Patan Chaitya Pparipati - Book Summary

The Jain text "Patan Chaitya Paripati" by Muni Kalyanvijay, published by Hansvijay Jain Free Library, is a significant work detailing the Jain temples (chaityas) of Patan, an ancient capital of Gujarat. The book was published in V.S. 2452 (1996 AD) and its catalog link is provided for reference.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the text based on the provided pages:

Introduction and Purpose (Pages 4-6):

The book is presented as the 28th in a series of 27 valuable literary and historical works by the Hansvijay Jain Free Library, likened to a garland of 27 jewels or virtues of monks.
The primary objective is to provide information about the chaityas (Jain temples) of Patan from the 17th-18th centuries in their original language.
The editor, Muni Kalyamvijayji, is lauded for his meticulous research and insightful preface and summary, making the book more valuable.
The text acknowledges that while efforts were made to preserve the original language, some parts of the Paripati (description) composed by Lalitprabh Suri (V.S. 1648) could not be published in its purest ancient form due to the unavailability of a perfect ancient manuscript.
A description of the current Jain temples in Patan, composed by Pandit Hiralal under the inspiration of Pravartakji Shri Kantivijayji Maharaj in V.S. 1959, has been included in the appendix to provide a contemporary perspective.
The publishers express gratitude to Muni Shree Hansvijayji Maharaj, Nyasji Sampatvijayji Maharaj, Muni Shree Punyavijayji Maharaj, Muni Shree Shambhu vijayji Maharaj, and Pandit Lalchandra Bhagwandas Gandhi for their assistance in the research and publication.
The text also thanks individuals like Kesarbai, wife of Shaveri Manilal Chhaganlal of Patan, and Sha. Anopchand Naginbhai of Surat, for their financial support and encouragement.
Readers are encouraged to point out any errors due to oversight or visual impairment so they can be corrected in future editions.

The Significance of Chaitya Paripaties (Pages 7-15):

The introduction highlights that ancient Indian scholars generally paid less attention to writing history. Much of what was written was lost during times of political upheaval.
However, a significant portion of Jain historical literature, particularly narrative literature, has been preserved through the efforts of monks.
While many Jain historical texts focus on religious teachings and moral lessons, works like Rasa, Prabandha, inscriptions, eulogies, Chaitya Paripatis, and Tirthamalas are considered valuable for historical study from a modern perspective.
The author emphasizes that Chaitya Paripaties are historically significant because they shed light on the immediate religious history of the time, reveal people's religious inclinations and practices, and paint a picture of the prosperity of householders.
The exact origin of Chaitya Paripaties is unclear, but the practice of undertaking and describing Chaitya or Tirth pilgrimages is ancient among Jains.
The text traces the antiquity of Jain pilgrimage practices back to the 4th century B.C. (V.S.) and the practice of writing descriptions of these pilgrimages to the 1st or 2nd century B.C. (V.S.).
Ancient Jain scriptures like the Acaranga Niryukti and Nishith Churni mention various holy sites and the practice of visiting and venerating them, especially on auspicious days like Ashtami and Chaturdashi.
The compulsion to visit all temples within a town or village on specific religious days led to the development of what was called 'Cheitya Parivadi Yatra' (pilgrimage of temple rounds), from which the term 'Chaitya Paripati' likely evolved.
A distinction is made between Tirthamala and Chaitya Paripati:
- Tirthamala: Describes famous Tirths (pilgrimage sites) visited or heard about, their history (real or mythical), their glories, and related matters, followed by praise. Examples include Sakal Tirth Stotra by Siddhasen Suri and Tirthamala Stavan by Mahendra Suri.
- Chaitya Paripati: Systematically lists the names of temples encountered during a pilgrimage within a town or village, names of the places, the number of Jain images (pratimas), and their glories. Examples include Revantgiri Raso by Vijaysen Suri and Girnar Chaitya Paripati by Hemhans Gani. The "Patan Chaitya Paripati" falls into this latter category.

Patan: A Historical Overview (Pages 15-25):

The text provides a detailed historical background of Patan, highlighting its significance as the capital of Gujarat.
It was founded by Vanraj, a brave warrior prince of the Chavda dynasty, who was a devout follower of Jain monk Shilgun Suri.
Patna became the capital of the Jain empire in Gujarat due to the patronage of Vanraj and a significant Jain population.
The city was established in V.S. 882 as "Anahilwad" or "Anahilpatan" and flourished under the Chavda rulers.
Later, the kingdom passed to the Solanki dynasty, and the glory of Patan continued until the reign of Kumarpal, a staunch Jain follower.
The text notes that during the reign of King Bhim, there was some unrest for the Jain community due to a falling out between the king and his commander Vimal, who eventually left Patan and established himself in Chandravati.
This event led to some Jain families leaving Patan, but it didn't significantly diminish the overall influence of Jainism in the city.
The period of the Solanki kings, particularly Siddharaj and Kumarpal, is described as a golden age for Jainism in Gujarat.
A striking example of the prosperity and devotion of Patan's Jain community is mentioned: 1800 crorepatis (wealthy individuals) gathered to welcome the renowned Acharya Hemchandrasuri.
The decline of Patan's Jain influence began during the reign of Ajaypal, who dismissed many Jain ministers and persecuted them.
Despite setbacks, the influence of Jainism remained strong until the time of ministers like Vastupal and Tejpal, who briefly restored Gujarat's prestige.
The final decline of Patan and Gujarat's power occurred during the reign of the last Vaghela king, Karan Vaghela, when the city was destroyed by Alauddin's general Malik Kafur in V.S. 1356. The once magnificent city was reduced to ruins.
The reconstruction of Patan is estimated to have occurred between V.S. 1360 and 1379. The text mentions that the city was rebuilt in V.S. 1425, but questions the accuracy of this date, suggesting an earlier reconstruction around V.S. 1370.
The period after the city's reconstruction saw the gradual rebuilding of temples and the re-establishment of Jain religious practices.

