Shashwat Giri Mahima

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shashwat Giri Mahima" in English, based on the provided PDF pages:

Book Title: Shashwat Giri Mahima (Eternal Mountain Glory) Author(s): Rushabhdas Kavi (Compiler), Acharya Vijay Narvahansuri (Compiler) Publisher: Padarth Darshan Trust

Overview:

"Shashwat Giri Mahima" is a Jain text that extols the supreme glory and significance of Mount Shatrunjay (also referred to as Siddhachal and Girnar), one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Jainism. The book highlights the spiritual merits and profound benefits of undertaking a pilgrimage to this sacred mountain. It draws upon teachings and narratives from Jain tradition, particularly emphasizing the importance of pilgrimage as a means of spiritual purification and liberation.

Key Themes and Content:

1. The "Sixteen Sasa" (Sixteen Virtues/Accomplishments): The text begins by recounting a discourse by Acharya Hemsoori, who outlines sixteen accomplishments or virtues that a soul can attain through pure deeds and past good karma. These include devotion to the Guru, birth in a noble family, devotion to the monastic community, adherence to principles, correct use of religious wealth, pilgrimage, honoring worthy monks, supporting the seven fields of merit, speaking truth, cultivating equanimity, progressing towards good destiny, a peaceful body, correct understanding of doctrines, maintaining chastity, possessing courageous qualities, and having a son who is a leader of a pilgrimage group.

2. The Significance of "Sanghpatipath" (Leading a Pilgrimage): The text elaborates on the virtue of being a "Sanghpathi" (leader of a pilgrimage), stating that organizing and leading a pilgrimage, particularly to Shatrunjay, is a highly meritorious act that leads to an excellent destiny. It emphasizes that such a journey benefits many souls, strengthens religious practices, leads to the proper utilization of wealth, enhances the prestige of the Jain faith, and ultimately helps the soul achieve liberation.

3. Hierarchy of Spiritual Worth: The text establishes a hierarchy of spiritual beings, stating that a householder who observes vows is worthy of respect, but a monk who observes the five great vows is superior. An Acharya (spiritual leader) is superior to monks, as monks bow to Acharyas. However, Arhant Bhagavan (Jinas) are superior to Acharyas, as Acharyas meditate on them. Even Arhants bow to the Siddha Bhagavan (liberated souls). The text highlights that a person who achieves the status of Sanghpathi and undertakes the great pilgrimage to Siddhachal is highly esteemed.

4. Shatrunjay's Supreme Merits: The text explains the unparalleled spiritual merit gained by visiting Shatrunjay compared to other Tirthas (holy sites). It quotes that visiting Shatrunjay yields a crore times more merit than visiting Ashtapad and Girnar combined. The mountain is described as the best of all Tirthas, being supremely pure, beneficial, auspicious, and a sanctuary of peace, offering unparalleled peace to the soul.

5. Historical Narratives of Pilgrimage and Restoration: The text details various historical instances of pilgrimage organization and restoration of the Shatrunjay mountain. It mentions:

   • Bharata Maharaj: The first to lead a grand pilgrimage to Shatrunjay after hearing the teachings of Lord Rishabhdeva, accompanied by numerous kings and millions of Sanghathis. He also initiated the first restoration of the Tirth.
   • Successors of Bharata: Several kings like Adityayasha, Mahayasha, etc., followed, with Dandaveerya leading the second restoration.
   • Other Restorations: The text lists Ishanendra, Mahendra, Brahmendra, Chamarendra, and Sagar Chakravarti as leading subsequent restorations. Sagar Chakravarti's era saw 50 crore, 95 lakh, and 75 thousand kings become Sanghathis and install gem-studded and gold idols.
   • Later Resorations: It mentions restorations by Vyantarenda, Chandrayasha, Chakrayudha, Ramachandra, and the Pandavas.
   • Vikram Era Restorations: Javadshah (13th restoration), Samrashah (15th restoration), and Karmashah (16th restoration) are highlighted from the Vikram era.
   • Vastupal-Tejpal: They are credited with a grand pilgrimage and building magnificent temples on Shatrunjay, spending vast sums of money. Their devotion is renowned.
   • Devotion of Merchants: The text lists various merchants and their acts of devotion and support during pilgrimages.

