Patan Chaitya Paripati - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Patan Chaitya Paripati" by Kalyanvijay:

Book Title: Patan Chaitya Paripati Author: Muni Kalyanvijay Publisher: Shree Hansvijayji Jain Free Library Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/034999/1

Overall Purpose and Content:

"Patan Chaitya Paripati" (The Directory of Jain Temples in Patan) is a significant Jain text that serves as a historical and devotional guide to the Jain temples (chaityas or jinalayas) in the ancient city of Patan (formerly Anhilwad Patan) in Gujarat, India. The book meticulously details the names, locations, principal deities (mulnayak), and sometimes the number of images (pratima) within these temples. It's compiled to preserve the rich Jain heritage of Patan and to facilitate religious pilgrimage and devotional understanding.

Key Aspects and Themes:

Historical Significance of Patan: The book highlights Patan's importance as a historical capital of Gujarat, founded by Vanraj Chavda with the guidance of Jain Acharya Shilgun Suri. It traces the city's prominence through the Chavda and Chalukya dynasties, emphasizing the significant role and influence of Jainism and Jain patrons during these periods. It mentions the patronage of kings like Kumarpal, a devout Jain, and ministers like Vimal and Tejpal. The text also touches upon the city's decline after the invasion of Alauddin Khilji.
The Concept of Chaitya Paripati: The introduction by Muni Kalyanvijay explains that "Chaitya Paripati" refers to a structured visit or enumeration of temples within a city or region, often done in a specific order. It distinguishes Chaitya Paripatis from "Tirthmalas" (garlands of holy places), noting that Tirthmalas often focus on major pilgrimage sites across a wider area, while Chaitya Paripatis are more localized, listing temples within a specific city and its surrounding villages. The text establishes the ancient Jain tradition of undertaking such temple visits and documenting them.
The Author's Approach and Content:
- Preservation of Ancient Texts: The book aims to publish the "Patan Chaitya Paripati" in its original language, with minimal alteration, to preserve its authenticity.
- Two Primary Paripatis: The published work includes two significant Chaitya Paripatis:
  - One composed by Acharya Lalitprabh Suri of the Punnagamchha (likely Purnimacch) in VS 1648 (1591-1592 CE). This is the primary text.
  - Another composed by Harshavijay Suri of the Tapagachha in VS 1729 (1672-1673 CE). The original text of this Paripati was not fully available, so some sections might reflect adaptations.
- Detailed Enumeration: The core of the book consists of the detailed listing of temples, often organized by "padas" (neighborhoods or localities) within Patan. For each locality, it lists the number of temples ('chaitya' for larger ones and 'derasar' for smaller or household temples) and the number of images.
- Specific Details: The text provides names of the principal deities, sometimes the founders or patrons (e.g., Shah Dhanji, Mehta Vachha), and occasionally notes on unique features like precious stone images (ratnamayi pratima).
- Appendices: The book includes appendices with comparative data:
  - A list of temples in 12 surrounding villages.
  - A comparative table of temple counts in Patan from the VS 1648 Paripati, the VS 1729 Paripati by Harshavijay, and a VS 1967 (1910-1911 CE) enumeration. This shows the historical changes in the number of Jain temples in Patan over centuries.
  - A "Shri Patan Jinālayastuti" composed by Pandit Hiralal in VS 1959 (1902-1903 CE), which lists contemporary Jain temples.
  - A "Tirthraj Chaitya Paripati Stavana" by Sadhu Chandra Muni.
The Author (Lalitprabh Suri) and His Work:
- Lalitprabh Suri was a scholar and monk from the Punnagamchha tradition.
- He composed the original "Patan Chaitya Paripati" in VS 1648.
- His work is noted for its extensive collection and meticulous listing of temples and their images, showcasing his dedication to documenting Jain heritage.
- The text is structured as a devotional journey, moving from locality to locality, as if on a pilgrimage.
The Editor (Kalyanvijay) and Publisher:
- Muni Kalyanvijay is credited as the editor, who undertook the significant task of researching, compiling, and presenting this work. His introduction provides valuable historical and contextual information.
- Shree Hansvijayji Jain Free Library, Ahmedabad, published this work as part of its "Granthmala" series, highlighting its commitment to preserving and disseminating Jain literature.

Key Findings and Statistics (from the VS 1648 Paripati):

Total Temples in Patan: 101 large temples ('chaitya' or 'derasar') and 99 smaller temples ('derasar' or household temples), totaling 200.
Total Images: 5497 images in the larger temples and 2868 in the smaller ones, making a total of 8365 images.
Special Images: The text notes the presence of 1 image made of coral (vidruma), 3 of shells (seep), and 38 gem-studded images (ratnamayi).
Other Statues: 4 images of Gautam Swami and 4 "chaturvimsati-pattaka" (panels depicting 24 Tirthankaras).
Surrounding Villages: The appendix lists temples and images in 12 surrounding villages, with a total of 25 temples and 1207 images.

Structure of the Text:

The book begins with introductory materials from the publisher and editor. The main body is the "Patan Chaitya Paripati" itself, presented in verses (dhal) and prose. It is followed by the appendices which provide comparative historical data and contemporary information about the temples. The text is written in Old Gujarati.

Significance of the Book:

"Patan Chaitya Paripati" is invaluable for several reasons:

Religious Devotion: It serves as a guide for devotees undertaking pilgrimages within Patan.
Historical Record: It offers a snapshot of the Jain religious landscape of Patan in the late 16th century.
Sociological Insight: It provides clues about the prosperity and religious commitment of the Jain community in Patan during that era.
Linguistic Value: It is a significant work of Old Gujarati literature.
Preservation of Heritage: It ensures that the memory of numerous temples, many of which may no longer exist, is preserved for future generations.

In essence, "Patan Chaitya Paripati" is a comprehensive, historically significant, and devotionally rich compilation that vividly portrays the vibrant Jain presence in ancient Patan.