Sangh Yatrana Dhaliya - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sangh Yatrana Dhaliya" (Book Title) by Shilchandrasuri (Author) from the provided pages, detailing its content and significance:

Overview and Context:

"Sangh Yatrana Dhaliya" is a poetic work in Gujarati composed by Devchand Shravak, a disciple of Shubhvir, to historically describe a pilgrimage (Sangh Yatra) to Shatrunjay and Girnar in the year 1927 of the Vikram Samvat (which corresponds to 1870 CE). The composition is divided into 17 Dhalis (chapters or sections) and contains approximately 340 verses (kadis). A manuscript of this work is preserved in the Shri Charitravijayji Gyan Mandir in Ahmedabad. The provided text is an editorial account and analysis of this work.

Key Aspects and Historical Significance:

The analysis highlights the poetic skill of the author and the historical details embedded within the verses. It emphasizes the work's value as a firsthand account of a Jain pilgrimage during that era.

Key Historical and Informational Details Found in the Text:

The Pilgrimage Year: The Sangh Yatra took place in the Vikram Samvat year 1927 (1870 CE).
Sponsorship and Leadership: The pilgrimage was organized and led by Behecharlal Behechaldas Shah, a resident of Kamleshwar ni Pol in Ahmedabad, belonging to the Vishva Shrimali caste. He was a prominent and loyal officer (Shirashtedar) in the British government and a devout follower of Shubhvir. His wife was named Ichchhavahu, and his son was Popatbhai.
City of Ahmedabad: The text notes that in 1927 VS, Ahmedabad had 105 Jain temples.
Jain Monastic Practices: The verses mention that Jain monks at that time wore yellow as well as white clothing.
Decision for the Pilgrimage: Behecharlal felt inspired to undertake the pilgrimage based on the advice of his guru. The auspicious day was determined by astrologer Shivshankar Joshi and confirmed by Muni Harkh Vijayji as the 6th day of the bright half of the month of Margashirsha.
Procession and Preparations: Upon becoming the Sanghapati, Behecharlal brought the idol of Lord Shantinath from the Kamleshwar ni Pol temple and paraded it with great fanfare to the Sametshikhar (Sametshikhar ni Pol) temple. Preparations included various pujas and meals. Notably, Ichchhavahu, the Sanghapatni, undertook two "Attham" (fasts of eight days) and seven "Chhath-Aththam" fasts dedicated to Shatrunjay. Brahmcharis (celibate individuals) from Ahmedabad were invited and honored.
Departure Rituals: Prominent citizens like Seth Premabhai, Seth Umabhai (Hathising), and Seth Bhagubhai participated in the departure, performing the Tilak ceremony for the Sanghapati. Behecharlal accepted coconuts as a symbolic gesture but refused monetary offerings.
Logistics and Security: The text mentions the involvement of a Muslim named Ismail, a government magistrate, in managing the Sangh. It also notes the introduction of "Vilayati" (Western) musical instruments. The security arrangements included Bhil people, Turk (Pathan) soldiers, and a government battalion. The Sanghapati had also obtained permits for weapons.
Pilgrimage Route and Stops: The pilgrimage followed a specific route, with stops mentioned at villages like Madalpur, Sarkhej, Moraiya, Bavla, Koth, Gundhi, Barol, Odval, Dhandhuka, Pola (Polarpur), and Barwala. The sight of Shatrunjay is described as thrilling. Later stages involved stops at Pahegam, Umbarala (Umrala), Rohishala, Akolaji, and eventually reaching Shatrunjay on the 11th of Margashirsha Vadi.
Pilgrimage Practices: The Sanghapati observed a 11-day vow of silence (Moun Paushadh) during the pilgrimage. The daily meals were managed by a celibate Shravak named Jotaram.
Prominent Jain Scholars: Several respected Jain scholars (Pandits) accompanied the Sangh, including Pandit Rupvijayji, Pandit Ratnavijayji, Pandit Harkhvijayji (from Shubhvir's lineage), Pandit Kirtivijayji, Pandit Manivijayji, and Pandit Dayavimalji. The Sangh consisted of approximately 160 carts.
Shatrunjay Exploration: The text details the pilgrimage to Shatrunjay, including pujas, Rath Yatra, and 99 types of worship. The Sanghapati and Gokaldas Parsotam wore a "Sanghmal" (a garland worn by pilgrimage leaders). The pilgrimage concluded on the 13th of the month, with preparations beginning for the journey to Girnar.
Details of Shatrunjay: The text describes the worship of Lord Adinath and Lord Mahavir at Junagadh. It also highlights the presence of the footprints of Datta Gandhar on the fifth peak and the "Gajpad Kund" (Elephant footprint pond). The worship of various Tirthankar idols and the 12-circumambulation of Shatrunjay are noted. The text also points out a potential scribal error regarding lunar phases ('Vad' vs. 'Sud').
