Sammetshikhar Ras Ka Sar

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Sammetshikhar Ras ka Sar" by Agarchand Nahta and Bhanvarlal Nahta, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Sammetshikhar Ras ka Sar (Essence of the Sammetshikhar Ras) Author(s): Agarchand Nahta, Bhanvarlal Nahta Publisher: Z_Arya_Kalyan_Gautam_Smruti_Granth_012034.pdf Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/212156/1

This article presents a historical summary of a "Ras" (a type of narrative poem) describing a pilgrimage to Sammetshikhar, the foremost of Tirthas (sacred pilgrimage sites). Such "Tirthamalas" (pilgrimage accounts) are historically significant as they shed light on the chronicles of the time. This particular Ras details a pilgrimage undertaken in Samvat 1670 (1613-1614 CE) by a renowned group led by Kunwarpal and Sonpal Lodha of Agra, belonging to the Proswal community. The original Ras contains 483 verses, and this article provides a concise essence of it.

The Pilgrimage Initiation:

The poet, Jaskirti, begins by offering salutations to the Tirthankaras and then to Achalgachhadhipati Shri Dharmamurti Suri and Vijayashil Vachak. The narrative is set during the reign of Emperor Jahangir. In Argalpur (Agra), resided Rajpal, a Lodha of the Proswal community, with his wife Rajshri, son Rekhraj, his wife Rekhshri, and their sons Kunwarpal and Sonpal.

One day, Kunwarpal and Sonpal discussed their past pilgrimage to Shatrunjay and the installation of a statue of Padmaprabhu Tirthankara. Sonpal suggested undertaking a pilgrimage to Sammetshikhar. Kunwarpal agreed, noting that there was still time before a scheduled statue installation. They consulted astrologers to determine an auspicious time for the journey. The astrologers, along with Ganaka and Muni, determined the auspicious time to be midnight on Friday, Magh Krishna 5, Samvat 1669, under the Uttara Phalguni Kanya (Virgo) ascendant.

A request was sent to invite Gachhapati Shri Dharmamurti Suri. The Gachhapati, citing old age and the long journey, expressed his inability to undertake the pilgrimage. Upon hearing this, the Sanghraj (Kunwarpal's son) returned home. He then convened the Sangh of Rajnagar and, after spreading the message through various villages, arrived at Sikri. Upon seeing the Sanghraj, who was instrumental in alleviating the famine in Gujarat, the local Sangh celebrated his arrival.

Imperial Sanction and Invitations:

To obtain a royal decree, they presented gifts to Emperor Jahangir. Divan Dos Muhammad Khan, Nawab Ghiyas Beg, and Aniray praised them and recommended their cause to the Emperor. Jahangir stated, "I know these liberal-minded Proswals well; they are the glory of our city. They are our Kotwal and have the title of Bandi Chhodavan (releaser of prisoners). I am very pleased with them and will grant whatever they ask." Upon the report of the Senani (military commander), the Emperor highly praised the Sanghapati's endeavor and personally presented him with a decree, a 'siropav' (robe of honor), and a 'nisan' (emblem), sending him off with fanfare.

Returning home with royal insignia and accompanied by royal dignitaries, invitations were sent to the Sanghs of numerous cities and regions across India, including Ahmedabad, Patan, Khambhat, Surat, Gandhar, Bharuch, Hansot, Halvad, Morbi, Thirpada, Radhanpur, Sachor, Bhinmal, Jalore, Jodhpur, Samiya, Merta, Nagaur, Phalaudhi, Jaisalmer, Multan, Hansaur, Lahore, Panipat, Mahim, Samano, Sihanve, Sovanpanth, Sorath, Babarpur, Sikandra, Narnaul, Alwar, Kottarwada, Delhi, Tajjara, Khohri, Fattiyabad, Ujjain, Mandavgad, Rampur, Ratlam, Burhanpur, Balapur, Jalnapur, Gwalior, Ajmer, Chats, Amber, Sanganer, Sojat, Pali, Ravairva, Sadri, Kumbhalmer, Didwana, Bikaner, Jaitaran, Pipad, Malpur, Siddhpur, Sirohi, Bahadmer, Brahmavad, Vyana'i, Secunderabad, Firozpur, Fatehpur, Padra, Ferozabad, and many others.

