Jaisalmer Panchtirthino Itihas

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jaisalmer Panchtirthino Itihas" by Prakashvijay, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Jaisalmer Panchtirthino Itihas (History of Jaisalmer's Five Holy Sites) Author: Poojya Muni Shri Prakashvijayji M.S. Publisher: Shri Jaisalmer Lodravpur Parshwanath Jain Shwetambar Trust, Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) Publication Date: April 1980 (Second Gujarati Edition)

Overall Theme and Purpose:

The book, "Jaisalmer Panchtirthino Itihas," aims to provide a detailed historical account of the five important Jain pilgrimage sites (Panchtirth) in and around Jaisalmer. It goes beyond mere description to delve into the historical authenticity, associated dates (Samvat), traditional narratives, and devotional hymns (Stavans) related to these sacred locations. The author, Muni Prakashvijayji, was inspired to write this book after experiencing the spiritual and architectural grandeur of Jaisalmer, particularly its ancient temples and knowledge repositories.

Key Aspects Covered:

1. Author's Inspiration and Journey:

   • The author's journey was sparked by a spiritual calling during his Chaturmas in Ludhiana in 1964, which led him to visit Jaisalmer.
   • He highlights a sermon by Acharya Shri Vijaysamudrasuriji M.S. emphasizing the duty to protect society and religion.
   • His visit to Jaisalmer in March 1968, coupled with witnessing a successful Ayambil (a type of Jain fasting) program, solidified his desire to document the history of this significant pilgrimage center.
   • He credits Shri Kundanmalji Jindani and Shri Shrimanmalji Chordia for their support in gathering material and compiling the history.

2. Significance of Pilgrimage Sites (Tirtha):

   • Tirthas are presented as crucial in understanding history, culture, art, and ancient inscriptions.
   • Visiting Tirthas brings spiritual joy, devotion, peace, and a connection to ancestral glory.
   • They inspire the acquisition of virtues like forgiveness, right faith, and knowledge.

3. Geographical and Historical Context of Jaisalmer:

   • Jaisalmer is described as a first-class state in northwestern Rajasthan, now a large district, known for its historical resistance against invaders.
   • Its strategic importance in repelling attackers from Ghazni and Kabul is mentioned, along with its past conflicts with the Nawab of Bahawalpur and Sindhi bandits.
   • The city's military valor led to its ruler, Maharawal Shrigirdharsinhji, being honored with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
   • The book details Jaisalmer's borders, area (16012 sq miles), and the accessibility via railways and buses from Barmer and Jodhpur.
   • It dispels the misconception of Jaisalmer being just a sandy desert, highlighting its grand structures and intricate artistry upon arrival.

4. The Five Holy Sites (Panchtirth): The book focuses on the historical and religious significance of these five sites:

   • Pokhran: Though historically significant with its ancient Jain temples, Upashrayas, and Paushadhshalas, it is noted that no Jain families reside there currently. The three Jain temples mentioned are dedicated to Adinath, Chintamani Parshwanath, and Parshwanath.
   • Jaisalmer City: The city itself is described with its striking yellow stone architecture, the Gadsisar Lake, the captivating scenes of women fetching water, and the impressive Havelis. The city contains 13 temples and 18 Upashrayas.
   • Amar Sagar: Located about 3 miles west of Jaisalmer, this site features beautiful gardens and lakes, built by Maharawal Amarsinhji. It is known for its yellow sandstone quarries and the intricate artistry on the stone. Several Jain temples and Dadavadis (places of veneration for Jain ascetics) are present here, with a significant temple dedicated to Adinath Bhagwan built by Seth Himmatramji.
   • Lodravpur (Lauvdar): Situated about 10 miles from Jaisalmer and 7 miles from Amarsagar, Lodravpur was the former capital. It houses a magnificent temple of Chintamani Parshwanath Bhagwan, considered a major Jain pilgrimage center. The city's historical significance as an ancient university is noted, along with the legend of Mummal and Mahendra associated with the Kak river. The city faced destruction due to Muhammad Ghori's invasion.
   • Brahm Sar: This site is considered essential for the completion of the Panchtirth pilgrimage. After visiting Lodravpur, pilgrims proceed to Brahm Sar. The journey involves passing by the village of Rupsi and the Ramkunda ashram. The Parshwanath temple here was built in VS 1844. A significant Dada's place (Dadawadi) with a miraculous Kund associated with Guru Shri Kushalsuriji is also located nearby.

