Pavapuri Tirth Ka Prachin Itihas - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Pavapuri Tirth ka Prachin Itihas" by Puranchand Nahar:

Book Title: Pavapuri Tirth ka Prachin Itihas (Ancient History of Pavapuri Holy Site) Author: Puranchand Nahar Publisher: Puranchand Nahar

This book, authored by Puranchand Nahar, delves into the ancient history and significance of Pavapuri, a highly revered holy site in Jainism. The author expresses his joy in presenting this small treatise to his fellow Jains, emphasizing Pavapuri's special importance.

Core Significance of Pavapuri:

Nirvana Place of Lord Mahavir Swami: The primary reason for Pavapuri's immense significance is that it is the place where the 24th and last Tirthankar, Lord Mahavir Swami, attained Nirvana (liberation from the cycle of birth and death). This makes it a sacred destination for all Jain followers.
Foundation of the Jain Sangha: Lord Mahavir Swami established the Jain Sangha (community of monks, nuns, and lay followers) during his lifetime, and Pavapuri is where he attained his final liberation, thereby being considered the birthplace of the Sangha in a spiritual sense.
Inspiration and Reflection: The site is described as not only sacred but also captivating, evoking feelings of peace, contemplation of Lord Mahavir's ideals, sacrifice, and enlightenment, which deeply moves visitors.

Historical Context and Discrepancies between Jain Sects:

The book highlights the historical narrative of Pavapuri, noting specific details and addressing the differences in beliefs between the Shvetambara and Digambara Jain traditions regarding Lord Mahavir's Nirvana.

Location: Pavapuri is located seven miles south of Bihar-Sharif in the Bihar-Orissa province. The ancient name of the place was Apapapuri.
Historical Rulers: At the time of Lord Mahavir's presence, a feudatory king named Hastipal ruled Pavapuri.
Lord Mahavir's Final Days: Lord Mahavir Swami stayed in Pavapuri for his final Chaturmas (a four-month period of monastic retreat during the monsoon). He was 72 years old at the time of his Nirvana.

Key Differences in Beliefs:

The author meticulously outlines the primary differences between the Shvetambara and Digambara traditions concerning Lord Mahavir's Nirvana:

Date of Nirvana:
- Shvetambara: Kartik Krishna Amavasya (the darkest night of the new moon in the month of Kartik), specifically during the last part of the night.
- Digambara: Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi (the 14th day of the waning moon in Kartik), also during the last part of the night.
Location of Nirvana:
- Shvetambara: In the lekhsala (writing hall or chamber) of King Hastipal.
- Digambara: On a mound in the middle of a lake.

The author argues that the Shvetambara account of the location is more credible. He points out that the Digambara tradition mentions Lord Mahavir arriving at Pavapuri a month before his Nirvana, which contradicts the Shvetambara principle that monks observe Chaturmas in one place. The idea of Lord Mahavir attaining Nirvana in isolation on a mound in a lake is also considered less plausible than his final moments occurring in the village itself, having preached for the welfare of humanity until his last breath.

Architectural and Religious Structures at Pavapuri:

The book details the various significant structures at Pavapuri, emphasizing their historical and religious importance.

