Jain Shwetambar Tirth Antriksha Parshwanath

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shri Antariksh Shwetambar Tirth Antariksha Parshwanath":

Book Title: Shri Antariksh Shwetambar Tirth Antariksha Parshwanath Author(s): Muni Shri Jambuvijayji Maharaj (Original Text), Sahityachandra Balchandra Hirachandra (Translator/Editor) Publisher: Shri Siddhi Bhuvan Manohar Jain Trust, Ahmedabad Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/006137/1

This book is dedicated to Shri Antariksha Parshwanath, a highly revered Jain deity, and the associated pilgrimage site located in Shirpur, Vidarbha region (ancient Vidirbha). The book explores the history, miracles, and significance of this ancient and unique tirtha (pilgrimage site).

Key Aspects and Content Summary:

1. The Miraculous Idol:

   • The central focus is the idol of Shri Antariksha Parshwanath, located in Shirpur.
   • Its most remarkable feature is that it is suspended in the air, without any visible support, about an inch above the ground. This miraculous suspension gives it the name "Antariksha," meaning "in the sky" or "suspended."
   • The idol is described as being 36 inches tall from the base to the head and 42 inches to the hood (fana), with a width of 30 inches.
   • The light from lamps placed below the idol clearly illuminates the space beneath and behind it, further emphasizing its unsupported nature.
   • The text emphasizes that even a small leaf cannot remain suspended in the air, making the idol's state a profound and awe-inspiring event, capable of converting atheists into believers.

2. Historical Significance and Origin:

   • The book traces the history of the idol's installation, attributing its origins to a period before the actual manifestation of Lord Parshwanath in his earthly life.
   • According to the earliest account by Acharya Shri Jinaprabhasuri (circa 14th century CE): The idol was created from sand (walukaa) by a gardener servant of Ravana's courtiers, Mali and Sumali, when they were on a journey and needed a jina idol for worship. After worship, the idol was immersed in a lake. Over time, the lake dried up, revealing the idol.
   • Later accounts, notably by Kavi Shri Lavanyasama and Shri Bhavvijayji Gani: These accounts suggest a connection to King Shripal and the Elachpur region (modern Elichpur). Shripal, suffering from leprosy, was cured by bathing in the water of the pond where the idol was located. The idol was then transported by a divine instruction. A crucial divergence is the identification of the ruler involved in the idol's transport and installation, with later traditions naming King Elach (or Elchdev/Shripal) of Elichpur and the establishment of Shirpur.
   • Shri Bhavvijayji Gani's account: This is presented as particularly significant as he himself experienced miracles at the site. He recounts being blinded and then regaining his sight after worshipping Shri Antariksha Parshwanath. He also describes the construction of the current temple under his guidance and the re-installation of the idol in 1715 CE (Vikram Samvat). His account also details the presence of the guardian deities (Ambadevi and Khetrapal) associated with the idol.

3. The Vidarbha Region:

   • The book highlights the historical importance of the Vidarbha region, the ancient name for the area now known as Varhad.
   • It connects the region to legendary figures like King Nala and Queen Damayanti, and mentions that Queen Rukmini, a consort of Lord Krishna, was also born in this region.

4. Literary and Scholarly Contributions:

   • The book is a compilation of historical and devotional literature related to the tirtha. It includes:
     • Vividh Tirtha Kalpa by Jinaprabhasuri.
     • Upadeshasaptati by Somdharmagani.
     • Shri Antariksha Parshwanath Chhand by Kavi Shri Lavanyasama.
     • Shri Antariksha Parshwanath Stotra by Shri Bhavvijayji Gani (which includes his personal miraculous experiences and historical details).
     • Tirthmala by Muni Shri Sheetvijayji.
     • Other stanzas and devotional works by various Jain scholars and poets.
   • The book also references mentions of the tirtha in ancient non-Jain literature, highlighting its widespread fame.

5. Management Disputes and Legal Battles:

   • A significant portion of the book details the prolonged legal disputes between the Shwetambar and Digambar Jain communities regarding the ownership and management of the temple and the idol.
   • These disputes involved allegations of mutilation of the idol, vandalism, and claims of exclusive rights.
   • The case reached the Privy Council in England, with the final judgment affirming the Shwetambar community's exclusive right to manage the temple and the idol, while allowing the Digambaris to worship at specific times according to a timetable established in 1905.
   • The legal battles over the idol's plastering, the depiction of a waistband, and other rituals are meticulously documented, showcasing the deep-seated differences in their practices.

6. The Idol's Material and Current Status:

   • The text discusses the debate about the idol's original material, with Shwetambar traditions suggesting it was made of sand or a sand-clay mixture, while Digambar claims favored stone. Court findings, based on inspections, supported the sand-mixed material, necessitating regular plastering.
   • The book describes the current management by the Shwetambar community and the ongoing practice of worship by both sects as per the court-ordered timetable.

7. Author's Devotion:

   • The book is presented as a devotional offering by the author, Muni Shri Jambuvijayji Maharaj, to his Guru, Muni Shri Bhuvanvijayji Maharaj, acknowledging the immense spiritual debt.

Overall Theme:

"Shri Antariksha Shwetambar Tirth Antariksha Parshwanath" is a comprehensive treatise that blends historical research, scriptural accounts, devotional poetry, and legal documentation to present the extraordinary story of the Antariksha Parshwanath idol and its sacred site. It highlights the miraculous nature of the idol, its ancient origins, the historical importance of the region, and the significant legal and social history of its management within the Jain community. The book serves as both a historical record and a devotional guide for pilgrims and scholars interested in this unique Jain tirtha.