Purisadani Parshwanathji

This document is the index and early pages of the book "Purisadani Shri Parshwanathji" by Sarabhai Manilal Nawab, published by Sarabhai Manilal Nawab. The book focuses on the life and various pilgrimage sites associated with the 23rd Jain Tirthankar, Bhagwan Parshvanath.

Here's a breakdown of the content:

Title and Author:

• Book Title: Purisadani Shri Parshwanathji (પુરિસાદાણી શ્રીપાર્શ્વનાથજી)
• Author: Sarabhai Manilal Nawab (સારાભાઈ મ. નવાબ)
• Publisher: Sarabhai Manilal Nawab (સારાભાઈ મણિલાલ નવાબ)
• Price: 4 Rupees (કિંમત ૪ રૂપિયા)

Author's Other Publications: Page 2 lists several other books published by Sarabhai Manilal Nawab, covering a wide range of Jain topics including scriptures, literature, mantras, temple architecture, and culture.

Dedication and Acknowledgements (Nivedan - નિવેદન):

• The book is dedicated to Shri Maneklal Chunilal Shah J.P.
• The author states that the book aims to present the complete life biography of Lord Parshvanath and information on existing Tirthas (pilgrimage sites) related to him.
• The author acknowledges the primary sources used for the book:
  • "Trishashthi Shalaka Purush Charitra" by Kilakal Sarvin Shro Hemchandrasurishwarji.
  • Notes from the late Mahalal bhai Maganlal Zaveri.
  • The author's own research and travel for the past six years on Jain temples in India.
• The author expresses hope that the book will inspire readers to visit various Tirthas related to Lord Parshvanath.
• The author requests readers to point out any errors or omissions for future editions and to share information about any missed Tirthas.
• Due to wartime inflation and cost increases, the author mentions that illustrations could not be included in this edition but plans to do so in a future edition.

Table of Contents (Anukramanika - અનુક્રમણિકા): The table of contents is extensive and details the structure of the book:

• Part One: Biography of Lord Parshvanath (શ્રી પાર્શ્વનાથ ચરિત્ર સંપૂર્ણ)

  • Previous births (Purva Bhav - પૂર્વ ભવ): Chapters covering several past lives (Chapter 1 to 5).
  • Lord Parshvanath's birth (Shri Parshvaprabhu ne Janma - શ્રી પાર્શ્વપ્રભુને જન્મ): Chapter 5.
  • Birth celebration (Janma Mahotsav - જન્મ મહોત્સવ): Chapter 6.
  • Marriage (Panigrahan - પાણિગ્રહણ): Chapter 7.
  • Lord Parshva Kumar's renunciation (Shri Parshva Kumarni Diksha - શ્રી પાર્શ્વકુમારની દીક્ષા): Chapter 8.
  • Lord Parshvanath's wanderings and attainment of omniscience (Shri Parshva Prabhu no Vihar ane Kevalgnan - શ્રી પાર્શ્વપ્રભુનો વિહાર અને કેવલજ્ઞાન): Chapter 9.
  • Lord Parshvanath's wanderings and liberation (Shri Parshva Prabhuno Vihar ane Nirvan - શ્રી પાર્શ્વપ્રભુનો વિહાર અને નિર્વાણ): Chapter 10.

• Part Two: Tirthas of Lord Parshvanath (શ્રી પાર્શ્વનાથ પ્રભુનાં તીર્થસ્થાને)

  • This section is a comprehensive listing of numerous Tirthas associated with Lord Parshvanath, identified by name and page numbers. The list is extensive, covering over 80 Tirthas with names like Shri Kesariyaji Parshvanath, Shri Kalikund Parshvanath, Shri Ajahra Parshvanath, Shri Ajirahara Parshvanath, Shri Antariksha Parshvanath, Shri Shankheshwar Parshvanath, Shri Sthambhan Parshvanath, etc., and concluding with Lord Parshvanath's 108 and 135 names.

Early Chapters:

• Chapter 1: Previous Births (Purva Bhav - પૂર્વ ભવ): This chapter begins by narrating the story of a king named Arvind and his two sons, Kamtha and Marubhuti, detailing their past lives, moral lessons, and the consequences of their actions. It involves themes of dharma, karma, sin, and salvation.
• Chapter 2: Fourth Birth (Chautha Bhav - ચેાથે ભવ): Continues the narrative of past lives, focusing on the transmigration and experiences of souls across different realms.
• Chapter 3: Sixth Birth (Chhatho Bhav - છઠ્ઠો ભવ): Further details the karmic journey of the soul through another birth.
• Chapter 4: Eighth Birth (Aathme Bhav - આઠમે ભવ): Continues the life stories across different existences.
• Chapter 5: Lord Parshvanath's Birth (Shri Parshvaprabhu ne Janma - શ્રી પાર્શ્વપ્રભુને જન્મ): This chapter begins to narrate the circumstances leading to the birth of Lord Parshvanath, including his divine conception.
• Chapter 6: Birth Celebration (Janma Mahotsav - જન્મ મહોત્સવ): Describes the grand celebrations surrounding the birth of Lord Parshvanath, including celestial events.
• Chapter 7: Marriage (Panigrahan - પાણિગ્રહણ): Details the events leading up to and including the marriage of Lord Parshvanath.
• Chapter 8: Lord Parshva Kumar's Renunciation (Shri Parshva Kumarni Diksha - શ્રી પાર્શ્વકુમારની દીક્ષા): Explains the moment of renunciation and the commencement of the spiritual path.
• Chapter 9: Lord Parshvanath's Wanderings and Attainment of Omniscience (Shri Parshva Prabhu no Vihar ane Kevalgnan - શ્રી પાર્શ્વપ્રભુનો વિહાર અને કેવલજ્ઞાન): Describes the period of spiritual practice and the attainment of enlightenment.
• Chapter 10: Lord Parshvanath's Wanderings and Liberation (Shri Parshva Prabhuno Vihar ane Nirvan - શ્રી પાર્શ્વપ્રભુનો વિહાર અને નિર્વાણ): Covers the final years of Lord Parshvanath's earthly existence and his ultimate liberation.

Pilgrimage Sites (Tirthas): The latter half of the book (starting from page 116) is dedicated to listing and describing numerous Tirthas (pilgrimage sites) associated with Lord Parshvanath. Each entry provides details about the specific site, its history, miraculous events, and significance. This section is extremely detailed and lists a vast number of places, often with specific anecdotes and local beliefs.

In essence, "Purisadani Shri Parshwanathji" is a comprehensive devotional and historical work on Lord Parshvanath, combining his biographical narrative with an extensive gazetteer of pilgrimage sites.