6. The Grand Pilgrimage of King Kumarpal: A significant portion of the text is dedicated to King Kumarpal's magnificent pilgrimage to Shatrunjay. It vividly describes:

   • The Grandeur of the Sangh: The pilgrimage was accompanied by a massive entourage of elephants, horses, chariots, soldiers, skilled ministers, poets, wealthy merchants, and religious leaders.
   • Social Harmony and Discourse: The text includes a humorous yet insightful dialogue between fair-skinned and dark-skinned women in the procession, discussing the merits of different complexions, ultimately concluding that virtue and good deeds are paramount. An elder woman mediates by highlighting the importance of virtues like compassion, charity, control, and helpfulness.
   • Acts of Devotion: Various individuals within the Sangh contributed through donations, providing food and water, and performing religious services.
   • Reaching Shatrunjay: The pilgrims decorated the mountain with offerings and performed rituals.
   • Worship of Lord Rishabhdeva: The pilgrims offered prayers, performed Abhishek (ritual bathing) of the idol with water, and performed Ashtaprakari and Sataraprakari Pujas (eight and seventeen types of worship).
   • Hemchandracharya's Humility: King Kumarpal asks Acharya Hemchandracharya why he recited Dhanpal Kavi's praise of the Tirthankar instead of his own. Hemchandracharya humbly explains that Dhanpal Kavi's devotion was so profound that his own compositions couldn't match its intensity. He emphasizes the vast difference in spiritual attainment between himself and Dhanpal Kavi, comparing it to the difference between ordinary water and the Ganges, or a common person and a king.
   • Kumarpal's Devotion and Praise for Hemchandracharya: Kumarpal and the assembly praise Hemchandracharya's humility. Kumarpal equates Hemchandracharya to the best in various categories (Tirth, God, King, etc.) for his spiritual stature and wisdom.
   • Lord Rishabhdeva's Significance: Hemchandracharya redirects the praise to Lord Rishabhdeva, highlighting his role in the establishment of Shatrunjay and his numerous visits.
   • Rituals and Offerings: The text details further acts of devotion by Kumarpal, including offering precious stones, golden flags, and performing elaborate Pujas.
   • The Charana's Eulogy: A Charana (celestial being) praises Kumarpal's devotion, comparing him to divine entities and sources of great benefit, and offers him gifts.
   • Tirthmal Bidding: The tradition of bidding for the Tirthmal (garland worn at the Tirth) is described. Jagadusha, the son of Hansraj, bids a record sum of one crore and twenty-five lakh to offer it to his mother, demonstrating immense filial piety.
   • Kumarpal's Appreciation and Jagadusha's Generosity: Kumarpal is impressed by Jagadusha's devotion to his mother and his generosity, accepting his offered jewels after initial refusal and offering him a substantial sum.
   • Return to Patan: The pilgrims return to Patan with great joy and celebrate the Ashtanika festival with grand devotion.
   • Prophecy of Lord Mahavir: The text recounts a prophecy by Lord Mahavir to Abhaykumar that a king named Kumarpal would bring a specific idol of Lord Mahavir to Anahilpurpatta and worship it regularly. Kumarpal is overjoyed to learn this and diligently brings the idol to Patan, establishing a temple for it.

7. Pilgrimage to Girnar: The text then shifts to the pilgrimage to Girnar (Revatachal).

   • Arrival and Worship: The Sangh reaches Girnar, greets the mountain with offerings, and commences the ascent. The mountain's slight tremor is interpreted as a joyous reaction to the presence of pious souls.
   • Worship of Lord Neminath: Kumarpal and the Sangh perform worship of Lord Neminath.
   • History of Girnar: Acharya Hemchandracharya explains the historical significance of Girnar, linking it to different names in various ages and its connection to Lord Neminath. He recounts the story of King Naravahana and his devotion, leading to his rebirth as Indra and his subsequent act of establishing a golden temple with a diamond idol of Lord Neminath. He also mentions King Punyasara's devotion and eventual liberation from this Tirth. The story of the ambika goddess and the stone idol is also narrated.
   • Vaman Avatar connection: The text notes that Vishnu worshipped Lord Neminath on Revatachal during the Vaman Avatar.

8. Emphasis on Jayana (Carefulness): Towards the end, the text stresses the importance of "Jayana" (carefulness and adherence to strict religious discipline) in all religious actions, from walking and eating to performing rituals. It highlights that this adherence is crucial for the purification of karma and spiritual progress.

Conclusion:

"Shashwat Giri Mahima" serves as a powerful testament to the importance of pilgrimage in Jainism, particularly to the sacred Mount Shatrunjay. It inspires devotees by recounting the glorious history of pilgrimages, the exemplary devotion of kings and merchants, and the profound spiritual benefits that can be attained through such journeys. The text underscores that true devotion lies not just in external acts but also in internal purity, humility, and adherence to religious principles.