Shah Rajsi Ras Ka Aetihasik Sar - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shah Rajsi Ras ka Aetihasik Sar" by Bhanvarlal Nahta:

This document, "Shah Rajsi Ras ka Aetihasik Sar," is an historical summary of a Rasa (a genre of Jain devotional literature) composed by Meghmuni, detailing the life and deeds of Shah Rajsi. The author, Bhanvarlal Nahta, emphasizes the importance of publishing summaries of historical Jain works due to the difficulty in publishing the full original texts, often caused by limited readership and availability.

The author begins by acknowledging the vast historical literature produced by Svetambara Jain scholars, including biographical poetry about historical figures. He explains his personal endeavor to publish summaries of such works, having previously done so for other texts in "Jain Satyaprakash." He then recounts his efforts to obtain a manuscript of "Shah Rajsi Ras" from the Scindia Oriental Institute in Ujjain. After initial failed attempts to get a copy, he was eventually successful through the assistance of Dr. Boolchand Jain.

The summary then delves into the life of Shah Rajsi:

Introduction to the Poet and Subject: The poem begins with poet Meghmuni paying homage to the 24 Tirthankaras, Gautam and other Ganadharas, and his gurus before starting the Rasa of Shah Rajsi. Shah Rajsi is described as a noble individual who performed significant meritorious deeds, including the construction of temples, charitable spending in seven areas, undertaking pilgrimages, achieving the position of Sanghapati (leader of a pilgrimage), and opening free kitchens (danshalas) during a severe famine in Sambat 1687 (1630 CE).
Nawanagar and its Prominent Family: The narrative then shifts to the Halara region of Bharat Kshetra, known for its horses and the holy city of Dwaramati (residence of Krishna). In the beautiful city of Nawanagar, Jam Shri Satta was the just and kind ruler. His son was Shri Jasraj. Nawanagar was a prosperous city with wealthy merchants and extensive sea trade, importing fruits, nuts, metals, and jewels. The city was a hub for traders, and the Osvansh (a prominent lineage) flourished, with Shah Rajsi being a shining example.
The Ancestry of Shah Rajsi: The summary traces Shah Rajsi's lineage. It begins with the virtuous and wealthy Bhojasa, a Nagaḍāgotriya who was also known as Parakar. He established a trading post in Nawanagar. Invited by the Jam Sahib, Bhojasa settled there with his family in Sambat 1596 (1539 CE). Bhojasa had five sons: Khitsi, Jaitasi, Tejasi, Jagsi, and Ratansi. During a famine in Sambat 1631-32 (1574-75 CE), Jaitasi opened charity kitchens. Tejasi, the third son, was virtuous, handsome, and radiant. Tejasi had two wives. His first wife, Tejalde, had three sons: Chapsi, who in turn had three sons named Neta, Dhara, and Mulji. Tejasi's second wife, Vaijilde, was virtuous, sweet, and devoted. From her, a son was born on Ashwin Krishna 11, Sambat 1624 (1567 CE), named Rajsi, who was predicted by astrologers to be a protector of the world. Rajsi received education in scriptures and studied the Chanakyaniti.
Rajsi's Family and Early Life: Rajsi married Sajalde, a virtuous woman, and had a son named Rama. Rama had a daughter named Kanbai and a second wife named Saribai, by whom he had a son named Bhagsingh. Rajsi's second wife, Sarupdevi, bore him three daughters: Lanchha, Panchi, and Dharmi. His third wife, Ranbai, was also generous and devoted. Tejasi's third son was Nayansi, who had two wives, Manrangde and Mohanade. Tejasi passed away after performing meritorious deeds. Rajsi's younger brother Nayansi had two charitable sons: Soma and Karamsi.
Sanghapati of Shatrunjay: In Sambat 1660 (1603 CE), Jain Acharya Shri Dharmamatisuriji arrived in Nawanagar, and the Jamnavaresh also came to pay respects. The Acharya preached about the significance of undertaking the Shatrunjay pilgrimage, mentioning the example of Emperor Bharat. Shah Rajsi expressed his desire to lead a pilgrimage to Shatrunjay. In Sambat 1665 (1608 CE), along with his younger brother Nayansi, his nephews Soma and Karamsi, and his grand-nephews Neta, Dhara, and Mulji, and his own son Ramasi, Rajsi embarked on the pilgrimage. The Sangha (pilgrimage group) was led by Vardhamani and Padmasi. They traveled with pilgrims from various regions, using elephants, horses, camels, chariots, palanquins, and many also walked. En route, they chanted the virtues of Jain Tirthankaras and were praised by bards. Upon reaching Shatrunjay, the mountain was adorned with golden flowers, pearls, and jewels. Shah Rajsi was formally anointed as the Sanghapati under the Rayan tree. He conducted religious ceremonies like "Sahami Vachhal" and "Valahana" and spent generously. After a successful pilgrimage, they returned to Nawanagar and were warmly welcomed.
Temple Construction: The pilgrimage fulfilled the desires of Rajsi and Nayansi. They continued to practice "Swadharmi Vatsalya" (benevolent affection towards co-religionists) and distributed sweets like Sukhadi and coconuts. Rajsi's virtues grew like the second phase of the moon. He was inspired by great figures like Emperor Samprati and ministers Vimal and Vastupal, who built temples and established religious sites, thereby earning lasting fame. Believing that this act brings great merit as stated by Jinendra, he decided to construct a temple. After consulting with his brother Nayansi and obtaining permission from his family members, he informed the Jamnavaresh of his intention. The Jamnavaresh approved and granted him permission to begin the construction on any suitable land. In Sambat 1668 (1611 CE), on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya, the foundation of the temple was laid.
