Matar Tirthno Itihas - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Matar Tirthno Itihas" (History of Matar Tirth) by Jivanlal Chotalal Zaveri, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Matar Tirthno Itihas (History of Matar Tirth) Author: Jivanlal Chotalal Zaveri Publisher: Jivanlal Chotalal Zaveri

This book meticulously details the history of Matar Tirth, focusing on its origin, development, and restoration.

Key Themes and Events:

Origin and Early Existence:
- Matar Tirth, as it is known today, came into existence in the latter half of the 19th century.
- Before its recognition as a Tirth, a small Jain temple existed in the village with Bhagwan Munisuvratswamiji as the presiding deity.
- The transformation of Matar into a Tirth was primarily driven by the divine will of the presiding deity (Adhishthayak Dev).
- Despite being a recent Tirth, its immense fame is attributed to the miraculous activities of the presiding deity.
- The history of Matar Tirth is presented as a collection of miraculous events.
The "Sacha Dev" (True God) - Bhagwan Sumatinathswamiji:
- The fame of Matar Tirth is inextricably linked to the idol of Bhagwan Sumatinathswamiji, which is considered the "Sacha Dev" or "True God."
- This idol gained renown among both Jains and non-Jains due to its miraculous attributes.
- The book emphasizes that while all Jinbimba (idols of Tirthankaras) are considered "Sadev" (True God) in Jainism, the idol of Bhagwan Sumatinathswamiji at Matar holds a unique significance due to the numerous miracles associated with it.
Discovery and Arrival of the Idol:
- The "Sacha Dev" idol of Bhagwan Sumatinathswamiji was acquired by the Jains of Matar from the village of Suhunj.
- Suhunj village is described as ancient, and it is speculated that it had significant prominence about four centuries prior.
- The idol was found within the land belonging to a Barot (a bard/storyteller) family in Suhunj.
- An inscription found on the idol indicates that it was commissioned in Samvat 1523 (1466 CE) by a person named Samadhar, son of Sajal of the Praguata lineage, and installed by Shri Munsundarsuri.
- It is believed that after an idol consecration ceremony in Suhunj in Samvat 1523, something happened (perhaps an earthquake or another calamity) that led to the idols being buried.
Miraculous Manifestation and Transport to Matar (Samvat 1853/1854 CE):
- In Samvat 1853 (1796 CE), the Adhishthayak Dev appeared in dreams to three Jain residents of Matar (Shah Devchand Velji, Shah Jivraj Surachand, and Shah Nathu Gandhi), instructing them to retrieve the idols from Suhunj.
- Meanwhile, the Barot in Suhunj began hearing celestial music and smelling fragrances emanating from his land. Upon investigation, he discovered the idols buried underground.
- The Barot unearthed five Jinmurtis (idol of a Tirthankara).
- News of the idols' discovery spread, attracting a large number of pilgrims.
- A dispute arose among various villages regarding who should take the idols. A lottery (chit system) was conducted.
- When Matar's turn came, they were unable to lift the idols, despite many people trying.
- However, when the Matar residents, after bathing and purification, attempted to lift the idols, they were able to do so with ease.
- A significant miracle occurred when the cart carrying the idols started moving towards Matar on its own, without any bullocks attached.
- This cart miraculously crossed the flooded Vatrak and Shedi rivers near Kheda, with the passengers remaining completely dry. It was at this point that the idol of Bhagwan Sumatinathswamiji was first acclaimed as "Sacha Dev".
- The idols were grandly installed in Matar in Samvat 1854 (1797 CE) in a newly constructed three-shikhar Jain temple.
Continued Miracles and Development (Post-Samvat 1854 CE):
- Continuing Miracles: Even after the installation, celestial music, fragrances, and divine performances were reported at night in the temple, attracting many visitors.
- Construction of Bhomti and 52 Jainatories: A circumambulatory passage (Bhomti) with 52 Jainatories was constructed around the main temple.
- Conflict with Bachumiya: A dispute arose with a local named Bachumiya over land for the temple's expansion. After a settlement where the temple management agreed to pay him a portion of the income, Bachumiya began experiencing supernatural beatings at night. Realizing his mistake, he returned the money, and the disturbances ceased.
- Installation of New Idols (Samvat 1897/1900 CE): Idols from Palitana were brought and installed in the 52 Jainatories in Samvat 1897 (1840 CE).
- Cessation of Nightly Performances (Samvat 1921/1922 CE): The divine nightly performances ceased after a miraculous event. A dream predicted an epidemic at Palitana during an Anjanshalaaka ceremony, and the person who received the dream failed to convey the warning. This led to divine displeasure, causing the idols' seats to turn, their faces towards the wall, and dark spots to appear on them. A special ritual was performed to rectify this.
- Collapse of Shikhar and Fissures (Samvat 1938/1941 CE): The Shikhar of the main temple suddenly collapsed, and a perpetual lamp was extinguished. This event coincided with a division within the Matar Jain community.
- Restoration of Shikhar and New Flags (Samvat 1945/1949 CE): The collapsed Shikhar was reconstructed and new flags were hoisted in Samvat 1945 (1949 CE). This occasion was marked by a large gathering of pilgrims.
- Installation of Bhagwan Suparshvanathswamiji (Samvat 1960/1903 CE): The idol of Bhagwan Suparshvanathswamiji was brought to Matar based on a dream and installed in a niche built by Smt. Parvatibai, wife of Bechardas Motilal.
- Renovation of Jainatories (Samvat 1983/1926 CE): Seth Jamnabhai Bhagubhai and his wife Manekbai renovated all the Jainatories with marble.
- Re-establishment of the Main Temple's Garbhagriha (Samvat 2006-2007/1949-1950 CE): The main shrine (Garbhagriha) was renovated and rebuilt. The idols were temporarily moved. A grand ceremony was held for the re-installation of Bhagwan Sumatinathswamiji and other deities.
- Management Committee Formation: A committee of leading Jains from Ahmedabad was formed to manage the Tirth. The trustees of Subaji Ravichand Jaychand Jain Vidyashala in Ahmedabad currently oversee the Tirth's administration.
Festivals and Observances:
- The book lists various significant dates and festivals celebrated at Matar Tirth, including:
  - Every Purnima (full moon) with provisions for pilgrims.
  - Kartik Sud 2: Pilgrimage by the Kheda Sangh.
  - Kartik Sud 15: Major pilgrimage with a procession to the footsteps of Bhagwan Adinathji.
  - Mah Vad 5: Anniversary of the Bhomti Jainatories.
  - Chaitra Sud 15: Major pilgrimage.
  - Chaitra Sud 13: Bhagwan Mahavir's birth-Kalyanak.
  - Vaishakh Sud 5: Anniversary of the new Garbhagriha.
  - Jeth Vad 1 & 2: Annual visit by the Rangati Kapad Mahajan Sangh from Ahmedabad.
Visitor Guidance:
- Information is provided regarding accommodation (a large Dharamshala with facilities), the Jain Bhajanashala, and transportation (bus services from Nadiyad, Ahmedabad, Khambhat, Petlad, etc.) with fare details.
- It also outlines opportunities for devotees to contribute to the Tirth through various endowments like perpetual lamps, decorations, and the community kitchen.

In essence, "Matar Tirthno Itihas" is a detailed chronicle of a significant Jain pilgrimage site, emphasizing the divine intervention and miraculous events that shaped its history, the devotion of its followers, and its continuous development and restoration. The central narrative revolves around the "Sacha Dev," Bhagwan Sumatinathswamiji, and the unwavering faith that sustained the Tirth through various challenges and transformations.