Shatrunjay Mahatirth Gun Gunjan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shatrunjay Mahatirth Gun Gunjan" by Bhuvantilaksuri, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Shatrunjay Mahatirth Gun Gunjan (Gems of Shatrunjay Great Pilgrimage)

Author: Acharya Shri Bhuanatilaksuri

Publisher: Shinor Jain Sangh (also mentioned as Shri Labdhisuri Stavan Prakashak Mandal)

Overall Purpose: This book is a collection of devotional songs, prayers, and praises (stotras and stavan) dedicated to the sacred Jain pilgrimage site of Shatrunjay (also known as Siddhachal or Vimalgiri). Its primary aim is to extol the glory, significance, and spiritual merits of visiting Shatrunjay, inspiring devotees to undertake the pilgrimage and engage in devotional practices.

Key Themes and Content:

1. Introduction and Dedication:

   • The book is presented under the guidance and inspiration of Acharya Shri Bhuanatilaksuri, who is a successor to Acharya Shri Himad vijay Labdhisuri.
   • The Shinor Jain Sangh is mentioned as an assistant or supporting organization.
   • The preface, written by Shri Jaggubhai Lallubhai (Secretary), highlights the immense popularity and widespread demand for stotras related to Siddhachal. The Acharya encouraged the publication of this "small but useful for all" book.
   • It specifically mentions the inclusion of twenty-one Duhas (couplets) praising Shatrunjay, particularly for use during the full moon days of Kartik and other months. The book is intended to be highly beneficial for pilgrims.

2. The Reverence for Shatrunjay:

   • Shatrunjay is described as the most beloved and frequently invoked holy place in the entire world.
   • It is referred to by various names such as Siddhachal, Vimalgiri, Vimalachal, and Pundarikgiri, all signifying its sanctity and importance.
   • The pilgrimage to Shatrunjay is considered highly meritorious, capable of overcoming sins and leading one to liberation.

3. Core Jain Principles and Practices:

   • The book begins with the Namokar Mahamantra (the five supreme salutations), emphasizing its status as the foremost auspicious chant for purifying sins.
   • It briefly touches upon the virtues of controlling the senses, observing nine types of chastity (Nav-vidh Brahmacharya), freedom from four passions (Kashay), possession of eighteen virtues, adherence to five great vows (Panch Mahavrata), fivefold conduct (Panch Vihar), and practice of fivefold mindfulness/discipline (Panch Samiti).

4. Devotional Songs (Stotras and Stavans):

   • Mangalacharan (Auspicious Beginning): A prayer to Adi Jin (the first Tirthankara, Rishabhdev) in a state of perfect bliss, embodying knowledge, compassion, and the philosophy of Syadvada. It states that seeing the Lord brings happiness, knowledge, and fulfillment of all desires.
   • Chaitya Vandan (Temple Worship):
     • A detailed Chaitya Vandan is dedicated to Adi Jin (Rishabhdev), venerating him as the ornament of Vimalgiri, adored by celestial beings, and the one who attained omniscience. It describes how celestial musicians sing his praises.
     • It mentions the attainment of liberation by the Gandhara Pundarik Swami and many other munis on this hill, making it sacred.
     • The hill is described as being served by celestial beings, humans, and Kinnaras.
     • It emphasizes that no other pilgrimage site surpasses Vimalgiri.
     • A Chaitya Vandan for Shanti Jinweshwar (the sixteenth Tirthankara) is also included, mentioning his lineage and physical attributes.
     • A verse for Shatrunjay Siddha Kshetra for performing at the base of the hill highlights that taking a step towards Shatrunjay with devotion helps cross the ocean of existence, and it is the "king of all Tirthas" where countless Siddhas reside. It mentions Rishabhdev having established his presence there 99 times and the presence of Suryakund and Yaksha Kavada.
     • A Chaitya Vandan for Pundarik Swami details how he attained Keval Gyan (omniscience) and Moksha on Shatrunjay on the Chaitra Purnima (full moon of Chaitra), after observing a month-long fast, which led to the hill being named Pundarikgiri.
     • A Chaitya Vandan for Adi Jin describes his divine appearance, his parents (Nabhi Raja and Marudevi), his lifespan (84 lakh purva), and his physical stature (500 dhanush).
   • Stavan (Devotional Songs):
     • "Jatra Navanu Karie" (Let's Undertake the Pilgrimage Ninety-Nine Times): This stavan encourages repeated pilgrimages to Shatrunjay and Vimalgiri, emphasizing the removal of sins with every step and the importance of devotion, virtue, and detachment from worldly pleasures during the journey. It highlights practices like single-meal eating, traveling with a guru, and performing circumambulations.
     • "Vimalachal Vimala Pani" (Vimalgiri, Pure Water): This stavan praises Vimalgiri as a source of coolness and shade, like a mine of alchemy, and a spiritual field. It encourages ascetic practices and overcoming inner enemies.
     • "Siddhachal Giri Bhetiya" (We Met the Siddhachal Hill): This devotional song expresses the profound joy and fulfillment of reaching Shatrunjay. It speaks of the hill's immense glory, the presence of the main deity (Adi Jin), the importance of devotion with the eightfold offerings, and the assurance of overcoming the cycles of rebirth (Naraka and Tiryancha gati). It mentions the pilgrimage as having auspicious days and being the best place in the world.
     • "Ankhaladiye Re Me Aaj Shatrunjay Dikha" (With My Eyes Today, I Saw Shatrunjay): This stavan describes the ecstatic experience of seeing Shatrunjay, which makes all desires come true and dispels doubts. It highlights the purification of sins, the devotion to Adi Jin, and the performance of parikrama (circumambulation).
     • "Manana Mathe Manana Marath" (The Desires of the Mind Fulfilled): This stavan reiterates the fulfillment of all aspirations through the worship of the Giriraj (king of hills). It mentions various offerings like jewels, gold, silver, and sandalwood, and refers to ancient texts that describe the glory of Shatrunjay.
     • "Pundarikgiri-Stavan" (Praise of Pundarikgiri): This stavan narrates the story of Pundarik Swami, son of Bharat and grandson of Rishabhdev. It details his spiritual journey, attainment of omniscience, and liberation on Shatrunjay on Chaitra Purnima, which led to the hill being named Pundarikgiri. It also mentions the significance of devotion and charity on this day.
     • "Siddhagiri Mandan Aadhijin Stavan" (Praise of Adi Jin, Ornament of Siddhagiri): This stavan expresses immense devotion and the feeling of achieving salvation through the darshan (sight) of Adi Jin on Siddhachal. It speaks of overcoming darkness and reaching a state of bliss.
     • "Shri Adiheshwar Prabhu Ni Stuti" and "Shri Rishabhdev Swami Ni Stuti" (Praise of Adi Jin and Rishabhdev Swami): These praises reiterate the reverence for Rishabhdev, his divine parentage, his role in establishing righteousness, and his attainment of Moksha.
     • "Shri Shatrunjaygiri Ni Stuti" (Praise of Shatrunjay Hill): This stuti reinforces the significance of Pundarikgiri, its connection to Vimalachal, and the liberation achieved by ascetics there. It highlights that Shatrunjay is the foremost among all Tirthas, where countless souls have attained liberation.
     • "Shri Shatrunjay Stuti" (Praise of Shatrunjay): This stuti compares Shatrunjay to Mount Meru in grandeur and emphasizes the Navkar Mantra's importance. It also refers to the spiritual significance of the river Shatrunji and the swan among birds.
     • "Shri Pundarik Swami Ni Stuti" (Praise of Pundarik Swami): This praise reiterates the liberation of Pundarik Swami and other ascetics on Shatrunjay on Chaitra Purnima.
     • "Shri Shanti Nath Swami Ni Stuti" (Praise of Shanti Nath Swami): This praise invokes Shanti Nath, whose devotion removes worldly delusions and brings peace.

