Gujaratna Dharm Sampraday

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Gujaratna Dharm Sampraday" (Religious Sects of Gujarat) by Dr. Navinchandra A. Acharya, based on the provided pages:

Overview:

"Gujaratna Dharm Sampraday" by Dr. Navinchandra A. Acharya, published by the University Granth Nirman Board, Gujarat State in 1983, is a significant academic work that delves into the diverse religious landscape of Gujarat. The book aims to provide a comprehensive and sequential understanding of the various religious traditions that have flourished in Gujarat from ancient times to the modern era. It caters to university-level students of Indian culture and serves as a valuable reference for anyone interested in the religious history and sociology of Gujarat.

Core Objective and Scope:

The primary objective of the book is to address a perceived lack of detailed, singular sources on the religious sects of Gujarat for students. It covers the prevalent religious denominations in Gujarat, discussing their specific forms within the region, their significant places of worship, their impact on society, and various other aspects. The work systematically explores each religion based on available historical and archaeological evidence.

Key Religions and Sects Covered:

The book provides a detailed account of the following religious traditions and their development in Gujarat:

• Hinduism:

  • Shaiv Sampraday (Saivism): Traces the origins of Shiva worship from Vedic times, mentioning the prevalence of Linga and Yoni worship in the Indus Valley Civilization. It discusses the development of Shaivism through Puranic times, the mention of Shiva in epics like the Mahabharata, and the spread of Shaivite sects like Pashupata and Nath Sampraday. The influence of Shaivism on Gujarati society, art, and literature is highlighted, noting significant Shiva temples and pilgrimage sites.
  • Vaishnav Sampraday (Vaishnavism): Explores the roots of Vishnu worship in Vedic literature, the emergence of the Bhagavat Sampraday, and the rise of Krishna and Vishnu's avatar worship. It details the spread of Vaishnavism in Gujarat, the influence of the Pushti Sampraday and Swaminarayan Sampraday, and significant Vaishnavite pilgrimage centers like Dwarka and Dakor. The book also touches upon the devotional aspects and literature associated with this tradition.
  • Shakt Sampraday (Shaktism): Discusses the ancient origins of mother goddess worship, tracing it back to the Indus Valley Civilization. It highlights the significance of various Shakti cults, prominent Shaktipeeths in Gujarat like Ambika (Arasur), Kalika (Pavagadh), and Bahuchara Mata, and their influence on local traditions. The book also mentions the prevalence of tantric practices and the worship of deities like Sheetala and Meladi Mata in folk traditions.
  • Other Hindu Deities: The book also briefly touches upon the worship of other Hindu deities like Surya (Sun God), Brahma, Ganesha, and Hanuman, discussing their significance and the presence of temples dedicated to them in Gujarat, such as the famous Sun Temple at Modhera.

• Jainism:

  • Details the origins of Jainism, its principles of Ahimsa (non-violence), and the teachings of the Tirthankaras, with special emphasis on Parshvanath and Mahavir. It discusses the evolution of Jainism into its two main sects, Shvetambar and Digambar, and their sub-sects. The book highlights the significant presence of Jainism in Gujarat, mentioning prominent pilgrimage sites like Shatrunjaya, Girnar, Taranga, Kumbhariya, and Bhadreshwar, as well as the architectural marvels of Jain temples, particularly the Dilwara temples. The contributions of Jain scholars like Hemachandracharya and patrons like Kumarapala and Vastupala-Tejpala are also discussed.

• Buddhism:

  • Explains the teachings of Gautam Buddha and the core tenets of Buddhism, including the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. It traces the spread of Buddhism in Gujarat from the Maurya period to the Maitrakal era, mentioning archaeological evidence like stupas, viharas, and cave complexes found at sites like Junagadh, Talaja, Baavariyā, Sāṇā, Khambhalida, and Devni Mori. The book notes the decline of Buddhism in Gujarat over time, with a recent resurgence due to the influence of Dr. Ambedkar.

• Zoroastrianism (Parsi Faith):

  • Narrates the history of the Zoroastrians (Parsis) migrating from Persia to Gujarat due to Arab persecution. It details their settlement in Sanjan and their subsequent spread across Gujarat, their adoption of Gujarati language and customs while retaining their distinct religious identity. The book highlights their contributions to Gujarati society, particularly in trade and education, and mentions important centers like Navsari, Udvada, and Surat. The central role of fire worship and the significance of the "Agiary" are explained.

• Islam:

  • Provides an overview of the origins of Islam with Prophet Muhammad, its core beliefs (Tawhid, prophethood, holy books, angels, resurrection, divine decree), and the Five Pillars of Islam (Shahada, Salat, Zakat, Sawm, Hajj). It discusses the arrival and spread of Islam in Gujarat, beginning with Arab traders and later through the establishment of Muslim rule. The book highlights the influence of Islam on Gujarati culture, architecture (mosques, tombs), and the presence of various Muslim communities like Sunnis, Shias, Bohras, and Khojas, mentioning prominent Sufi saints and their Dargahs.

• Sikhism:

  • Briefly introduces Sikhism, its founder Guru Nanak, and his philosophy of devotion, equality, and service. It touches upon the continuation of Guru tradition and the compilation of the Guru Granth Sahib. While acknowledging the presence of Sikh communities in Gujarat, particularly in cities like Ahmedabad and Vadodara with their Gurdwaras, the book notes that Sikhism does not have a widespread concentrated presence across Gujarat.

• Judaism:

  • Explains the Semitic origins of Judaism, its foundational texts (the Torah and Old Testament), and the central deity "Yahweh." It discusses the Jewish diaspora and their settlements in various parts of India, including Gujarat. The book mentions the presence of Jewish communities in Surat, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and other places, referencing their synagogues and cemeteries, and the approximate numbers of the community in Gujarat.

• Christianity:

  • Details the arrival and spread of Christianity in Gujarat, starting from early traders and missionaries. It highlights the influence of Portuguese settlers in Diu and Daman, and the work of various missionary societies from the 19th century onwards, particularly in areas with tribal populations. The establishment of churches, schools, hospitals, and orphanages by missionaries is discussed, along with the adoption of Western customs and the impact of Christianity on social reform.

Structure and Content:

The book is organized systematically, likely following a chronological and thematic approach. It begins with an introductory section (Prastavik) setting the context of religion in Indian and Gujarati culture. This is followed by chapters dedicated to each major religious tradition. The index (Anukramanika) reveals the planned structure, covering:

1. Introduction (Prastavik)
2. Hinduism and Shaiv Sampraday
3. Vaishnav Sampraday
4. Shakt Sampraday and Worship of Other Hindu Deities
5. Jainism
6. Buddhism
7. Zoroastrianism
8. Islam
9. Sikhism
10. Judaism
11. Christianity

Each chapter likely delves into the historical development, key figures, scriptures, rituals, philosophical tenets, social impact, and significant places of worship for each religion within Gujarat. The inclusion of a "Chitrasuchi" (List of Illustrations) and "Paribhashik Shabds suchi" (Glossary of Terms) suggests a visually informative and academically rigorous approach.

Significance:

"Gujaratna Dharm Sampraday" stands as a valuable resource for understanding the complex tapestry of religious beliefs and practices that have shaped Gujarat's identity. It emphasizes the syncretic nature of Indian culture, where different religious traditions have coexisted and influenced each other, contributing to Gujarat's unique religious and cultural heritage. The book's academic approach, referencing historical and archaeological evidence, makes it a reliable source for scholarly research and general knowledge.