Shatrunjay Tirthmala Ras - Book Summary

This document, titled "Shatrunjay Tirthmala Ras," compiled and published by Nirnaysagar Press, is a comprehensive collection of Jain devotional poems, hymns, and guides related to the sacred pilgrimage site of Shatrunjay (also known as Siddhachal). The book is intended for Jain followers to keep with them during pilgrimage and on auspicious days like Kartik and Chaitra Purnima.

The collection includes various devotional works, each with its own author and title as listed in the table of contents:

Page 4 onwards: Begins with "Shri Naysundarji Krit Siddhachalji No Naha," a detailed account of Shatrunjay. It describes the grandeur of the pilgrimage site, its spiritual significance, and the importance of visiting it. The text emphasizes that no other pilgrimage site can equal Shatrunjay, comparing it to the prominence of Indra among gods, the Moon among planets, and the Navkar mantra among prayers. It also highlights that the site has been a place of liberation for countless souls and has been visited by numerous Tirthankaras.
Page 5-14: The text elaborates on the history of Shatrunjay, starting with the first Tirthankara, Adinath. It mentions the presence of 84 Ganadharas and 84,000 muni-rishis who attained salvation there. It also details the geological aspects, describing the mountain's height and its consistent presence throughout different Yugas (epochs). The divine significance is further emphasized by mentioning its eternal nature, untouched by the cycles of time.
Page 14-33: The text then delves into the various "Uddhars" (renovations and restorations) of Shatrunjay, attributing them to different kings, noblemen, and spiritual leaders. It chronicles historical figures like Bharat Chakravarti, Damovarya, Sagar Chakravarti, and others who undertook significant efforts to preserve and enhance the sanctity of the pilgrimage. The accounts mention the construction of temples, installation of idols, and the prosperity brought by these acts.
Page 33-46: This section, attributed to Shri Amrutvijayji, describes various pols (gates) and temples on Shatrunjay, detailing the number of idols and their specific locations. It provides guidance on navigating the pilgrimage, suggesting specific prayers and rituals at different spots. The text mentions the significance of the Rayan tree and the Suraj Kund.
Page 46-54: Following this, the work continues with another set of descriptions of various temple structures and the idols within them, potentially by the same or another author. It systematically details the names of temples, the number of idols, and specific locations, offering a comprehensive guide for pilgrims to perform their darshan.
Page 55-60: This part, by Pandit Shri Veer Vijayji, focuses on the "Twenty-one Names of Shatrunjay" and their associated virtues and merits. It explains the origin of each name and the spiritual benefits of meditating on them. The text lists the names like Siddhachal, Vimalgiri, Punjarikgiri, and others, explaining their significance and the spiritual results of their remembrance and veneration. It also includes two Chaitya Vandans (votive prayers) dedicated to Shatrunjay.
Page 61-64: This section contains stanzas (stavan) dedicated to Shatrunjay, highlighting its spiritual importance and the liberation it offers. It reiterates the glory of Shatrunjay, mentioning its association with Tirthankaras and the vast number of souls who attained salvation there. The text also explains the meaning of some of the names of Shatrunjay.
Page 64-76: This segment provides a detailed account of the various "Uddhars" of Shatrunjay, listing historical figures and the specific contributions they made to the sacred site. It mentions the construction of temples and the installation of idols by kings and patrons, emphasizing the continuous efforts to maintain the sanctity and grandeur of Shatrunjay.
Page 76-80: This part offers guidance on performing the pilgrimage, discussing the merits of fasting, penance, and virtuous actions on Shatrunjay. It also details the purification rituals and the removal of sins through devotional practices at the holy site.
Page 80-82: This section provides a table listing various heavenly abodes and their respective Jain temples, along with details about the number of idols, their sizes, and temple dimensions. This section appears to be a compilation of information about celestial Jain temples, possibly for comparative spiritual reference.
Page 89-92: This section contains a calendar of the "Five Kalyanakas" (auspicious events in the life of a Tirthankara – birth, initiation, enlightenment, first sermon, and liberation) for all 24 Tirthankaras, along with the corresponding dates and the mantras to be chanted on those occasions.
Page 94-96: The concluding sections include devotional stanzas and songs, expressing deep reverence and love for Shatrunjay. These poems emphasize the transformative power of the pilgrimage and the ultimate goal of liberation. The final part of the book includes a concluding remark about the compilation of these texts.

In essence, "Shatrunjay Tirthmala Ras" is a comprehensive devotional guide that encapsulates the spiritual, historical, and geographical significance of Shatrunjay, serving as an essential companion for pilgrims and a source of spiritual inspiration for Jains.