Shatrunjay A Pilgrimage - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shatrunjay a Pilgrimage" by Manu Doshi, based on the provided pages:

Overall Purpose and Significance of Shatrunjay:

The book "Shatrunjay a Pilgrimage" by Manu Doshi serves as a guide for pilgrims visiting the sacred Shatrunjay hill in India. While many pilgrimage sites are holy due to the occurrence of significant events in the lives of Tirthankaras (like conception, birth, renunciation, enlightenment, and liberation), Shatrunjay holds a unique significance. No such specific Tirthankara events are recorded as having occurred there, yet it is considered supremely holy, offering benefits incomparable to other pilgrimage sites. The word "Shatrunjay" itself means "victory over enemies," implying victory over internal vices like anger and arrogance, making the pilgrimage a journey of spiritual self-conquest.

Location and Accessibility:

Shatrunjay hill is located near the town of Palitana, southwest of Bhavnagar in Saurashtra, India. Pilgrims can reach Palitana by train, bus, or car. Those traveling from further afield can fly to Bhavnagar and then take a taxi to Palitana. The town offers various Dharmashalas (resting places) for pilgrims, some situated close to the hill.

The Ascent:

The hill stands approximately 1800 feet high and is covered with a multitude of beautiful temples. The ascent involves traversing 3745 steps over a distance of 2 miles and 2 furlongs. For those unable to climb on foot, Doliwälläs (porters carrying a light seat suspended from a wooden staff) are available.

The ascent is marked by several significant points and temples, each with its own historical or mythological importance:

Jai Taleti: The starting point of the ascent, where pilgrims offer prayers and recite devotional songs.
Babu Temples: Constructed about a hundred years prior, dedicated to Lord Rushabhdev, and featuring smaller temples (templets) around its periphery. It also houses a model of Pavapuri, the site of Lord Mahavir's Nirvana.
Samavasaran Temple: A recently constructed temple showcasing replicas of important pilgrimage sites.
Hadäs: These are resting points on the ascent, often located on the peaks of smaller hills that rise one after another. Drinking water and rainwater reservoirs (Kunds) are usually found at these points.
Footsteps of King Bharat: Bharat, the eldest son of Lord Rushabhdev and the first Chakravarti (sovereign emperor), is believed to have left his footprints here.
Ichchhakund: Another resting point with historical significance.
Footsteps of Lord Rushabhdev: Marking a significant point on the climb.
Hinglaj Hadä: Associated with a legend of a demon named Hingal and the goddess Ambica.
Footsteps of Kalikund Parshwanath: A testament to the passage of pilgrims.
Chhalakund: A resting place with tree shade, featuring footsteps of four eternal omniscients: Rushabh, Chandranan, Varishën, and Vardhaman.
Shripuj Tuk: An older complex, significant for its numerous footprints and a central temple housing an idol of Padmavati and Lord Parshwanath.
Temples with Statues of Dravid, Varikhilla, Atimukta, and Narad: These individuals are said to have attained liberation at Shatrunjay.
Statues of Ram, Bharat, Thavachchhaputra, Shukparivrajak, and Shailakacharya: Often mistaken for the Pandavas, these statues represent important figures in Jain lore.
Footsteps of Nami and Vinami: Grandsons of Lord Rushabhdev, who renounced worldly life and attained liberation here.
Hanuman Hadä: The final resting point, where the route bifurcates towards Navtuk and the Main Tuk.
Jali, Mayali, and Uvayali: Statues found on the way to the Main Tuk, representing individuals who attained omniscience.

The Main Complex:

The main complex at the summit is a vast collection of temples.

