Kitab Jain Tirth Guide

The "Kitab Jain Tirth Guide" is a comprehensive guide to Jain pilgrimage sites, compiled from various Jain religious texts and historical records. The book aims to provide detailed information for Jains wishing to visit these holy places, covering their historical significance, geographical locations, and the spiritual benefits of pilgrimage.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and information presented in the text:

1. Purpose and Scope:

• The book is intended as a guide for Shravaks (lay Jains) who wish to visit Jain Tirths (pilgrimage sites).
• It aims to provide location details, routes, and historical information about these sites.
• The compiler acknowledges drawing information from various Jain scriptures like the Sutra Avashyak, Uttaradhyayan, Kalpa Sutra, Vividh Tirth Kalp, Prabandh Kosh, Prabhavak Charit, Parishisht Parva, and Dharmachintamani.
• It also incorporates information from historical chronicles and railway guides.

2. Importance of Pilgrimage:

• Visiting Tirths purifies one's intentions, removes negative karma, and strengthens faith in Jainism.
• Places where Tirthankaras and great monks meditated are considered spiritually significant and beneficial for pilgrims.
• The book emphasizes that pilgrimage is not just about physical travel but also about inner purity and devotion.

3. Key Jain Tirths and Concepts:

• Five Major Tirths: The text identifies Shatrunjay, Ashtapad, Sametshikhar, Girnar, and Abu as the five most significant Jain Tirths.
• Shatrunjay: Highlighted as the most ancient and sacred, visited multiple times by Lord Rishabhadeva.
• Ashtapad: Described as a site where King Bharat built magnificent Jain temples and where Lord Rishabhadeva attained liberation, hence becoming a Tirth. It is mentioned that King Sagar built a moat around Ashtapad, making it inaccessible today, except by spiritual means as achieved by Gautam Gandhar.
• Sametshikhar: Identified as the place where Lord Ajitnath attained liberation.
• Definition of Tirth: A place where a soul crosses the ocean of existence (samsara) through purity of heart.
• Three Types of Tirths:
  1. Kalyanik Bhumi (Land of auspicious events of Tirthankaras).
  2. Nirvan Bhumi (Land of liberation of monks).
  3. Atishay Yukt Kshetra (Places with miraculous powers).

4. Historical Overview and Jain Heritage:

• The text traces the history of Jainism, mentioning the construction of temples and the presence of Jain influence throughout various eras.
• References to historical figures and events:
  • King Bharat building temples on Ashtapad.
  • Gautam Gandhar visiting Ashtapad.
  • King Sagar making Ashtapad inaccessible.
  • The mention of Purimatala, a branch city of Ayodhya, where a temple of Tirthankara Mallinath was built by a layman named Vaggur.
  • The history of rulers like King Shrenik of Rajgir (who converted to Jainism), his son Kunik (Ajatshatru), Udayi, and the Nand dynasty, all associated with Jainism to varying degrees.
  • The inscription in the Hathigumpha cave mentioning Kaling Raja Kharvel, suggesting its Jain origin due to inscriptions like "Namo Arihantanam" and "Nanda Rajani Jitasya."
  • The Maurya dynasty rulers like Chandragupta, Bindusar (who was Jain), and Ashok (who was Buddhist), and Ashoka's son Kunal and grandson Samprati (who was a devout Jain).
  • King Samprati's patronage of Jainism, building numerous temples and idols, with his temples still existing on Shatrunjay and Girnar.
  • The era of Vikramaditya and the continuation of his Vikram Samvat.
  • The construction of Jain temples on Shatrunjay by traders like Javad Shah Seth.
  • The historical evidence of Jain inscriptions from the time of Kanishka, Huvishka, and Vasushka.
  • The existence of ancient Jain temples and inscriptions in various archaeological reports (Alexander Cunningham, Epigraphia Indica, Indian Antiquary).
  • The temple of Tirthankara Mahaviraswami in the center of the lake at Pavapuri.
  • The installation of Tirthankara Mahaviraswami's idol from Samvat 444.
  • The construction of Jain temples on Abu by Vimal Shah Seth during the reign of King Bhimdev.
  • King Siddharaj Jayasinh's construction of a grand temple for Tirthankara Rishabhadeva in Patan.
  • Minister Nahad's construction of Jain temples in various cities during the lifetime of Acharya Shri Devsuriji.
  • King Kumarpal's strong adherence to Jainism after being influenced by Acharya Hemchandracharya, including his significant contribution to the construction of the Tribhuvan Vihar temple in Anhilpur Patan.
  • The construction of beautiful Jain temples on Abu by ministers Vastupal and Tejpal.
  • The practice of incorporating elephant and horse friezes in temple architecture.
  • The continuity of ancient cities like Ayodhya, Rajgir, Champa, and Hastinapur in the present day.

5. Sources and Compilation:

• The book meticulously cites its sources, indicating a scholarly approach to compiling the information.
• It acknowledges that some information, like railway fares, may vary.

6. Content Structure:

• The book is organized into various sections and chapters, as indicated by the detailed index (Feherist-Jain Tirth Guide). These sections cover not only Tirths but also topics like worship, railway rules, law, astrology, city histories (Mumbai, Surat, Vadodara, Khambhat, Ahmedabad, etc.), and even historical anecdotes and jokes.
• A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the Savane Umri (biography) of Muni Shantivijayji, detailing his life, spiritual journey, and the significant events and teachings throughout his travels.

7. General Advice for Travelers:

• Carry the book for reference.
• Travel with clean intentions.
• Be mindful of the environment and avoid harming living beings.
• The guide also includes practical advice on travel arrangements, suitable clothing, carrying necessary items, and etiquette during pilgrimage.

In essence, the "Kitab Jain Tirth Guide" is presented as a valuable resource for Jain pilgrims, offering a blend of spiritual guidance, historical context, and practical travel information, compiled with reference to traditional Jain literature and contemporary guides.