Hammirgadh

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Hammirgadh" by Jayantvijay, published by Yashovijay Jain Granthmala:

Book Title: Hammirgadh Author: Jayantvijay (Muniraj Shri Jayantvijayji) Publisher: Shri Yashovijayji Jain Granthmala, Bhavnagar Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/006286/1

Overall Purpose: This book provides a detailed historical and descriptive account of Hammirgadh, an ancient Jain pilgrimage site. The author, Muniraj Shri Jayantvijayji, aims to bring this forgotten pilgrimage site back to public attention and encourage its revival and renovation.

Key Information and Content:

• Author's Background: Muniraj Shri Jayantvijayji is described as a historian and a devoted disciple of the esteemed Jain Acharya Shri Vijaydharmasuri Maharaj. He is also the author of other books on Jain pilgrimage sites like Abu and Shankheshwar.
• Dedication: The book is respectfully dedicated to the late Acharya Shri Vijaydharmasurishwarji Maharaj, emphasizing his love for pilgrimage and its preservation.
• Financial Support: The publication was made possible through the financial assistance of Shah Chimanlal Shivalal Sampritchand of Radhanpur, in memory of his late wife, Shravika Sita Bai, as advised by Muniraj Shri Vishalvijayji.
• Publisher's Note: The publisher expresses joy in presenting this booklet, highlighting Hammirgadh as an ancient Jain pilgrimage site with a beautiful marble temple comparable to those at Abu-Delvada. They mention inscriptions indicating pilgrimages by Sangh (congregations) from Patan and Khambhat around 450 years ago. The text notes that Hammirgadh became deserted in the 18th century and was largely forgotten due to its remote location in the hilly region of Sirohi state, far from railways and main roads. The author's effort in writing this book is praised for bringing the site to prominence.
• Author's Foreword (Prākathan):
  • The author recounts his first visit to Hammirgadh in 1982 (V.S. 1982) with Jain Acharyas Shri Vijayendrasurivarji Maharaj and the late Upadhyay Shri Mangalvijayji Maharaj.
  • During this visit, prompted by the Sirohi "Shri Mahavir Jain Mitra Mandal," he had the opportunity to explore Hammirgadh.
  • He describes detailed inspection of the temples, noting down inscriptions and temple architecture.
  • Despite initial haste to reach Abu, he felt compelled to stay an extra day to study the unique temples but had to depart due to concerns about staying overnight in the jungle at the time.
  • He mentions writing an initial report on Hammirgadh in 1984 (V.S. 1984) which was published in "Dharmavijay" and later translated into Hindi and published in "Jain Sudhakar."
  • He expresses a long-held desire to publish a booklet on Hammirgadh, which was finally realized with the continuous inspiration of Muniraj Shri Vishalvijayji.
  • The book is structured into six chapters, detailing historical and current conditions.
  • He expresses gratitude to Tarachandji Desi and Jasrajji Chaudhary for providing details and copies of land deeds, and to Seth Kalyanji Parmanandji's firm for providing photographs.
• Chapter 1: Tirth (Pilgrimage Site): Defines the concept of a "tirtha" (pilgrimage site) as anything that helps one cross the ocean of the world (Samsara). It distinguishes between external (dravya) and internal (bhava) tirtha, emphasizing the latter as true self-welfare. It further categorizes tirtha into mobile (jangam - monks, nuns, etc.) and immobile (sthavar - holy places, temples, idols). Jain tirtha are presented not just as repositories of idols but as living history, abodes of art, treasures of natural beauty, and symbols of Jain prosperity and achievements.
• Chapter 2: Hammirpur or Hammirgadh:
  • Location: Situated about 9 miles from Sirohi, 3 miles south of Sindrath, 13 miles northeast of Hanudra, and 3 miles northeast of Sonda, about half a mile off the old Sirohi-Hanudra road, at the foothills of the western slope of Mount Abu.
  • Origin and Name: According to historical sources ("Gujarat na Aitihasik Sadhano"), the town of "Hammirpur" was founded by Devda Hammir in V.S. 808. Its name changed to "Hammirgadh" due to its fortress-like structure.
  • Destruction: The exact cause and time of its destruction are unknown, but it's speculated to be due to Muslim invasions, banditry, or natural calamities like landslides. The town is now deserted.
  • Mirpur: A nearby village named Mirpur is believed to have been founded by the former inhabitants of Hammirgadh after its destruction.
  • Antiquity: Evidence suggests the town's antiquity, with inscriptions dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. An inscription from V.S. 1328 refers to "Hamirpattan." Inscriptions within the main marble temple mention activities between V.S. 1550 and 1556, indicating the temple predates these renovations.
  • Prosperity: Historical records indicate that a renowned Jain Acharya, Shri Pārthachandra Suri (founder of the Pārthachandra Gachchha), was a resident of Hammirpur. Another Acharya, Shri Saubhagyanandisuri, composed a text here in V.S. 1576. This suggests a period of significant Jain scholarly activity and prosperity.
• Chapter 3: Routes: Provides detailed travel information for reaching Hammirgadh from various directions, including routes from Sirohi, Disa, Madhar, Anandara, Sidarath, Medi, and Sarupganj railway stations. It emphasizes the need for a guide due to the remote and hilly terrain.
• Chapter 4: Jain Temples of Hammirgadh:
  • Marble Main Temple: Describes a beautiful, large marble temple (likely Makrana marble) located on a hillock. It is compared to the temples of Abu-Delvada for its architecture and carving. The temple features a main shrine, a Gudhamandap (inner hall), nine Chokis (chambers), a circumambulatory path (bhamti), six small temples on either side of the main entrance, and a tall, intricately carved spire.