The "Patan Chaitya Paripati" by Lalitprabh Suri (Pages 25-32):

The text identifies the author of the "Patan Chaitya Paripati" as Acharya Lalitprabh Suri of the Poonmia Gachha, Chandra branch. He composed it in V.S. 1648 (1592 AD) in Anahilpatan.
The work is described as a valuable "directory" of the Jain temples of Patan during that period.
Lalitprabh Suri's compilation is praised for its detail, listing names of temples, their locations (wards/areas), the number of images (pratimas), and the names of their patrons.
The author notes that the structure of the Paripati resembles a pilgrim's journey through the city's temples.
A discrepancy is pointed out in the counting of pratimas. Sometimes the count includes the main deity, and sometimes it seems to exclude them. The author acknowledges this ambiguity.
The Paripati lists 101 major temples ('Chaitya'/'Dehra') and 99 smaller home shrines ('Derasar').
The total number of pratimas mentioned for the major temples is 5497, and for the smaller shrines, it's 2868.
The text highlights specific types of pratimas: one made of coral (vidruma-pravāla), two of shells (seep), and thirty-eight made of precious stones. There were also four images of Gautam Swami and four Chaturvimsati-pattakas (panels depicting 24 Tirthankaras).
The sum of the major and minor temple pratima counts (5497 + 2868) is 8365, but the author's total is 8394. The discrepancy is attributed to potential inaccuracies in recording or inclusion of other items.
The Paripati also includes descriptions of temples in approximately 12 surrounding villages.
The author speculates about the decline in the population of Rupapur and its potential impact on the growth of Chanmasama.
The author clarifies that the pratima counts likely include all types of images (stone, metal, gems) and that a separate mention of metal images in Kumargir might have been to emphasize their abundance.

The "Patan Chaitya Paripati" by Haravijay Gani (Pages 37-40):

This is a second Chaitya Paripati of Patan, composed by Haravijay Gani of the Tapagachha approximately 80 years after Lalitprabh Suri's work.
Its introduction begins with temples of Panchasar, as the author was from the Tapagachha, whose main center was Panchasar. This leads to a different sequence compared to Lalitprabh Suri's.
The text compares the number of temples and pratimas mentioned in both Paripatis to illustrate the changes in Patan over time.
The author notes that by V.S. 1729, the number of temples and images had significantly increased compared to V.S. 1648.
However, by V.S. 1967, the number of temples had drastically reduced, with only 129 Jain temples remaining (85 major and 44 smaller ones). This decline is attributed to a decrease in religious faith, population reduction, and migration of Jains to other regions.
The text concludes that although Patan remains a significant city with rich libraries and a substantial Jain population, its past glory and grandeur are mostly in memory.

The Appendix (Pages 41-69):

This section contains detailed lists of the Chaityas and Pratimas in Patan according to the V.S. 1648 Paripati by Lalitprabh Suri (Table 1) and the V.S. 1729 Paripati by Haravijay Gani (Table 2).
It also includes a list of current Jain temples in Patan as of V.S. 1967 (Table 3), highlighting the significant reduction in the number of temples over time.
The appendices also feature:
- A Jinallayastuhti (praise of Jin temples) composed by Pandit Hiralal in V.S. 1959, listing contemporary temples.
- A Tirthraj Chaitya Paripati Stavana by Sadhu Chandra Muni, describing various pilgrimage sites.
- A Navkaravali Pad (verses related to the Navkar Mantra).
- A Kartik Purnima Mahima Garbhit Shri Siddhachal Stavan (praise of Siddhachal on Kartik Purnima).
- A list of current Jain temples in Patan, detailing their locations, main deities, and number of images.

Praise and Conclusion (Pages 70-72, 97-101):

The work concludes with a Prashasti (eulogy) and epilogue, detailing the lineage of Acharya Lalitprabh Suri, tracing back to Acharya Bhuvanprabh Suri of the Poonmia Gachha.
Lalitprabh Suri is credited with composing this extensive Chaitya Paripati in V.S. 1648, covering 9598 Jin pratimas in Patan and surrounding villages.
The author's guru lineage is mentioned, ending with his own guru, Vidyaaprabh Suri.
The text concludes with prayers and blessings, reiterating the importance and merit of reciting such works.

In essence, "Patan Chaitya Paripati" is a meticulously compiled historical and religious document that serves as a valuable record of Jain heritage in Patan, offering insights into the city's past religious landscape, architectural structures, and the devotional practices of its Jain community. It also serves as a testament to the efforts of Jain scholars in preserving this rich history.