Jain Shwetambar Tirth Shree Antariksh Parshwanath

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shree Antariksh Parshwanath Tirth" by Muni Shree Jambuvijayji, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Jain Shwetambar Tirth Shree Antariksh Parshwanath (Origin, History, and Complete Description) Author: Pujya Gurudev Muniraj Shri Bhuvanvijayanewasi Muni Shree Jambuvijayji Maharaj Translator: Sahityachandra Balchand Hirachand Publisher: Sumtilal Ratanchand Patni, Kantilal Virchand Shah (Honorary Secretaries - Shree Tirthrakshak Committee)

Core Subject:

This book is a detailed account of the significant Jain Shwetambar pilgrimage site of Shree Antariksh Parshwanath, located in Shirpur, Vidarbha region (currently known as Varhad). The text focuses on the origin, history, miraculous nature, and management of this ancient and revered temple and its unique idol.

Key Aspects and Content:

1. The Miraculous Idol:

   • The central feature is the idol of Lord Parshvanath, known as "Antariksha" (meaning "in the sky" or "in space").
   • The idol is described as being elevated from the ground by a finger's width (an atishay or miracle) without any visible support from below, behind, or sides. Light can pass underneath it, and even a piece of paper can fit beneath.
   • This miraculous state has been observed for centuries, defying natural laws.
   • The idol is said to emanate great radiance and is capable of inspiring faith even in atheists.

2. Location and Accessibility:

   • The Tirth is situated in Shirpur village, in the Washim taluka of the Akola district, in the Vidarbha region.
   • The book provides detailed travel instructions from major cities like Mumbai, Surat, Kolkata, and Madras, including advice on using the railway network (Akola station being the closest major hub) and road transport.
   • A map is included to guide pilgrims.

3. Historical Accounts and Legends:

   • Ancient Origins: The text delves into various historical accounts and legends regarding the establishment of the Tirth. It cites ancient Jain scriptures and commentaries.
   • Ravan's Servants (Mali & Sumali) and Sand Idol: One prominent legend attributes the creation of an initial idol to Mali and Sumali, servants of Ravana, who, forgetting the idol's container, created a temporary one from sand. This sand idol was placed in a pond and miraculously remained intact.
   • King Shripal and the Leper Curse: A significant narrative involves King Shripal of Vingali (Hingoli), who suffered from a severe skin disease. Upon bathing in the pond containing the sand idol, he was miraculously cured. He was instructed in a dream to transport the idol, but due to his doubt, it remained suspended in the air at Shirpur, where he founded the city and temple.
   • Jinvijaya Suri's Account: The earliest traceable historical mention is attributed to Jinprabh Suri (Vikram Samvat 1364-1389), who composed a Tirthkalpa about Antariksha Parshvanath. His account aligns with the legends, though some details differ from later interpretations.
   • Soma Dharmagani's Account: Soma Dharmagani (Vikram Samvat 1503) also described the Tirth, largely following Jinprabh Suri's narrative.
   • Lavanyasamay's Account: Lavanyasamay (Vikram Samvat 1585) introduced variations, naming Kharadushan (Ravana's brother-in-law) instead of Mali and Sumali, and Elchpur's King Elach (or Ruch) as the one who had the idol transported. This version suggests a later origin for the idol's placement at Shirpur.
   • Bhavavijay Gani's Account: Bhavavijay Gani's detailed account is presented as highly significant. He describes his own blindness being cured after worshipping Lord Antariksha Parshvanath. His narrative elaborates on the King Elach/Shripal story and provides specific dates and events, including the consecration by Acharya Abhaydev Suri in Vikram Samvat 1142. This version includes the presence of Ambadevi and Kshethrapal.
   • Other Historical Mentions: The text also lists various other ancient texts and poets who mention the Tirth, highlighting its long-standing fame.
   • Non-Jain Mentions: Notably, the book points out mentions of the Tirth in non-Jain Mahânubhâv Panth literature from around the 14th century, indicating the widespread renown of the Tirth and its idol.

4. Disputes and Management (Shwetambar vs. Digambar):

   • A significant portion of the book details the protracted legal battles between the Shwetambar and Digambar sects over the ownership and management of the Tirth.
   • Initial Management and Polkars: The temple was initially managed by the Shwetambar community, but during a period of anarchy, the temple servants known as "Polkars" usurped control.
   • Joint Committee: To regain control from the Polkars, the Shwetambaris and Digambaris formed a joint committee in 1901.
   • The "Plaster Dispute": A major conflict arose over the Shwetambar practice of plastering the idol to depict a waist-tie and waistband, which the Digambaris considered a mutilation and an infringement on the idol's original Digambar form.
   • Legal Battles: This led to extensive litigation, going all the way to the Privy Council in England. The judgments ultimately favored the Shwetambaris in terms of exclusive management rights, while a shared worship schedule (time-table) was established for both sects.
   • Current Management: The Shwetambaris manage the temple, with specific times allocated for Digambar worship. The legal history is documented with court judgments and appeals, illustrating the deep-seated differences in worship practices between the two sects.

5. Significance and Miraculous Properties:

   • The text emphasizes the profound devotional impact of the Tirth and the idol, citing instances of miraculous cures from various ailments, the granting of wealth, offspring, and spiritual liberation.
   • The idol's plastering, the origin of the sand/plaster mixture, and the semi-lotus posture of the idol are discussed in detail, referencing archaeological and judicial opinions.

6. Praise and Devotional Works:

   • The book includes various devotional hymns (stotras) and poems composed in praise of Lord Antariksha Parshvanath by different Jain scholars and saints, including Muni Shree Jambuvijayji himself.

Overall Theme:

The book serves as a comprehensive guide and historical record for the Shree Antariksh Parshwanath Tirth. It highlights the unique spiritual significance and miraculous powers of the idol, traces its historical development through legends and scriptural references, and meticulously documents the complex legal and administrative history of its management by the Shwetambar Jain community. It is a testament to the enduring faith and devotion associated with this ancient pilgrimage site.