Invitations were extended to 'mahajans' (merchants) in their homes, to 'yati mahatmas' (ascetics) in their monasteries, and respectful greetings were offered to Digambara Jain ascetics in 'daheras' (temples) to join the Sangh.

The Departure and Journey:

On the appointed day, with the sound of musical instruments and the acclamations of supplicants, the pilgrimage began with the Sangh proceeding on elephants. They crossed the Yamuna River by boat and set up camp. Here, Sanghs from various places joined them. The halt lasted for fifteen days. The contingent included 75 Shvetambara monks and nuns, 46 ascetics and scholars (Digambara), totaling 121 important figures. There were also an innumerable number of Bhujak, Charan, Bhat, Gandharva, Brahmins, Brahmins, Jogis, Sanyasis, Darvesh, and others. Twenty-one charitable stalls provided essential goods, and no one lacked anything. After fifteen days, they worshipped Lord Parshvanath and the Sangh commenced its journey.

At the homes of Proswals and Shreemals, 'thals' (plates of offerings), a seer of sugar, and coconuts were presented. Five hundred soldiers accompanied the Sangh for protection. The first halt was at Bharnasarai. After three halts, they proceeded through Muhammadpur and reached Firozpur, making six halts. After worshipping Lord Munisuvrata and performing rituals, they proceeded to Chandanwadi. There, they had the darshan of a crystal statue of Lord Chandraprabhu. From there, they reached Ferozabad and then proceeded to Khuri. Crossing the Yamuna River by boat, they reached Sauripur. They worshipped and paid respects at the birth-celebration site of Lord Neminath and returned to Khuri. Here, they worshipped fifty-two Jinanalayas (Jain temples). The Sanghapati performed the first 'kadhai' (a ceremonial feast). After worshipping at the Digambara shrine of Saras, they camped at Ahir Sarai. From there, making halts at Itawa, Babarpur, Phulakainatal, Bhoginpore, Sankhisrahi, Koratta'i, and Bidli Sarai, they stayed for a day in Fatehpur. They reached Hathiyagam, Kadai, and Sahijadpur, bringing joy to the Sangh. From Sahijadpur, they reached Mahua, where sati Mrigavati had taken initiation from Lord Mahavir.

The city of Kaushambi in Vatsa Desh was the site of three auspicious events for Lord Padmaprabhu. It was also here that Lord Virprabhu had his first meal after six months of fasting, offered by Chandanbala. The Sanghapati, along with the Sangh, worshipped the footprints of the Lord. Muni Anathi also belonged to this place. A 'dhanna ka taal' (pond of Dhanna) is one kos away. They returned to Sahijadpur from there, made a halt, and performed the second 'kadhai'. From there, via Fatehpur, they arrived at Prayag. It is said that Anikaputra attained omniscience while crossing the Ganga here. It is also believed that Purmital, the place of Lord Rishabdev's omniscience, is also here. They worshipped the Lord's feet at the Akshayavata tree. There are three Digambara temples here, where they had darshan of Lords Parshvanath and others. They camped on the bank of the Ganga at a height of 80 'asis'. From there, passing through Khandia Sarai, Jagdish Sarai, and Kanak Sarai, they reached Banaras.

Devotion and Charity in Banaras:

In Banaras, the 'kalyanaks' (auspicious events) of Lords Parshvanath and Suparshvanath took place. Near the Vishwanath temple, there are five statues of Lords Rishabdev, Neminath, and Parshvanath. Near Annapurna, there is a statue of Lord Parshvanath. In Khamranavasahi, there are many statues, which the Sangh worshipped. They performed 'archana' with flower garlands to a blood-colored statue of Lord Parshvanath and the four-faced statues of Lords Rishabh, Parshva, Chandraprabh, and Vardhaman. They worshipped at the birthplace of Lord Suparshvanath in Bhaddilpur (possibly Bhadaini Ghat). After crossing the Ganga by boat, they camped on its bank. The Sanghapati announced by beat of drum that countless Brahmins and beggars gathered. The Sanghapati distributed bags of rupees as donations. From there, they went to Singhpur, where the three 'kalyanaks' of Lord Shreyansan took place. In Chandrapuri, they worshipped the footprints in the land of the three 'kalyanaks' of Lord Chandraprabha Swami. After returning, the Sanghapati performed the third 'kadhai'.

