Jiravalli Mahatirth Ka Aetihasik Vruttant

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jiravalli Mahatirth ka Aetihasik Vruttant" by Sohanlal Patni, based on the provided pages:

Introduction to Jiravalli Mahatirth (Page 1)

The book, "Jiravalli Mahatirth ka Aetihasik Vruttant" (Historical Account of the Great Pilgrimage Site of Jiravalli), authored by Prof. Sohanlal Patni, highlights the significant and ancient status of the Shri Jirawala Parshvanath Tirth within the tradition of Jain pilgrimage sites. Nestled in the lap of the Aravalli mountain range, on a hill named Jirapalli, this magnificent temple is ancient, surrounded by lush green forests, and has been a sanctuary for scholars and devout individuals for centuries. It serves as a cultural and religious hub for Jainism, with inscriptions on its stones narrating tales of its antiquity and glory. Thousands of devotees visit annually for inspiration and strength. The mantra "Om Hri Shri Jirawala Parshvanathay Namah" is invoked at the start of auspicious ceremonies, underscoring the Tirth's supreme importance. The fame of Jirawala Parshvanath has led to the establishment of his idols in various locations like Marwar, Ghanerao, Nadlai, Nadol, Sirohi, and Ghatkopar in Mumbai.

Etymology and Location (Page 1)

The text states that the Tirtha is known by several names in Jain scriptures, including Jiravalli, Jirapalli, Jirikapalli, and Jayarajpalli. The author posits that the name likely originated from the mountain Jayaraj, with the city being Jayarajpalli situated in its valley. A "Shri Jayarajpuriysh Shri Parshvanath Stavan" was composed by Shri Jinbhadr Suri's disciple, Siddhantaruchi ji. The modern name "Jirawala" is believed to be an apabhramsha (corrupted form) of Jayarajpalli. Geographically, Jirawala is located 35 miles west of Sirohi city and 30 miles southeast of Bhinmal. Historically, it was part of the Marwar region and was once a large and prosperous city, a center of attraction for traders and a land of valor.

Historical Significance and Patronage (Pages 1-2)

• Ancient Roots and Early Patronage: Local tradition suggests that Lord Mahavir Swami roamed this land, corroborated by an inscription found in Bhinmal dating back to VS 1333. The region was under the Maurya Empire during Chandragupta Maurya's reign and later under Ashoka's grandson Samprati, during whose rule Jainism flourished significantly, with many Jain temples being constructed. Historian Ojha, based on inscriptions from the 2nd century VS, indicates that Jainism was prevalent even before King Samprati. After the Mauryas, the region was ruled by the Kshatrapas, with Mahakshatrap Rudradama's Junagadh inscription confirming its inclusion in his kingdom in 553 AD.

• Foundation of the Temple: The Jirawala Parshvanath temple was built in VS 326 by Seth Amrasa of Kodinagar. Kodinagar is speculated to be near modern Bhinmal, a place that has lost its former grandeur.

• Discovery and Installation of the Idol: A significant legend describes the divine discovery of the idol. Seth Amrasa dreamt of the presiding deity of Lord Parshvanath, who instructed him to establish a hidden idol outside Jirapalli. The idol was found underground in a cave outside the village. The presiding deity again appeared in a dream to Jainacharya Devsurishwarji, who was present in the area, confirming the discovery. The idol was carefully excavated and, despite a dispute between Kodinagar and Jirapalli devotees, was installed in Jirapalli as per the presiding deity's command. Acharya Devsuri performed the consecration (Pratishtha) in VS 331.

• Renovations and Re-consecrations:

