Girnar Tirthoddhar Ras - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Girnar Tirthoddhar Ras" by Mohanlal Dalichand Desai, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Girnar Tirthoddhar Ras Author: Mohanlal Dalichand Desai Publisher: Sahitya Seva Samaj Granthmala Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/034827/1

This document is a Gujarati text, primarily a "Ras" (a type of devotional narrative poem or song) about the restoration and glory of the Girnar Jain pilgrimage site. It was published by Sahitya Seva Samaj Granthmala.

Key Aspects and Content:

Inspiration and Sponsorship: The text was published under the inspiration of Muni Malavijiy and edited by Mohanlal Dalichand Desai, a lawyer. It was financed or sponsored by individuals like Sheth Sikhbhandas Lakad. The publication is dated 1920 (Samvat 1976).
The Author and the Text: Mohanlal Dalichand Desai, the editor and compiler, was a lawyer and a researcher. He discovered this "Ras" by the renowned Jain poet Nayasundar, who lived in the 17th century (Vikram Samvat). Desai expresses his gratitude to Muni Malavijiy for providing the manuscript, which was previously unavailable.
Nayasundar's Work: The Ras was composed by Nayasundar in the village of Dethali (near Siddhpur), which is also the birthplace of King Kumarpal. This suggests the poet had visited the Girnar pilgrimage site in Saurashtra. Nayasundar also composed a similar "Ras" about the Shatrunjay pilgrimage. While the Shatrunjay Ras is dated to 1628 AD, the Girnar Ras doesn't have an explicit date but is estimated to have been composed between 1628 and 1669 AD.
The Significance of Girnar: The text extols the greatness of Girnar, a holy place where the 22nd Tirthankar, Neminath, attained his ultimate liberation (moksha). It highlights that Girnar is considered very sacred because Neminath had three major life events (Kalyanakas - birth, initiation, enlightenment, and nirvana) there. The text also refers to the Puranic accounts in the Prabhas Purana that describe the glory of Girnar (Revatadri).
Origin of the Girnar Idol: The text recounts a legend from the "Jirnaprabandha" (an older treatise). It describes how King Narvahan of Ujjain, seeking liberation, was told by the 3rd Tirthankar, Sagara Swami, that he would attain it in the next epoch during Neminath's time. Narvahan then created a clay idol of Neminath. Indra worshipped this idol for ten Sagaropama years. Later, knowing his lifespan was short, Indra brought the idol to Revatgiri (Girnar), where Neminath had his Kalyanakas. There, Indra built a beautiful temple and installed three idols made of gold, gems, and pearls. This temple was named "Kanchankhalanak."
Story of Ratna Shravak and the Restoration:
- The narrative then focuses on a merchant named Ratna, who was inspired by a sage's sermon about the importance of visiting Girnar and Shatrunjay.
- Ratna took a vow of strict austerity until he could visit Girnar and offer prayers to Neminath.
- He set out with a large caravan (Sangh).
- On the way, they were confronted by a terrifying Rakshasa (demon) who demanded a person from the Sangh.
- Ratna, his wife Padmini, and his son Kamal decided to sacrifice themselves to save the Sangh.
- The goddess Ambika, along with seven Kshetrapals, intervened. Ambika battled the Rakshasa, who was revealed to be a celestial being. He was released and blessed them for their devotion and courage.
- Ratna and his Sangh reached Girnar. However, they found that the clay idol of Neminath had melted.
- Distraught, Ratna vowed to fast until he could replace the idol with a gem-studded one.
- After 60 days of fasting, Goddess Ambika appeared and showed him various ancient idols. She advised him to take a stone idol, as future eras would be prone to greed and corruption.
- Ambika instructed him to transport the stone idol using a cotton thread, which would miraculously move on its own. However, if they looked back, the idol would stop.
- Ratna took the stone idol, and as they walked, he doubted if it was moving, looked back, and the idol stopped. He then performed rituals and consecrated it at that spot, where it remains to this day.
Historical Restorations: The text lists several significant restorations of the Girnar temple and idols throughout history:
- Ancient/Puranic: Bharata and his lineage, the Pandavas, and celestial beings.
- Historical:
  - Minister Sajjan during the reign of King Siddharaja Jaysimha.
  - Ministers Vastupal and Tejpal (whose extensive charitable works are detailed, including massive expenditure on temples, restorations, libraries, etc.).
  - Pethad, son of Samraj (disciple of Ratnakar Suri).
  - Harapati Shah in 1449 AD.
Editorial Notes and Manuscript Information:
- The editor, Mohanlal Dalichand Desai, meticulously explains his research process, noting that he had access to four different manuscripts (labeled Ka, Kha, Ga, Gha).
- He states that the oldest manuscript (Ka) dates back to Samvat 1297.
- He made editorial changes to modernize the spelling and grammar for better readability, while trying to preserve the original flavor of 17th-century Gujarati.
- Detailed footnotes are provided to explain obscure words and clarify the meaning of verses.
The "Tirthmala" by Nyayasagar: The document also includes a separate section that refers to a "Shri Girnar Tirthmala" composed by Nyayasagar, a different author. This "Tirthmala" is a descriptive poem of 103 verses, focusing on the pilgrimage route and specific locations visited. The editor notes that this Nyayasagar is distinct from another Nyayasagar he wrote about. This "Tirthmala" describes the journey, mentioning various stops, temples, Kunds (water tanks), and idols, including those related to Vishnu and other traditions, highlighting the syncretic nature of some pilgrimage sites. The editor also notes that this "Tirthmala" was based on a single manuscript and provides its provenance.
Concluding Remarks: The "Ras" concludes with the glory of Girnar, the importance of visiting it, and the virtues of the devotees who contributed to its upkeep. The "Prastav" (Introduction) by the editor provides context about the text, its author, and its historical significance.

Overall Significance:

"Girnar Tirthoddhar Ras" is a valuable Jain text that blends historical accounts, religious legends, and devotional poetry. It provides insights into:

The profound reverence for the Girnar pilgrimage site in Jainism.
The legends and origins associated with the Neminath idol and temple.
The historical efforts of pious rulers and wealthy merchants in restoring and maintaining Jain holy places.
The rich literary traditions of Jainism in Gujarati.
The meticulous work of scholars like Mohanlal Dalichand Desai in preserving and presenting these ancient texts.