Jain Tirth Sarva Sangraha Part 02 - Book Summary

This document, "Jain Tirth Sarva Sangraha Part 02," published by Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi, is a comprehensive catalog and directory of Jain pilgrimage sites (Tirths) across India. It aims to provide detailed information for each Tirth, covering aspects like the number of Jain residents, the administrative system, transportation routes, dharamshalas (pilgrimage inns), and the historical significance of the temples and idols.

The book is structured to be a valuable resource for Jain pilgrims, historians, archaeologists, and travelers interested in Jain heritage. It meticulously details a vast number of Jain Tirths, organized geographically and alphabetically.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects presented in the document:

Introduction and Purpose: The book highlights the significance of Jain Tirths as symbols of Jainism's antiquity, profound philosophy, and artistic achievements. It notes the growing interest from historians and archaeologists in these architectural marvels and the demand for a comprehensive, accessible guide. The Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi, being a representative body of Shvetambar Murtipujak Jain community, has undertaken this extensive project with significant effort and expense.
Compilation Process: The information was gathered by sending researchers to various regions of India, traveling by various means (rail, car, foot) to collect authentic data. The compilation involved meticulous editing and purification of facts to ensure accuracy, avoid unnecessary details, and prevent the inclusion of controversial statements. The printing process itself required careful attention to paper quality and printing finesse.
Scope and Content:
- The book covers a total of approximately 380 locations, including 270 major sites and 110 fragmented, forgotten, or vanished ones.
- It includes Tirths recognized by the Shvetambar tradition, ancient towns and cities that played a role in Jain cultural development, and sites associated with significant Jain events.
- The content is organized regionally, following the order of Gujarat, Marwar, Mewar, Malwa, Sindh-Punjab, South India, Central India, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar-Bengal, Assam, and Orissa.
- A significant portion of the book is dedicated to providing detailed "Vishesh Nondh" (Special Notes) which likely contain historical accounts, architectural details, epigraphic evidence (inscriptions), literary references from ancient Jain texts (Agamas, Niryuktis, Churnis, Tippanis, Prabandhas, Prabandhas, etc.), and accounts of foreign travelers like Fa Hien and Hiuen Tsang.
- The document includes an extensive alphabetical index of villages and towns mentioned in the main text and special notes, providing village numbers and page numbers for easy reference. This index is a crucial feature for navigating the vast information.
- The text also includes a "Varg" (Class) system for indexing, such as:
  - Class 1: Chronological list of events.
  - Class 2: Bibliography of referenced books.
  - Class 3: Alphabetical index of places (villages, towns, caves, rivers, etc.).
  - Class 4: Alphabetical index of Jain Acharyas, Munis, etc.
  - Class 5: Chronological list of Kings, Queens, Ministers, Subas, etc.
  - Class 6: Alphabetical index of Lay followers (Shravaks, Shravikas), Ministers, etc.
  - Class 7: Alphabetical index of scholars, sculptors, and others.
  - Class 8: Alphabetical index of families, lineages, sects, titles, etc.
Specific Regional Details (Examples):
- Malwa: Discusses the historical context of the Malwa region, its connection to Jainism, and mentions specific places like Ujjain and its significance. It references the influence of kings like Chandragupta and Samprati in spreading Jainism.
- Rath: Details the historical significance of Rath, the presence of Jain temples, and mentions the story of Sage Vrutishikhar.
- Rath: Details the historical significance of Rath, the presence of Jain temples, and mentions the story of Sage Vrutishikhar.
- Reengalad: Mentions it as a significant ancient Jain Tirth with remnants of old structures and provides details on its history and the discovery of Jain idols.
- Ujjain: Highlights its ancient Jain significance, its connection to Avantisukumar, and the presence of temples dedicated to Lord Parshvanath.
- Bhelsa: Discusses its historical importance as Vidisha, its connection to Lord Mahavir and the idol of Jivantswami, and its transformation.
- Mandavgadh: Describes it as a historically significant fort, its rulers, and the presence of Jain temples and cultural contributions.
- Laxman Tirth: Mentions its ancient origins, its association with Jain monks, and the potential for discovering more historical evidence.
- Rath: Details the historical significance of Rath, the presence of Jain temples, and mentions the story of Sage Vrutishikhar.
- Dungarpur: Describes the town, the presence of Jain temples, and its rulers.
- Kesariya Ji: Highlights the significance of the idol of Lord Parshvanath, its legend, and its artistic merit.
- Kankroli: Mentions the presence of Jain temples and the association with Lord Parshvanath.
- Ujjain: Highlights its ancient Jain significance, its connection to Avantisukumar, and the presence of temples dedicated to Lord Parshvanath.
