Jaytilaksuri Virachit Girnar Chaitya Pravadi

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Girnar Chaitya Pravadi" by Jaytilaksuri, based on the provided information:

Book Title: Jaytilaksuri Virachit Girnar Chaitya Pravadi (Jaytilaksuri's Description of Girnar Chaityas)

Author: Jaytilaksuri

Editors/Compilers: Agarchand Nahta, M A Dhaky

Publisher Information: Z_Aspect_of_Jainology_Part_2_Pundit_Bechardas_Doshi_012016.pdf

Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/230089/1

Key Information and Summary:

The provided text is an introduction and the beginning verses of the "Girnar Chaitya Pravadi," a composition by the Jain monk Jaytilaksuri. The editors, Agarchand Nahta and Madhusudan Dhaky, have presented this work, which is considered the oldest known composition written in Old Gujarati related to the Girnar pilgrimage.

Authorship and Dating:

• Jaytilaksuri: He was a prominent monk belonging to the Tapagachchha tradition and the lineage of Ratnakarsuri.
• Approximate Date: The work is estimated to have been composed around the beginning of the 15th century (around 1400 CE). This dating is supported by several facts:
  • Jaytilaksuri is known to have elaborated on the Anuyogadvar-churna in 1456 VS (1400 CE).
  • His disciple, Ratnasinghsuri, had a disciple, Charitsundargani, who composed the "Shiladut Kavya" in 1487 VS (1431 CE).
  • An inscription indicates that a merchant named Harpati of Shrimāli community from Khambhat undertook a pilgrimage to Girnar in 1449 VS (1393 CE) and got the Nemnath temple renovated. The "Girnar Chaitya Pravadi" was likely composed around this time or shortly after, as it does not mention temples built in the 15th century.
  • It is considered to be two generations older than the "Girnar Tirtha Mala" composed by a disciple of Ratnasinghsuri (whose name is unknown) after 1453 CE.

Content and Structure of the "Girnar Chaitya Pravadi":

The "Girnar Chaitya Pravadi" is a descriptive poem, written in 36 verses (kadi) in Gujarati, detailing a pilgrimage to the sacred Mount Girnar, a significant Jain pilgrimage site.

• Opening Verses: The poem begins with general poetic descriptions (verses 1-5), after which the author initiates the actual pilgrimage description.
• Pilgrimage Route and Sites Described: The text meticulously outlines the journey and the veneration of various holy sites and deities at Girnar:
  • Initial Veneration: The pilgrim first bows to Parshvanath at the Tejalsavahi (Tejpala Vasahi), likely referring to a temple built or patronized by Tejpal.
  • Junagadh (Jirnadurg): The pilgrimage proceeds to Jirnadurg (old fort), also known as "Jirangadh," where veneration is paid to Adinath and Vira.
  • Forests and Ascent: After observing Sonarekh, Damodar, and Kshetrapal (Kalamegh), the pilgrim reaches the forest at the foothills and begins the ascent.
  • Key Landmarks on the Ascent: The poem details passing through four stages (Parva) of the ascent.
  • Bahad Mehta: Gratitude is expressed to Bahad Mehta (Mahattam Vagbhatta), the builder of the "Paj" (likely referring to a pathway or structure).
  • Devakit's Lane: The pilgrim enters the lane of Devaki.
  • Nemnath Temple Complex:
    • Veneration of the chief deity, Arishtanemi (Nemnath), in his three-story temple.
    • Paying respects in the seventy-two Devakulikas (smaller shrines).
    • Bowing to the eight Tirthankaras residing in Apapamadhi (in the southern entrance).
    • Worshipping Nemnath in the Kalyantraya Jinalaya.
  • Chandraguhfa: The pilgrim observes Chandraguhfa (Moon Cave).
  • Nagmar Pond: After seeing the Nagmar stream, the pilgrim bathes in the Gajendrapada Kund and proceeds to Indramandapa.
  • Other Sacred Sites:
    • Worshipping deities of Shatrunjayavatar, Sametshikhar, and Ashtapada, located behind the main Nemnath temple.
    • Paying respects to the temples of Karpadi Yaksha and Marudevi.
    • Visiting the caves of Rajula and Rasmine.
    • Observing Ghataksara and Chhatrashila.
    • Reaching Sahasramravana (Savana).
    • Worshipping Ambika, Sambu, and Pradyumna.
    • Visiting Avalokana Shikhar.
    • Mentioning the legendary "Kanchan Balak" at Pradyumna Shikhar.
    • Bowing in Siddhivinayaka's lane.
  • Return and Culmination:
    • Observing the Ganga water at Sahastrabindu.
    • Turning back towards the main Nemnath temple.
    • Expressing joy at the successful completion of the pilgrimage.
• Author's Self-Identification: In the 35th verse, Jaytilaksuri identifies himself as the author.
• Concluding Verses: The final verses (35-36) express the author's humility, his dedication to the work, and the hope that reading this "Chaitya Pravadi" will bring merit and auspiciousness to the reader.

Significance:

The "Girnar Chaitya Pravadi" is a historically and religiously important text for Jains, offering a detailed account of the Girnar pilgrimage from the early 15th century. Its composition in Old Gujarati makes it a valuable linguistic artifact as well. It serves as a guide and inspiration for devotees undertaking the sacred journey to Girnar. The editorial work by Agarchand Nahta and Madhusudan Dhaky ensures its preservation and accessibility for study.