Sammetshikhar Giri Ras - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sammetshikhar Giri Ras" by Shilchandrasuri, based on the provided pages:

Overall Context:

The "Sammetshikhar Giri Ras" is a devotional composition detailing the significance and history of Sammetshikharji, a major pilgrimage site in Jainism. This particular text is attributed to Muni Gulabvijayji and was composed in VS 1847. The presented edition is based on a manuscript from the 19th century. The Ras is divided into seven sections (Dhal).

Key Information Presented in the Introduction (Page 1):

Sanctity of Sammetshikharji: The text emphasizes that Sammetshikharji is a holy, revered, and worshipful pilgrimage site for the Jain Sangha. It has been sanctified by the nirvana (liberation) of twenty Tirthankaras and the attainment of liberation by countless ascetics.
Author and Composition: The Ras was composed by Muni Gulabvijayji of the Tapgachha lineage in VS 1847. It serves to narrate the glory of the pilgrimage and commemorate the historical event of the installation (Pratishtha) of Shambhalia Parshwanath here.
Structure of the Ras: The Ras is structured into six Dhal (sections).
- Dhal 1: Mentions the Palganj kingdom and its king, and geographical names like Madhuvan, Pahili Ghati (first valley), and Sitanaal. It also refers to Sahasraphana Parshwanath and the historical mention of twenty pairs of Jinas' footprints near a water-filled kund (pond). It notes the absence of any reference to Bhomiya-ji, suggesting the composition predates the prevalence of his worship, but mentions the Tirth's presiding guardian deity (Shasan Devi).
- Dhal 2: Lists the twenty Tirthankaras who attained moksha at this pilgrimage and the names of their respective cities.
- Dhal 3: Describes the specific days on which these Tirthankaras achieved nirvana.
- Dhal 4: Provides details about the number of ascetics who attained liberation with each Jin and the names of their respective liberation sites (Dhung-Kuttekari).
- Dhal 5: Details the historical event in VS 1825, during the reign of Tapgachhapati Vijaydharmasuriji, when Oswal devotee Shah Sukalchand built a temple and consecrated the idol of Shambhalia Parshwanath on the Magh Shukla Paksha. It also mentions that this Sukalchand undertook the renovation (uddhar) of all twenty Dhung (sites of liberation) at the pilgrimage.
- Sukalchand Identified as Jagatseth Khushalkchand: The introduction provides a reference from "Jain Paramparano Itihas" (History of Jain Tradition) identifying Sukalchand as Jagatseth Khushalkchand, who built several temples at Sammetshikharji and Madhuvan in VS 1825 and consecrated them under the guidance of Vijaydharmasuriji.
- Dhal 6: Focuses on devotion to the pilgrimage.
- Dhal 7 (Prashasti): Mentions the date of composition (VS 1847, Ashadh Vadi 10) and the location (Vishalanagari), and the lineage of gurus involved in its creation: Rishivijay, Bhavvijay, Pandit Manvijay, and finally Gulabvijay.
Publication Status: The introduction notes that a reference to Gulabvijay is found in the "Madhyakalin Gujarati Sahitya Kosh" (Medieval Gujarati Literary Encyclopedia), but it doesn't indicate if it was printed. Therefore, this publication is being made. Readers are requested to inform if they know of any other printed version.
Manuscript Details: The manuscript is about 7 leaves long and appears to have been written in the 19th century. It is primarily in Gujarati but shows influences of Marwari and even Bengali dialects (e.g., using words like "Purab," "Nirbaan"). This suggests the manuscript might have been written in the Bengal region.

Summary of the Dhal Sections:

Dhal 1 (Page 2-3):
- Starts with a salutation to Lord Parshwanath and the glory of Sammetshikharji.
- Highlights the immense holiness of the pilgrimage, surpassing all other holy places.
- Mentions the spiritual benefits of visiting, including wealth, prosperity, and siddhis (supernatural powers).
- States that twenty Tirthankaras achieved liberation here, and countless ascetics will continue to do so.
- Describes the pilgrimage as a place for devotees to embark on a spiritual journey, filled with auspicious feelings.
- It then provides guidance for pilgrims, emphasizing:
  - Purifying the soul by visiting the holy mountain.
  - Singing praises of the Jinas.
  - Adorning oneself with the "Sanghpatimal" (garland of the caravan leader).
  - Controlling the five senses.
  - Observing vows and speaking sweetly.
  - Making the journey a success by adhering to pure conduct.
  - Walking barefoot as a path of penance.
  - Possessing faith and avoiding deceit and wrong beliefs.
  - Practicing Samaayik (equanimity) and celibacy.
  - Sleeping on the ground and avoiding animate food.
  - Taking a single meal a day.
  - Experiencing joy upon seeing the pilgrimage.
  - Offering prayers with reverence and showcasing merit.
- Mentions the city of Palganj and its king ruling justly.
- Describes the journey: staying in Madhuvan, climbing the first valley, resting at Sitanaal, bathing, and purifying the body.
- Worshipping the Shasan Devi (guardian deity) for the fulfillment of desires.
- Offering sandalwood, musk, and camphor.
- Paying respects to Sahasraphana Parshwanath, the beloved Lord.
- Performing elaborate baths and using wealth for the purpose.
- The description of twenty pairs of Jin footprints near a beautiful water-filled kund is reiterated.
- The text concludes this Dhal with performing Aarti and keeping vigil.
Dhal 2 (Page 4-5):
- Focuses on the twenty Tirthankaras who were born in various cities, emphasizing that all these twenty Tirthankaras achieved liberation at Sammetshikharji through the Kausagga (meditative posture) meditation.
- Lists the Tirthankaras and their birthplaces:
  - Ajit, Sambhav (Ayodhya)
  - Abhinandan (Sravasti)
  - Sumati (Kaushalya)
  - Padmaprabhu (Kausambi)
  - Suparshva (Varanasi)
  - Chandraprabhu (Chandravati)
  - Suvidhi (Kakandi)
  - Sheetal (Bhadilpur)
  - Shreyans (Sinhpuri)
  - Vimalnath (Kampilpur)
  - Anant (Ayodhya)
  - Dharmnath (Ratnapuri)
  - Shantinath (Gajgama)
  - Kunthu (Gajpur)
  - Aran (Hastinagari)
  - Mallinath (Mithila)
  - Munisuvrat (Rajagriha)
  - Naminath (Ayodhya)
  - Parshvanath (Varanasi)
- Reiterates that these twenty Lords were born in these cities and all achieved liberation on this holy mountain.
Dhal 3 (Page 5-6):
- Details the specific days on which each of the twenty Tirthankaras attained nirvana at Sammetshikharji.
- It mentions the Tirthankara, the day and lunar month of their liberation, and often the practice of Kausagga meditation.
- Examples include:
  - Ajit and Sambhav (Chaitra Shukla Panchami)
  - Abhinandan (Vaishakh Shukla Ashtami)
  - Sumati (Chaitra Shukla Navami)
  - Padmaprabhu (Margashirsha Vadi Ekadashi)
  - Suparshva (Bhadrapada Vadi Saptami)
  - Chandraprabhu (Bhadrapada Shukla Navami)
  - Sheetal (Vaishakha Vadi Dwitiya)
  - Shreyans (Shravana Vadi Tritiya)
  - Vimalnath (Ashadha Vadi Saptami)
  - Anant (Chaitra Shukla Panchami)
  - Dharmnath (Jyeshtha Shukla Panchami)
  - Shantinath (Jyeshtha Vadi Terasa)
  - Kunthu (Vaishakha Vadi Pratipada)
  - Aran (Margashirsha Shukla Dashami)
  - Mallinath (Phalguna Shukla Dwadashi)
  - Munisuvrat (Jyeshtha Vadi Navami)
  - Naminath (Vaishakha Vadi Dashami)
  - Parshvanath (Shravana Shukla Ashtami)
- The Dhal emphasizes the immense glory of this pilgrimage and the profound liberation achieved here.
Dhal 4 (Page 7-8):
- This section focuses on the number of ascetics (Anagar) who attained liberation with each Tirthankara at this holy mountain, along with the names of their respective liberation sites (Kut/Tekri).
- It lists the Tirthankaras and the number of ascetics who achieved liberation with them:
  - Sambhav: 1000 ascetics at 'Teerth Tiruvanta'
  - Abhinandan: 1000 ascetics at Anand Kut
  - Sumati: 1000 ascetics at Kailash Kut
  - Padmaprabhu: 72 ascetics at Mohan Kut
  - Suparshva: 500 ascetics at Prabhas Kut
  - Chandraprabhu: 1000 ascetics at Lalita Kut
  - Suvidhi: 1000 ascetics at Suprabh Kut
  - Sheetal: 1000 ascetics at Vidyut Kut & Sankul Kut
  - Shreyans: 1000 ascetics at Shankul Kut
  - Vimalnath: 600 ascetics at Nirmal Kut
  - Anant: 700 ascetics at Swayambhu Kut
  - Dharmnath: 800 ascetics at Dattavar Kut
  - Shantinath: 900 ascetics at Prabhas Kut (also referred to as a "Diwado of Swargapuri")
  - Kunthu: 1000 ascetics at Girvar, called Nirvanbhumi.
  - Aran: 1000 ascetics at Natak Nam Kut
  - Mallinath: 500 ascetics at Sabal Kut
  - Munisuvrat: 1000 ascetics at Nirjhar Kut
