Girnar Chittpravadi - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Girnar Chittpravadi" by Vidhatri Vora, based on the content of the provided pages:

Overview and Historical Context

The "Girnar Chittpravadi" is a short composition, comprising only twenty-five verses (gathas), attributed to an unknown author. Despite its brevity, the work is significant from a historical perspective as it provides valuable information about the Girnar pilgrimage site. While not particularly noteworthy for its literary merit, the verses are rhythmic (with only a few exceptions) and easy to recite, composed in the "Dodhak" meter.

The author of the analysis, Vidhatri Vora, places this work in the context of other significant Jain literature that describes the Girnar pilgrimage. These include:

Inscriptions of Minister Vastupal (Vikram Samvat 1288 / 1232 CE)
Revgiri Ras by Nagendragachchhiya Vijaysensuri (13th century CE)
Girnar Kalpa by Dharmaghoshasuri (third quarter of the 13th century CE)
Revatak Kalpa and other works by Jinaprabhasuri (late 13th to early 14th century CE)
Pethadras by an unknown author (Vikram Samvat 1360 / 1304 CE)
Samararasa by Devsuris (Vikram Samvat 1371 / 1315 CE)

These earlier works generally share a common narrative regarding the temples on Girnar. Later works like Girnar Chett Paripati by Humadu (Vikram Samvat 1515 / 1459 CE) and Girnar Tirth Mala by a disciple of Ratnasinhsuris (Vikram Samvat 1523 / 1467 CE) mention additional temples built in the 15th century, offering a broader view. The analysis of the "Girnar Chittpravadi" highlights the interest in comparing these works.

Manuscript Details and Dating

The present manuscript of "Girnar Chittpravadi" is housed in the Shri Hemchandracharya Jain Gyan Mandir in Patan, specifically in the Shri Sangh Jain Bhandar, cataloged as #3132, D. 114. The manuscript's title is "Akshudachal Vinati Sangrah Adi Vinati Sangrah," with the "Girnar Chett Pravadi" being the last work.

Manuscript Size: 2.5 x 11.5, 8 folios.
Script: Each folio has an average of 18 lines, with 57 characters per line.
Writing Style: The manuscript's writing style dates to the 16th century.
Language: The text is in old Gujarati.

Dating the "Girnar Chittpravadi"

While the composition's date is not explicitly mentioned, the analysis suggests it predates the mention of three specific temples built in the 15th century, which are found in Hemhamsuri's "Girnar Chett Paripati" and Ratnasinhsuris' disciple's "Girnar Tirth Mala." These temples were built by Narpal Saudhavi, Samarasinh-Malde, and Bhubhuv Shanuraja. The absence of these in the "Chittpravadi" suggests they were not yet constructed at the time of its writing. Furthermore, linguistic analysis indicates the "Chittpravadi" is an earlier composition compared to these later works, possibly from the early 15th century or even earlier.

The manuscript concludes with a note: "Written by Jayanandan." The analysis connects this Jayanandan to Jayanand Suri, a disciple of Samtilak Suri of the Tapagachchha, who passed away in Vikram Samvat 1441 (1385 CE). This information further supports the conclusion that the "Girnar Chittpravadi" was composed before this date. The author is identified as a Jain pilgrim poet whose time was likely around that of Hemhamsuri, based on the notes and language.

Content and Pilgrim's Journey

From a pilgrimage perspective, the poet guides the reader through the journey to Girnar, starting from the "Jinuprakar" (Uparkot) to the foothills and up the path to the summit.

Key Locations and Descriptions:

Foot of Uparkot: The poet mentions:
- Tejalpur: Founded by Minister Tejpal.
- Kumar Sarovar: Built by the minister in honor of his mother.
- Parshvanath Temple (Asadraj Vihar).
- Mahavir Swami Temple within Uparkot.
- Kalmegh Kshetrapal's location by Damodar Kund.
- Other observations on the ascent to the Girnar path.
The Path (Paj): The author of the "Paripati" states that the path was constructed by Bahad (Minister Vagbhatt). This contrasts with "Revantgiri Ras," which attributes its construction to Minister Ankhand.
Approaching the Fort:
- The poet points out the golden pinnacles (dandkalash) of the temples visible from afar.
- He mentions the tradition of Ratnashravaka renovating the idol of Tirthankar Neminath.
- Aapapamadha: This location's identity is debated, with Pandit Bechardas Doshi suggesting it might refer to a water shed (prapa).
Temples within the Fort:
- Neminath (the Tirthankar) and Rajimati's temple to his right.
- Neminath's "Kalyan-traya" temple built by Sachiveshwar Vastupal.
- Gajpad (tank).
- Nagzara, Marzara...
- Adishwar's temple built by Vastupal, known as Shatrujayavatara.
- Virajitedra (Satyapuravatara) temple.
- A temple with twenty Jinas (representing Sametshikhar) and another with twenty-four Jinas (representing Ashtapad).
- Temples of Marudevi and Bharateshwar.
Further Observations on the Ascent:
- After paying respects to Rathneminath, the poet mentions the Lakhvaram (Lakhavaan) and Sahasaravan (Sahasravana/Sahasramraavan) regions.
- Before proceeding, he offers salutations to the Avalokan Shikhar (Guru Dattatraya), Shambhu (Gorakhanath), and Pradyumna (Adhanath) Shikharas.
- He then describes Sahashrabindu Guffa (likely the present-day Satpuda region) and Chandra Guffa, concluding the work with the blessings of the pilgrimage.

Identification of Specific Locations:

The analysis attempts to identify specific locations mentioned in the text:

Sahashrabindu Guffa (Verse 24): It is believed to be the current Satpuda region. The path branches off from the main route to Ambaji Shikhar towards "Satpuda," while another path to Kalkaa branches off from the route to Gorakhanath from Ambaji. The description of Sahashrabindu Guffa as a conical hollow made of large rocks, with water dripping from the rocks forming a large pool (filled even in summer), justifies the name "Sahashrabindu" (thousand drops). The name "Satpuda" likely originates from the approximately seven large rocks forming the area. The path is without steps and the atmosphere is pleasant.
Kalkaa (Verse 4): The location towards Kalkaa is also described as a cave. The analysis hypothesizes it might be the "Chandra Guffa" mentioned in the poem, as the path to it branches off parallel to the path to Sahashrabindu Guffa, and both are mentioned together in the poem. However, there's no strong evidence to support this identification, unlike for Satpuda.
Bharateshwar (Verses 15-17): The mention of Bharateshwar in this "Paripati" is unique, as is the reference to Virajitedra, the Satyapuravatara, with few exceptions elsewhere.
The Path (Paj) (Verse 6): The common understanding is that the Girnar path was built by Abada. The current poem states it was built by Bahad. There is also another path that goes via Marudevi.

Unique Mentions and Significance

The "Girnar Chittpravadi" stands out for mentioning:

Bharateshwar (verses 15-17).
Virajitedra (Satyapuravatara), which is rarely mentioned elsewhere.

The work is considered valuable for its historical and descriptive insights into the Girnar pilgrimage, offering a unique perspective on the early descriptions and evolution of the site.