Nagarkot Kangada Mahatirth

This document is a comprehensive collection of scholarly articles and devotional hymns pertaining to the Nagarkot-Kangra Mahatirtha, an ancient and miraculous Jain pilgrimage site located in the Himachal Pradesh region of India. The book, titled "Nagarkot Kangada Mahatirtha," was compiled and authored by Bhanvarlal Nahta and published by the Bansilal Kochar Shatvarshiki Abhinandan Samiti.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and content presented in the provided pages:

1. Revival and Significance of the Tirtha:

• The introductory sections (Pages 4-5) highlight the historical rediscovery and restoration of the Nagarkot-Kangra Jain temple, which had been hidden for centuries. This revival is attributed to the efforts of Param Pujya Shri Shri 1008 Shrimad Vijayanand Suriji Maharaj (Acharya Atmaramji Maharaj) and his successor, Pujya Acharya Shri Vijayvallabh Surishwarji Maharaj. The dedication and efforts of Mahattara Sadhvi Shri Mrigavati Shri Ji Maharaj are also recognized for their crucial role in this restoration.
• The text emphasizes the current significance of Kangra as the "Shatrunjay of North India," drawing parallels to the revered Shatrunjay pilgrimage in Gujarat.
• The revival efforts have been inspired by the spiritual teachings and the establishment of temples, schools, and colleges in Punjab by the revered Acharyas.

2. Historical Context and Lineage of Acharyas:

• The book delves into the history of the Jain community in Punjab and the significant role played by Acharya Vijayavallabh Surishwarji Maharaj, who received the Acharya title after a 260-year gap in Vikram Samvat 1943. His lineage and their efforts in preserving Jain traditions are lauded.
• The rediscovery of the Kangra Tirtha was initiated based on the text "Vigyapti Triveni," edited by Pujya Jinavijayji.

3. The Author and Publisher:

• The book is a result of extensive research and dedicated effort by Sahitya Vachaspati Shri Bhanvarlalji Nahta, a renowned scholar of Jain literature, culture, and religion.
• The publication is a centenary tribute to the late Bansilalji Kochar (Bansilalji Lugiwala), a devout follower of Acharya Vijayavallabh Surishwarji Maharaj, who was instrumental in the establishment and development of the Dada-Bari in Amritsar.

4. Content and Structure of the Book: The book comprises a rich collection of ancient Jain texts and historical accounts related to Nagarkot-Kangra, including:

• Chaitra Paripati (Temple Descriptions): Several "Chaitra Paripati" texts, dating back to the 15th century (Samvat 1497 and 1484), describe the Jain temples and their presiding deities at Nagarkot and surrounding areas. These include descriptions of temples built by prominent figures like Sah Vimalchand, Raja Rupchand, and Pethadshah.
• Stavans (Devotional Hymns): The book includes numerous "Stavans" (hymns of praise) dedicated to the presiding deities, primarily Lord Adinath, composed by various revered Jain scholars and poets. These include:
  • Shri Nagar Kot Mahatirtha Chaitra Paripati by Mahopadhyay Jayasagar Upadhyay.
  • Shri Nagar Kot Vinti (Samvat 1488) by Shri Abhaydharm Ganini.
  • Shri Nagar Kot AdiNath Staranam (Samvat 1565) by Shri Sadhuvardhan.
  • Shri Nagar Kot AdiIshwar Stotra (Samvat 1634) by Kavi Kanaksom.
  • Tirtharaji Stava by Kavi Jayasagar Upadhyay (four verses).
  • Shri Nagar Kot Mandan AdiJinesh Stavan by Shri Munibhadra.
  • Shri Veer Tilak Chaupai by Kavi Deddu.
  • Nagar Kot Jalpa Parameshwari Stavan by Kavi Harshakirti.
  • Nagar Kot Adi Jin Stavan by Kavi Meghraj.
• Historical Narratives and Descriptions:
  • History of the Nagarkot-Kangra Region: Detailed accounts of the region's history, from the Mahabharata era and the reign of King Susharmachandra to the invasions by Mahmud Ghazni, Mughal rule, Sikh ascendancy, and the eventual decline of the Katoch dynasty.
  • Jain Shrines: Descriptions of various Jain temples that existed in Nagarkot and surrounding towns like Gopachalpur, Nandvanpur, Kotilgram, Kothipur, and Depalpur Patan.
  • Inscriptions and Seals: Mention of inscriptions found on Jain idols and "Jalandhari Mudras" (seals) related to the region's history.
  • Genealogies of Kings: The text includes a detailed "Susharmapuriy Nripati Varna Chhand" (Description of Kings of Susharmapur) compiled by Kavi Jayananad, tracing the lineage of rulers from ancient times, with extensive analysis and commentary by Bhanvarlal Nahta.
  • Travelogues of Sanghas (Pilgrimage Groups): Accounts of significant Jain pilgrimage groups (Sanghas) that traveled to Nagarkot, notably the one led by Sanghpati Nayanagar (Samvat 1479) from Bhatner to Mathura and back, and the one led by Sanghpati Khimchand Lodha (Samvat 1487) from Bhatner to Girnar-Shatrunjay. These describe the routes, challenges, and devotional practices.
• Biographies of Scholars and Poets: Brief biographical sketches of the composers of the hymns, such as Mahopadhyay Jayasagar Upadhyay, Kavi Kanaksom, Abhaydharm Ganini, Sadhusundar, Munibhadra, and others, highlighting their contributions to Jain literature.

5. Key Figures and Their Contributions: The book highlights several significant individuals and groups:

• Acharyas of the Tapagachha: Vijayanand Surishwarji and Vijayvallabh Surishwarji, credited with the revival of the tirtha.
• Mahattara Sadhvi Mrigavati Shri Ji Maharaj: Instrumental in obtaining permission for the worship of the idol from the Archaeological Department.
• Bansilalji Kochar: The dedicatee, remembered for his spiritual devotion and contributions to the Jain community.
• Mahopadhyay Jayasagar Upadhyay: A prominent scholar whose works, particularly "Vigyapti Triveni," were crucial in the rediscovery of the tirtha.
• Kavis and Scholars: A pantheon of Jain poets and scholars whose devotional hymns and historical accounts form the core of the book, providing rich details about the tirtha's past.
• Royal Patrons: Kings of the Katoch dynasty, like Susharmachandra, Rupchand, Narendra Chandra, and Sansarchandra, who were associated with the Jain faith and the development of its temples.

6. Historical Accuracy and Scholarly Analysis:

• Bhanvarlal Nahta meticulously analyzes historical records, inscriptions, and ancient texts, cross-referencing them with archaeological findings and the accounts of foreign travelers like Xuanzang and Cunningham.
• He points out discrepancies in historical dating and offers corrections based on his research, emphasizing the importance of Jain literature and the contributions of Jain Acharyas in preserving this history.

In essence, "Nagarkot Kangada Mahatirtha" is a monumental work that not only documents the historical and religious significance of this ancient Jain site but also celebrates the spiritual legacy of the Jain acharyas and scholars who dedicated their lives to its preservation and propagation. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding the history of Jainism in North India and the devotional traditions associated with this sacred place.