Meri Golwad Yatra

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Meri Golwad Yatra" by Vidyavijay, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Meri Golwad Yatra (My Golwad Journey) Author: Muni Shri Vidyavijayji (under the guidance of Acharya Shri Vijayyateendrasurishwarji Maharaj) Publisher: Devchandji Pukhrajji Sanghvi Publication Year: 1944 (Vikram Samvat 2001)

Overall Purpose and Context:

"Meri Golwad Yatra" is a travelogue detailing a Jain pilgrimage (Yatra) undertaken by a Sangh (religious procession/group) through the Golwad region of Rajasthan, India. The book serves multiple purposes:

• Historical Documentation: It aims to document the historical significance of Jainism in the Golwad region, its ancient sites, temples, and the lineage of Jainism in that area.
• Art and Architecture Appreciation: It highlights the intricate Jain architectural styles, sculptures, and craftsmanship found in the temples of the Golwad region, emphasizing their unique contribution to Indian art history.
• Spiritual and Ethical Guidance: It explores the spiritual and philosophical aspects of pilgrimage, the importance of such journeys for individual growth, community welfare, and the proper utilization of wealth for religious and social causes.
• Social Commentary: It touches upon the social and economic conditions of the time and the role of the Jain community in preserving its heritage and contributing to society.
• Promoting Jain Heritage: By detailing the journey, the book aims to instill pride in Jain heritage and encourage future generations to understand and preserve it.

Key Themes and Sections:

1. Introduction and Historical Perspective (Pages 8-11):

   • The book begins by lamenting the lack of organized historical records in ancient India and the challenges in dating Indian civilization accurately.
   • It credits Emperor Ashoka for initiating the practice of inscribing historical records on stone and monuments.
   • The author emphasizes the importance of travelogues and personal accounts in preserving current history for future generations.
   • The text acknowledges India's diverse religious landscape (Jain, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, etc.) and the need for each community to document its existence and contributions.
   • "Meri Golwad Yatra" is presented as a significant contribution to Jain history, offering valuable material for historians.
   • The departure of the Sangh from Bhuti on November 7, 1999 (Vikram Samvat), with a detailed itinerary, is mentioned.

2. Significance of Jain Tirths and Architecture (Pages 12-22):

   • Jain Tirths' Place in History (Chapter 1): The book stresses that Jain pilgrimage sites, whether big or small, hold significance and represent aspects of the Jain way of life. It draws parallels between Jain, Buddhist, Hindu, and even foreign architectural styles, noting the influence and interconnectedness. It asserts the antiquity of Jain and Vedic religions, predating Buddhism. The text argues that Jain art has profoundly influenced Indian art, with many cave complexes initially attributed to Buddhism later being recognized as Jain works. Examples like the statues of Bahubali in the South, the temples in Shatrunjaya, Samet Shikhar, and Abu are highlighted for their artistic marvel. It concludes that removing Jain art from the history of Indian art would leave it incomplete.
   • Excellence of Jain Temple Architecture (Chapter 2): This section discusses the unique purpose of Indian pilgrimage sites, emphasizing not just memorialization but also the display of grandeur, social status, civilization, pride, and devotion. Jain temples are presented as paragons of architectural excellence. It notes the immense wealth invested in these sites, often targeted by invaders. The Jain community's continuous efforts in building, renovating, and supporting these holy places through various "Sanghs" (pilgrimages) led by prominent figures like Vastupal-Tejpal, Jagdushah, etc., are emphasized as contributing to the religion's expansion and stability.
   • The Need for Travel and its Spiritual Benefits (Chapter 3): The book views life itself as a journey and the world as a destination. It warns against attachment to worldly possessions (Parigraha) which leads to forgetting one's true nature as a traveler on a spiritual path. Pilgrimages are presented as a means to fulfill the desire for visiting holy places, thus keeping the soul alive and strong. Travel is described as transforming one's mindset, reducing desires and vices, and fostering virtues like benevolence and righteousness. It highlights how individuals who are frugal at home often spend generously on pilgrimages, contributing to charitable activities like building schools and hospitals, thus benefiting society.
   • The Departure of Sanghs and the Right Use of Wealth (Chapter 4): The text equates pilgrimage with "Sangh Nishkraman" (departure of a religious group). A Sangh is defined as a collective of monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen led by an Acharya. These organized journeys are undertaken to spread dharma, visit holy sites, and discuss various aspects of religious, social, and economic improvement. The primary benefit highlighted is the "Sadupayog" (proper utilization) of wealth. Wealth is described as transient, and its purposeful use for the welfare of others and religious activities is considered the ultimate aim. Jain Sanghs are noted for their exemplary, religious objectives and their charitable contributions.
   • Sangh Nishkraman in Ancient Times (Chapter 5): This section delves into the grandeur and scale of ancient Jain Sanghs. It describes their magnificent processions, the participation of millions of followers, vast armies, numerous elephants, horses, and chariots. The impact of these Sanghs in transforming temporary encampments into bustling cities and the immense display of wealth aimed at alleviating poverty are vividly portrayed. Historical figures like Chandragupta Maurya, Samprati, Vikramaditya, Kharevel, and Kumarpal are mentioned for organizing such grand Sanghs, showcasing the historical importance and prosperity of Jainism.

3. The Significance of the Desert Region for Jainism (Pages 23-27):

   • Desert's Importance in Jainism (Chapter 6): While Jainism has spread across India, the desert region of Rajasthan is highlighted as particularly significant. The text notes that many Jain communities in Malwa and Gujarat are migrants from this desert region, and communities like Oswal, Shrimal, and Porwal are indigenous to it. The arrival of Acharyas like Swayamprabh Suri and Ratnaprabh Suri in this region marked a turning point, leading to the conversion of local rulers and significant portions of the population. This area became a major center for Jainism, with numerous villages and towns having Jain populations and prominent temples. The book asserts that the desert's importance in the history of Jainism's development is etched in golden letters.