Girnar Journey: The pilgrimage then proceeded to Girnar. Stops included Pingaliga, Taladhvaj Tirth (with idols of Suvidhinath and Shantinath), Datha (with Shantinath), Mauha (with Mahavirswami), Dungar, Barpatola, Tibi, and Una (with five temples and two underground chambers). The journey also included paying respects to Hirsuriji at Shahbagh and to Chintaman and Amizhira (likely Delvada and Ajara). The journey to Diu involved sea travel by boat. In Diu, three temples were visited.
Further Pilgrimage Stops: From Diu, the route continued through Simas, Kodinal (Kodinar), Sutara, and arrived at Prabhaspatan (mentioning nine historical temples). Then to Veraval (five temples), Chorwad (with a Parshvanath temple), Mangrol (with three temples dedicated to Munisuvrat, Parshvanath, and Chandrabhaswami). The journey concluded with stops at Kesod, Vanthali, and finally Girnar, where a Mahavirjin temple is mentioned.
Specific Events and Anecdotes:
- The text mentions the phrase "Rani Victoria Raje" (Queen Victoria reigns), indicating the time of British rule and the Sanghapti's loyalty.
- There are some discrepancies in dates (e.g., regarding lunar phases), which the editor attributes to potential errors in the original manuscript or two separate phases of composition.
- The description of the water procession (Jal Yatra) for the house temple installation is detailed, including the participation of prominent figures and the sequence of events.
- The text offers a vivid account of the grand procession (Varghoda) involving various musical instruments, royal attendants, and community leaders.
- It mentions the construction of a house temple by Behecharlal, described as possibly wooden and adorned with 960 tolas of silver. The author also criticizes detractors who spoke ill of this religious endeavor. The temple also featured mirrors, creating an "Arisabhvan" (mirror hall).
Author's Personal Involvement: The author, Devchand, identifies himself as a "servant of Shubhvir" and claims to have witnessed much of the event firsthand, lending credibility to his descriptions. However, one verse suggests he might not have completed the entire journey, as he mentions returning to Ahmedabad due to the strength of his "antaray karma" (obstructing karma). The editor notes the ambiguity of this statement, as the author also claims to have "seen the entire Sangh with his own eyes" in a later verse.
Poetic Quality: The analysis praises Devchand's poetic abilities, stating his writing style is fitting for a devotee of Shubhvir, whose own poetic prowess is renowned. The skill of the disciples mirroring the guru's is considered joyful and astonishing.
Structure and Content of Dhalis: The text systematically reviews the content of each Dhalis, from the initial description of the pilgrimage, the preparations, the departure, the journey through various towns and cities, the rituals at Shatrunjay and Girnar, and finally, the return journey. It also covers the installation of the house temple by Behecharlal.
Specific Details in Dhalis:
- Dhalis 1-2: Introduce the purpose, the author's reverence for his guru, and the initial inspiration for the pilgrimage.
- Dhalis 3-5: Describe the journey and arrival at Shatrunjay, including various stops and pujas.
- Dhalis 6-8: Detail the exploration of Shatrunjay, including specific temples, Vihars, and the worship of various Tirthankaras and Gandhar footprints.
- Dhalis 9-10: Cover the journey to Girnar, the religious sites visited en route, and the spiritual experiences.
- Dhalis 11-12: Describe the return journey through Saurashtra and the eventual arrival back in Ahmedabad, including reunions.
- Dhalis 13-17: Focus on Behecharlal's personal religious activities, particularly the construction and installation of his house temple, including the grand procession and various religious observances.
- Dhalis 17 (Final Dhalis): Contains further details on the pilgrimage, including the lineage of gurus and disciples, historical events related to monastic leadership, and the author's concluding remarks.

Manuscript and Editorial Notes:

The editor expresses gratitude to Bhai Chetan Bhojak for making a legible copy of the xeroxed manuscript and to the then-officials of the Shri Prachya Vidya Bhavan for providing the copy. The editorial notes also highlight the importance of the work in preserving Jain history and tradition.

Overall Significance:

"Sangh Yatrana Dhaliya" is a significant Jain text that serves as:

A Historical Chronicle: It provides valuable insights into Jain pilgrimage practices, social customs, and the religious landscape of Gujarat in the mid-19th century.
A Literary Masterpiece: It showcases the poetic talent of Devchand Shravak and the devotional fervor of a Jain lay follower.
A Source of Spiritual Inspiration: The narratives of devotion, austerity, and community participation in the pilgrimage offer inspiration to readers.
A Testament to Gurudevotion: The author's deep respect and reverence for his guru, Shubhvir, is a prominent theme throughout the work.

The text is a rich repository of information for scholars, historians, and devotees interested in Jainism and its cultural heritage.