Shatrunjaya Mahatmya Na Bhogolik Tattvo - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Shatrunjaya Mahatmya na Bhogolik Tattvo" by Amrut Pandya, focusing on its geographical elements:

The book "Shatrunjaya Mahatmya na Bhogolik Tattvo" by Amrut Pandya delves into the geographical details presented in the ancient Jain text, Shatrunjaya Mahatmya. The author begins by establishing the historical significance of Vallabhi (or Valabhi-pur), a prominent city in the history of Western India, which served as the capital of the Maitraka dynasty from approximately 509 to 766 CE. This era was a period of flourishing literature, with notable figures like Shridhaneshwarsuri, the author of Shatrunjaya Mahatmya, emerging from Vallabhi.

The text discusses the origin of Shatrunjaya Mahatmya, citing its composition in Samvat 477 by Shridhaneshwarsuri at the recommendation of King Shiladitya, a devotee of Arjuna and a reviver of pilgrimage sites. The author addresses criticisms by scholars like Dr. Bhagwanlal Ji, G.M.T. Jackson, and Dr. Gaurishankar Hirachand Ojha, who questioned the text's historicity due to the inclusion of names like Kumarpal, Vastupal, and Samarashah, and its prophetic accounts of future kings in a Puranic style. Pandya argues that these criticisms do not diminish the importance of the ancient text. He posits that the original Shatrunjaya Mahatmya was composed in Samvat 47, and later copies incorporated contemporary details about the restoration of Shatrunjaya, leading to chronological discrepancies. He further suggests that the original Samvat might have been the "Valabhi Samvat," and if considered as 477 plus 319 (the start of the Gupta era, similar to the Valabhi Samvat), it would place the composition in 796 CE. However, he acknowledges potential errors in dating, noting that Vallabhi's fall occurred in 976 CE during the reign of Shiladitya VI.

Pandya highlights that the geographical names found in Shatrunjaya Mahatmya align with those in contemporary texts like Maitraka copper plates and works by Dandin and Somadeva, suggesting the original text was written during the Maitraka period, specifically between the reigns of the third and seventh Shiladityas (666-766 CE). The author emphasizes that Shatrunjaya Mahatmya provides unique ancient geographical information about Saurashtra, which is not found elsewhere, and this is the primary focus of his article. He acknowledges that, like Puranic geographical information, some inconsistencies are naturally present.

The text then details specific geographical references from Shatrunjaya Mahatmya:

Rivers: The first chapter lists fourteen rivers flowing from Siddhachal (Shatrunjaya): Shatrunjaya, Andi, Nagendri, Kapila, Yamala, Taldhvaji, Yakshanga, Brahmi, Maheshwari, Sabhramati, Shabala, Vartoya, Jayantika, and Bhadra. Pandya identifies Shatrunjaya as the modern Shetrunji, and Sabhramati as the Sabarmati. He suggests that Taldhvaji might be another name for Shetrunji in its sea-facing section. Mahendri could be the Mahi River. Kapila is possibly one of the three rivers at the Triveni Sangam in Prabhas. Brahmi might be the Brahm in proximity to Halwad. Maheshwari is mentioned in Skandapurana as being in Prabhas. Jayantika could be Sonrekha or Palashva, rivers near the Girnar mountain (Jayanta). Vartoya is likely Varti of the Baradi region, and Bhadra is the Bhadar River. The identities of some other rivers remain unclear.
Peaks: The same chapter also lists peaks associated with Siddhachal: Shatrunjaya, Revatgiri, Siddhikshetra, Sutirtharaj, Dhank, Kapardi, Lohitya, Taldhvaj, and Kadambgiri. Revatgiri is identified as Girnar, Dhank as Dhank Dungar, and Taldhvaj as the hills of Talaja. Kapardi, Lohitya, and Kadambgiri are not clearly identified, though Kadambgiri is placed near Shatrunjaya in the third chapter, possibly referring to a hill with ancient caves.
Cities and Regions: The fifth chapter mentions Bharat Chakravarti establishing the city of Anandpur near Shatrunjaya, likely the Anandpur near Chotila. It also mentions the founding of Manpur and Bharatpur by Bharat, whose locations are not specified. The description of Girnar mentions rivers Udayavanti and Suvarnarekha and Lila. Suvarnarekha is identified as the current Sonrekha, and Udayavanti as Ozat.
Barda Mountain: Bharat Chakravarti observed Barda mountain (Brat Parvat) from Girnar. The author notes that Barda is rarely mentioned outside of Shatrunjaya Mahatmya, though the Greek literature mentions Barnakshi. The river Vartroi (Varta) flowing from it is mentioned in Saindhav copper plates. The text attributes the name "Brat" to a demon Vidhyadhar named Brat residing there.
Hastisen Nagar and Pandari Parvat: The seventh chapter refers to the anti-Jain goddess Suhasta, who resided in Hastisen Nagar near Pandari Parvat. Hastisen Nagar is speculated to be Hathasani near Palitana, as evidenced by an inscription found there.
Sagar Chakravarti and other references: The eighth chapter mentions Sagar Chakravarti's conquest of the western sea and the deity of Prabhas. It also mentions Shashiprabhā city founded by Chandrakanti, and the city of Peta Nagar, which is present-day Kheda (Khetak). The ninth chapter notes that King Ajaypal of Saketpur (Ayodhya) adorned Dipnagar (present-day Diu) with lamps. It also mentions Kaushalya building a temple for Rishabhanatha in Tuka Nagar. While Jain images from the second and third centuries are found in Dhank, no remnants of Jain temples exist there now.
Narmada River and other locations: The tenth chapter mentions Bhragukachha (Bharuch) on the banks of the Narmada River. It also mentions Sugram near Girnar, whose identity is uncertain. Arishtanemi is said to have established Sudhar in the foothills of Girnar, which might correspond to Sardhar near Rajkot. The term "foothills" is used broadly in Shatrunjaya Mahatmya.
Shankheshwar: The twelfth chapter mentions Satyabhama's son going to Sharsai Nagar from Dwarka, possibly the Sarsiyo in Gir. It also mentions Shankheshwar, a well-known Jain pilgrimage site in North Gujarat.

Finally, Pandya concludes by stating that this is just a preliminary introduction to the geographical information related to Saurashtra found in Shatrunjaya Mahatmya. He suggests that a comprehensive study of Saurashtra's ancient geography would require integrating information from various sources like the Mahabharata, Buddhist Jatakas, Jain Agamas, Skandapurana, and inscriptions. He further notes that beyond geographical details, Shatrunjaya Mahatmya also offers unique historical insights into Saurashtra, including information about dynasties that ruled between the Mahabharata era Yadavas and the Mauryas.