Jinkrupachandrasurishwar Charitram - Book Summary

This document, titled "Jinkrupachandrasurishwar Charitram" by Jaysagarsuri, is a biographical account of Acharya Shri Krupachandrasurishwarji, a prominent figure in the Kharatargachha sect of Jainism. The text, published by Jaysagarsuri, details various aspects of his life and the properties and activities of the Kharatargachha community in Ahmedabad and surrounding areas.

Here's a summary of the key points presented in the provided pages:

1. Community and Property Records in Ahmedabad (Pages 2-6):

Date of Record: The record of properties belonging to the Shri Kharatargachha Sangh in Ahmedabad is dated Samvat 1995 (Kartik Sudhi 1).
Upaashrayas (Monastic Residences):
- An ancient Upaashraya in Kharatarni Khadki, dating back 400-500 years, was used by monks and nuns.
- Due to difficulties, in Samvat 1984, the Sangh purchased a new house from Kotawala Seth opposite Aavli Pol for monks to reside in. This is now known as the Shri Kharatargachha Jain Dharamshala (M. No. 2837). A shop was rented out on the ground floor of this Upaashraya.
- A third Upaashraya was built in Dadasaheb ni Pol in Samvat 1979, where nuns currently reside.
Temples and Gurumandirs:
- In Dadasaheb ni Pol, there are temples of Shri Shantinathji (Mulnayak) and Shri Adishwarji.
- Adjacent to the temples is a Gurumandir of the Yugpradhan Shri Jintadatta Surishwarji of the Kharatargachha.
- The administration of these temples and the Gurumandir is managed by the Ahmedabad Kharatargachha Sangh.
Rental Income and Properties: The text lists various houses belonging to the Kharatargachha in Dadasaheb ni Pol, along with their tenants, M. numbers, and rental amounts. Some of these properties are described as shared or contiguous with other properties.
- Specific rentals are listed, such as Rs. 108 from Keshavlal Dalichand, Rs. 109 from Sankarchand Tarachand, etc.
- There's mention of a Jain bhojanshala (community kitchen) in the houses of Sheth Makubhai Mansukhbhai and another one in Navavas.
Further Properties:
- A shop in Ratanpol (M. No. 3127) is rented out for Rs. 107.
- A house in Leriyapol, rented by Sh. Dalasukh Panachand, contributes a portion of its rent to the Leriyapol Derasar and the Dadasaheb ni Pol Derasar.
Total Rental Income: The total annual rental income is stated as Rs. 3384.
Outstation Property: Outside the city, in the limits of Navrangpura village, there are fields (Khetar No. 51 & 52) belonging to Dadasaheb's farm. A Gurumandir of Shri Jintadatta Surishwarji is located there, along with five deities, a Kshetrapal deity, a well, and a large platform. A shed was built by Sheth Amritlal Mohanlal Zaveri, and a room was built by Sheth Mangaldas Nagindas.
Management Committee: The management of these properties is overseen by a committee of five trustees: Kothari Manibhai Mohanlal, Sheth Maneklal Kalidas, Pare Mangaldas Nagindas, Kothari Chandulal Mohanlal, and Sh. Lalbhai Fulchand. Kothari Chandulal Mohanlal is the primary administrator, assisted by Sh. Talakchand Jethabhai.

2. Introduction to Acharya Shri Krupachandrasurishwarji's Biography (Pages 8 onwards):

Title and Author: The text is introduced as "Shrimad Jinkrupachandrasurishwarcharitram" by Bhattarakpurandar, Sarvashastra-visharad, Jainacharya Shrimad Jinkrupachandrasurishwarji, belonging to the Shriman Jinvardhan Suri lineage of the Shri Kotiya-gachha, holding the title of Brihat Kharatar.
Praise and Salutations: The initial verses offer salutations to various Jain Tirthankaras and prominent spiritual leaders (Suris) in Jain tradition, establishing the auspicious beginning of the biography.
Genealogy and Historical Context: The early chapters (starting from Chapter 1) delve into the lineage of Tirthankaras, Chakravartis, Vasudevas, Baladevas, and the succession of Acharyas and Suris throughout Jain history, setting the stage for the life of Krupachandrasurishwarji. This includes mentions of key figures like Rishabhdev, Bharat, Parshvanath, Mahavir, and the subsequent gurus in the lineage.
The Life and Travels of Acharya Shri Krupachandrasurishwarji (Chapters 2-5): These chapters detail the extensive travels and spiritual activities of Acharya Shri Krupachandrasurishwarji. This includes:
- Early Life and Education: His birth, family background, renunciation, and rigorous education in various scriptures and philosophies are described.
- Spiritual Prowess and Teachings: His profound knowledge, eloquent discourses, debates with scholars of other faiths, and his ability to guide people towards Jainism are highlighted.
- Extensive Travels and Influence: The text chronicles his journeys across various regions of India (Gujarat, Rajasthan, etc.), visiting numerous holy places, establishing Jain principles, and influencing kings and common people alike.
- Key Events and Miracles: His participation in religious festivals, the establishment of Jain institutions, and potentially miraculous events are narrated.
- Succession and Lineage: The biography traces the lineage of Acharyas in his tradition, emphasizing the unbroken chain of spiritual leadership.
- The Author's Role: The final verses acknowledge the author, Jaysagarsuri, and the completion of the first chapter, setting the stage for further narratives.

Overall Purpose:

The "Jinkrupachandrasurishwar Charitram" serves as a hagiographical work, aiming to:

Preserve the Legacy: Document and celebrate the life, teachings, and achievements of Acharya Shri Krupachandrasurishwarji.
Promote Jainism: Inspire readers with the exemplary life of a spiritual leader and the principles of Jainism.
Detail Community History: Provide historical context regarding the properties, administration, and activities of the Kharatargachha community in significant locations.

The text is a rich source of information on Jain history, spiritual lineage, monastic practices, and the socio-economic aspects of the Jain community in the historical periods it covers.