Journey Through Various Regions:

From there, they proceeded to Mughal Sarai, which is abundant with date trees. Passing through Mohinipur, they reached Mammerpur. Sanghshri (the Sanghapati's daughter-in-law) gave birth to a daughter here. They stayed for four days. After observing the Chaturmasa (monsoon retreat) in Phagun, they arrived at Sahisram. From there, they stayed in Githili Sarai. Crossing the Sovankula river, they arrived at Mahimudpur and camped at Bahibal. Passing through Charuvari Sarai, they reached Patna. From Sahijadpur to Patna is two hundred kos. They camped in the garden of Mirza Samsatti.

Pilgrimage to Rajgir and Beyond:

In Patna, there are Shvetambara temples dedicated to Lord Rishabhdev and Lord Parshvanath in Khamranavasahi. Near Dugri are the footprints of Sthulibhadra Swami, and the footprints of Sudarshan Seth were also worshipped. Jain Seth Jaiswal devotedly served the entire Sangh with food and other provisions. The next day, Mahayasu Maynu of the Khandelwal community hosted a 'kadhai'. As the path beyond Patna is narrow, they left their carts and took palanquins. After four halts, the Sangh proceeded. They made a halt in Fatehpur, and half a kos away, they saw Vanarvan (monkey forest). Crossing the Mahanadi, they arrived at Bihar Nagar. There were three Jinishvara temples. The minister of Ramdev came and greeted them, inquiring about their purpose. The Sanghapati stated that if they were to proceed on the route to Gidhaur, they would require a summons. The minister sent an emissary to obtain the summons.

After a halt in Bihar, they reached Pavapur. At the place of Lord Vardhaman's nirvana, they worshipped the Lord's feet under a Pipal tree on a raised platform. After their pilgrimage, they camped on the bank of the river in Muhammadpur. The Sanghapati performed the fourth 'kadhai'. From there, they went to Nawada. Mirza Dullah, son of Sadik Muhammad Khan, met the Sanghapati and was presented with gifts. After visiting the Jinlayas, they proceeded and reached Sabar Nagar. The minister of King Ramdev welcomed them and arranged for a suitable place to camp. The Sanghapati met the king and requested him to facilitate their pilgrimage. The king, a Brahmin, remarked, "You have become tired in just a few days! The great Sanghapatis who came before you stayed for months here." Understanding the king's intention, the Sanghapati left. After four halts, they worshipped Lord Vardhaman Swami in Singh Gufa.

Resolving a Conflict and Reaching Guamma Nagar:

The queen, upon learning of King Ramdev's reticence, admonished him severely. King Ramdev then sent his minister to appease the Sanghapati. Despite the minister's earnest entreaties, the Sanghapati flatly refused. The Sanghapati and his Sangh returned to Nawada and met Mirza Andula. Mirza reassured them and summoned King Tilokchand of Guamma, who was known for his astuteness. Mirza immediately sent his messenger. Upon receiving Mirza's letter, King Tilokchand was pleased and began to gather his men. The queen, observing these preparations, inquired about the reason. Ultimately, she advised, "Do not be foolish like King Ramdev. The Sanghapati is a great giver and proud; bring him respectfully for the pilgrimage."

King Tilokchand arrived with his army and met Mirza. Mirza presented him to the Sanghapati, stating, "These are great merchants who possess a royal decree from the Emperor. Anyone who causes them trouble will be considered our enemy." The King assured, "Do not worry. I will facilitate the pilgrimage and escort you to Nawada. Not a single paisa of theirs will be touched. If any loss occurs, I will compensate eleven times over." Hearing this, the Sanghapati satisfied Mirza and the King with clothing, ornaments, horses, gold coins, and Jahangiri rupees, along with excellent food items.