4. The Golwad Region and its Jain Heritage (Pages 28-74):

   • Villages with Jain Population in Golwad (Chapter 7): This section provides a list of 99 villages in the Golwad region with significant Jain populations, detailing the number of Jain households (Oswal and Porwal), the names of Jinayalas (temples), Mulnayaks (main deities), Jain Dharamshalas, and Upashrayas (monasteries/residences for monks). This serves as a valuable directory of Jain heritage sites.
   • Golwad Panchtirthi and Sangh Nishkraman (Chapter 8): This is the core of the travelogue, detailing the Sangh's journey.
     • Departure: The Sangh departed from Bhuti (Marwar) on November 7, 1999 (Vikram Samvat), led by Sangh-pati Shah Devchand Ramaji.
     • Itinerary and Welcomes: The journey involved visits to various places like Koshilav, Varami, Khimel, Rani Station, Varkana, Nadol, Nadlai, Sumer, Desurigarh, Ghaṇerav, Mahavir-Mucchala, Sadri, and the renowned Ranakpur. Each stop involved traditional welcomes, religious observances, donations to temples, and community feasts ("Swamivatsalya").
     • Descriptions of Tirths: Detailed descriptions are provided for each significant pilgrimage site visited:
       • Varkana-Tirth: Mentioned as an ancient site, formerly known as Varakankpur, with a famous temple of Lord Parshvanath. It recounts the story of the idol's discovery and its subsequent installation and renovation.
       • Nadol-Tirth: Described as a prosperous town with several ancient temples, including one built by Emperor Samprati and another associated with Acharya Chandradevsuri.
       • Nadlai-Tirth: This ancient city, originally named Naradpur, is detailed with multiple temples and historical accounts, including a legend involving a dispute between a Jain Acharya and a Shaivite yogi.
       • Sumer (Someshwar) Tirth: A historic site with a temple built by an Oswal, now sparsely populated but still a significant place for Jain worship.
       • Mahavir-Mucchala Tirth: A historic temple in a dense forest, accompanied by an interesting legend explaining its name.
       • Ranakpur-Tirth: This is presented as the crown jewel of the Golwad Panchtirthi. The book describes the magnificent Chaumukha Temple (also known as Dharan Vihar or Trailokya Deepak), its incredible architecture, vast number of pillars, intricate carvings, and artistic significance, attracting praise from foreign scholars. It also mentions other temples and the historical context of its founding by Dhanna Shah.
     • Guru Jayanti Celebration (Chapter 9): The Sangh celebrated the 36th Nirvana anniversary of their revered Guru, Acharya Shri Vijayrajendrasurishwarji Maharaj, at Khudaala. The celebration included religious ceremonies, discourses by Muni Vidyavijayji and others, and devotional songs.
     • Guru Dev's Impact and Life (Pages 75-106): This extensive section is dedicated to the life, teachings, and impact of Acharya Shri Vijayrajendrasurishwarji Maharaj.
       • Context of the Era: It describes the socio-religious and political climate of India during his time, highlighting a decline in spiritual values, rise of materialism, and internal divisions within the Jain community.
       • Early Life and Renunciation: It traces his early life, his name (Ratnaraj), his upbringing, and his eventual renunciation of worldly life to embrace the ascetic path (Yati-diksha) under Acharya Vijaypramodsurishwarji, taking the name Ratnavijay.
       • Ascetic Life and Reforms: The text details his rigorous ascetic practices, scholarship, and his efforts to reform the Jain monastic order by addressing laxity and promoting strict adherence to vows. He played a crucial role in upholding the purity of the Jain monastic tradition.
       • Acquisition of Acharya-ship: It narrates how he was appointed Acharya and renamed Shri Vijayrajendrasurishwarji due to his profound knowledge, spiritual prowess, and upright conduct, especially after disagreeing with the perceived laxity of his guru, Dharanendrasuri.
       • Tapasya and Siddhis: The book emphasizes his intense asceticism, fasting, meditation, and spiritual austerities performed in challenging environments. It recounts instances of him predicting future events, demonstrating his deep spiritual realization and control over his senses.
       • Literary Contributions: His monumental work, the "Abhidhan Rajendra Kosh" (a Jain encyclopedia), is lauded as a scholarly masterpiece and a significant contribution to Jain literature, recognized even internationally. The text mentions his authorship of over 52 works.
       • Societal Impact: Acharya Vijayrajendrasurishwarji is portrayed as a beacon of light who revitalized Jainism, instilled a sense of pride and purpose in the community, and inspired many to follow the path of righteousness. He is credited with resolving long-standing community disputes and promoting educational and charitable initiatives.
       • End of Life: His passing is mentioned, and the importance of remembering his legacy and continuing his work is stressed.
     • "Alokik Vibhuti" (Supernatural/Extraordinary Being): This concluding part of the biographical section further extols the Acharya as an extraordinary personality who fought against religious hypocrisy, revitalized the spiritual life of the Jain community, and whose influence continues to guide people towards the right path.

Conclusion:

"Meri Golwad Yatra" is more than just a travelogue; it is a historical record, an art critique, and a spiritual guide rolled into one. It meticulously documents a significant Jain pilgrimage, highlighting the rich heritage of the Golwad region and the profound impact of Acharya Shri Vijayrajendrasurishwarji Maharaj on Jainism. The book serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of Jainism, its architectural brilliance, and the importance of spiritual journeys for individual and societal well-being.