Rampol Gate: The first gate encountered, leading to the unique Panch Shikhari temple (five-spired).
Sagälpol Gate: Another important entrance, leading to the walkway within the main complex. Adjacent to it are the administrative office of Anandjee Kalyanjee and a well-known Kund called Nanghankund.
Vaghanpol Gate: The temple complex begins from here, with temples lining the walkway.
- Temples on the right side: Include a temple of Lord Parshwanath, with a presentation of Nandishwardweep and Ashtapad, and the Chaturmukh temple (also known as Shatthambhi temple) due to its 100 pillars and four-sided mandaps.
- Temples on the left side:
  - Lord Shantiväth Temple: Where the second Stavan is often recited.
  - Chakreshwari Temple: Dedicated to the goddess in charge of Lord Rushabhdev's order and the hill itself. Her idol was installed in 1531. Idols of Padmavati, Nirvani, Saraswati, and Lakshmi are also present.
  - Bhulavani (Vimalvasahi): Renowned for its exquisite art, comparable to Vimalvasahi on Mount Abu. It features a Rangmandap (prayer hall), Gudhamandap (inner temple), and a three-stage replica of Mount Meru. It also contains the Neminath Chauri, depicting preparations for the Lord's wedding.
  - Päp Punyani Bäri: Actually a statue of Udayan Mantri on a pilgrimage.
  - Kumarpal's Temple: A specimen of good art, constructed around 1321.
  - Hathipol Gate: An entrance to the main complex.
  - Surajkund: A lane leading to a kund with mythological significance.
  - Ratanpol Gate: Leads to the core of the complex.

The Main Temple:

This grand temple is dedicated to Lord Rushabhdev (Adinath), the first Tirthankar.

Beliefs: While Lord Rushabhdev attained liberation on Mount Kailas, popular belief holds that he visited Shatrunjay countless times and achieved salvation here. The temple is believed to be ancient, with many prehistoric renovations.
Historical Construction: The present temple was historically constructed in the 12th century during the reign of King Kumarpal.
An Anecdote of Construction: The chief minister, Udayan Mantri, vowed to rebuild a wooden temple that was at risk of fire. Though he died before fulfilling the vow, his son Bahad completed the construction. A significant story recounts the contribution of a humble ghee vendor named Bhim, who, despite donating only one coin, was honored for giving his "entire worth." This act of sincerity was believed to have led to the discovery of hidden treasure, which greatly aided the temple's construction, completed at a cost of 29.7 million.
Installation Ceremony: The installation ceremony took place in 1187 in the presence of Hemchandracharya.
Architecture: It's a splendid, two-storied structure with impressive elevation and artistic balconies. The inner sanctum houses the awe-inspiring idol of Lord Adinath. The temple is supported by 72 pillars and features numerous Kumbhas.
Renovations and Inscriptions: The temple has undergone several repairs and renovations due to vandalism and damage over centuries, notably by Samarashä of Patan and Karmashä of Chittodgadh. Inscriptions mention renovations and the remission of pilgrim tax by Emperor Akbar. The current idol was installed in 1531 in the presence of Vidyämadansuri.
Pilgrimage Rituals: Pilgrims recite the third Stavan in this temple.

Temples Around the Main Temple:

The area surrounding the main temple is filled with rows of temples, with pilgrims often performing three rounds.

Temple of Pundarikswami: The renowned Ganadhar of Lord Adinath, facing the main temple. His liberation along with many others on the 15th of Chaitra holds special significance. The installation here coincided with the main temple's idol installation. Pilgrims often recite the fourth Stavan here.

New Adinath Temple and Other Temples in the Middle Row:

New Adinath Temple (Sahastrakut Temple): Houses a large idol of Lord Adinath. It is believed that a new idol was brought to replace a damaged one in the main temple, but it ended up being installed here. The temple itself might have been constructed by Vastupal and Tejpal.
Sahastrakut Temple: Contains 1024 tiny images of Tirthankaras from different time cycles and regions.
Mountain Meru: A newly constructed three-stage replica of the mythical mountain, symbolizing the celestial bathing ceremony of Tirthankaras.
Ashtapad Temple: Features idols of all 24 Tirthankars, including depictions of Ravana playing the guitar and Gautamswami ascending.
Rayana Temple: Houses huge footsteps of Adinath, believed to have been installed simultaneously with the main temple in 1531. Pilgrims often recite the fifth Stavan here.
Footstep Temple of Ganadhars: Dedicated to the footsteps of all 1452 Ganadhars of the 24 Tirthankars.
Simandharswami Temple: Although named after Simandharswami, its main idol is of Lord Adinath, installed in 1621.