Temple Details and Inauguration: Rajsi procured fine stone and hired skilled artisans to build the temple. He constructed a "Choumukh Vihar" (a four-faced shrine) on the upper spire of the main deity. Intricate sculptures resembling dancers were made on the thick pillars. Shikhara-style shrines were built to the north, west, and south, with three Choumukhs facing upwards on the west. The fifty-two shrines together resembled a fort. A grand mansion was built towards the east gate, and external shrines were constructed on the north and south gates. In Sambat 1669 (1612 CE), on Akshaya Tritiya, the entire town was invited for a feast, where they were served sweets like Laddoo, Jalebi, and Kansar. The Jamnavaresh also attended, along with other prominent merchants.
Deity Installations and Inauguration Ceremony: The main deity of the temple was Shri Shantinath. In front of the Choumukh shrine, a large idol of Sahasraphana Parshvanath and 300 other Jinbimbas were installed. To perform the consecration (Pratishtha), the monks invited Acharya Shri Kalyansagar Suriji, a respected leader of the Anchal Gachchha and favored by Emperor Salim-Jahangir. He arrived in Nawanagar in Sambat 1685 (1628 CE). After hearing the religious discourse, Shah Rajsi fixed the auspicious day for the Pratishtha on Vaishakh Shukla 8 and began preparations. A ceremonial pavilion was erected with a central pillar. Shah Rajsi distributed "lahana" (a charitable offering) to all Jains, along with money and offerings. All eighty-four Jatis and prominent merchants were invited and feasted. Various sweets and delicacies were served, followed by the distribution of coconuts. The grand and tall Pratishtha pavilion was sprinkled with saffron. Water procession rituals and other ceremonies involved significant expenditure. The entire town's shops and roads were decorated. Tents were erected to provide shade, and the decorated Nawanagar resembled a divine aerial chariot. The Sanghapati Rajsi led the four-fold Sangha, including his brothers and nephews, along with the sons of Vardhamani and Padmasi. During the water procession festival, adorned elephants, horses, and palanquins were part of the procession. Ascetic devotees dressed as Indra and female devotees as Indrani carried full pots, coconuts, and garlands on their heads, singing devotional songs or reciting praises. Donations of clothes were also made generously.
Further Meritorious Deeds: Following the water procession and other ceremonies, Shri Kalyansagar Suriji performed the consecration of the Jinabimbas, installing Lord Sambhavnath in the Shikhara-style temple. A nearby Upashraya (monastic dwelling) was also built. Further constructions included "Ishwar Dehra," "Rajkot-Thakurdwara," "Paniparb," and a resting place. In Sambat 1681 (1624 CE), Shah Rajsi built another Choumukh Vihar near the main temple of Shantinath. Rupshi was skilled in architecture. The elaborate carvings on the torans, windows, and courtyards of this grand Shikhara-style temple were very fine and worth admiring. The sculptures of dancers were artistically superior, even surpassing Urvashi. The temple grounds were decorated with rows of trees, pathways, gates, guardian deities, and domes, making it a beautiful and auspicious site. Four temples resembling Kailasa peak were situated in the four directions. The installation of idols and other festivities were conducted at appropriate places.
Pilgrimage to Shri Gaudi Parshvanath: In Sambat 1682 (1625 CE), Shah Rajsi led a pilgrimage to Shri Gaudi Parshvanathji, accompanied by his brothers and other relatives. They traveled happily on chariots, carts, horses, and camels, and returned safely to Nawanagar.
Famine Relief and End of Life: In Sambat 1687 (1630 CE), a severe famine struck, with no rainfall and consequently no crops. This led to widespread looting, starvation, murder, betrayal, and abandonment of families, creating an era of immorality and sin. During this critical time, Rajsi, like the charitable Jagad Shah, opened free food centers (annakshetras) and provided sustenance to people. He continued this charitable act through Sambat 1688 (1631 CE), after which heavy rains brought good harvests. Shah Rajsi continued to perform pujas and rituals at the Shantinath temple in Nawanagar, including "Snana Mahotsava," offering precious gems, and providing alms to the needy. He lived a contented life.
Composition of the Rasa: Meghmuni composed this Rasa of Shah Rajsi on the 8th day of the dark fortnight of Paush, Sambat 1690 (1633 CE). Vachhak Gyanshekhar, a disciple of Acharya Kalyansagar Suri, spent his Chaturmas in Nawanagar. The text concludes with a prayer for the prosperity and well-being bestowed by Lord Shantinath. The author also notes that further details about Shah Rajsi can be found in the "Anchal Gachchha Moti Patavali" from pages 248 to 324, urging interested readers to consult it.