"Gaon Mandir" (Village Temple): This temple is built on the site where Lord Mahavir's final lekhsala was. It houses the idol and charan paduka (footprints) of Lord Mahavir Swami. It is believed to be the location of the temple built by Lord Mahavir's elder brother, Nandivardhana.
- History: The current temple is a two-story structure with five spires, consecrated in Vikram Samvat 1668 (around 1611 AD) under the leadership of Kharataragachhacharya Shri Jinraj Suriji. The temple's inscription, which the author was the first to publish, provides historical details.
- Idols and Relics: The central altar houses a white stone idol of Lord Mahavir, with idols of Lord Adinath and Lord Shantinath on either side. There are also metal Panchatirthis and other smaller idols. A large pair of footprints consecrated in VS 1645 is present, along with charan paduka of Shri Pundrik Ganadhar and 11 of Lord Mahavir's Ganadhars. The temple also has a statue of Shri Devrishi Ganikshamashraman.
- Renovations: The Sabha Mandap (assembly hall) was recently expanded by Babu Nirmal Kumar Singh Nawalkha.
"Jalmandir" (Water Temple): This beautiful temple is situated in the middle of a large pond, to the south of the village. It is considered the site where Lord Mahavir's final rites were performed.
- Significance: The Shvetambara tradition suggests that after his cremation, deities and humans present took ashes and soil from the spot, leading to the formation of a pond.
- Description: The Jalmandir is a dome-shaped structure visible from afar. It was built in VS 1628 (around 1571 AD) by Seth Jivandasji of Calcutta. It features three marble altars, with ancient, worn-out footprints of Lord Mahavir in the central altar. A metal idol of Lord Mahavir, consecrated in VS 1260 (around 1203 AD) by Acharya Shri Abhaydeva Suriji, is also used for worship. The right altar has the footprints of Lord Gautam Swami (first Ganadhar), and the left has those of Lord Sudharma Swami (fifth Ganadhar), consecrated in VS 1935.
- Access: A beautiful bridge, about 600 feet long, was built to access the temple across the pond. Previously, visitors used boats.
- Surroundings: The pond is filled with lotuses and teeming with fish, creating a picturesque scene, especially during the monsoon.
"Samasaranji Mandir" (Samavasaran Temple): This structure, built in the current century, represents the divine assembly hall of Lord Mahavir. Although the original Samavasaran site is believed to be a small stupa east of the village, the Shvetambara Sangha built a new Samasaranji temple by the lake.
- Structure: It features a circular compound with a railing and an octagonal temple in the center, symbolizing the Samavasaran.
- Consecration: Consecrated in VS 1953 by Babu Govindchand of Bihar, the current manager. It contains a pair of footprints of Lord Mahavir, consecrated in VS 1645.
- Associated Facilities: Adjacent to this temple are the author's mother's dvitl (two-story) Dharamshala and Rai Bahadur Budhsingh Dudhodia's Dharamshala.
Bai Mehtab Kunwar's Temple: This two-story temple dedicated to Lord Mahavir was built by Bai Mehtab Kunwar of Murshidabad-Azimganj and consecrated in VS 1632 (around 1575 AD). It houses a chauhmukhji (four-faced idol) on the upper floor and the main idol of Lord Mahavir along with other stone and metal idols in the lower altar.

Welfare Activities and Current Situation:

The author mentions the annual gathering at Pavapuri on the occasion of Lord Mahavir's Nirvana, where devotees distribute clothes and aid to the poor and needy. He notes the presence of thousands of people with various ailments, such as leprosy, blindness, and lameness.

"Deenashala" (Charity Hall): To provide shelter to the destitute, the author built a Deenashala in memory of his late wife, Kundan Kumari. An Ayurvedic hospital, run by the Patna District Board, has also been established there.
Chariot Festival: A grand chariot festival (Rathotsav) and procession (Vardhoda) are held on Kartik Shukla Pratipada during the Nirvana celebrations.

Historical Observations and Preservation:

Ancient Inscriptions: The author notes that few Jain pilgrimage sites in the Anga and Vanga regions have documented artifacts or inscriptions dating before the 12th century Vikram era.
Periods of Decline and Revival: The text touches upon periods of Muslim invasions and the subsequent efforts to restore damaged temples and preserve Jain heritage. It mentions the patronage of Jainism by Mughal Emperor Akbar and the contributions of Jain scholars like Acharya Shri Hiravijaysuri and Acharya Shri Jinchandrasuri.
Reconstruction under Shah Jahan: The restoration work at Pavapuri during Emperor Shah Jahan's reign is documented.
Modern Conflicts: The author expresses regret over the ongoing disputes between the Shvetambara and Digambara communities regarding Pavapuri, citing a lawsuit filed in 1825. He believes these disputes are detrimental, causing the loss of time, energy, and wealth for both sects.

Concluding Prayer:

The author concludes with a prayer to the "Shasan Dev" (Deity of the Jain Faith) to keep the pilgrimage site stable and to ensure the continuous progress and prosperity of Lord Mahavir's Nirvana land.

In essence, "Pavapuri Tirth ka Prachin Itihas" is a scholarly work that not only chronicles the history and sanctity of Pavapuri but also critically examines the theological and historical differences between Jain sects, while also highlighting the architectural marvels and ongoing welfare activities associated with this crucial pilgrimage site.