  • The first renovation of the temple took place in VS 663 by Seth Jetasa and Khemasa, who came with a large procession of 10,000 people.
  • During the fourth century, the region was part of the Gupta Empire, and after its decline, it was under the Hunas. Several Sun temples built by Huna rulers like Toramana are found in the vicinity of Jirawala.
  • Jain Acharya Harigupta was the guru of Toramana during the Gupta period. His disciples, including Shivachandrgani, visited this temple. Yakadattagani, a disciple of Shivachandrgani, is credited with constructing several Jain temples in the surrounding areas.
  • Acharya Dhaneysur, who converted King Shailaditya of Valabhpur to Jainism, also visited this temple. His disciple Vateshwar Suri built a beautiful Jain temple in a city called Akashvapra, meaning the descent of a mountain touching the sky. The legend of Jirawala temple being brought from the sky supports this, as the temple itself is situated on a similar mountain descent.
  • Acharya Haribhadra Suri is associated with the re-installation of the temple in the Chitrakuta (modern Chittor) region.
  • The seventh century saw the rule of the Chavda dynasty. Inscriptions from Vasantgarh (VS 682) confirm the reign of King Varmalat with Bhinmal as his capital, followed by Vyaghmukh.
  • Jain Acharya Haribhadra Suri (VS 757-827), who organized the Porwal community, visited the area and re-consecrated the temple.
  • Tattvacharya Virabhadra Suri also visited and constructed many temples in Jalor and Bhinmal.
  • Bappabhatta Suri, author of the Siddha Sarasvata Stotra, journeyed to various pilgrimage sites including Jirawal.

• Dynastic Changes and Continued Patronage (Pages 3-5):

  • The 8th century saw the region under Yashovarman and later the Pratihar king Vatsaraj, with his capital at Jabalipur (Jalor). His son Nagabhatta ruled in VS 872 and built a temple at Nagani near Jirawal.
  • Notable Jain Acharyas like Siddhashi and Durgaswami visited in the 10th century.
  • Following the decline of the Pratiharas, the region came under the Paramaras.
  • In the 11th century, it was under King Dhudhak and then the Chalukya king Bhimdeva. Vimalshah, Bhimdeva's commander, administered the region and built the Vimal Vasahi temple on Mount Abu, also undertaking renovations and providing patronage to Jain temples.
  • The second renovation of the Jirawala temple occurred in VS 1033 by Seth Hardas of Tetali Nagar, guided by Jain Acharya Sahajananda Ji.
  • The region was part of Siddharaj's kingdom from VS 1150. Jain Acharyas Samudraghosha, Jinvallabh Suri, and Hemachandracharya visited around this time. Abhaydeva Suri, a disciple of Jayasingh Suri, also visited and was honored with the title "Malladhari" by Siddharaj.
  • Acharya Dada Jindattasuri of the Kharatragachha also visited.
  • A severe famine after VS 1175 led to the abandonment of the city, with many people migrating to Gujarat.
  • The region then came under Kumarapala's rule. He embraced Jainism and patronized Jain Acharyas. Inscriptions from Kiradu (VS 1205, 1208) and Jalor (VS 1221) confirm his rule.
  • After Kumarapala, Ajayapala and Mulraj ruled, with Paramara king Dharavarsha governing this area. He participated in battles against Muhammad Ghori. Paramara rule continued until the 13th century.
  • Udaysingh Chauhan ruled around VS 1300, with inscriptions in Bhinmal (VS 1305, 1306) confirming his reign, his capital being Jalor. His son Chachingdev and then Dashrath Devda ruled. Bijad Devda and Lavanyakarna (Lunakaran) Lumpha also held sway. Lumpha was known for his religious tolerance, waiving taxes on Jain temple travelers and generously funding Jain temple construction.
  • Alauddin's forces attacked the temple, first destroying a Vaishnav temple and then desecrating the Jirawala Parshvanath temple by attempting to defile it with cow slaughter. However, an attacker who tried to smear blood died immediately after being bitten by a serpent. Lumpha provided significant assistance in recovering from Alauddin Khilji's invasion.
  • Tejsingh, Kanhaddev, and Samantsingh followed Lumpha.

