Jain Pilgrimage

This document is a published work by the Shri Hastinapur Jain Shwetamber Tirth Committee, released in 1951, aiming to showcase the historical and religious significance of Hastinapur as a Jain pilgrimage site. The book is presented in both English and Hindi.

Here's a breakdown of its key aspects:

Purpose and Context:

• Glorifying Hastinapur: The primary motivation for publishing this book was to highlight the ancient pre-historic history of Hastinapur according to Jain literature, coinciding with governmental efforts to revitalize the area by establishing a new town and excavating ancient mounds.
• Promoting Jain Heritage: It serves to inform and inspire Jains globally about the profound historical and spiritual importance of Hastinapur within their tradition.
• Fundraising Appeal: The proceeds from the book are intended to contribute to the Tirth Committee fund, supporting the preservation and development of the pilgrimage site.

Key Content and Contributors:

The book features a variety of contributions, including:

1. Publishers' Note: Explains the committee's intent to document Hastinapur's Jain history in light of governmental development projects.
2. Foreword by Amolakh Chand M.P.: Details Hastinapur's founding by Hasti, a descendant of Lord Rishabh Dev, and its significance as the place where Lord Rishabh Dev broke his fast. It mentions that three Tirthankaras (Shantinath, Kunthunath, and Arnath) were born and attained enlightenment there. The foreword also touches upon Hastinapur's historical importance as the Pandava capital during the Mahabharat period and the ongoing archaeological excavations. It appeals for support in restoring the holy shrines.
3. Message from Y.R. Sri Georges: Offers a spiritual message, emphasizing the sublime philosophy of Jainism and its influence on great souls like Mahatma Gandhi, and advocating for its recognition among world religions.
4. Tirth Hastinapur by G.A. Shah: Elaborates on Hastinapur's sacredness, highlighting its connection to Lord Rishabh Dev and the festival of Akshay Tritiya. It describes the modern town, the Swetamber and Digambar Jain temples, and the historical and archaeological importance of the Ulta-Khera mound excavations. It also details the Jain history associated with Hastinapur, including its connection to various Tirthankaras and emperors.
5. Excavation of Hastinapur: A Synoptic Review by B.K. Thapar: This section, from an archaeological perspective, discusses the excavations at Hastinapur, particularly the Ulta-Khera mound. It sheds light on the "Dark Age" of Indian archaeology by uncovering distinct occupational periods, pottery, coins, and other artifacts, including a Jain image, suggesting Jain settlements dating back to ancient times.
6. Hastinapur Kalpa (from Vividh Tirth Kalpa): This is a Jain scripture that provides a detailed account of Hastinapur's history from a Jain perspective. It recounts the lineage of Tirthankaras, the founding of the city, significant events like Lord Rishabh Dev breaking his fast, and the birthplaces and enlightenment sites of several Tirthankaras. It also mentions historical figures and events relevant to Jainism that took place in Hastinapur.
7. Shubh-Sandesh (Aauspicious Message) from Acharya Shri Mad Vijay Vallabh Suri Ji Maharaj: A strong call to action for the Jain community to participate in the renovation and restoration of the ancient and sacred Hastinapur Tirth, emphasizing the merit of contributing financially and with effort.
8. Shri Hastinapur Tirth Muni Darshanvijay (Tripuri): Provides a concise history of Hastinapur from Jain literature, tracing its origins back to Lord Rishabh Dev and his descendants, and detailing the Tirthankaras associated with the site. It highlights the significance of Akshay Tritiya and mentions the historical connections to the Pandavas and Kauravas.
9. Nivedan (Appeal) and Aavashyak Suchna (Important Information): These sections make direct appeals to the Jain community, religious leaders, and philanthropists for support in the renovation and development of the Tirth. They also provide updates on land acquisition and development plans, including the release of land from the Archaeological Department for reconstruction.
10. List of Office Bearers and Managing Committee Members: Provides details of the individuals responsible for the Shri Hastinapur Jain Shwetamber Tirth Committee.

Illustrations:

The book is supplemented with several black and white photographs and illustrations depicting:

• Lord Rishabh Dev breaking his fast.
• The Ulta-Khera mound.
• A Jain image discovered during excavations.
• The Hastinapur Kalpa text.
• The present Jain Swetamber Temple and Dharamshala.
• A metal image of Lord Shantinath (Panchtirthi).
• A plot of land released from the Ulta-Khera mound.

In essence, "Jain Pilgrimage: Hastinapur" is a historical and religious document that aims to revive interest and secure support for the preservation and development of Hastinapur as a vital center of Jain pilgrimage and heritage. It blends Jain scriptural accounts with archaeological findings and contemporary development efforts to present a comprehensive picture of the site's significance.