Junagadh Ane Girnar - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Junagadh Ane Girnar" by Shambhuprasad Desai, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Junagadh Ane Girnar Author: Shambhuprasad Desai Publisher: Pravin Prakashan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/007172/1

Overall Theme and Content:

"Junagadh Ane Girnar" by Shambhuprasad Desai is a comprehensive historical and geographical account of Junagadh and the sacred mountain of Girnar in Gujarat, India. The book delves into the rich history of these significant locations, covering their origins, ancient periods, medieval times, Muslim rule, the Babi dynasty, and eventually touching upon the period leading up to India's independence. It also provides detailed information about Girnar itself, including its geography, flora, fauna, and the various pilgrimage sites and temples located on and around the mountain. The text emphasizes the historical, cultural, and religious importance of both Junagadh and Girnar.

Key Aspects and Content Breakdown:

Historical Narrative: The book meticulously traces the history of Junagadh from ancient times, mentioning its various names like Manipur, Chandraketpur, Girinagar, Jirnaseh, and Mustafabad. It discusses the Maurya Empire, the Sak dynasties (Nahapan, Chastan, Rudradaman), the Gupta period, and the Valabhi era. A significant portion is dedicated to the Chudasama dynasty, detailing rulers like Chandrachud, Vyaghras, Navghan I, Ranekdevi, Khengar, and the reigns of Siddhraj Jaysinh. The Muslim period, the establishment and rule of the Babi dynasty, and their eventual decline are also extensively covered. The narrative highlights key events like invasions, destructions, and restorations of temples, particularly the Somnath temple, which is intrinsically linked to the history of Prabhas, a nearby significant location.
Girnar's Geography and Significance: The book describes Girnar as a mountain range with multiple peaks like Ambika, Gorakhnath, Oghad, Dattatreya, and Kalika. It details its height, area, rivers, and various types of flora and fauna. The text emphasizes Girnar's ancient names like Revata and Ujjayant, connecting them to mythological narratives and historical periods. The author critically examines various interpretations of Girnar's location and its historical context, drawing upon Puranic texts, Jain literature, and inscriptions.
Religious and Cultural Importance: Both Junagadh and Girnar are presented as significant centers of religious and cultural heritage. The book details numerous temples, Kunds (tanks), caves, and pilgrimage sites on Girnar, highlighting their mythological and historical significance. The contributions of figures like Samprati Raja, Vastupal-Tejpal, and the reverence for Jain Tirthankaras, particularly Neminath, are noted. The text also touches upon the influence of various dynasties and rulers on the religious landscape, including the patronage of Jain temples.
Detailed Historical Accounts: The author, Shambhuprasad Desai, who is also an I.A.S. (Retired) and historian, has made an extensive effort to compile information from various sources, including Persian chronicles, Sanskrit texts, traveler accounts, and archaeological findings. The book is structured chronologically and thematically, covering different periods and aspects of the region's history. The author's scholarly approach is evident in his detailed examination of different historical accounts and his attempt to reconcile conflicting information.
Specific Locations and Monuments: The text provides descriptions of important sites within Junagadh and on Girnar, such as:
- Junagadh: Uparkot fort, Navghan Kuvo (Navghan's well), Adi-Chadi Vav (stepwell), Mahabat Maqbara, Sakkarbagh Museum, Jama Masjid, Boral Mosque, and various historical gates.
- Girnar: Ambaji temple, Gorakhnath Shikhar, Dattatreya temple, Bhimkund, Damodar Kund, various Jain temples, Uparkot, Padra caves, Khapra-Kodia caves, and the numerous steps leading to the summits.
The Babi Dynasty: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the history of the Babi dynasty, its founders like Sherkhan Babbi, their rule, internal conflicts, interactions with other powers like the Mughals, Marathas, and the British. It highlights their administrative systems, economic activities, and cultural contributions. The rise and fall of the dynasty and its impact on Junagadh are meticulously documented.
Social and Cultural Aspects: The book offers glimpses into the social life, customs, and traditions of the region throughout history. It mentions the coexistence of different religious communities, the influence of scholars and religious figures like Narasinh Mehta, and the development of art and architecture.
Scholarly Approach: The author's dedication to historical accuracy is evident from his cross-referencing of sources and critical analysis of conflicting accounts. He acknowledges previous scholars and their contributions, positioning his work as an enhanced and revised edition.

In essence, "Junagadh Ane Girnar" is a scholarly and detailed exploration of a historically and religiously significant region of India. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding the intertwined history of Junagadh city and the revered Girnar mountain, offering insights into their transformation through various ruling dynasties and cultural influences.