Girnar Tirthoddhar Ras

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Girnar Tirthoddhar Ras" in English, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Girnar Tirthoddhar Ras (A Rasa Poem on the Glorification and Restoration of the Girnar Tirth) Author: Naysundar Gani Publisher: Mohanlal Dalichand Desai Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/005583/1

Overall Summary:

The "Girnar Tirthoddhar Ras" is a devotional poem authored by the renowned Jain poet Naysundar Gani, who flourished in the first half of the 17th century (Vikram Samvat 17th century). The text details the immense glory and historical importance of the Girnar tirth, a sacred pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Neminath, the 22nd Jain Tirthankar. It recounts a legendary narrative about the restoration and significance of the tirth, emphasizing the exemplary devotion and courageous acts of Jain devotees. The poem also serves as a historical record, mentioning various individuals and events that contributed to the upkeep and glorification of the Girnar tirth over centuries.

Key Themes and Content Breakdown:

• Introduction and Purpose (Pages 1-3):

  • The book is published by Mohanlal Dalichand Desai, inspired by Muni Maharaj Shri Balaji.
  • It aims to highlight the significance of the Girnar tirth.
  • The author, Naysundar Gani, is introduced as a prominent Jain poet whose biographical details are available in another work, "Anand Kavya Mahodadhi."
  • The discovery of this "Ras" was a joyous occasion, as it was not previously known to be published.
  • The poem was composed in Dadhigham, near Siddhpur, a birthplace of King Kumarpal, suggesting the poet had visited Girnar.
  • It mentions another of Naysundar Gani's works on the Shatrunjay tirth, dated Samvat 1628.
  • The exact date of the Girnar Ras's composition is not mentioned but is estimated to be between Samvat 1628 and 1669.

• Glory of Girnar and Lord Neminath (Pages 4-5):

  • The poem begins with salutations to the 24 Tirthankaras, particularly Lord Neminath, whose lotus feet adorn the sacred Girnar mountain.
  • It narrates a story about King Navahansa of Kashmir and his queen Vijayade. Their lineage includes Seth Ratna.
  • According to the text, Seth Ratna lived 8,000 years after Lord Neminath's nirvana.
  • A wise Muni visits the land and preaches about the benefits of Jin Puja (worship of Tirthankaras), specifically mentioning Shatrunjay and Girnar.
  • Girnar is highlighted for hosting three of Lord Neminath's kalyanaks (auspicious events: birth, initiation, and nirvana), making its glory immense.
  • The text references other scriptures, like "Prabhas Purana," that also describe the magnificence of Girnar (Revatadri).
  • The origin of the idol of Lord Neminath on Revatagiri is traced back to the story of King Naravahan, who asked Sagar Swami about liberation. The Jin advised that it would happen in the time of Nemi Jin in the next cycle. King Naravahan then created a clay idol of Neminath, which was worshipped by Indra for ten sagaropam years. Indra then brought the idol to Revatagiri.

• The Origin of the Kanchangalanak Temple and the Story of Seth Ratna (Pages 5-9):

  • Indra established a beautiful temple in a cave on Revatagiri and placed three idols (gold, gem, and wood) within it, naming the temple "Kanchangalanak."
  • Later, during the time of Neminath, King Punyasara, who remembered his past life, came to Girnar. He worshipped the idol he had made in his previous birth, handed over his kingdom to his son, and took initiation from Neminath.
  • The text states that the origin of the Revat Tirth has been explained by ancient figures and is also mentioned in the "Shatrunjay Mahatmya."
  • It mentions that Bharata and others restored Revatagiri along with Vimalgiri (Shatrunjay).
  • During the Pandavas' restoration, they built a magnificent temple with an idol made of "lekhyamay" (likely referring to plaster or a similar material).
  • Seth Ratna, upon hearing the Muni's discourse, took a vow to renounce five indulgences, sleep on the ground, practice celibacy, and eat only once a day until he could visit Girnar with a large pilgrimage.
  • Seth Ratna embarked on his journey with a grand procession, including merchants, temple attendants, musicians, and soldiers.
  • En route, a monstrous, ugly ghost appeared, terrifying the procession and threatening them. The ghost demanded a prominent person from the Sangh.
  • Seth Ratna was ready to sacrifice himself. His brothers Madan and Puran, and his wife Padmini also offered themselves. His son Kaml also volunteered.
  • Ultimately, Seth Ratna, his wife Padmini, and son Kaml stayed behind to fulfill the vow.
  • The ghost took Seth Ratna to a cave. Padmini and Kaml entered deep meditation.
  • Seven Kshetrapalas, on their way to worship Ambadevi, heard about the disturbance. Ambadevi, upon investigation, discovered the trouble and went with the Kshetrapalas to the ghost's location.
  • Seeing the devotion of Padmini and Kaml, Ambadevi became compassionate. She confronted the ghost, who was then revealed to be a Vaimanik deity in its original divine form. The deity explained that he was testing Seth Ratna's resolve.
  • The deity blessed Seth Ratna, his wife, and son for keeping their vow despite facing mortal danger. The deity then returned to his abode.
  • Seth Ratna and the Sangh proceeded to Girnar and had the darshan of Neminath.
  • A miraculous event occurred: the lepa-may (plaster/lac-based) idol melted. Seth Ratna became distressed, thinking he might have caused disrespect to his father.

