Shatrunjay Mahtmya Sarg 01

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This text is the first chapter (Sarg 01) of a larger work titled "Shri Shatrunjay Mahatmya" (The Greatness of Shatrunjay), authored by Muni Shri Narvahanvijayji. It details the glory and significance of the sacred Jain pilgrimage site of Shatrunjay.

Invocation and Salutations: The chapter begins with traditional invocations and salutations to the Tirthankaras, specifically Rishabhdev (Adinath), Shantinath, Neminath, Parshwanath, and Mahavir Swami, acknowledging their divine attributes and blessings. It also honors Pundrik, the first Ganadhar of Adinath, and the guiding deities of the faith. The author expresses his intention to dedicate himself to righteous conduct through meditation on these revered figures.

The Origin and Evolution of the Shatrunjay Mahatmya: The text explains that the original Mahatmya of Shatrunjay, composed of 108,000 verses, was created by Pundrik Ganadhar at the command of the first Tirthankara, Adinath, for the welfare of the world. Later, at the behest of Mahavir Swami, Sudharma Ganadhar abridged it to 24,000 verses, considering the shorter lifespans of humans. Subsequently, the great Mahatma Shri Dhaneshwarsuri, a master of Syadvada (Jain logic) and a scholar of various sciences, further condensed it into the current accessible form for easier understanding. This version was created in Vallabhi.

The Supreme Importance of Shatrunjay: The text emphatically asserts that simply hearing the glory of Shatrunjay is immensely meritorious, even more so than performing various austerities, chanting, giving donations, and engaging in other good deeds. It suggests that visiting Shatrunjay, even to merely touch its shadow, is sufficient for spiritual progress. The human birth, with all its potential for learning and spiritual endeavor, is fulfilled by hearing the stories of Shatrunjay. It is presented as the ultimate refuge for those seeking truth and righteousness. The devotion to the Jineshwara (Tirthankaras) at Shatrunjay is described as the highest form of worship and the greatest dharma. Even grave sins committed through mind, speech, and body can be destroyed by remembering Pundrik Giri (Shatrunjay).

Divine Description of Shatrunjay: The text then vividly describes Shatrunjay as witnessed by the celestial beings. When Lord Mahavir Swami visited Shatrunjay, the heavens were filled with the presence of sixty-four Indras and numerous other deities. The Indras marvel at the mountain's splendor:

• Radiance and Jewels: The mountain is adorned with precious, luminous jewels, its peaks glowing with an intense radiance.
• Golden Peaks: Its golden peaks make it appear as the king of all mountains, crowned with glory.
• Sacredness: The mountain purifies both the land and the atmosphere, eradicating sins.
• Numerous Peaks: It boasts 108 prominent peaks, including Suvarnagiri, Brahmagiri, Udayagiri, and Arbudagiri.
• Temples and Dwellings: The Siddhashaila (Shatrunjay) is adorned with temples of the Arihants and residences of Yakshas.
• Celestial Court: It is constantly served by Yakshas, Kinnaras, Gandharvas, Vidyadharas, Devas, and Apsaras.
• Spiritual Abodes: The holy caves are inhabited by Vidyadharas, Nars, and Nagakumars who constantly meditate on the form of the Jineshwara.
• Natural Wonders: It is rich with springs of nectar, mines of jewels, divine medicinal herbs, and is further beautified by herds of musk deer, peacocks, rutting elephants, and chamari deer.
• Luxuriant Flora: The mountain is abundant with trees like Mandar, Parijat, Santan, Harichandan, Champak, Asopalav, and Salki. It is fragrant with Ketaki flowers and filled with the melodious sounds of its waterfalls. Malati, Padal, Krishnaguru, and Amra trees bear fruits and flowers throughout the year.

Enchanting Sceneries and Divine Activities: The text continues to describe the captivating scenes:

• Kinnara Women: Kinnara women sitting in the shade of Kalpavriksha trees sing the praises of the Jinas, thereby destroying their sins.
• Peacocks and Nagendra: Peacocks dance before the Lord, mistaking water droplets for clouds. The Nagendra Dharanendra, with his thousand hoods, performs divine plays before the Jineshwara.
• Vidyadhari Performances: Women of the Khecharas, adorned and playing veenas, sing songs praising the Arihants.
• Harmony of Creatures: Even naturally antagonistic creatures, upon seeing the Lord's face, abandon their animosity and play together.
• Sacred Rivers: The Shatrunjaya river (now known as Shetrunji), flowing into the eastern ocean, is considered a reservoir of merit for those who see and hear it. Other significant rivers like Taladhvaji, Aindri, Nagendri, Kapila, Yamala, Yakshanga, Brahmri, Maheswari, Sabhramati, Shabala, Vartoya, Jayantika, and Bhadra are mentioned.
• Beautiful Gardens: Four celestial gardens – Suryodyana (East), Swargodyana (South), Chandrodyana (West), and Lakshmililasvilas (North) – add to the mountain's splendor.
• Sacred Pools: Indrakund, Bharat Sarovar, Kapardi Sarovar, Sarvatiravtar, Suryakund, and Chandrakund are described as purifying and auspicious.

The Tale of King Kandu: The narrative then shifts to a significant story illustrating the power of devotion to Shatrunjay. It recounts the tale of King Kandu, a cruel and sinful ruler of Chandrapur. Despite his prosperity, he was arrogant and disrespectful, indulging in vice and causing suffering to his subjects. He was afflicted by a severe illness (tuberculosis).

During his suffering, a divine verse fell before him, highlighting the folly of using wealth gained through dharma to harm dharma itself. Kandu realized his grave errors and, filled with remorse, decided to end his life by jumping from a mountain or into the sea.

