Girnar Granthoni Godma - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Girnar Granthonni Godma," based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Girnar Granthonni Godma (Meaning: In the Lap of Girnar's Scriptures) Author: Muni Hemvallabhvijay Publisher: Girnar Mahatirth Vikas Samiti Junagadh Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/005399/1

This book, compiled by Muni Hemvallabhvijay, is a collection of various Jain scriptures that glorify the sacred pilgrimage site of Girnar (also known as Raivatachal or Ujjayant). The primary purpose of this compilation is to highlight the immense significance of Girnar in Jainism, to bring to the attention of the Jain community (Chaturvidh Sangh) the glorious history and spiritual importance of this tirth, and to inspire devotion and renewed engagement with it.

Key Themes and Content:

Girnar as a Sacred Tirth:
- The book emphasizes that Girnar is considered one of the most important and sacred pilgrimage sites in Jainism. It is repeatedly referred to as "Girnar Giriraj" (King of Mountains Girnar).
- Its sanctity is attributed to it being the place where Lord Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankara of this era, attained Diksha (initiation), Kevalgyan (omniscience), and Nirvana (liberation).
- The text also mentions that 24 Tirthankaras will attain liberation here in the future, further enhancing its spiritual value.
- It is compared to other significant Jain pilgrimage sites like Shatrunjay, Samet Shikharji, Pavapuri, Champa Puri, and Rajagriha, asserting that Girnar holds an equal, if not greater, reverence due to its unique spiritual connections.
Historical Context and Past Neglect:
- The book acknowledges that in the past, prominent Acharyas, monks, and devout lay followers undertook significant efforts for the upliftment and preservation of Girnar.
- However, it notes a period of neglect by the Jain community in recent centuries, which led to the tirth facing various challenges.
- It specifically highlights the efforts of Acharya Himanshu Surishwarji Maharaj, who worked tirelessly about 40 years prior to the book's publication to protect and revive the tirth, ensuring the safety of the land where Lord Neminath achieved his Kalyanaks (auspicious events).
Glorification through Scriptures:
- The core of the book is a compilation of verses and excerpts from various ancient Jain texts that praise Girnar. The compiler has meticulously collected information from numerous scriptures related to Girnar.
- Specific Texts Mentioned (as per the Table of Contents/Reference List):
  - Shri Girnar Mahatirth Kalpa
  - Shri Girnar Kalpa
  - Shri Raivatgiri Kalpa
  - Shri Ujjayant Stava
  - Shri Ujjayant Mahatirth Kalpa
  - Shri Raivatgiri Rasu
  - Shri Shatrunjay Mahatmya (mentioned for comparison and context)
  - Shri Shatrunjay Kalpa Vritti (mentioned for comparison and context)
  - Bhav Bhavna (mentioning Lord Neminath's samavasaran and renunciations)
  - Kumar Pal Prati Bodh (highlighting Girnar's significance and events)
  - Shri Nemithar Jinprasad Prashasti
  - Samyakattva Saptatika (discussing the spiritual merits of Girnar)
  - Chaturvishatika (mentioning past Tirthankaras associated with Girnar)
  - Upadesh Saptati
  - Upadesh Tarangini
  - Prabhavak Charitra
  - Sukrut Sagar
  - Prabandh Chintamani (mentioning historical events related to Girnar)
  - Vastupal Charitra (detailing the construction and renovations of temples and structures at Girnar by minister Vastupal)
- The text includes detailed descriptions of Girnar's physical attributes, its geological formations, rivers, springs, the divine power emanating from it, and the stories of the deities and Yakshas associated with it.
- It also narrates the history of the construction and renovation of various temples and holy spots on Girnar by kings, ministers (like Vastupal and Tejpal), and devotees, emphasizing the enduring faith and architectural contributions.
Miraculous Aspects and Divine Presence:
- The scriptures detail numerous miraculous events associated with Girnar, such as the descent of rivers for Lord Neminath's abhishekam (ritual bathing), the presence of various divine beings (celestials, Yakshas, Yakshinis like Ambika), and the power of the tirth to purify sins and grant spiritual merit.
- The presence of the divine footprints and various precious stone-studded idols of Tirthankaras, particularly Lord Neminath, is highlighted.
- The text mentions that even in the current era (Kaliyug), celestial beings are believed to be present and engaged in devotional activities at Girnar.
The Importance of Devotion and Action:
- The book strongly advocates for the importance of visiting Girnar, performing rituals, offering prayers, and engaging in acts of charity and austerity there.
- It emphasizes that such devotional activities, especially those performed with sincere devotion and righteousness (Nyaayopaattam dhanam), lead to immense spiritual merit, happiness in this life, and liberation in future lives.
- The compilation aims to reawaken the community's devotion and commitment to this sacred tirth.
Call for Action and Appeal:
- The compiler, Muni Hemvallabh Vijay, expresses his humble hope that the respected monks and nuns will accept this modest effort to disseminate the glories of Girnar.
- He also requests them to point out any shortcomings or errors in the compilation.
- The book is presented as a collection of scriptural evidence, akin to a legal affidavit, testifying to the greatness of Girnar.

Overall Significance:

"Girnar Granthonni Godma" serves as a devotional and historical compendium, meticulously curated to reaffirm the supreme significance of Girnar in the Jain tradition. It aims to remind the Jain community of their spiritual heritage and to inspire them to actively participate in the preservation, glorification, and pilgrimage to this sacred mountain, which has been blessed by the presence and divine activities of multiple Tirthankaras, most notably Lord Neminath. The book is a testament to the deep reverence and affection the Jain faith holds for Girnar.