Further Historical Accounts and Legends (Pages 6-8):

• Story of Seth Dhandhal (VS 1109): A tale from Upadeshasaptati describes Seth Dhandhal of Brahmana (modern Varmana) discovering a cow providing milk to a cave near the Sehil River. The cow was later found to be offering milk to a hidden idol of Lord Parshvanath. A dispute arose between Brahmana and Jirapalli over the idol, which was resolved by a cart drawn by one bull from each village. The cart proceeded to Jirapalli, where the idol was installed in the first chaitya, replacing a previous idol of Veer. This is considered the third consecration.
• Yavana Attack and Idol Replacement: It is believed that after the idol was damaged by Yavana armies, a new idol was installed based on the presiding deity's instruction. The original idol is now located in the southern part of the new idol and is known as Dada Parshvanath.
• Third Consecration by Dhandhal: The new temple built by Dhandhal had its idol consecrated by Acharya Shri Ajitdev Suri in VS 1191. This is considered the third consecration of the temple. The first by Acharya Dev Suri (VS 331), the second by Acharya Haribhadra Suri (though some historians debate Vateshwar Suri's role in constructing the Akashvapra temple), and the third by Acharya Ajitdev Suri.
• Confirmation of Alauddin Khilji's Attack: The text confirms damage by Alauddin Khilji around VS 1368 based on the "Jirapalli Mandan Parshvanath Vinti." Kanhaddev Prabandh and other historical facts indicate that in VS 1367, Alauddin destroyed the Mahavir temple in Sanchor and also damaged the Jirawal temple.
• Seth Pethadshah's Temple (VS 1321): Mentioned in Upadesha Tarangini, this temple might have been destroyed by invaders.
• Mandap Construction: Poet Maheswar mentions that Seth Janjanji, a Shrimali of Mandavgadh, along with his six sons and Seth Palharaj, built a beautiful mandap with high torans at the Tirtha.
• Fort Remnants: Ruins of an ancient fort are visible behind the current temple, likely belonging to the feudatories of Kanhaddev Chauhan. After Kanhaddev's death in 1314, the area fell under Alauddin Khilji's descendants. The text laments the untold atrocities that likely occurred at the temple and city.
• Maharao Lumpha's Reign: After 1320, Maharao Lumpha of Sirohi gained control. However, due to the route between Ajmer and Ahmedabad, the temple and city faced repeated calamities. The merchants left, and the Chauhans also abandoned the place as unsafe.
• Shift in Original Deity: An inscription from VS 1851 indicates that Parshvanath was the original main deity. However, later, Lord Neminath was installed as the main deity for reasons not clearly documented. Two idols of Parshvanath are still housed in a room to the left of the temple, while Lord Neminath is in another room.
• Reason for the Shift: It is speculated that to protect the miraculous idol of Lord Parshvanath from potential desecration by invaders, it might have been secretly kept away, and Lord Neminath's idol was installed as an interim arrangement based on astrological predictions.
• Loss of Inscriptions: Due to continuous renovations and a lack of historical research, inscriptions on temple stones and walls have been lost. The author hopes for their rediscovery through the blessings of a great Acharya.
• Loss of Frescoes: Ancient frescoes on the temple walls have been lost due to repainting, marble work, polishing, and whitewashing.

Sanghas (Pilgrimage Groups) and Acharyas Visiting Jirawal (Pages 8-10):

The text lists numerous Sanghas (pilgrimage groups) and Acharyas who visited Jirawal throughout history, highlighting the continuous importance of the site for collective pilgrimage. Some notable visits include:

• Acharya Dev Suriji (VS 330) with 100 disciples.
• Acharya Merusurishwarji (4th century VS) with a large Sangha.
• Acharya Udyotan Suriji (around VS 834) with a Sangha of 17,000 people, led by Seth Lakhmara Sa.
• Acharya Sahajananda Surishwarji (VS 1033) with Seth Hardas.
• Acharya Ramdev Suriji (VS 1188) with Seth Jhalha.
• Acharya Kakkasuriji (VS 1393) with Seth Bhila.
• Acharya Shramdev Suriji (VS 1303).
• Acharya Vijay Harsh Suriji (VS 1318) with Khemasa Sancheti.
• Jhanjhan Shah (VS 1340), son of minister Pethad Shah, organized a Sangha that erected a golden canopy.
• Acharya Jinpadmasuri (VS 1468) with Sanghapaati Patasa.
• Seth Chahad and Alha, brothers of Jhanjhan Shah, organized Sanghas and built a grand mandap.
• Ram and Parvat (VS 1468) of Khambhat spent a lot of money on a pilgrimage.
• Acharya Hemantsuri (VS 1475) with Sanghapaati Manorath.
• Jain Acharyas of Anchal Gachha, Agam Gachha, Upkesh Gachha, Kharatragachha, Tapa Gachha, Jirapalli Gachha, Nagendra Gachha, and Pippali Gachha, along with their large discipleships, performed Chaturmasas (monsoon retreats) here, contributing to the Tirtha's renown. Notable among them are Merutunga Suri, Hemaratna Suri, Devaratna Suri, Devgupta Suri, Kakkasuri, Kapoorpriya Gani, Jintilak Suri, Kirtiratna Suri, Jaitilak Suri, Muni Sundarsuri, Somchanda Gani, Ratnaprabha Suri, and Devchandra Suri.
• Muni Sundarsuri's preachings led Rao Sahasmal of Sirohi to stop hunting and promote non-violence.
• Maha-acharyas like Acharya Merutunga Suri, Acharya Ajitsuriji, Acharya Haribhadra Suri, Acharya Ajitdev Suri, Acharya Vateshwar Suri, Acharya Dharmaghosh Suri, and Acharya Hemchandracharya contributed to the temple's renovation.
• Shri Jinakushal Suri's great-grandson Kshemaki Vaachacharya worshipped Jirapalli Parshvanath in the 14th century.
• Seth Gadraj Dugershah and Sand of Ahmedabad (VS 1525) undertook a collective pilgrimage with seven hundred bullock carts, welcomed by Maharao Lakhaji of Sirohi. Gadhshah also consecrated a large bronze idol of Rishabhdev.
• Seth Karmasa (VS 1536) visited with Acharya Lakshmisagar Suri, who also composed a stotra.
• Bimashah's son Dugershah (Nandurbar) visited Jirapalli along with other major pilgrimage sites.
• Bai Shivan (VS 1556) built two niches in the temple.
• Karma Bai, wife of Seth Ratnapala (VS 1556), built a shrine.
• Brothers Parvat Shah and Dagar Shah of Patan (VS 1559) organized a Sangha.
• Seth Jaisingh Shah and Ratnasha of Sarangpur visited with 88 Sanghas.
• Brothers Suran and Ratna (VS 1746) and their descendants spent three lakhs to organize a Sangha.
• Seth Gumanchandji Bafna's sons undertook a pilgrimage in VS 1891, costing twenty-three lakhs.
• The 19th and 20th centuries saw continuous Sanghas, with dozens visiting annually in the 20th century due to improved transportation.

Miracles of Jirawala Parshvanathji (Pages 11-13):

The text recounts several miracles attributed to Lord Parshvanath:

1. Lost Path Miracle (VS 1318): Acharya Meruprabh Suri, while lost in a forest, took a vow to fast until he reached Jirawal. A horseman appeared and guided him to the village.
2. Safe Return from Storm (VS 1463): Seth Prabhasa, caught in a severe storm at sea, vowed to visit Jirawal upon safe return. His ships returned safely, and he fulfilled his vow.
3. Mughal Emperor's Grace: Seth Meghasa, a respected official in the Mughal empire, was falsely accused. After the emperor ordered his death and confiscation of his wealth, Meghasa prayed to Lord Parshvanath. The emperor later rescinded the order, investigated, and, pleased with Meghasa's integrity, granted him a village.
4. Robbers Caught: Fifty robbers entered the temple at night, stole valuables, and were blinded by darkness upon exiting, crashing into walls. They were caught in the morning.
5. Seven Guttikas (Pills): Acharya Merutunga Suri sent three verses to a Sangha heading to Jirawal. The presiding deity provided seven pills for the peace of the Sangha, to be used when needed.
6. Serpent's Poison Neutralized: In Lolapatak, Acharya Merutunga Suri composed a mantra that neutralized the poison of serpents.
7. Kalyan Parshvanath at Baroda (VS 1889): Acharya Shantisuri had a dream where Lord Parshvanath appeared and instructed a Seth to dig. An idol of Lord Parshvanath was found and consecrated in Baroda as Kalyan Parshvanath.

The text concludes with verses emphasizing the power of the Jin-Shasan (Jain teachings) to ferry beings across the ocean of existence and to cure ailments and suffering. It expresses a desire for the Lord's influence to grant renunciation, adherence to the path of moksha, and fulfillment of desires.