Pavagadh Tirth Ki Aeitihasikta - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Pavagadh Tirth ki Aeitihasikta" by Acharya Jagatchandrasuri, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Pavagadh Tirth ki Aeitihasikta (The Historicity of Pavagadh Tirth) Author: Acharya Jagatchandrasuri Publisher: Z_Vijyanandsuri_Swargarohan_Shatabdi_Granth_012023.pdf

Core Concept of Tirths: The text begins by defining Tirths (sacred places) within Indian culture, highlighting their historicity and sanctity. Jain scriptures describe two types of Tirths: "Sthavar" (immovable, fixed at one location) and "Jangam" (movable, like wandering ascetics). A Tirth is fundamentally defined as something that helps one transcend the ocean of worldly existence. Traditionally, Tirths are located in serene natural settings, away from worldly disturbances, offering mental, physical, and spiritual peace, and are ideal for meditation, penance, and spiritual practices.

Pavagadh Tirth: Location and Significance: Pavagadh Tirth is located 50 km from Vadodara. According to Digambar tradition, it was established during the time of the 20th Tirthankar, Bhagwan Shri Muni Suvrat Swami. Its name, "Pavagadh" (meaning pure fortress), reflects its extreme purity.

Historical Evolution of Pavagadh:

Early Prosperity: Pavagadh experienced a long history of establishment and decline. Its peak of prosperity, progress, and development lasted until the end of the 17th century Vikram Samvat.
Invasions and Resilience: Its prosperity attracted foreign and non-Jain invaders. Pavagadh was conquered and reclaimed multiple times, experiencing both pride in victory and shame in defeat.
Economic Importance: There were significant merchants in Pavagadh who supported the entire Gujarat during times of famine. At one point, its grandeur was discussed not only in Gujarat but across all of India.
Svetambara View: For Svetambaras, Pavagadh was considered as holy and merit-bestowing as Shatrunjaya and Girnar.
Decline: Its decline began around the 15th century CE, and it never fully recovered its former glory.

Key Historical Mentions and Rejuvenations:

King Gangasinh: In 800 CE, King Gangasinh, a descendant of Emperor Ashoka, renovated the Pavagadh fort and the Jin temples within it.
Champaner: The text mentions Champaner, located 2 km from Pavagadh in the northeast and 25 km east of Vadodara. This place now has a small market.
Installation of Idols: According to Muni Kaviraj Shri Deep Vijayji (19th century Vikram), based on old records, on Vaishakh Sudhi Panchami Thursday in VS 1112, the anjanshalaka (consecration ceremony) of the fourth Tirthankar, Abhinandan Swami, and Jirawala Parshvanath was performed by Jainacharya Shri Gunsagar Suri. The goddess Kalika, the ruling deity, was also established there.
Anchal Gachh Pattavali: The Pattavali of Anchal Gachh, revised and published by Dr. Bhandarkar, mentions that Jayakesar Suri was an esteemed Acharya during the reign of King Jayasingh Pattai Rawal of Champaner.
Tejpal's Contributions: Pt. Jinh Harsh Gani's Vastupal Charitra recounts how minister Tejpal, after defeating the sinful king Dhundhal of Godhra, built a magnificent palace and a beautiful, artistic temple of 24 Tirthankars there. Tejpal then proceeded to Vadodara, where he renovated the dilapidated temple of Parshvanath Bhagwan. He also built a temple of the first Tirthankar, Adinath, in Akota village to promote Dharma. Subsequently, in Dabhoi, he constructed a Jin temple of Parshvanath Bhagwan resembling Kailash Parvat, adorned with golden kalashas. Upon arriving at Pavagadh, Tejpal was delighted by its sanctity and pleasant atmosphere and built a Jin temple named Sarvatobhadra there.
Stone Pillars for Shatrunjaya: The Prabandh Chintamani (Vastupal-Tejpal Prabandh), composed in VS 1661, notes that in VS 1287, when Tejpal began the construction of Nandishwar on Shatrunjaya mountain, he procured 16 stone pillars of the Kantelia caste from Pavagadh (referred to as Pavak mountain) via waterways to Palitana.
Sthuti by Bhuvan Sundar Suri: Bhuvan Sundar Suri, a disciple of Som Sundar Suri of the Jain Svetambar Tapa Gachh, composed many hymns dedicated to various Tirths, including one for Pavagadh. This hymn praises Sambhavnath Bhagwan, the third Tirthankar. The text quotes verses describing Pavagadh as an avatar of the great Tirth Shatrunjaya, praising Sambhavnath there.
Meghashah's Contribution: Meghashah of Khambhat constructed eight dev kulikas (small shrines dedicated to deities) in the Sambhavnath Bhagwan temple at Pavagadh, which were effective in warding off the troubles of the Kali Yuga.
Champaner Shreeth's Mention: The Shatrunjay Giri Raas by Jinchandra Suri (VS 1644) mentions the Champaner Shreeth (community).
Chharipaalit Sangh: In VS 1541, Somcharitra Gani's Gurugun Ratnakar Kavya describes the Sanghapati Vellaak of Mandavgarh. Inspired by Acharya Sumati Sundar of the Tapa Gachh, he organized a "Chharipaalit Sangh" to visit Idar, Jirawala, Abu, Ranakpur, and Pavagadh.
Idol Installation by Sardul: In VS 1508, Pragvat Sardul installed two idols among the 24 Tirthankar idols consecrated by Acharya Ratneskhar Suri of the Tapa Gachh in Champaner-Pavagadh.
Acharya Sen Suriji's Visit: Acharya Sen Suriji, a prominent disciple of Acharya Hir Suriji (who influenced Emperor Akbar), visited Champaner in VS 1632. He performed the anjanshalaka for a temple built by a merchant named Jaswant.
Historical Poem: The poem by Kavi Lakshmiratna (VS 1721) in his Kshema ka Raas describes Champasi Mehta and Muhammad Begada, mentioning the prosperous city of Champaner below Pavagadh, with its grand temples and well-to-do residents and merchants.

Conclusion: The text asserts that the historicity of Pavagadh Tirth is undeniably proven by numerous ancient examples. It states that for two hundred years, the Tirth was unknown to the Svetambara community. After this period, Acharya Shrimad Vijay Indradinn Surishwar Ji Maharaj, described as the rescuer of Parmar Kshatriyas, the crest jewel of conduct, the sun of Jainism, and the crown of the ruling tradition, revived this Tirth. A grand and artistic Jin temple of Shri Chintamani Parshvanath Bhagwan was built at the foot of Pavagadh.