Pas Sankheshwara Sar Kar Sevaka

This document is a Jain text titled "Pas Sankheshwara Sar Kar Sevaka" (likely meaning "Lord Parshvanath of Shankheshwar, the Protector of the Servants"). It is authored by Acharyadevshri Gunratnasurishwarji Maharaj and published by Jingun Aradhak Trust in 2005. The text seems to be a collection of discourses and historical accounts related to the revered Jain deity, Lord Parshvanath, and his prominent pilgrimage site, Shankheshwar.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided content:

I. Introduction and Practices:

• Practices for Shankheshwarji: The text outlines specific rituals and observances for the "Attham Tapa" (a three-day fasting period) dedicated to Lord Shankheshwar Parshvanath. These include performing 12 khama-samana (forms of penitence), 12 circumambulations, drawing 12 'Sathiya' (auspicious symbols), performing Kausagga (meditative posture) for 12 'Logassa' sutras, and chanting mantras.
• Mantras: Specific mantras are provided for chanting, such as "Om Hreem Shri Dharanendra Padmavati Paripujitay Shri Shankheshwar Parshvanathay Namah" and "Om Hum Aham Shri Shankheshwar Parshvanathay Namah."
• Posha Dashami Observance: It details the observance of Posha Dashami, including specific types of 'ekasana' (one-meal observance) with 'thama-chovihar' (abstinence from water, food, and physical activity after sunset) and 'tivihar' (three-fold abstinence) on consecutive days, along with specific mantra chanting. This observance is to be continued for 10 years and 10 months.

II. Historical Accounts and Glorification of Lord Parshvanath of Shankheshwar:

• Historical Context and Influence: The text emphasizes the immense influence and miraculous powers of Lord Parshvanath, particularly in the present era at Shankheshwar. It mentions that large gatherings and events like Attham Tapa, Upadhan, Chetali Oli, and Diksha ceremonies are held there due to his miraculous nature.
• The "Aashadhi Shravak" Story: A significant portion narrates the story of Aashadhi Shravak, who, in his previous life as Damodar Tirthankar's disciple, inquired about his liberation. He was told he would become a Ganadhar (chief disciple) of the 23rd Tirthankar, Parshvanath. Inspired, Aashadhi Shravak commissioned a statue of Parshvanath and worshipped it. This statue was later worshipped by various celestial beings and Nāgas, eventually becoming the famous Shankheshwar Parshvanath idol.
• The Legend of the Shankha: The text explains how the idol became known as Shankheshwar Parshvanath. During a crucial battle involving Lord Krishna, when his army was weakened by the 'jara vidya' (a spell causing old age), Lord Neminath advised Krishna to use the 'snatra jal' (holy water from the consecration bath) of the Parshvanath idol. This revived the soldiers. After the victory, at Neminath's behest, Krishna established a town called Shankhpur, and the idol was consecrated there, leading to the name Shankheshwar Parshvanath.
• Historical Reconstruction of the Temple: The text provides historical inferences and accounts of the reconstruction and renovation of the Shankheshwar temple over centuries, mentioning various rulers, ministers, and Acharyas involved. It also touches upon periods of destruction and the subsequent re-establishment of worship.
• Miracles and Devotion: The book recounts numerous miracles attributed to Lord Parshvanath, highlighting instances of devotees receiving blessings, overcoming ailments, and achieving spiritual progress through their unwavering faith and devotion. It emphasizes that while the Lord himself doesn't create miracles like some worldly deities, the devotion of his followers attracts the blessings of presiding deities (Adhishthayak Dev).
• The Ten Previous Lives of Lord Parshvanath: A significant portion of the text is dedicated to detailing ten previous lives of Lord Parshvanath. These narratives focus on the karmic repercussions of his actions and his unwavering equanimity and compassion, even towards his persistent adversary, Kamath. The stories illustrate the concepts of karma, reincarnation, and the eventual path to liberation. The lives described include:
  1. Marubhuti and Kamath
  2. Elephant and Karkata Serpent
  3. Deva and Naraka
  4. Kiranveg King and Kaal Daroon Serpent
  5. Deva and Naraka
  6. Vajanabh King and Kurang Bhilla
  7. Graiveyak Deva and Omi Earth's Naraka
  8. Suvarnabahu Chakravarti and Lion
  9. Pranat Deva and Fourth Naraka
  10. Ambada (Implied as the final human life before becoming Tirthankar)
• The Birth and Life of Lord Parshvanath: The text details the auspicious birth of Lord Parshvanath in Varanasi, the dreams of his mother Vamadevi, his upbringing, and the events leading to his renunciation and acceptance of the Jain vows. It highlights the story of Princess Prabhavati and the intervention of Lord Parshvanath to protect her. It also mentions the story of Kamatha becoming Meghamali Deva and later repenting.
• Attainment of Kevalgyan and Moksha: The narrative culminates with Lord Parshvanath attaining Kevalgyan (omniscience) and then Moksha (liberation) along with 33 other monks at Sametshikharji.
• Posha Dashami Katha: A brief story is included about a merchant named Surendatta who, after facing financial ruin, turned to the teachings of Acharya Devendrasurishwarji and performed the Posha Dashami observance, which led to the return of his lost wealth and immense spiritual merit.

III. Devotional Compositions:

• Stotras and Chants: The book contains various devotional verses (stotras), chants, and hymns dedicated to Lord Parshvanath, including:
  • "Chaitanyavandano" (various stotras praising the Lord)
  • "Janma Kalyanak Stuvan" (hymn for the birth anniversary)
  • "Shri Shankheshwar Parshva Jin Stuvan" (a devotional song praising Shankheshwar Parshvanath)
  • "Ab Mohi Aisi Ayabani" (a devotional song in praise of the Lord)
  • "Stutio" (various prayers and praises)
  • "Pas Shankheshwara, Sarakar Sevaka" (a devotional poem highlighting the Lord's protective nature)
  • "Hey Shankheshwar Swami" (a devotional song expressing devotion and seeking blessings)
  • The concluding pages contain prayers and verses (numbered 11-19) that further glorify Lord Shankheshwar Parshvanath and his miracles, emphasizing his all-pervasive grace and the power of his name.

IV. Information about Shankheshwar Tirth:

• Dharmashalas and Facilities: The text provides a list and contact information for various Dharmashalas (pilgrim rest houses) and facilities available at the Shankheshwar Tirth, including dining halls, hospitals, and upcoming development projects.
• Other Temples: It also briefly mentions other prominent temples within the Shankheshwar Tirth, such as the Agam Mandir, 108 Parshvanath Jinalaya, and temples associated with different Gachhas (sects).

In essence, "Pas Sankheshwara Sar Kar Sevaka" serves as a guide for devotees, offering a blend of spiritual practices, historical narratives, life stories of Lord Parshvanath, and devotional poetry, all aimed at fostering devotion and spiritual upliftment towards Lord Parshvanath of Shankheshwar.