Girnar Mahatmya - Book Summary

This is a summary of the Jain text "Girnar Mahatmya," based on the provided pages.

Book Title: Girnar Mahatmya Author: Daulatchand Parshottamdas Publisher: Jain Patra

Overall Purpose: The text appears to be a devotional and historical account detailing the significance and legends associated with Mount Girnar, a sacred Jain pilgrimage site. It also serves as a testament to the efforts of the "Aho! Shrutgyanam Granth Jirnovddhar" initiative to preserve and digitize ancient Jain manuscripts.

Key Themes and Content:

Girnar's Significance: The book highlights Girnar as a supremely important Jain Tirth (pilgrimage site), revered for its historical and spiritual significance. It mentions that 22 out of 24 Tirthankaras of the current ascending cycle (avasarpini) will attain liberation there.
Legends and Stories:
- Revanatachal: Girnar is also known as Revanatachal, a mountain associated with celestial beings, sages, and the legends of various kings and queens.
- Neminath's Life: The text elaborates on the life of Lord Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankara, from his birth and naming to his renunciation of worldly life, his divine marriage, and his ultimate liberation (moksha) at Girnar. It details the celestial ceremonies surrounding his birth and the elaborate procession for his wedding.
- Amba Devi: The story of Ambika Devi, an attendant deity, is narrated, explaining her devotion and the celestial boon she received.
- Gomeda Yaksha: The legend of Gomeda Yaksha, a celestial being who attained liberation at Girnar, is also mentioned.
- Vasudeva's Stories: The text includes narratives related to the life of Vasudeva (Krishna), his brother Balarama, the destruction of Dwarka, and their eventual demise. It connects these events to the broader Jain cosmology and the interconnectedness of souls across lifetimes.
- Pandava's Connection: The text describes the connection of the Pandavas to Jain Tirthas, including their pilgrimage to Shatrunjaya and their role in its restoration.
- Historical and Mythological Accounts: The book compiles various historical and mythological accounts, including the lineage of kings and dynasties associated with Saurashtra and Gujarat, detailing their contributions to the upkeep and renovation of Jain temples. It draws from Puranic texts and historical inscriptions.
Pilgrimage Guide (Yatra Vidhi): The text provides detailed information for pilgrims, including:
- Merits of visiting specific Tirthas: It explains the spiritual benefits of visiting certain sites like Vastrapth Kshetra, Damodar Kund, Bhimkund, Mrigi Kund, and Bhavnath.
- Rituals and Practices: It outlines auspicious times for pilgrimage, the importance of fasting, specific observances, and the recommended ethical conduct for pilgrims (like honesty, truthfulness, non-violence, etc.).
- Specific Locations: It describes various important spots on Mount Girnar and its surroundings, including caves, temples, kunds (tanks), and significant rock inscriptions.
- The "Girnar Chhatrishi" and "Girnar Mahatmya": These appear to be sections within the book that poetically describe the beauty and significance of Girnar.
Historical Context of Girnar and Junagadh: A significant portion of the text delves into the historical evolution of Junagadh and the rulers who governed the region, including the Chudasama Rajputs, Solanki dynasty, Mughal rulers, and the eventual rise of the British influence. It mentions the construction and destruction of temples and forts, highlighting the rich historical tapestry of the area. It also includes translations of Ashoka's Edicts found near Girnar, offering insights into ancient Indian governance and religious tolerance.
Preservation Initiative: The pages also highlight the "Aho! Shrutgyanam Granth Jirnovddhar" project, which aims to digitize and preserve rare and ancient Jain texts, making them accessible through DVDs and online platforms (www.ahoshrut.org). This specific volume, "Girnar Mahatmya," is part of this larger effort.

Key Figures Mentioned:

Lord Neminath (22nd Tirthankara)
Lord Rishabhadeva (1st Tirthankara)
Lord Mahavir Swami (24th Tirthankara)
Lord Parshvanath (23rd Tirthankara)
Vasudeva (Krishna)
Balarama
The Pandavas
Various historical rulers of Gujarat and Saurashtra (e.g., Chandragupta Maurya, Ashoka, Samprati Raja, Kumarpal, Siddharaj, Mahmad Begda, etc.)
Key Jain Acharyas and scholars (e.g., Hemchandracharya, Jinavijayji, and others involved in the publication).

Publisher's Contribution: The publication is supported by the Shri Ashapooran Parshwanath Jain Gyanbhandar and coordinated by Shah Babulal Saremal. The initiative aims to make ancient and rare Jain texts available to a wider audience, reflecting a commitment to preserving and disseminating Jain knowledge.

In essence, "Girnar Mahatmya" is a comprehensive work that combines religious narratives, historical accounts, pilgrimage guidance, and the modern effort to preserve Jain heritage, all centered around the sacred mountain of Girnar.