Koratji Tirth Prachin Itihas - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Koratji Tirth Prachin Itihas" by Yatindrasuri:

The book "Koratji Tirth Prachin Itihas" by Yatindrasuri details the ancient history and significance of the Koratji Tirth, a holy pilgrimage site in Marwar.

Historical Significance and Mentions:

Ancient Roots: Koratji is presented as a significant and ancient pilgrimage site, comparable to other famous Jain sites like Osiya, Abu, Kumbharia, Ranakpur, and Jaisalmer.
Early Mentions: The text highlights several historical mentions of Koratji:
- Pandit Dhanpal, around 1081 Vikram Samvat (V.S.), mentions "Korint" in his work "Satyapuriya Shri Mahavir Utsaha."
- Som sundarji of the Tapagachchha mentions "Korantau" in his pilgrimage chronicle.
- Shilavijayji, disciple of Punyas Shrivijayji, mentions "Vir Korati Mayal" in his chronicle.
- Gyanvimal Suriji mentions "Kortain Jivitaswamivir" in his chronicle.
- These mentions indicate that the pilgrimage to Koratji was popular from the 11th to the 18th century V.S.
Location: Koratji is located 13 miles west of Eranpura station in the Bali region of the Jodhpur principality. It was once a populous city, but is now a small, semi-ruined village.

Key Structures and Events:

Mahavir Pratima: A statue of Lord Mahavir was installed at Koratji. It is mentioned that even in the current small village, a Mahavir statue installed by Ratnaprabh Suriji exists.
Dholagarh Fort: A strong fort named Dholagarh was built on a nearby hill by Anantram Sankla during his reign. Though in ruins now, it's still known by this name.
Ancient Jain Temple: The main ancient Shri Mahavir temple is located about half a mile south of Dholagarh or Koratji in a place called Naharva. This temple, built 70 years after Lord Mahavir's Nirvana, has a strong parapet and an underground chamber.
Statue Consecration and Damage: The original Mahavir statue consecrated by Acharya Ratnaprabh Suriji was damaged (shikha, ears, nose, insignia, border, fingers, and toes). A new statue was installed in 1959 V.S. by Maharaj Shri Vijayarajendrasuriji, and the damaged one is preserved for remembrance.
New Mahavir Temple: The new Mahavir temple, built by Pomaaji Lunaji of Siyana, is approximately 7 feet tall and beautiful. It was consecrated by Shri Vijayarajendrasuriji in 1959 V.S.
Other Temples: Two other ancient Jain temples are mentioned: one dedicated to Lord Adinath on the western slope of Dholagarh, and another to the north of the village.
Inscriptions: Inscriptions on the pillars of these temples show the name "Nadha," suggesting they were built by Dhakalji, son of Nahad, for his spiritual benefit. The text also mentions that Nahad and Salig, with their families, were instrumental in establishing 72 Jain temples, including the Nahadvasahi at Koratji.
New Statues Found: During renovations of the ancient Mahavir temple's parapet in 1911 V.S., a large, unbroken statue of Lord Rishabhdev and two Kayotsarg (standing posture) statues (one of Sambhavnath and another of Shantinath) were discovered. The Kayotsarg statues were consecrated in 1143 V.S. In 1974 V.S., 13 torans and four metal statues were found. In total, over 50 ancient statues have been found in the Koratji area.
New Jain Temple: A new, grand temple dedicated to Lord Rishabhdev, along with two Kayotsarg statues, was consecrated by Shri Vijayarajendrasuriji in 1959 V.S., along with the consecration of 300 new Jain idols.

Korant Gachchha (Sect):

Origin: During the city's prosperity, a sect named 'Korantgachchha' originated from this place.
Founder: Acharya Kankaprabh Suriji is considered the founder of this sect, who was a junior spiritual brother of the founding acharya, Shrutkevali Shri Ratnaprabh Suriji.
Branch: A branch called 'Korant Tapa' emerged around 1515 V.S.
Decline: The Gachchha and its branch are believed to have merged by the 18th century V.S., with only their name remaining.
Historical Event: It is mentioned that in 1601 V.S., during a raid by the Matunga-resident Eagleia, a copper plate and a statue of Kalika Devi were taken from Koratji. This copper plate is said to be with a merchant in Matunga.

Rulers and Governance:

Past Rulers: The jagir of Koratji was held by various rulers, including kings of Bhinmal, Parmars of Chandravati and Abu, Chawdas and Solankis of Anhilwad (Patan), Sonagara Chauhans of Nadol and Jalore, Lakhawat Devda Chauhans of Sirohi, and Maharana of Amber and Mewar.
Later Rulers: In 1813-1819 V.S., the Koratji jagir was granted to Thakur Ramsingh of Vankali with five villages. Later, in 1831 V.S., Maharaja Vijay Singhji of Jodhpur granted him the jagir of seven villages, including Koratji, which remains with his descendants.

Local Beliefs and Practices:

Legend of Nahad: There's a legend that during Anand Chokala's reign, Nahad converted 30,000 non-Jains, including the minister Nahad and Salig, and their families, to Jainism.
Potential for Discoveries: The locals believe that excavating the land could yield hundreds of ancient Jain statues.

Fairs and Facilities:

Fairs: To promote this ancient pilgrimage, two fairs are held annually on Kartik Shukla 15 and Chaitra Shukla 15, starting from 1970 V.S.
Facilities: A large dharamshala (pilgrimage inn) and an ancient upasara (monastery) are available for the comfort of pilgrims.

Conclusion:

The book emphasizes that Koratji Tirth is a historically significant and spiritually important site with a rich past, evidenced by ancient inscriptions, temples, and discovered idols. It encourages travelers visiting Abu Raj and Godwad's Panchtirthi to also undertake the pilgrimage to Koratji.