5. Twenty-One Names of Shatrunjay and Their Significance:

   • The latter part of the book focuses on the twenty-one names of Shatrunjay and their associated meanings or the events that led to them. These include:
     • Siddhachal: Mentioned as being in Saurashtra, a place for thousands of salutations. It also refers to the seven types of purity (body, speech, mind, land, offerings, substance, and ritualistic). The occasion of Kartik Purnima and the liberation of Davad Varikhillji and his family are mentioned.
     • Pundarikgiri: Named after Pundarik Swami, who achieved liberation there with his disciples.
     • Siddhagiri: The name reflects the multitude of Siddhas who attained liberation there.
     • Vimalachal: Named after King Vimal who, along with his family, attained liberation.
     • Surgiri: Named because celestial beings performed Abhishek (ritual bathing) of the Jin there.
     • Mahagiri: Signifying its immense size and glory.
     • Punyasashi: Referring to the accumulation of merit by devotees.
     • Shripadgiri: Named after the liberation of 91 lakh ascetics.
     • Indrapraskash: As described by Lord Simandhar Swami.
     • Mahatirtha: Due to the immense benefit of a single act of donation.
     • Shashvatgiri: Because it is an eternal pilgrimage site.
     • Dashashakti: Referring to the purification of sins for those who undertake the pilgrimage on Chaitra and Kartik Purnima.
     • Muktinilaygiri: Where King Shashthavastha and thousands of ascetics attained liberation.
     • Pushpadantgiri: Associated with the Sun and Moon.
     • Mahapap: Where souls shed karmic impurities and attain liberation.
     • Prithvipith: Where ascetics sat for the wedding ceremony of liberation.
     • Subhadra: A place of auspiciousness and well-being.
     • Kailas: Referring to the sacred mountain.
     • Kadambgiri: Named after Kadamb, the chief disciple of a Nirvana-attaining Prabhu.
     • Ujjvalgiri: Its glory extends to the netherworlds.
     • Shubhvirvijay: Named in devotion to Lord Shubhvirvijay, whose worship brings immense welfare.

6. Concluding Prayers and Blessings:

   • The book concludes with various devotional songs and praises, expressing a deep longing for the darshan of the Lord and the desire to sing His praises.
   • It includes prayers for receiving blessings, overcoming worldly suffering, and attaining liberation.
   • The "Nutan Stavan Bhakti Ras Zaranu" (A New Stream of Devotional Love) and "Aangini Ni Um" (In the Mood of Worship) sections are particularly expressive of fervent devotion, invoking the Lord to witness their devotion with offerings of lamps, garlands, and crowns.

In essence, "Shatrunjay Mahatirth Gun Gunjan" is a spiritual guide and devotional anthology that aims to deepen the reader's connection to Shatrunjay, inspiring faith, devotion, and the pursuit of spiritual liberation through the veneration of the Tirthankaras and the sacred sites.