- Rath: Details the historical significance of Rath, the presence of Jain temples, and mentions the story of Sage Vrutishikhar.
- Delhi: Provides a detailed account of Delhi's history, its connection to Jainism, various rulers, and the presence of Jain temples and historical sites. It specifically mentions the influence of Jain Acharyas like Shri Jinaprabh Suri and the patronage of rulers like Emperor Akbar.
- Lahore: Discusses its historical context, the presence of Jain communities, and mentions the influence of Jain Acharyas and patrons like Seth Durnsalsinh and Mamtri Karmachandra during the Mughal era.
- Takshashila: Highlights its ancient significance as a Jain center, its connection to Lord Rishabhdev and Bahubali, and the mention of its Jain heritage in various scriptures.
- Ankaikal-Ankaika: Describes the Jain caves in the hills, their artistic merit, and the presence of inscriptions.
- Madras and South India: Discusses the spread of Jainism in South India, its influence on dynasties, and mentions important sites like Madurai and Alwar. It touches upon the literary contributions of Jain scholars in Dravidian languages.
- Ellora and Ajanta Caves: Mentions their historical and artistic significance, with a focus on the Jain caves within these complexes. It notes the presence of Jain sculptures and inscriptions.
- Bhilosa: Discusses its historical identity as Vidisha and its connection to Jainism.
- Mandavgadh: Provides details about this historical fort, its rulers, and the Jain temples built there.
- Rath: Details the historical significance of Rath, the presence of Jain temples, and mentions the story of Sage Vrutishikhar.
- Mathura: Highlights its ancient Jain importance, the discovery of Jain artifacts, and its significance in the development of Jain sculpture and art. It mentions the presence of Jain temples and historical events related to Jainism.
- Hastinapur: Describes its historical importance as a center of Jainism, its connection to Tirthankaras, and the legends associated with it.
- Kanchipuram: Mentions its role in Jainism and the patronage of Jain scholars.
- Kushala: Discusses the historical context of the region and its Jain heritage.
- Kesariya Ji: Highlights the significance of the idol of Lord Parshvanath, its legend, and its artistic merit.
- Vali: Discusses its historical significance and the presence of Jain remnants.
- Pahadpur: Mentions its historical connection to Jainism and the discovery of artifacts.
- Gwalior: Describes its historical and religious significance, the presence of Jain temples, and notable rulers and scholars associated with Jainism.
- Bhelsa: Discusses its historical importance as Vidisha, its connection to Lord Mahavir and the idol of Jivantswami, and its transformation.
- Ujjain: Highlights its ancient Jain significance, its connection to Avantisukumar, and the presence of temples dedicated to Lord Parshvanath.
- Kondalpur: Mentions its historical connection to the eleven Tirthankaras and its significance in Jain tradition.
- Rijukalika: Discusses its significance as the place of Lord Mahavir's Keval Gyan, its legendary associations, and the presence of Jain structures.
- Lachwad-Kshatriyakund: Details the ongoing debate about the precise location of Lord Mahavir's birthplace, presenting various scholarly opinions and historical evidence.
- Ankai-Kankai Caves: Describes the Jain caves, their artistic merit, and the presence of inscriptions.
- Pindadankhan and Kalabagh: Mentions their historical context and any Jain remnants.
- Delhi and Punjab: Discusses the spread of Jainism in these regions, mentioning key historical figures and sites.
- Agra: Covers its historical significance, its connection to Jainism during the Mughal period, and mentions the patronage of Jain scholars by emperors like Akbar and Jahangir.
- Bhadilpur: Discusses its historical significance and connection to Jainism, mentioning its association with Jain monks and the legend of Lord Parshvanath.
- Biyad: Mentions its historical significance.
- Bhanpur: Mentions its historical significance.
- Sural: Discusses its historical significance.
- Kadam: Mentions its historical significance.
- Bhadak: Discusses its ancient Jain history and the presence of Tirthankara idols.
- Ankai-Kankai Caves: Describes the Jain caves, their artistic merit, and the presence of inscriptions.
Appendices: The book includes various appendices for enhanced usability:
- Alphabetical list of villages and towns in the main text and special notes.
- Ten types of indexes (e.g., events by year, places, figures, sects, etc.).
- Bibliography of referenced works.
- Errata.
Fair Use Declaration: The document includes a declaration stating that the book is sourced from another online repository and provided under Fair Use guidelines for educational or research purposes. It emphasizes that the book is believed to be in the public domain and that the intent of the original repository was public dissemination.

In essence, "Jain Tirth Sarva Sangraha Part 02" is a monumental work of compilation and research, offering an unparalleled depth of information on Jain Tirths, their history, legends, and architectural significance, serving as a vital guide for understanding and exploring the rich heritage of Jainism in India.