On his way, he encountered a sacred cow. In his agitated state, he attacked the cow, which then transformed into a fierce woman with a sickle. This woman, his clan deity Ambika, chastised him for attacking the cow, which was her form. She revealed that his suffering was a consequence of his sinful actions and that he needed to seek true dharma. She advised him to wander through various lands and holy places, promising to guide him when the time for true spiritual practice arrived.

Kandu's Transformation and the Path to Shatrunjay: Following Ambika's advice, Kandu renounced his kingdom and wandered with a purified mind. He encountered a Yaksha, his former enemy, who subjected him to severe torment. However, due to past good karma, Kandu survived. He realized that the torments were merely the initial fruits of his sins.

Finally, his clan deity Ambika reappeared and instructed him to go to Shatrunjay, assuring him that all his sins would be cleansed there. She emphasized that Shatrunjay is the ultimate pilgrimage and that even a mere thought or a glimpse of it can eradicate sins.

Kandu's Austerities and Enlightenment: Inspired by Ambika's words, Kandu embarked on his journey to Shatrunjay. He met a wise muni on the way who taught him about the five types of right conduct (Charitra). Upon receiving initiation from the muni, Kandu became Kandu Muni and reached Shatrunjay. There, he practiced severe austerities, meditating on Lord Adinath, and his past karma was destroyed. The text states that he will soon attain Kevala Jnana (omniscience). Lord Simandhar Swami had also testified that even the greatest sinners, like Kandu, can be purified by worshipping Shatrunjay.

The Samavasarana of Lord Mahavir: The narrative then describes the magnificent Samavasarana (divine assembly) of Lord Mahavir at Shatrunjay, attended by celestial beings. The divine assembly was meticulously arranged by the gods, with fragrant processions, jeweled pathways, and adorned enclosures. The central attraction was the raised platform with the Chaitya tree and golden thrones where Lord Mahavir, surrounded by his teachings and enlightened disciples, delivered sermons in all languages, benefiting all beings.

Indra's Questions and Lord Mahavir's Teachings: The text highlights the reverence shown by all celestial beings to Lord Mahavir. Indra, the king of the gods, then poses a series of questions to the Lord about the significance of Shatrunjay: the merits of performing rituals there, the nature of the mountain, its history, the origins of its structures and statues, the celestial beings residing there, and the immense spiritual benefits derived from worshipping at Shatrunjay.

Lord Mahavir, with his profound wisdom, begins to explain the immense glory of Shatrunjay. He describes the Jambu Dwipa, its celestial trees, mountains, and the sacred land of Bharatavarsha. He particularly extols the region of Saurashtra (Saurashtra), praising its fertile land, pure water, sacred sites, beautiful rivers, and fortunate inhabitants. He elaborates on the virtuous qualities of its people, men, women, children, servants, Kshatriyas, and even its animals, highlighting the peaceful coexistence fostered by the land's spiritual influence.

The Unparalleled Greatness of Shatrunjay: Lord Mahavir emphasizes that Shatrunjay is the paramount of all pilgrimage sites. Its name alone can eradicate sins, much like the name of Parshwanath dispels snake venom. He lists its many auspicious names and explains that merely chanting or hearing them brings prosperity and removes calamities. He contrasts the merit gained at Shatrunjay with that of other holy sites, stating that the benefits here are infinitely greater.

He describes the mountain's spiritual potency in different eras (Yugas), its endurance through cosmic cycles, and its sacred peaks. He reiterates that all other sacred mountains are encompassed within Shatrunjay's spiritual influence. The worship of Shatrunjay is so powerful that even mere remembrance of it can yield great rewards.

The Significance of the Rajadana Tree and Other Sacred Elements: Lord Mahavir then specifically highlights the eternal Rajadana (Rayan) tree, sanctified by the footprints of Lord Adinath. The divine milk flowing from this tree cleanses ignorance. He explains the worship of this tree, its sacred leaves and fruits, and the blessings it bestows. He also mentions the sacred Rasakupi (nectar spring) to the west of the tree, from which even base metals can be transmuted into gold. He points out the Padukas (footprints) of Lord Adinath and the images of Pundrik Ganadhar and Lord Shantinath, all of which are sources of immense spiritual merit.

The Rituals and their Merits: The Lord details the rituals performed at Shatrunjay, such as bathing the idols, offering sandalwood, camphor, kasturi, and flowers, and the immense merits gained from these acts. He explains that offering even the smallest item with devotion yields immense results. He emphasizes the importance of acts of charity, service to ascetics, and observing vows, all of which are amplified manifold at Shatrunjay. He warns against committing sins at this holy site, as they are amplified immensely, while good deeds are similarly magnified.

Concluding Teachings: The sermon concludes with the Lord's exhortation to abstain from negative actions like criticism, malice, lust, greed, association with heretics, violence, and indulgence in sensual pleasures. Instead, he urges the devotees to cultivate virtues like faith, contemplation of tattvas, devotion to the Jinas, love for ascetics, charity, study of scriptures, and chanting of the Navkar mantra. He stresses the importance of performing all virtuous deeds, especially during pilgrimage, and seeking the guidance of spiritual preceptors. The sermon highlights the unparalleled spiritual efficacy of Shatrunjay in achieving liberation and fulfilling all desires.

In essence, this first chapter of "Shatrunjay Mahatmya" serves as a powerful introduction to the sanctity and significance of Shatrunjay, laying the foundation for understanding its divine glories and the profound spiritual benefits it offers to all who venerate it.