5. Architectural Marvels and Artistic Heritage:

   • Jaisalmer is lauded for its unique architecture, particularly the "golden fort" made of yellow sandstone that glows at sunrise.
   • The detailed descriptions of temples within the fort and the city, including their intricate carvings, sculptures, pillars, domes, and torans (doorways), emphasize the skill of the ancient artisans.
   • The book highlights specific temples like Shri Parshvanathji's Temple, Shri Sambhavnathji's Temple, Shri Shitalnathji's Temple, Shri Shantinathji and Kunthunathji's Temples, Shri Chandrapraabhswami's Temple, and Shri Mahavir Swami's Temple, detailing their construction, idols, and inscriptions.
   • The famous Patwon ki Haveli and other grand Havelis of wealthy merchants are noted for their artistic merit.
   • The presence of sculptures depicting various aspects of life, including dancers, musicians, and even erotic art (explained as reflecting different life pursuits), is mentioned as a testament to the artists' expression.

6. Jaisalmer's Golden Age and the Oswal Community:

   • Jaisalmer flourished as a major trading hub, with goods moving between Russia, Afghanistan, Bahawalpur, Sindh, and China.
   • The Oswal community played a significant role in this prosperity, with approximately 2000 Oswal families residing in Jaisalmer after the decline of Lodravpur.
   • Their wealth was invested in public works like temples, lakes, and wells, contributing to the city's "Golden Age."
   • The Oswal community's deep devotion, patronage of scholars and artists, and the establishment of numerous Upashrayas and libraries are emphasized.

7. The Jain Knowledge Repositories (Gyan Bhandars):

   • Jaisalmer is renowned for its extensive collections of ancient palm-leaf and manuscripted books, housing seven Gyan Bhandars.
   • The Shri Jinvadra Suri Gyan Bhandar is particularly highlighted for its vast collection of 2683 manuscripts on paper and palm leaves, considered superior to even the Patan Gyan Bhandar.
   • The preservation efforts, including steel cabinets and aluminum boxes, are mentioned, along with the critical work of Munishri Punyavijayji Maharaj.
   • The presence of unique historical artifacts like Guru Dev Dadassheb Shri Jindatt Suri's robe, muhapti, and alpatti adds to the repository's value.
   • The scholarly importance of these manuscripts for research in various Indian philosophies, arts, and Jain Agamas is stressed.

8. Miraculous Events and Legends:

   • The "disappearance of Kuladevis" (family deities) is recounted as a miraculous event related to Acharya Shri Jinvardhansuriji's intervention when local women insisted on worshipping deities on Dussehra, a practice contrary to Jain principles.
   • The "Miracle of Sandasha" (Sandasha ka Chamatkar) describes how Seth Sandasha, facing financial ruin while building the Shri Chandrapraabhswami temple, received divine aid in the form of hidden treasure revealed by a goddess, allowing him to complete the temple and his pious acts.

9. Devotional Hymns (Stavans):

   • The book includes various Stavans (devotional poems) dedicated to the deities of the Panchtirth sites, written by ancient Jain poets like Samaysundarji Upadhyay, Jinraj Suri, Jin Sukha Suri, Hemdhavaj, and others. These Stavans are presented in the local dialects of the time, offering linguistic and devotional insights.

10. Jaisalmer Panchtirth Jain Shwetambar Trust:

    • The establishment and role of the Shri Jaisalmer Lodravpur Parshwanath Jain Shwetambar Trust (formed in 1961) are detailed.
    • The Trust's efforts to consolidate the management of all five Tirthas, integrate various Gyan Bhandars, and improve facilities for pilgrims (electricity, dining halls, accommodation at Jain Bhavan and Mahavir Bhavan, and renovation of temples) are highlighted.

Conclusion:

"Jaisalmer Panchtirthino Itihas" is presented as a valuable historical and spiritual guide for Jain pilgrims and anyone interested in the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Jaisalmer. It celebrates the devotion, architectural prowess, and intellectual pursuits of the past, particularly the Jain community, and emphasizes the enduring significance of these sites for preserving Jain traditions and knowledge. The author expresses hope that the work will inspire readers and lead to greater appreciation and preservation of these invaluable treasures.