Sadhu Shri Pruthvidhar Karit Jinbhuvan Stavanam - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sadhu Shri Pruthvidhar Karit Jinbhuvan Stavanam" by Shilchandrasuri, based on the provided pages:

Introduction and Context:

The text highlights the significant role of brave, charitable, strong, and strategic Jain ministers in medieval India, particularly in Western and Central India. These ministers not only served the Jain Sangh and religion but also made substantial contributions to the nation, state, and society as a whole. Their ideal national service and protective actions cannot be overlooked simply because they were Jain. Among these prominent figures, alongside Vimalshah and Vastupal-Tejpal from Gujarat, Sadhu Pruthvidhar, also known as Pethadshah, the Grand Minister of Mandapadurga (Mandu), holds a distinguished position.

Key Characteristics of these Ministers:

The ministers were steadfast and devoted to their faith. Their religious endeavors and generosity were unparalleled. Two notable characteristics are emphasized:

Financial Integrity: They never used state treasury funds for their religious activities. All expenses for religious purposes were met with wealth earned through their own rights, ethical and just means, and adherence to the law.
Separation of Religion and State: They never allowed their religious beliefs or sentiments to interfere with state administration, warfare, or matters affecting the general populace.

Pethadshah (Sadhu Pruthvidhar): A Multifaceted Figure:

Pethadshah was renowned for his loyalty to the state and the king, and his strategic acumen. He was beloved by both the king and the subjects for his just governance and his ability to subdue enemies through intelligence. Furthermore, he was recognized as a devout individual due to his strict observance of celibacy, his unparalleled devotion to Jin (Jain Tirthankaras), his leadership in the Sangh, and his charity and generosity.

Overcoming Religious Discord:

During Pethadshah's time, there was apparent animosity between Jains and Brahmins in many places, which hindered the construction of Jain temples even in areas with Jain populations. Pethadshah, with his generosity, appeased the broader society and, through skillful diplomacy, won over kings and ministers of various states. This allowed him to obtain permission to build Jain temples in adverse regions, reassuring the Jains there and resolving inter-religious conflicts.

The "Jinbhuvan Stavanam": A Historical Record:

This "Stavanam" (hymn of praise) aims to document the numerous temples built by Pethadshah and their locations. Reading it provides insights into Pethadshah's remarkable capabilities. The author of the Stavanam is unknown. Muni Shri Dhurandharvijayji received a copy of the palm-leaf manuscript during his travels, from which this edition was prepared. The manuscript is estimated to be from the 15th century, while Pethadshah lived in the 14th century. His biography, "Sukrut Sagar," is also known in Sanskrit.

Key Information from the Stavanam:

Pethadshah's True Identity: The author correctly identifies Pethadshah as Sadhu Pruthvidhar (Sadhu transformed to Shah, Pruthvidhar to Pethad).
His King: His king was Raja Jaisingh.
Religious Practices: He built many Poshadhshalas (Jain monastic residences), worshipped Parshvanath, performed Jin Puja three times daily and observed the prescribed rituals for Shravakas (lay followers) twice daily. He observed Poshadh (a religious fast) on festival days. He revered Sadhus and provided extensive service to fellow Jain brethren.
The "Jivant Swami" Idol: A significant historical mention is the worship of an idol of Bhagwan Mahavir, also known as "Devadhideva," created by the god Vidyunmali. This idol, known as "Jivant Swami," was originally worshipped by King Udayan of Sindhu-Sauvir. It was buried during the destruction of "Vitbhaypattan." In the 12th century Vikram era, King Kumarpal, at the behest of Shri Hemchandracharya, excavated and recovered the idol and brought it to Patan, as mentioned in the "Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Charitra." The Stavanam's second verse provides clues that this idol survived or was saved and eventually reached the Central Province-Malwa region, which was under the jurisdiction of Pethadshah of Mandu. This connection is historically significant.
List of Temples: Verses 6 to 15 detail the Jinavalayas (Jain temples) built by Pethadshah in various regions, starting from the year 1320 Vikram Samvat or thereafter. The list includes numerous locations where temples were constructed, dedicated to various Tirthankaras (Adinath, Neminath, Parshvanath, Mallinath, Shantinath, Aranath, Ajitnath, Abhinandanath, Kunthunath, Rishabh, Chandraprabh, Munisuvrat, Mahavir, Nami, etc.).
- Mandapgiri (Mandughar) is compared to Shatrunjay, and Nimbasthura mountain is compared to Ujjayant, indicating the construction of temples on par with these holy mountains.
- The list of places is extensive, covering regions like Ujjain, Vikrampur, Mukhika Puri (Mahudi?), Vindhanpur, Ashapur, Ghoshakipur, Aryapur, Dharanagar, Vardhanpur, Chandrakpur, Jirapur, Jalpadpur, Dahadpur, Hansalpur, Mandhatrimool, Dhanamatrikaur, Mangalpur, Chikhalpur, Jaisinghpur, Simhanak, Salakshanpur, Indripur, Talhanpur, Hastinapur, Karhetak, Nalpur Durg, Viharak, Lambkarnipur, Sankhoda, Chitrakut Parvat (Chittorgarh), Parviharpur, Dandanaka, Vanki, Nilakpur, Nagpur, Madhyakpur, Darbhavatika Pur (Dabhoi), Nagadah, Dhavalaka Nagar (Dholka), Jirnadurga (Junagadh), Someshwar Patan (Somnath-Prabhas), Shankhpur, Sauvarta, Vamanashtali, Nashikyapur (Nashik), Sopara pur, Runanagar, Ghorangal, Pratishthan, Setubandh, Vadodara, Nagalpur, Takkarva, Jalandhar, Devpalpur, Devgiri, Charup, Dronat, Ratnapur, Arbuka pur, Korantak, Saraswati Patan, Shatrunjay, Tarapur, Vardhamanpur, Gogpur, Pichhan, Munkarpur, Mandhatri, Vikkana, Chokolpur.

Extent of Pethadshah's Charitable Activities:

The list only includes Jin-mandirs built by him. It does not account for the Poshadhshalas, Sadavrato (charitable feeding centers), construction of temples for non-Jain deities, water reservoirs, dharmashalas (rest houses), etc., which also constituted a significant portion of his philanthropic work. A detailed reading of his biography is necessary to grasp the full scope of his endeavors.

Concluding Verse:

The final verse (16) expresses reverence for the idols installed by Pruthvidhar in various mountain regions, cities, villages, and borders, which rivaled the peaks of the Himalayas. It also acknowledges and pays respect to the idols installed by gods and great people. The text concludes with the title "Sadhu Shri Pruthvidhar Karit Jinbhuvan Stavanam."