Navvanu Information - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Navvanu Information" by JAINA, covering its key aspects:

Book Title: Navvanu Information Author/Publisher: JAINA (Federation of Jain Associations in North America)

Overall Purpose: The document is an announcement and informational brochure from JAINA (Federation of Jain Associations in North America) regarding a significant religious pilgrimage, the "Shree Shatrunjay Mahatirth 99 Yatra 2016." It aims to inform the North American Jain community about this event, encourage participation, and provide detailed logistical information, including dates, requirements, costs, and sponsorship opportunities.

Key Event: Shree Shatrunjay Mahatirth 99 Yatra 2016

What it is: A major Jain pilgrimage to the sacred Shatrunjay Mahatirth in Palitana, India. The "99 Yatra" signifies completing 99 rounds or specific rituals at the sacred site. This is a re-offering of a successful event from 2012.
Dates: November 14, 2016, to January 13, 2017.
Guidance: The Yatra will be conducted under the guidance of Acharya Shree Vijay Mahapadamsuriswarji Maharaj Saheb and Shri Panchan Parmeshti Ratna Narendrabhai Nandu and his team.
Cost: Estimated at $1200 per yatri (covering food and lodging only).
Registration Deadline: July 31, 2016.
Capacity: The event can accommodate a maximum of 150 people.
Starting Point: Shree Mewad Bhavan Dharmashala, Palitana, India.

Additional Events Included in 2016/2017: In addition to the main 99 Yatra, two new events are being offered:

12 Gau Chharipalit Yatra: December 27 to 30, 2016.
Shree Girnar Tirth Yatra: January 3 & 4, 2017.

Key Requirements for Yatris:

Daily Rituals: Complete two daily Yatra trips (if possible), with the option of using Doli (palanquin) at the yatri's expense. If unable to climb, a Yatra can be completed at the Taleti (foothills).
Fasting: Must complete Chovihar (abstaining from food and drink after sunset) and Navkarshi (early morning meal before sunrise) for all 60 days of the main Yatra.
Offerings: Opportunity to offer items to Sadhus (monks) and Sadhvis (nuns).
Accommodation: Maximum of two people per room (Western style).
Personal Arrangements: Yatris are responsible for their travel to and from Palitana, including international airfare.
Documentation: Bring passport, visa (updated), photo ID at all times, passport-sized photos (3), and copies of important documents.
Health: Obtain a medical report, visit a doctor to ensure fitness, and get necessary vaccinations well in advance. Bring personal medical supplies.
Forms: Complete the registration form and waiver/release of liability form.
Discipline: Adhere to all rules and regulations of the Dharmashala and the Yatra committee, refraining from indiscreet or destructive behavior.

Significance of Shatrunjay Mahatirth: The text emphasizes the immense spiritual significance of Shatrunjay, describing it as a place where countless souls have achieved liberation (Moksha). It highlights that the merit gained from visiting Shatrunjay is greater than that from feeding millions or visiting other Tirths. It is considered the most sacred pilgrimage site in Jainism, with 863 temples built over 900 years on the hilltop. Lord Adinath (Rishabhdev) visited this Tirth 99 times.

Significance of Girnar Tirth: The document also details the importance of Girnar (Raivatgiri), describing it as eternally significant and a place where Lord Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankar, is the principal deity. It mentions that even animals residing in Girnar can attain Siddhahood within eight lifetimes, and bathing in the Gajpadakund water purifies sins. Lord Neminath's initiation and Kevalgnan (omniscience) occurred here.

Sponsorship Opportunities: Various sponsorship categories are outlined to support the event, with benefits increasing with the donation amount. These include:

Maha Sanghpati ($25,001)
Corporate Sponsor ($15,001)
Platinum ($11,001)
Gold ($7,501)
Silver ($5,001)
Bronze ($2,501)
Daily Sponsorship ($1,001) Benefits include prominent display of names and photos in invitations and souvenir books, sashes, plaques, and early opportunities to offer items to Sadhus/Sadhvis.

Practical Information:

JAINA Website: Information is available on www.jaina.org.
Travel Agencies: Contact details for Jaya Travel & Tours (USA) and local agencies in Palitana (Hardik Devluk for rental cars, Paras Travel for train/air) are provided.
Contact Persons: A list of committee members with contact information is included for inquiries.
New Dress Code: Visitors to the main Adeshwar Bhagwan temple on Shatrunjay hill must adhere to a strict dress code, with "indecent" attire (jeans, shorts, skirts) prohibited. The trust may provide suitable attire. Mobile phone usage in temples is also restricted.

Purpose of the Document: The primary goal is to disseminate information about the 99 Yatra and related events to all Jain centers and members in North America. It urges Jain centers to publicize the event through newsletters and announcements and encourages families to consider sponsoring the Yatra. The document emphasizes this as a "historic wonderful event" and a "golden opportunity of a lifetime."