Jain Tirth Yatra Darshak

This document is an excerpt from the book "Jain Tirth Yatra Darshak" (जैन तीर्थयात्रादर्शक), authored by Gebilal Brahmachari and edited by Guljarilal Brahmachari, and published by Mulchand Kisandas Kapadia. It serves as a comprehensive guide for Jain pilgrims undertaking yatras to various sacred sites.

Here's a summary of the key aspects covered in the provided pages:

Overall Purpose: The book aims to be a companion for Jain pilgrims, providing essential information about numerous Jain pilgrimage sites (Tirthas) across India. It seeks to guide them on their spiritual journeys, making the travels easier and more informative.

Publisher's Note and Fair Use Declaration: The initial pages include a "Fair Use Declaration" from "The Free Indological Collection" (TFIC), stating that the book is being provided for individual educational or research use under fair use guidelines, believing it to be in the public domain. They also mention their mission to make hard-to-access or Indian-language resources available to a wider audience.

Guidelines for Handling the Book: Page 2 provides explicit instructions from the Bharatiya Jnanpith Kashi Granthaagar (library) on how to handle the book with care:

• Do not touch with wet hands.
• Turn pages carefully, without using saliva.
• Do not fold pages for marking; use a piece of paper.
• Do not write or make marks on the pages.
• Do not cut the book or read it by folding it in half.
• Return the book on time. The concluding quote emphasizes the importance of knowledge and victory over ignorance.

Introduction and Publisher's Appeal (Nivedan):

• The publisher, Mulchand Kisandas Kapadia, explains the genesis of this second edition. He references an earlier popular book, "Bharatvarshiya Digambar Jain Tirth Yatra Darpan" by Seth Manikchand Hiraachandji, and other abridged versions.
• He highlights the need for a comprehensive and practical guide for every pilgrim.
• The book was originally written by Brahmachari Gebilalji based on his personal experiences and extensive research, initially published and distributed by the Calcutta Jain community.
• This second edition is an updated and revised version, with modifications made by Pandit Guljarilalji Chaudhary for clarity and language.
• The publisher expresses gratitude to the authors and revisers.

Philosophical Foundation and Importance of Jainism:

• The text emphasizes that despite the proliferation of various religions, the remnants of true spiritual paths are found in places of pilgrimage.
• It argues that true religion, even with fewer followers, holds immense value. It uses analogies (one gem better than many stones, one virtuous son better than many, one lion better than thousands of deer) to illustrate the superiority of true dharma, even if its followers are few.
• The text highlights the ancientness of Jainism as a mark of its authenticity and eternity.
• It states that adherence to Jain principles, particularly non-violence (Ahimsa), leads to the welfare of beings.

Content and Features:

• Comprehensive List of Tirthas: The book is a detailed directory of Jain pilgrimage sites, categorized and listed with their locations. The table of contents (Vishay Suchi) on page 17 and subsequent pages reveals an extensive list of sites, organized by region and type (Nirvana Kshetra, Atishaya Kshetra, Pancha Kalyanaka Kshetra, etc.).
• Railway Information: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to detailing which cities are connected by which railway lines (GIP, MSM, EI, BN, NW, NGS, JB, SI, OR, BNW, B&CI railways). This includes details about stations, routes, and the stations nearest to specific Tirthas.
• Travelogue and Route Descriptions: The book provides detailed descriptions of routes, often mentioning distances, modes of transport (train, motor, tanga, bullock cart), and approximate fares. It guides pilgrims on how to travel from one location to another.
• Site-Specific Details: For each Tirth, it provides information about:
  • The number of Jain homes and temples.
  • The history or significance of the site (e.g., where a Tirthankar attained Nirvana or had a Kalyanaka).
  • The presence of ancient or miraculous (Atishayee) idols.
  • Details about Dharamshalas (pilgrim rest houses) and their facilities.
  • Local sights and other religious sites (sometimes including Hindu ones for broader context).
• Travel Advice and Warnings (Yatramen Chetavni): Pages 22-28 offer crucial advice for pilgrims, including:
  • The importance of making the pilgrimage with a pure heart and renouncing negative emotions.
  • Guidelines for approaching deities, especially on hills (e.g., wearing clean clothes, offering suitable items).
  • Advice on managing finances, donating generously, and treating others with kindness.
  • Warnings about potential dangers, theft, and the need for vigilance, especially on trains and in crowded places.
  • Information on postal and telegraph services.
  • Understanding railway rules, luggage policies, and ticket procedures.
  • Instructions for safe travel on trains, including handling luggage and interacting with co-passengers.
• Biographical Sketch of the Author: Page 53 provides a brief biography of Gebilal Brahmachari, highlighting his spiritual journey, renunciation of worldly life after personal tragedies, and his dedicated service to the Jain community.

Key Tirthas Mentioned (among many):

• Siddh Kshetra: Shri Kailashji, Shri Sammedshikharji, Girnarji, Shri Champapurji, Shri Pavagadhniji, Shri Manchitungi, Shri Muktagiri, Shri Sonagiri, Shri Kunthalgiri, etc.
• Atishaya Kshetra: Kareda (Parshvanath), Chulheshwarji, Bijolia, Chanangram, Kunchlagiri, Ukhlad, Antarikshji, etc.
• Pancha Kalyanaka Kshetra: Sauripuri, Ayodhya, Hastinapur, etc.
• Other prominent sites: Udaipur, Kesariyaji (Dhulev), Ajmer, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Mount Abu (Achalgarh, Taranga Hill), Palitana (Shatrunjay), Girnar, Dwarka, Somnath, Mathura, Vrindavan, Varanasi, Prayag, etc.
• South India: Mangalore, Mulabhadri, Hoomch, Shravanabelgola, etc.
• Eastern India: Kolkata, Shikharji, Champapur, etc.
• Northeastern India: Guwahati, Dibrugarh, etc.

In essence, "Jain Tirth Yatra Darshak" is a detailed, practical, and spiritually grounded guide designed to assist Jain pilgrims in navigating the diverse and sacred landscape of Jainism in India, covering both the spiritual significance of the sites and the logistical aspects of travel.