  • Carvings: The exterior walls of the Gudhamandap are adorned with numerous carvings of deities, Acharyas, monks, lay devotees, and scenes from Jain scriptures (e.g., the story of Shanti Nath saving a pigeon, the 14 heavens, monks performing rituals). These carvings are noted for their historical significance, offering insights into the practices of monks during the period of the temple's construction (approx. V.S. 1000-1500).
  • Construction Date: The exact builder and date of the main marble temple are unknown as original inscriptions are missing. However, dated inscriptions from V.S. 1550-1556 for the construction of niches and small shrines suggest the main temple is older. There's a reference in "Shri Virvanshavali" mentioning Maharaja Samprati building a temple and minister Samante renovating it in V.S. 821, but this is questioned due to the town's later founding date. The author estimates the main temple to be around 1000 years old.
  • Original Deity: Inscriptions suggest that the original presiding deity was Shri Jirawala Parshvanath Prabhu. Later, it is believed that Shri Godi Parshvanath's idol was installed, and the temple is now popularly known as Shri Godi Parshvanath's temple. An idol is reported to have been sent to Mumbai's Pydhuni Shri Godi Parshvanath temple.
  • Two Other Temples on Hills: Two smaller, simpler temples are located on separate hillocks. They are also empty of idols. A legend attributes their construction to an Oswal Jain Diwan of Jodhpur about 100 years ago, but the author suggests they might be older and have undergone renovation.
  • Temple on the Road: A fourth, smaller and simpler temple is located on the ground level near the road. It contains a marble Jinvishi (a plaque with multiple Tirthankar images) and two standing Kaussargi (meditating figures) with inscriptions from V.S. 1219, 1346, and 1346. The inscriptions themselves do not mention Hammirgadh. The author speculates these items might have been brought from elsewhere, possibly from the main marble temple. This temple's construction is estimated to be about 300-400 years old. The current idol is worn and its identity is uncertain, but locals consider it to be Shri Godi Parshvanath.
• Chapter 5: Renovation (Jirnoddhar):
  • Details the decline of Hammirgadh after the 18th century, leading to its desertion.
  • Explains that the idols and architectural elements from the deserted temples on the hills were distributed to other villages, including Sirohi.
  • Inscriptions from V.S. 1550-1556 indicate that renovations and construction of small shrines were undertaken by various individuals and families from Patan, Khambhat, and other places.
  • Around 45 years prior to the book's publication, philanthropic Jains from Sirohi acquired the land for the four temples, dharmaśālā, and garden from the Sirohi Darbar, obtaining a formal deed in V.S. 1959.
  • Subsequently, renovations were carried out, and arrangements for caretakers were made by the "Shri Mahavir Jain Mitra Mandal" of Sirohi.
  • More recently, the firm "Seth Kalyanji Parmanandji" took over the management and undertook major renovations of the main marble temple for about four years, costing around eighteen thousand rupees.
  • The text appeals for further financial assistance for the remaining renovation work, particularly for the temple on the roadside, and the expansion of facilities.
• Chapter 6: Maintenance and Management:
  • States that the Sirohi Jain Sangh, through the Seth Kalyanji Parmanandji firm, manages the site.
  • They have undertaken renovations, repaired the dharmaśālā, well, and garden.
  • The dharmaśālā can accommodate about 1000 people.
  • There are permanent staff: 2 watchmen, 1 priest, 1 servant, and 1 gardener.
  • Arrangements are made for the stay and needs of pilgrims, including bedding.
  • Pilgrims are advised to bring their provisions as local amenities are limited.
  • The current annual expenditure is ₹1200, while the income is only ₹200, resulting in an annual deficit of ₹1000.
  • The chapter appeals for donations for the renovation and for enhancing the facilities.
  • It also mentions the potential relocation of a school from Velangdi to Hammirgadh to increase pilgrim traffic and improve facilities.
• Appendices:
  • Appendix 1: Inscriptions of Hammirgadh Jain Temples: Provides detailed transcriptions and Gujarati translations of eight inscriptions found in the temples, dating from V.S. 1219 to V.S. 1556, mentioning donations, construction of shrines, and the names of pilgrims and installers. It also notes that some inscriptions are considered fabricated.
  • Appendix 2: Copy of Land Deed and Translation: Presents a copy of a land deed from V.S. 1959 (related to the land of Mirpur, where the temples are situated) and its Gujarati translation, granting the land for the temples and garden.
• Concluding Remarks: The author acknowledges that his account is incomplete and requests scholars and knowledgeable individuals to share any further information or texts related to Hammirgadh and its Tirthankar, Shri Jirawala Parshvanath, for inclusion in future editions. He suggests establishing annual fairs on the birth and initiation anniversaries of Lord Parshvanath to promote the site. He hopes his efforts will lead to the site's revival, prosperity, and widespread recognition, ultimately helping pilgrims achieve spiritual upliftment.

Significance: "Hammirgadh" is a valuable historical document that sheds light on a forgotten Jain pilgrimage site, its architectural heritage, and the efforts made to preserve and revive it. It serves as both a historical record and an appeal for continued support and pilgrimage to this sacred place.