Rangsagarkrut Girnar Chaitya Paripati

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Rangsagarkrut Girnar Chaitya Paripati" in English:

Book Title: Rangsagarkrut Girnar Chaitya Paripati Authors: Agarchand Nahta, Babulal B Shah Publisher: Z_Aspect_of_Jainology_Part_2_Pundit_Bechardas_Doshi_012016.pdf Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/230214/1

This text is a poetic description of a pilgrimage to the sacred Jain sites on Mount Girnar, written by Rangsar, a disciple of Bhavharsh Gani of the Kharatar Gacch. The original composition is believed to be from the late 15th century, and the version presented here is from a manuscript dated 1724 CE (1668 CE). The poem is in Gujarati and consists of 22 verses (kadi).

Summary of the Pilgrimage and its Descriptions:

The poem begins with an invocation to Goddess Saraswati for wisdom. The poet then pays homage to Lord Rishabh and Lord Veer located in Junagadh (specifically, the Uparkot).

The journey continues towards the foothills of Girnar, where the poet describes the beauty of the surrounding forest. Upon reaching the base, the poet mentions a reservoir (paj) built by Vyavahari Bahaldev and points out the Sonrekha river. The pilgrimage then enters the "preli" (gateway or rampart) of the Deogadh (temple fort).

Inside the fort, the poet marvels at the grandeur of the temple of the Tirthpati (Lord Neminath), particularly its pillar and decorated spire. He then beholds the image of Lord Neminath seated in a lotus posture. The poet is reminded of the consecration of an idol by the minister Sajjan and a story from earlier times about a gem merchant (shravak) who established an image in the presence of Ambika.

Following the ritual bath (snatra puja) of Lord Neminath, the poet proceeds to circumambulate the temple. During the circumambulation, he observes various significant panels: the Shatrunjaya Shikhar panel, images of Rathnemi and Rajimati, and the Nandishwar panel. He recalls having heard from his guru about the temple built by Vastupal, which is described as a representation of Shatrunjaya.

The poet then mentions the 72 subsidiary shrines (dehri) around the main temple and the "Apmadh" (Apapamad). From there, he moves to the Kharatar Vasahi (temple).

At the Kharatar Vasahi, the poet describes the golden idol of Lord Veer, commissioned by King Samprati, and the newly renovated 52-temple complex, praising its intricate carvings.

Leaving the Kharatar Vasahi, the poet visits the temple of Lord Neminath again, specifically focusing on the lower section. He describes the three-tiered "karyotsarg" (standing posture) images of Lord Neminath in the temple renovated by the goldsmith Samarsingh Malde in 1494 CE.

The poem then shifts to the magnificent temple built by Vastupal and Tejpal. The poet notes its construction using touchstone pillars and its innovative carvings, built at the cost of twelve crore (120 million) rupees. He also mentions seeing the Gajendrapad Kund (a sacred reservoir) and paying respects at the spot of Rathnemi and Rajimati.

The pilgrimage continues to Ambadevi's shrine. From there, the poet ascends to Avaka Shikhar, the place where Lord Neminath attained Nirvana (moksha) along with one crore Yadavs.

Standing at Avaka Shikhar, the poet observes "Lakhavan" and then bows to the Samara and Pradyumna Shikhar. He contemplates the Siddhi Vinayak at Pradyumna Shikhar.

The journey then takes the poet to Sahasravan, where he worships the footprints of Lord Neminath. He expresses his desire to return to Junagadh, singing the praises of Lord Neminath.

The poem concludes with the poet completing the "Chaitya Paripati" (pilgrimage description). In the final verse, the author reveals his father's name as "Rangsar."

Overall Significance:

While the text doesn't introduce entirely new information about the specific temples at Girnar, it offers a vivid and poetic account of the pilgrimage through the author's sincere and artistic language. The known facts are presented in a fresh and engaging manner. The copy of this "Chaitya Paripati" was transcribed by the first editor from a manuscript in the Shri Abhay Jain Granthalaya, Bikaner, years ago.