Girnar Geetganga - Book Summary

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the Jain text "Girnar Geetganga" by Hemvallabhvijay, published by Girnar Mahatirthvikas Samiti.

Book Title: Girnar Geetganga Author: Hemvallabhvijay Publisher: Girnar Mahatirthvikas Samiti Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/006088/1

Overall Purpose: "Girnar Geetganga" is a compilation of devotional songs, hymns, prayers, and rituals primarily focused on the sacred Jain pilgrimage site of Girnar and the 22nd Tirthankara, Lord Neminath, who attained enlightenment and liberation there. The book aims to spread the glory and importance of Girnar to every household and heart, encouraging devotion and spiritual practice.

Key Content Areas:

Glory of Girnar (ગિરનારનો મહિમા):
- The text emphasizes Girnar's eternal nature and its spiritual significance, often comparing it to Shatrunjay.
- It highlights that Girnar is a place where numerous Tirthankaras and great souls attained liberation (moksha).
- The book details the specific Tirthankaras whose initiation, enlightenment, and liberation occurred at Girnar, including Lord Neminath from the current era (Chovisi).
- It mentions the sacred groves and places within Girnar associated with these events, such as Sahasavan.
- The text also touches upon the celestial beings and deities who venerate Girnar.
- A significant portion is dedicated to describing the ancient and divine idol of Lord Neminath, believed to be one of the oldest in the world.
- The miraculous properties of Girnar are described, such as its ability to purify sinners, grant wishes, and even affect animals positively.
- Various spiritual practices like fasting, observance of vows, and meditation at Girnar are lauded for their benefits.
- The sacredness of the Gaja Pad Kund (elephant foot pond) and its waters is highlighted for their purifying and healing powers.
Sections of the Book: The book is structured into various sections, offering a comprehensive devotional experience:
- Girnar's Unique Glory (ગિરનારનો મહિમા ન્યારો): Introductory hymns and verses on Girnar's greatness.
- Girnar Stuti Sarita (ગિરનાર સ્તુતિસરિતા):
  - Girnar Nemi Stuti (ગિરનાર નેમિસ્તુતિ): Hymns specifically praising Lord Neminath at Girnar.
  - General Jin Stuti (સામાન્ય જિનસ્તુતિ): Praises for all Tirthankaras.
  - Girnar Nemi Thoyna Joda (ગિરનાર નેમિ થોયના જોડા): Rhyming couplets or verses related to Lord Neminath and Girnar.
  - Girnar Mahatirthna Khamsamana na Duha (ગિરનાર મહાતીર્થના ખમાસમણાના દુહા): Verses of apology or seeking forgiveness related to Girnar.
- Chaitya Vandhan Vidhi (ચૈત્યવંદન વિધિ): Rituals and procedures for worshipping the Jin temples.
- Girnar-Nemi Stavan (ગિરનાર-નેમિ સ્તવન): Devotional songs and poems dedicated to Lord Neminath at Girnar. This includes both ancient and modern compositions.
- Nemi Bhaktamar Stotram (નેમિભક્તામર સ્તોત્રમ્): A hymn in praise of Lord Neminath, likely a Jain classic.
- Girnar Bhaktidhara (ગિરનાર ભક્તિધારા):
  - Girnar-Nemi Bhaktigeet (ગિરનાર-નેમિ ભક્તિગીત): Devotional songs specifically for Girnar and Lord Neminath.
  - General Bhaktigeet (સામાન્ય ભક્તિગીત): Devotional songs for deities in general.
- Dikshageet (દીક્ષાગીત): Songs related to renunciation and initiation into the monastic life.
- Gurubhakti Geet (ગુરુભક્તિગીત): Songs of devotion to spiritual teachers.
- Chalati na Duha (ચલતીના દુહા): Proverbs or verses for moving or traveling.
- Uchhamani na Duha (ઉછામણીના દુહા): Verses related to bidding or auctioning.
- Girnar Mahatirth ni 99 Yatra ni Vidhi (ગિરનાર મહાતીર્થની ૯૯ યાત્રાની વિધિ): A guide for performing 99 circumambulations or repetitions of the pilgrimage.
- Girnar Mahatirth na 108 Nam Sahit Khamsamana na Duha (ગિરનાર મહાતીર્થના ૧૦૮ નામ સહિત ખમાસમણાના દુહા): Verses including 108 names of Girnar, with apologies.
- Girnar Ni Yatra Karata Pahela Khass Vachvo (ગિરનારની યાત્રા કરતાં પહેલાં ખાસ વાંચો): Important readings before embarking on the Girnar pilgrimage.
- Paramatma Bhakti na Ante Sankalp (પરમાત્મા ભક્તિના અંતે સંકલ્પ): Vows or resolutions at the end of devotion.
- Girnar Kalyanbhumini Amas na Sparshana (ગિરનાર કલ્યાણભૂમિની અમાસના સ્પર્શના): Touch or veneration of the sacred grounds of Girnar on Amavasya (new moon day).
Specific Devotional Content: The book includes a vast collection of devotional pieces, such as:
- Stutis (સ્તુતિઓ): Hymns of praise for Girnar, Lord Neminath, and other Tirthankaras.
- Stavans (સ્તવન): Devotional songs, often narrative or descriptive.
- Bhajans/Bhaktigeet (ભજન/ભક્તિગીત): Songs of devotion and praise.
- Duhas (દુહા): Rhyming couplets.
- Aarti (આરતી): Ritualistic songs performed with lamps.
- Chaitya Vandana (ચૈત્યવંદન): Rituals for worshipping idols in temples.
- Mantras (મંત્ર): Sacred syllables or verses for chanting.
- Stotras (સ્તોત્ર): Longer hymns of praise.
Educational and Ritualistic Aspects:
- Chaitya Vandana Vidhi (ચૈત્યવંદન વિધિ): Provides detailed steps for performing temple worship.
- 99 Yatra Vidhi (૯૯ યાત્રાની વિધિ): Offers guidance on undertaking a specific pilgrimage practice of 99 rounds.
- 108 Names of Girnar: Includes a list of 108 names associated with the holy site.
- Importance of Girnar: The text repeatedly stresses the immense spiritual benefits of visiting and worshipping at Girnar, including the purification of sins, attainment of spiritual merits, and the eventual path to liberation.

Target Audience: This book is intended for Jain devotees, pilgrims, and anyone interested in the devotional literature and pilgrimage sites of Jainism, particularly those connected to Lord Neminath and Girnar.

Publisher's Mission: The publisher, Girnar Mahatirthvikas Samiti, is dedicated to the development and promotion of Girnar as a major Jain pilgrimage site, and this book is part of their effort to disseminate its spiritual importance.

In essence, "Girnar Geetganga" serves as a comprehensive guide and devotional resource for pilgrims and devotees seeking to connect with the spiritual energy of Girnar and the teachings of Lord Neminath through a rich collection of songs, prayers, and rituals.