  - Naminath: 1000 ascetics at Mitradhar Kut
  - Parshvanath: 33 Kevalis (omniscient beings) at Swarnabhadra Kut.
- The Dhal emphasizes that this mountain is a great abode of liberation, like the sun dispelling darkness, and is a source of great merit.
- It concludes by stating that visiting, worshipping, and meditating here helps in overcoming the cycle of birth and death and attaining the ultimate state of liberation.
Dhal 5 (Page 9):
- This Dhal primarily focuses on a significant historical event: the construction and consecration of a temple.
- It describes Sammetshikharji as a jewel-like holy place, unequaled in the world.
- It explains that visiting and worshipping here cleanses sins accumulated over many lifetimes.
- It states that performing specific rituals and penances here can lead to achieving the Tirthankara lineage.
- It describes the pilgrimage site as being spread over eight yojanas (ancient units of distance) and one yojana in height, making it an excellent and noble location.
- The Dhal highlights the presence of abundant fruit trees like plantains and mangoes, and the melodies of birds, creating a delightful atmosphere.
- It mentions the arrival of pilgrims and the fulfillment of their desires.
- Crucially, this Dhal details the temple construction:
  - It honors Tapgachh Acharya Shri Vijaydharmasuriji and praises his disciple, Oswal clan jewel, Sanghvi Sukalchand Saha.
  - It states that Sukalchand built a temple on the summit of the pilgrimage ("giriseharo") in VS 1825, on the auspicious Magh Shukla Paksha.
  - The idol consecrated was the 23rd Tirthankara, Lord Parshvanath, referred to as "Shambhalia Parshvanath."
  - Sukalchand also undertook the renovation of all twenty Dhung (liberation sites).
- The Dhal concludes by appreciating the beauty of the place, with rivers, streams, and natural splendor, and the joy of pilgrims.
Dhal 6 (Page 9-10):
- This Dhal expresses deep devotion and describes the spiritual intoxication of visiting Sammetshikharji, comparing it to the beauty of Mehendi (henna).
- It emphasizes purifying one's mind and heart for the pilgrimage.
- The Dhal describes the pleasant environment with fragrant flowers, trees, and birdsong, creating a sense of spiritual bliss and the destruction of karma.
- It mentions the joyous arrival of pilgrims with their loved ones.
Dhal 7 (Page 10-11):
- This concluding Dhal, the Prashasti (concluding verse/inscription), reiterates the greatness of Sammetshikharji in this era of Kaliyuga.
- It highlights that the pilgrimage is revered by celestial beings, humans, and ascetics.
- It emphasizes that liberation (Moksha) is the ultimate attainment, surpassing even heavenly or human states.
- It states that those who do not worship or visit this pilgrimage are unfortunate.
- It advises worshipping and revering the Jinas with humility and devotion.
- It underscores the importance of following Jain scriptures, principles, and the teachings of gurus.
- It describes Sammetshikharji as a destroyer of calamities and a giver of salvation, comparable to the greatness of the Navkar Mantra itself.
- The Dhal finally records the details of composition and authorship:
  - It states that this Ras, the "Shikharji Ras," was composed in VS 1847, on Ashadh Vadi 10, in the city of Vishal.
  - It is meant for the welfare of all four types of followers (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen).
  - It mentions the gurus: Acharya Vijayasen Suriji, Acharya Rishivijay, Acharya Bhavvijay, and their disciple Pandit Manvijay.
  - The Ras itself was composed by Gulabvijay, a disciple of Pandit Manvijay, who is praised as a "Bhamar" (bee) on his guru's lotus feet.
  - It concludes by stating that listening to and reciting this Ras brings immense happiness, fulfilling one's desires and bestowing nine types of wealth.

Glossary (Page 11-12):

The text includes a glossary of terms used in the Ras, such as:

Sanghpatimal: Garland worn by the leader of a caravan.
Chhehri: Refers to six specific practices: eating once a day, sleeping on the ground, walking barefoot, celibacy, having pure faith, and avoiding animate food.
Irya: The process of walking and observing right conduct.
Sardahana: Faith.
Nunchna: A ritual of warding off evil or bad luck.
Abhigam: Practices related to approaching or worshipping the divine.
Sami: Directly opposite or facing.
Sijhsi: Will attain liberation.
Kevaliya: Omniscient being.
Aloyan: Confession of sins/repentance.
Khoal, Ved, Vied, Vugdo, Rehed: Likely regional or dialectical terms related to place or terrain.
Manava, Tiray: Human, animal.

In essence, the "Sammetshikhar Giri Ras" is a rich devotional poem that serves as a guide and glorification of the sacred pilgrimage site of Sammetshikharji, detailing its spiritual significance, the history of its veneration, and the virtues of undertaking a pilgrimage there.