Sahitya Shilp Ane Sthapatya Ma Girnar

This document is the book "Sahitya Shilp ane Sthapatya ma Girnar" (Literature, Sculpture, and Architecture in Girnar), compiled and published by the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Bharatiya Sanskriti Vidyamandir in Ahmedabad in 2010. It is a collection of thirteen articles by Madhusudan Dhaky, edited by Jitendra Shah. The book is a special issue on archaeology and is a significant contribution to understanding Girnar, a major Jain pilgrimage site.

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Key Information:

• Title: Sahitya Shilp ane Sthapatya ma Girnar (Literature, Sculpture, and Architecture in Girnar)
• Author: Madhusudan Dhaky
• Editor: Jitendra Shah
• Publisher: Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Bharatiya Sanskriti Vidyamandir, Ahmedabad
• Publication Year: 2010
• Series: Sambodhi - Puratatva Visheshank - 2 (Sambodhi - Archaeology Special Issue - 2)
• ISBN: 81-8585730-X
• Price: Rs. 200/-
• Print Run: 300 copies

Core Themes and Content:

The book focuses on Girnar, also known as Urjayanta Giri, Revatgiri, or Girnarji, a highly revered Jain pilgrimage site in Gujarat. The central theme is the exploration of Girnar's rich heritage through its literature, sculpture, and architecture.

Key aspects highlighted:

1. Girnar's Significance:

   • It is considered one of the most glorious Jain tirthas after Shatrunjaya (Palitana).
   • It is believed to be eternal according to Jain tradition.
   • It is sanctified by the kalyanakas (auspicious events) of Neminath Bhagwan, the 22nd Tirthankar, including his initiation, enlightenment, and liberation.
   • It is a land of liberation (moksha) and a place where great souls and practitioners come for self-realization and Sallekhana (religious fasting unto death).

2. Literary Evidence:

   • Information about Girnar is available in Agamic literature, poems, eulogies, prabandhas (narratives), rasos, and chaitya-paripatis (pilgrimage guides).
   • The book compiles thirteen articles by Madhusudan Dhaky, a renowned scholar in archaeology and art history, who meticulously uses primary sources, proofs, and prior materials. His writings are praised for their accuracy, language, style, and presentation.

3. Architectural and Sculptural Heritage:

   • The jinalayas (temples) on Girnar showcase the profound devotion of their creators.
   • These temples are not just a testament to Jain pride but also significant contributions from Gujarat to Indian culture.
   • Notable structures include the Neminath Tunk, the jinalayas built by Vastupala-Tejpal, and the Samprati Raja Tunk.
   • The engravings in the temples depict an incredible picture of the creators' devotion.

4. Content of the Articles:

   • The book is a collection of 13 articles by Madhusudan Dhaky, focusing on various aspects of Girnar. The table of contents (page 6) lists the following articles:
     1. On Jirnadurga-Junagadh
     2. Stotras related to the Nirvana Bhumi of Tirthankaras
     3. 'Shri Raivatgiri Tirthastotra' in Sanskrit by Gyanchandra
     4. 'Shri Girnar Chaitya Paripadi' by Jayatilakasuri
     5. 'Shri Girnar Chenna Parivadi' by an unknown author
     6. 'Khartarvasahi-Geet' at Girnar by Karnasingh
     7. A Look at a Newly Famous Inscription from Girnar
     8. On Previously Published Inscriptions of Urjayanta Giri
     9. Some Unpublished Inscriptions of Urjayanta Giri
     10. Kriti' of Vastupala-Tejpal
     11. 'Kalyana-Traya' in Literature and Sculpture
     12. 'Khartarvasahi' of Urjayanta Giri
     13. The Problem of 'Kumaravihar' at Girnar

5. Specific Contributions and Acknowledgements:

   • The idea for this publication came from the Director of the Gujarat State Archaeology Department, Yaduvirsinh Rawat, and received funding from them.
   • The articles are based on extensive research and precise use of evidence.
   • Madhusudan Dhaky is recognized for his extensive contributions to Indian archaeology and art history, with his works on various tirthas (pilgrimage sites) like Shatrunjaya, Girnar, and Delwada being particularly valuable and informative, often including illustrations.

In essence, "Sahitya Shilp ane Sthapatya ma Girnar" is a scholarly compilation that delves deep into the historical, literary, sculptural, and architectural significance of Girnar, presenting meticulous research by Madhusudan Dhaky and serving as a valuable resource for understanding Jain heritage.