New Complex:

Idols from templets that were haphazardly built in the main complex have been relocated to a new complex, which, together with the main complex, houses over 4300 marble idols and about 150 metal ones.

Nav Tuk (Nine Temple Complexes):

Besides the main complex, there are eight other temple complexes on the hill, collectively known as Nav Tuk. They can be accessed from the main complex or via a separate route from Hanuman Hadä.

Gate of Navtuk: Features a simple entrance.
Tomb of Ingärshä: Believed by some to be the caretaker Pir of Adinath, this tomb is a site for prayers for children.
Vallabhkund: A sacred pond near the entrance.
Khartarvasahi: A temple complex, including:
- Narsingh Keshavji Tuk: Recently constructed.
- Temple of King Samprati: An ancient temple.
- Temple of Märudevi: Mother of Lord Adinath.
Chaumukhji Tuk (Savä-Som Tuk): The main temple here has the highest altitude and a steeple visible from afar. It includes the temple of Pundarikswami and over 700 idols. The temple was constructed by Savchand and Somchand, stemming from a story of mutual business support and noble cause.
Pandav Temple: Features statues of the Pandavas, Draupadi, and Kunti.
Sahastrakut Temple: Houses 170 idols of Tirthankaras, representing the maximum possible at any given time.
Chhipavasahi Tuk: A smaller complex with 48 idols.
Sakarvasahi Tuk: Another significant temple.
Ujambai's Tuk: Inspired by a dream, this temple is a model of Nandishwardweep, a mythical world in Jain cosmology. It features intricate marble carvings and temples of Lord Kunthunath and Shantiväth.
Hemavasahi Tuk: Contains temples of Lord Ajitnath and Pundarikswami.
Modi Tuk: Houses the temple of Lord Adinath and Lord Parshwanath, known for its "mother-in-law and daughter-in-law" niche and a symbolic pillar depicting moral lessons.
Adhbatji Tuk: Features a huge 18-foot idol of Lord Adinath carved from rock.
Balavasahi Tuk: Named after Dipchand Kalyanji, this complex has multiple temples and numerous idols.

Chha Gauni Yatra (Six Gau Pilgrimage):

This is a 12-mile circumambulation of the hill, starting from outside the Rampol gate.
It includes the Templet of Devkishatnandan (referring to six sons of Devki).
Templet of Lords Ajitnath and Shantinath.
Chilan Talavadi: A pond created by Chilanmuni.
Hill of Bhadvä: Features the Templet of Sambandh Pradumna, sons of Lord Krishna, who are believed to have attained liberation here on the 13th of Phälguna. This day marks the annual "six Gau pilgrimage."

Ghetini Bāri:

This is an outlet in the surrounding wall of the Tuks, leading to the steps for descending towards the village of Gheti.

99 Pilgrimages of Shatrunjay:

The popular belief that Lord Rushabhdev visited Shatrunjay 99 Purva times has led to the tradition of undertaking 99 pilgrimages.
To complete this within a limited time, pilgrims often perform more than one pilgrimage a day, descending from Ghetini Bāri to a temple at the end of the steps, then climbing again for another round.

Indira M. Doshi Memorial Trust:

The book is published by the Indira M. Doshi Memorial Trust, established on July 16, 1987. The trust's objectives include popularizing Jain thinking and culture, promoting fraternity, aiding people in need, preparing and publishing books, promoting vegetarianism, and conducting eye camps.

In essence, "Shatrunjay a Pilgrimage" is a detailed and informative guide, illuminating the historical, religious, and artistic significance of Shatrunjay hill and its myriad temples, offering a comprehensive resource for devotees and enthusiasts alike.