The Ascent to Sammetshikhar:

Accompanied by the king, the Sanghapati set forth, crossed five valleys, and safely reached Guamma Nagar. The Sangh made a good encampment, and King Tilokchand provided them with great hospitality. The Sanghapati sent fine clothes and ornaments to the queen.

They took additional foot soldiers from Guamma. From here, the route to Giriraj (Sammetshikhar) is very difficult, with mountains on both sides and dense forests in between. The forest is filled with various fruit-bearing trees, flowers, and medicinal plants, a place of natural beauty, with abundant wild animals and birds. They drank sweet river water and passed through villages with huts, making halts and crossing ravines. They carried 1200 sacks of grain and vessels of ghee. Food distribution was continuous.

Sequentially, the Sanghapati camped near Chetanpur. Ajitpur is one kos away, whose king, Prithvisingh, was very generous, brave, and powerful. Upon hearing the sound of drums, Prithvisingh's queen looked up and was overwhelmed by the sight of the large army. The king explained the situation concerning the Sanghapati and sent his nephew to meet him. The nephew welcomed the Sanghapati and conveyed his king's desire for a summons. The Sanghapati gladly provided the summons along with gifts. King Prithvisingh met the Sanghapati with great ceremony. The Sanghapati honored the king with clothes, ornaments, and wealth. The next day, they arrived at Ajitpur and made a halt. From there, they proceeded to Mukundpur. Upon seeing Giriraj, the joy of everyone was boundless. They adorned Giriraj with flowers of gold and silver. The minister of King Ramdev arrived to appease the Sanghapati. King Tilokchand and King Prithvisingh walked ahead, guiding the path to Giriraj. After traversing a five-kos ascent, the Sangh reached Giriraj. Making a good encampment, the Sanghapati bathed in the Trikoṇa Kund. Then, carrying bowls of saffron and sandalwood, along with flower garlands, they worshipped the 'Thub' (sacred pillars). After worshipping the Jinishvar on all the 'Thubs', the entire Sangh applied a 'tilak' to Kunwarpal and Sonpal, bestowing upon them the position of Sanghapati. This auspicious journey was completed on Tuesday, Vaishakh Vad 11, with great joy. From here, to the south lies Jabkhagram, where Lord Mahavir attained omniscience.

Descent from Giriraj and Continued Journey:

Descending from Giriraj, they camped at the foothills. The Sanghapati organized a 'mishri ki parab' (festival of sugar). Upon returning to Mukundpur, they performed the fifth 'kadhai'. Heavy rains occurred. From there, they arrived at Ajitpur. King Prithvisingh accorded a grand welcome to the Sangh, and the Sanghapati satisfied the king with excellent gifts like clothes and ornaments. The king remarked, "This land is blessed where great Sanghapatis come for pilgrimages. I pledge that from now on, I will collect half the tax from arriving Sanghs." Proceeding from here, they reached Guamma. They presented King Tilokchand, who had provided excellent service en route, with a large quantity of gold and silver coins, rupees, clothes, and ornaments.

Pilgrimage to Rajgir:

Sammetshikhar is twelve yojanas from Rajgir. On the seventh day, the Sangh reached Rajgir. Here, there are gardens, wells, etc. The city boasts a fort built by King Shrenik and is adorned with hot water springs all around. After camping on the level ground, they first ascended Vaibharagiri. Here, there are fifty-two Jinlay temples of Lord Munisuvrata Swami. They worshipped Lords Padmaprabhu, Neminath, Chandraprabhu, Parshvanath, Rishabhdev, Ajitnath, Abhinandanan, Mahavirprabhu, Vimalnath, Sumatinath, and Suparshvanath Swami with flowers. They worshipped Lord Munisuvratnath in the second shrine. To the south of Vir Vihar, there are the footprints of eleven Ganadharas, which they worshipped. In several underground chambers, there were Kaushak Muni Swami statues. In front of the Isar shrine, they worshipped the large meditating statues of Dhanna and Shalibhadra and descended to the foothills, organizing a 'mishri ki parab'. They joyfully visited places like Gunashil Chaitya, Shalibhadra's Nirmalya Kupa (well), and Rohanya's cave. On Vipulagiri, they had darshan of the Chaturvishati Jinlay (temple with twenty-four Tirthankaras). They worshipped in the four temples of Ajitnath, Chandraprabhu, Parshvanath, and Padmaprabha. Nearby are the footprints of sages like Jambu, Meghkumar, and Khandak. On the third mountain, Udayagiri, they had darshan of the Chaukh Mandir (four-faced temple). Then, on Ratnagiri, they worshipped the temples of Lord Rishabdev and the twenty-four Tirthankaras, and the Devavimana-like Jinlay of Swarnagiri. In Rajagrihi city, they worshipped three temples of Jinishvar. Sanghapati Kunwarpal's queen was Amrutade and Sonpal's queen was Kashmirade. Here, the Sanghapati performed the sixth 'kadhai'. Seth Jatmal Vachha Heera of the Gandhi dynasty also earned great renown. From Rajgir, the Sangh proceeded to Vadgam. Here, they had darshan of the Rishabh Jinlay. The famous Nalanda of the scriptures is here, where Lord Mahavir, son of Trishala, spent fourteen Chaturmasas. Fifteen hundred tapasvi attained omniscience fifteen hundred kos to the south of here. At four-cornered platforms, there are the footprints of Gautam Swami. After worshipping here, they sequentially arrived at Patna. They camped in a beautiful garden. Seth Chhampasi performed the first 'kadhai', Seth Udaykaran of Mahim performed the second, Maharaj Kalyanji performed the third, Seth Vachh Bhoja Saha Jatmal performed the fourth, Kapur's sons Panchu Suchu Saha performed the fifth, Seth Sicha of Sahijadpur performed the sixth, Tejmal Bardhiya performed the seventh, and Lahiri Saha Sukhmal performed the eighth 'kadhai'. The Sangh then departed. Sequentially, they reached the bank of the Gomti, bathed, and made donations to Brahmins. They reached Jammanpur and camped there. They worshipped 41 Jin-pratimas in a ground chamber. Saha Chautha Saha and Vimaldas Saha Rekha devotedly served the Sangh. From there, worshipping the chaityas en route, they reached Ayodhya Nagar. In the land of the 'kalyanaks' of Lords Rishabdev, Ajitnath, Abhinandan, Sumatinath, and Anantnath, they worshipped five pillars and performed the seventh 'kadhai'. From Ayodhya, they reached Ratnapuri and worshipped Lord Dharmanath.

Notable Individuals and Conclusion:

Along with this grand Sangh, there were many notable individuals, a few names of whom are mentioned by the Ras composer. These include Sanghraj (son of Sanghapati Kunwarpal), Chaturmukh Saha, Dhanpal, Sundardas, Shurdas, Shivdas, Jethmal, Padamsi, Chammashah, Changraj, Chaudhary Dargu, Saha Vachha Heera, Saha Bhoja, Rajpal, Sundardas, Saha Rekha, Saha Shrivachch, Jatmal, Rishabdas, Vardhaman, Panchu Such, Kataru, Saha Tarachand, Mehta Vardhan, Sukh Pansari Narsingh, Sohilla, Meghraj, Kalyan, Kal, Thansing, Tarachand, Muldas, Hansa, Lilapati, and others. Proceeding sequentially, they reached Agra. Upon the auspicious completion of the journey and their return, everyone experienced immense joy. The Sanghapati performed the eighth 'kadhai'. All monks were honored with clothes. Two thousand horses and thirty-three elephants were donated to the supplicants. The local Sangh gave a grand welcome and honored the Sanghapati with pearls. The esteemed Sanghapati, entering the city on an elephant, was welcomed by Emperor Jahangir.

The Sanghapati had previously undertaken a pilgrimage to Shatrunjay in Samvat 1657, establishing many Jin-pratimas and constructing large Jinlayas. He spent wealth in seven regions and served the Chaturvidh Sangh (monks, nuns, male lay disciples, female lay disciples). He performed great religious deeds. In Samvat 1670, he undertook the pilgrimage to Giriraj Sammetshikhar with the Sangh, the description of which is contained in this Ras composed by Muni Jaskirti in four parts.