Rajimati's cave and behold the image of Rajimati, who broke her bangles in sorrow of separation from Nemi.
    • The temple of Udayashekhar, with its kalasha, dedicated to the son of Shivadevi (Neminath), is seen below.
    • The pilgrimage then moves to the Kotadi Vihar of the Digambara sect.
    • Here, they bow to the brass Adinath installed by Shresthi Pata.
    • In the Bhavsar Dahavihar (Swetambara sect), they bow to Ajit Jineshar.
    • They worship the Jina in the Chaturmukhprasada built by Shresthi Lakpati.
    • In Gangade, they meditate on the Jina installed by Indra in the Ganga temple.
    • After visiting the temples of Ganapati and Rathnemi, they ascend the Ambika's Paj constructed by Chittar Sah.
    • They bow at the Ambika Prasad, built by Chittuda Puna and renovated by Samala Shah.
    • They offer a coconut before the Panchamurti of the goddess Ambika, the remover of obstacles for the sangh.

13. Avlokana Shikhar and Final Homages:

    • The pilgrim then climbs the Avlokana Shikhar to survey the Sahasravan forest.
    • From there, they bow from afar to Lakharam, Shambha, and Pradyumna Shikhar visible below.
    • They note the Siddhivinayak on Pradyumna Shikhar and the unseen Kanchan Balanak.
    • The pilgrim returns to the Neminath temple.
    • They participate in the Indramahotsava, offer donations, and hoist a flag on the "Prithvijayprasada" (according to Vastu Shastra) of the Sajana Vihar, adorned with shining golden kalashas.

14. Concluding Remarks and Historical Observations:

    • The pilgrim-poet states that Jayasingh Siddharaj spent 5,72,00,000 Vissalpuri (dramma) on building the temples of Girnar, accumulating fame.
    • The renowned Sanghvi Shavraj gained renown by installing a golden kalasha and a flag at the temple of Neminath.
    • It is stated that those who listen with single-minded devotion to the Lord's maala (garland/description) daily receive great merit from the pilgrimage.

Critical Assessment of the Text:

• Historical Value: The chaitya paripaati provides valuable information about construction projects in the 15th century that are not found in other Girnar-related accounts. This includes details about the Achaliya Prasad, Jirapalli-Parshvanath by Govinda Shresthi, the Chaturmukhprasada of Shresthi Lakpati, the Digambara Patavasahi and its adjacent Swetambara Dahavasahi, and the Ambaji's Paj constructed by Chittar Sah.
• Discrepancies: However, the text also contains a couple of points that seem factually inaccurate when compared with older sources.
  • The shrines surrounding the Neminath temple were not built by minister Vastupal. An inscription indicates that the main temple was completed in 1129 CE, and the roofing and completion of these shrines were finished in 1159 CE.
  • The reported cost of constructing the Neminath temple appears to be a significant exaggeration. Furthermore, stating that "Vissalpuri Kori" was in circulation during Siddhraj's time is a chronological anachronism.

In essence, "Girnar Chetta Parivadi" offers a vivid and detailed itinerary of a Jain pilgrimage to Girnar, blending devotional descriptions with architectural and donor acknowledgments, while also presenting a historical record with some verifiable and some questionable details.