Shatrunjay Kalp

This document is the second edition of Shri Shatrunjay Kalp, a Jain text composed by Amrendrasagar and Mahabhadrasagar, and published by Shri Vardhaman Jain Agam Mandir Samstha. It is dedicated to Acharya Shri Anandasagarsurishwarji and includes commentary by Acharya Shri Dharmaghoshsurivar and Shri Shubhashil Gani.

The book focuses on Shatrunjay, the most revered pilgrimage site in Jainism, known as the mountain of virtues and the abode of liberated souls. The text aims to explain the glory and significance of Shatrunjay, often referred to as Vimalgiri, and its various names. It emphasizes that Shatrunjay is a unique Tirth (pilgrimage site) that has never existed before and will never exist again, due to its profound spiritual power.

The text elaborates on the origin and spiritual efficacy of Shatrunjay, highlighting its role in helping spiritual aspirants to overcome karmic obstacles and attain liberation. It details numerous stories and legends associated with Shatrunjay, often illustrating the benefits of devotion, penance, and virtuous conduct in the context of this sacred place. These narratives involve:

• The history and names of Shatrunjay: Explaining the significance of various names like Vimalgiri, Mukti Nilayam, Siddhakshetra, etc.
• Pastimes and legends: Narrating stories of kings, queens, mendicants, and celestial beings who achieved spiritual merit or liberation at Shatrunjay. These include tales about kings like Surabhup, Veer Sen, Dandvirya, Padmabhup, and the divine influences surrounding the mountain.
• The significance of the Tirthankaras' connection to Shatrunjay: Describing the visits and spiritual activities of various Tirthankaras, including Rishabhdev, Ajitnath, Sambhavnath, Abhinandan, Sumatinath, Padmaprabha, Suparshvanath, Chandraprabha, Suvidhinath, Shitalnath, Shreyansanath, Vasupujya, Vimalnath, Anantnath, Dharmanath, Shantinath, Kunthunath, Aranatha, Mallinath, Munisuvrat, Naminath, Parshvanath, and Mahavir. Each section highlights their association with Shatrunjay and the spiritual benefits derived from visiting the site.
• The power of devotion and penance: The stories consistently demonstrate how devotion, penance, and adherence to Jain principles, especially in connection with Shatrunjay, lead to spiritual progress, liberation, and divine blessings.
• The importance of ethical conduct: The text implicitly and explicitly emphasizes the Jain principles of non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness, non-possession, chastity, and the importance of righteous conduct in achieving spiritual liberation.
• Detailed accounts of specific places and their significance: The book delves into various locations within Shatrunjay, explaining their historical and spiritual importance, often through stories of kings and ascetics.
• The concept of "Nirjara" (karmic shedding): The stories illustrate how the spiritual power of Shatrunjay aids in the shedding of karma, a crucial aspect of Jain spiritual practice.

The book is presented as a means to foster devotion and understanding of Shatrunjay's profound spiritual power, encouraging readers to engage with its sanctity and teachings. The second edition's preface highlights the demand for the original Sanskrit text after the Gujarati translation was published, indicating the ongoing reverence for this sacred site and its associated literature. The publication also acknowledges the efforts of various individuals and organizations involved in bringing this edition to light.