Shatrunjay Mahatirthoddhar Prabandh - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the "Shatrunjay Mahatirthoddhar Prabandh," based on the provided text:

Book Title: Shatrunjay Mahatirthoddhar Prabandh (An Account of the Restoration of the Great Shatrunjay Pilgrimage Site) Original Author: Kakkasuri of the Unkesh Gachchha Original Composition Year: Vikram Samvat 1393 (1336 CE) Publisher: Jinshasan Aradhana Trust, Mumbai Year of Gujarati Translation Publication: Vikram Samvat 2058 (2001 CE)

This text, the "Shatrunjay Mahatirthoddhar Prabandh," is a historical narrative in Gujarati, based on an original Sanskrit composition by Kakkasuri from the Unkesh Gachchha, dating back to Vikram Samvat 1393. The Jinshasan Aradhana Trust, Mumbai, has published this Gujarati translation, aiming to make this valuable historical account accessible.

Core Subject Matter:

The primary focus of the "Prabandh" is the restoration (Uddhar) of the sacred Shatrunjay pilgrimage site. It details a specific and significant restoration that occurred in the 14th century CE, primarily attributed to Samarsinh, a wealthy merchant from the Oshwal community. The text also briefly mentions other restorations.

Historical Context:

The narrative begins by highlighting the antiquity and immense significance of Shatrunjay, considered the foremost among all pilgrimage sites. It then sets the stage by describing the devastating attack on Shatrunjay in Vikram Samvat 1369 (1312 CE) by the army of Alauddin Khilji, a ruler from the Delhi Sultanate. This attack resulted in the destruction of the main temple and the desecration and breaking of the idol of the primordial Tirthankara, Adinath (Rishabhdev).

The Restoration by Samarsinh:

The Catalyst: The news of the desecration deeply affected the Jain community. In Patan, where the Oshwal leader Deshal Shah and his son Samarsinh resided, they were greatly distressed.
Spiritual Guidance: Deshal Shah approached Siddhansen Suri of the Unkesh Gachchha, who was residing in Patan. Siddhansen Suri consoled Deshal Shah, explained the influence of the Kali Yuga, and encouraged him to undertake the restoration.
Samarsinh's Role: Deshal Shah and his son Samarsinh resolved to restore the pilgrimage site. Samarsinh, who had a close friendship with Alp Khan, the Suba (governor) of Patan appointed by Alauddin, secured a royal decree (Farman) from him.
Reconstruction: With the necessary permissions and the support of the four-fold Jain community (Sangh), Samarsinh commenced the restoration. He procured stones from the mines of Arasan (with the permission of Raja Mahipaldev of Trisangam Pur) to carve a new idol of Adinath.
Installation and Consecration: In Vikram Samvat 1371 (1314 CE), Samarsinh, along with the Sangh, traveled to Shatrunjay and had the newly carved idol consecrated by Siddhansen Suri, incurring significant expenses.
The Prabandh's Creation: The original author, Kakkasuri, a disciple of Siddhansen Suri, composed this "Prabandh" in Vikram Samvat 1393 (1336 CE) while residing in Kanjrotpur, detailing the events of this restoration.

Key Figures and Lineage:

The text also traces the lineage of the Upkesh Gachchha and the prominent families involved in the restoration. It highlights the lineage of Kakkasuri's gurus and the historical significance of the Gachchha itself. The narrative follows the family line from Veshat Shreshthi, through Vardeo, Jinvdev, Nagendra, and finally to Delal, his brothers, and Samarsinh, illustrating the continuity of Jain values and patronage. The story of the lineage is intertwined with the history of the Upkesh Gachchha, including the establishment of the Mahavir temple in Upkeshpur and the succession of Acharyas.

Detailed Narrative Structure:

The "Prabandh" is divided into five "Prastavs" (sections), each detailing different aspects of the story:

Prastav 1: Begins with invocations to Tirthankaras, gurus, and Saraswati. It then introduces the city of Upkesh, its prosperous Gachchha, and the lineage of Veshat Shreshthi. It recounts Veshat's conflict with city officials, his departure, and his eventual positive influence on King Jaitrasinh of Kiratrup through his teachings on Ahimsa (non-violence). This section also includes the story of Dhanadev and its moral lesson about karma and righteousness.
Prastav 2: Continues the lineage of Veshat's descendants, detailing the prosperity and piety of his successors. It highlights the journey of Sallakshan to Gujarat and his role in the Upkesh Gachchha. It further elaborates on the story of Dhanadev, illustrating the consequences of actions and the importance of adherence to religious principles, even in difficult times like famine. It also delves into the origins and lineage of the Upkesh Gachchha, its prominent Acharyas, and significant events. The story of Shankhraj is also presented as an example of the importance of virtuous conduct and fulfilling vows.
Prastav 3: Shifts focus to the historical context of the Muslim invasions, specifically the attack by Alauddin Khilji on Shatrunjay. It mentions the destruction and desecration of the temple and idol. It then lists the previous major restorations of Shatrunjay, attributing the first to Bharat Chakravarti, the second to Sagar Chakravarti, the third to the Pandavas, the fourth to Javad, and the fifth to Vagbhatta. It sets the stage for Samarsinh's significant restoration, explaining the dire situation and the difficulty of undertaking such a task in the prevailing era.
Prastav 4: Details the process of obtaining the royal decree from Alp Khan, the assembly of the Sangh for their consent, and the decision to use a new stone for the idol rather than the preserved one from Vastu Pal. It describes the journey of fetching the stone from Arasan, the challenges faced, and the divine intervention that provided a flawless stone. It also narrates the careful planning and organization of the journey of the idol.
Prastav 5: Culminates with the grand event of the idol's installation and consecration by Siddhansen Suri in Vikram Samvat 1371. It describes the extensive festivities, the participation of various monastic orders and lay followers, and the significant contributions made by Deshal Shah and his family. It also recounts the subsequent travels of Deshal and Samarsinh to other significant pilgrimage sites like Girnar and their continued patronage of Jainism. It highlights the passing of Siddhansen Suri, the succession of Kakkasuri, and the subsequent events involving Samarsinh's rise to prominence in various regions, including his dealings with Delhi Sultans and his ultimate spiritual attainment.

Purpose and Significance:

The "Shatrunjay Mahatirthoddhar Prabandh" serves as a vital historical record, preserving the memory of a crucial restoration of a major Jain pilgrimage site. It underscores the importance of faith, perseverance, spiritual guidance, and community effort in overcoming adversities. The detailed narrative emphasizes the devotion and righteousness of the patrons like Deshal Shah and Samarsinh, as well as the spiritual prowess of Acharya Siddhansen Suri. The inclusion of lineage and the history of the Upkesh Gachchha adds further depth to its historical and religious significance. The text aims to inspire readers with the exemplary lives of these individuals and the enduring glory of Shatrunjay.