Jain Tirth Road Atlas - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain Tirth Road Atlas, based on the provided Gujarati text:

Book Title: Jain Tirth Road Atlas (જૈન તીર્થ છે રોડ એટલાસ)

Author: Pradip Jain (પ્રદીપ જૈન)

Publisher: Jain Mitra Karyalay (જૈનમિત્ર કાર્યાલય) / Jain Satya Samachar (જૈન સત્ય સમાચાર)

Overview:

The "Jain Tirth Road Atlas" is a valuable publication designed to assist Jain pilgrims in their journeys to various Jain pilgrimage sites across India. It serves as a comprehensive guide, presenting information through maps and detailing distances in kilometers, along with essential contact information.

Key Features and Content:

Comprehensive Mapping: The atlas includes maps of Jain pilgrimage sites in major states such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and other relevant regions.
Distance Information: It provides the kilometer distances between pilgrimage sites, aiding in route planning and travel estimations.
Contact Details: For each location, the atlas includes telephone numbers and STD codes, facilitating communication and arrangements for accommodation or travel.
Route Planning Assistance: The book directly addresses the challenges pilgrims face in planning their journeys, such as determining the best routes and identifying nearby pilgrimage destinations.
Focus on Cultural Preservation: The publication highlights the importance of Panjrapols (animal shelters), describing them as symbols of Jain culture and emphasizing the collective responsibility to preserve them.
Promotional Aspect: The publication also serves as a platform to promote the "Shanti Dham Sw. Dilip-Paresh Ashokchand Shah Sarvajanik Panjrapol" in Miyagam, Karjan, Vadodara, which is dedicated to animal welfare. It appeals for financial support for this shelter, highlighting its work in saving animal lives and alleviating their suffering.
Additional Useful Information: The atlas includes sections on:
- Acknowledgments and thanks.
- Detailed maps of Jain Tirths in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.
- Maps for various pilgrimage sites within these states.
- Information on Jain Tirths in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Bengal.
- Kilometer distances for Jain Tirths across India.
- Information for planning pilgrimage tours.
- Addresses for 108 Parshvanath Prabhu's Tirths.
- Railway timetables.
- Rituals for hoisting flags on temples.
- A map of the Shri Shatrunjay Bhavayatra.
- Details on Vihar Darshan (routes of spiritual wanderings).
- Phone numbers with STD codes for Jain Tirths throughout India.
Publisher's Other Publications: The Jain Mitra Publications also promote other popular titles like "Matru Vandana Calendar 2006" and "Jal Nivaran Margdarshika" (water conservation guide), among others.
Editorial Vision: The editor, Pradip Jain, expresses the objective of providing beautiful and useful information to everyone. The publication is also dedicated to promoting the animal shelter and garnering support for its crucial work.
Accessibility: The book is available for purchase at various Jain religious bookshops and stores, including specific locations in Shankheshwar and Surat.

Overall Purpose:

The "Jain Tirth Road Atlas" is a practical and informative resource that aims to simplify and enhance the pilgrimage experience for Jains. By providing detailed maps, distances, and contact information, it empowers pilgrims to undertake their journeys with greater ease and confidence, while also promoting the values of compassion and cultural preservation central to Jainism.