• The Jewel Idol and Ambadevi's Intervention (Pages 8-9):

  • Seth Ratna took a vow to fast until he could replace the melted idol with a gem idol.
  • After sixty days of fasting, Ambadevi appeared and took Seth Ratna to the Kanchangalanak temple.
  • She showed him various idols created during Neminath's time, including those made of gold, gems, silver, and precious stones (72 in total).
  • Ambadevi advised him to take a stone idol, as future Kali Yuga would see the misuse of gem idols.
  • Ambadevi instructed him that if he wrapped the stone idol with a raw cotton thread and pulled it, it would move on its own, but he should not look back, or it would stop.
  • Seth Ratna chose a black stone idol. As it moved, he looked back in curiosity, and it stopped. He then built a temple there and installed the idol, which is still worshipped today.

• Historical Restorations and Renowned Patrons (Pages 9-11):

  • The text then lists various significant restorations and patrons of Girnar tirth:
    • Sajjan Mantri: Prime minister of King Siddharaj Jaisingh, who spent his entire earnings of twelve years to restore the Neminath temple.
    • Vastupal and Tejpal: Renowned ministers who significantly promoted Jainism. Their extensive contributions included building numerous temples, restoring others, and spending vast sums on Jain libraries and images. The text provides impressive figures for their charitable activities, covering various holy sites like Shatrunjay, Girnar, and Abu.
    • Pethad Shah: Under the guidance of Shri Ratnakar Suri, Pethad Shah built a Jain vihara. His son Zanzana later constructed a temple with a golden flag at Girnar.
    • Harapati Shah: Guided by Shri Jaytilak Suri, he restored the Nemi Prasad at Revtachala (Girnar) in Vikram Samvat 1449.
  • The text categorizes these restorations into ancient/mythological (Bharata, Pandavas, divine beings, Seth Ratna) and historical (Sajjan Mantri, Vastupal-Tejpal, Pethad's son Zanzana, Harapati Shah).

• Scholarly Work and Manuscript Analysis (Pages 12-14):

  • The editor, Mohanlal Dalichand Desai, explains the meticulous research process involved in preparing the text.
  • He mentions relying on four manuscripts (Gh, Ka, Kha, Ga) and prioritizing the oldest one (Ka), dated Samvat 1297.
  • He discusses minor changes made to standardize spellings and pronunciation based on the oldest manuscript and prevailing usage, while aiming to preserve the flavor of 17th-century Gujarati.
  • He also notes that difficult words have been explained with annotations, a practice he wishes publishers would adopt for all Jain Gujarati poetry.

• The "Ras" Poem - Content and Structure (Pages 15-57):

  • The poem is structured in various meters and ragas, indicated by "Dhal" (stanzas/sections) and musical modes.
  • It begins with verses invoking Goddess Saraswati and then proceeds to recount the story of Girnar.
  • Early verses (1-10) introduce the tirth, the poet's intent, and the legendary origins involving Kashmir, Seth Ratna, and the initial creation of idols.
  • The Muni's discourse (pages 16-19) emphasizes the importance of Dharma (righteousness), the different levels of Jain practice (monks, laymen), and the various ways to worship Jin-idols (name, symbol, substance, and spiritual essence). The benefits of worship through bathing, anointing, and offerings of flowers and music are described.
  • The glory of Girnar is further elaborated (pages 19-22), referencing scriptures and the celestial significance of the tirth, noting its connection to the lineage of Lord Neminath.
  • The narrative of Seth Ratna's vow and the ghost encounter unfolds (pages 22-33), detailing the Sangh's journey, the appearance of the terrifying ghost, the resolution of Seth Ratna to stay behind, the intervention of Ambadevi and the Kshetrapalas, and the ultimate triumph of righteousness.
  • The melting of the idol and Seth Ratna's penance is described (pages 33-36), leading to Ambadevi's appearance and the miraculous provision of the stone idol. The editor notes the editor's caution regarding the moving idol.
  • The story of the stone idol and its installation is narrated (pages 36-41), followed by a detailed account of various significant patrons and their contributions to the tirth, including Sajjan Mantri, Vastupal-Tejpal, Pethad Shah, and Harapati Shah. The extensive charitable activities of Vastupal and Tejpal are particularly highlighted.
  • The concluding sections (pages 41-57) describe a pilgrimage to Girnar, detailing various shrines, temples, footprints of Tirthankaras and saints, holy ponds, and other significant locations on the mountain. It mentions the contributions of various individuals and groups, including the unique aspect of different religious traditions worshipping at some sites. The poet Naysundar Gani's personal experience and observations during his visit to Girnar are interwoven throughout these descriptions. The poem concludes with a prayer and a benediction.
  • The final pages (58-60) contain a "Prabhatiya" (dawn song) and a Ghazal related to renunciation and devotion, attributed to "Manikaant" and others, suggesting supplementary spiritual reflections.

Significance:

"Girnar Tirthoddhar Ras" is valuable for its:

1. Devotional Content: It inspires faith and devotion through the narrative of overcoming obstacles and the glory of Girnar.
2. Historical Information: It provides insights into the history of the Girnar tirth, including its restorations and the patrons who supported it.
3. Literary Merit: As a work by Naysundar Gani, it is a significant contribution to Jain literature.
4. Linguistic Value: The poem offers a glimpse into the Gujarati language and poetic styles of the 17th century.
5. Pilgrimage Guide: The detailed description of the tirth's sacred sites serves as a de facto guide for pilgrims.

In essence, the "Girnar Tirthoddhar Ras" is a rich tapestry of faith, history, and literature, celebrating the sacred Girnar mountain and the enduring legacy of Jain devotion.