Shatrunjayatirthoddharprabandha

This document is the Shatrunjayatirthoddharprabandha (शत्रुंजयतीर्थोद्धारप्रबंध), edited by Muni Jinvijay and published by Shri Shrutgyan Prasarak Sabha. It details the history and significance of the Shatrunjaya pilgrimage site, a paramount holy place for Jains.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided text:

Introduction and Significance of Shatrunjaya:

• The text begins by establishing the universal practice across religions of revering specific sacred places. It compares Shatrunjaya to sites like Mecca for Muslims, Jerusalem for Christians, and Bodh Gaya for Buddhists, highlighting that Jains also hold numerous sites as sacred.
• Among Jain pilgrimage sites like Shatrunjaya, Girnar, Abu, Tarangiri, and Sametshikhar, Shatrunjaya is declared the most superior, sacred, and revered.
• Geographically, the mountain is located near Palitana in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, India. Its coordinates are given as 21 degrees, 31 minutes, 10 seconds North latitude and 71 degrees, 53 minutes, 20 seconds East longitude.
• Palitana town is described as a significant Jain center with a large population and numerous facilities for pilgrims, including expensive and grand dharamshalas (rest houses). The town also boasts Jain educational institutions, libraries, and dispensaries, creating a vibrant atmosphere due to constant pilgrim movement. The text notes the immense wealth Jain society spends on religious activities.
• Shatrunjaya is also known by other names like Siddha-achal, Vimala-achal, and Pundarika-giri. Jain scriptures mention up to 108 names for the mountain.
• It is 1980 feet above sea level. While not physically the most grand or picturesque mountain, its religious significance in Jain texts surpasses all other worldly locations.

Mythological and Ancient History:

• The text emphasizes the immense spiritual importance of Shatrunjaya, citing numerous texts that describe its sanctity. A specific focus is given to the Shatrunjaya-Mahatmya by Acharya Dhaneshwar, which describes the mountain in extraordinary detail.
• Jain cosmology divides time into six periods (aras). The text explains how the size and height of Shatrunjaya are believed to change according to these periods, from 80 yojanas in the first era to just 7 hands in the sixth.
• Like Mount Olympus for Christians, Shatrunjaya is said to be indestructible even during the cosmic dissolution (pralaya).
• The mountain's history is deeply intertwined with the first Tirthankara, Lord Rishabhnath (Adinath). He is considered the progenitor of Indian human culture. He visited Shatrunjaya multiple times, describing its holiness to deities like Indra.
• Lord Rishabhnath's son, Emperor Bharat, built a grand, golden temple on Shatrunjaya and installed a gem-studded idol of the Lord. This event cemented Shatrunjaya's status as a supremely holy site in Jainism.
• Numerous enlightened souls (siddhas) have attained liberation (moksha) on Shatrunjaya. These include Pundarik (Lord Adinath's first disciple and Bharat's son), Namifinami, Dravida, Varikhilya, Emperor Bharat and his successors, the sons of Lord Krishna (Pradyumna and Shamb), the Pandavas with 20 crore munis, and 91 lakh munis including Narada.
• All 23 Tirthankaras (except Neminath) are said to have visited Shatrunjaya. This is a key reason for its supreme sanctity.
• Touching Shatrunjaya even once is believed to grant liberation within three lifetimes. Even the animals and birds residing there are destined for liberation in future births. Cruel animals like peacocks, snakes, and lions are also said to attain spiritual merit through the sight of the Jin-dev. Any sins committed in childhood, youth, or old age, or in animal form, are believed to be absolved by merely touching the mountain.

Historical "Uddhars" (Restorations/Rebuilding):

• The text details 12 "uddhar" events from the Puranic age and some from the historical period. It mentions that the gem-studded idols installed by Bharat and later rulers were hidden in secret caves for safekeeping, where they are still worshipped by deities.

• Puranic Era Uddhars:

  1. Bharat's uddhar during Lord Adinath's time.
  2. King Dandavirya (8th generation after Bharat).
  3. Indra (Ishana) under Simandhar Tirthankara's guidance.
  4. Devendra Mahendra.
  5. Fifth Indra.
  6. Chamarendra.
  7. Emperor Sagra during Ajitanath Tirthankara's time.
  8. Vyantar-indra.
  9. King Chandrayasha during Chandrapra bhu Tirthankara's time.
  10. Prince Chakrayudha during Shantinath Tirthankara's time.
  11. Rama during Munisuvrataswami's era.
  12. The Pandavas during Neminath Tirthankara's time.

• Historical Era Uddhars:

  • Javada-Shah's Uddhar: This is described in detail, referencing Sir Alexander Kinloch Forbes's "Rasmala." Javada, son of Bhavada, a poor devotee, gained wealth and sponsored this major restoration. The story involves a prophecy, a horse, wealth, and royal patronage. During this uddhar, Javada was martyred in a joyous act of flag hoisting, falling from the summit with his wife. The common saying "This is Javada Bhavada's work!" signifies a task that is difficult to complete. The date given for this uddhar is Vikram Samvat 108.
  • King Shiladitya of Vallabhi's Uddhar: This occurred in Vikram Samvat 477. The text explains how Buddhism gained prominence, and Buddhist monks replaced Jain idols with their own. Acharya Dhaneshwar revived Jainism in this region, converted King Shiladitya, and commissioned this restoration. Dhaneshwar himself authored the Shatrunjaya-Mahatmya.
  • The text also mentions two "Kalpas" (treatises) related to Shatrunjaya: one in Prakrit by Acharya Dharmaghoshsuris and another in Sanskrit by Acharya Jinaprabhasuri. These provide concise summaries of the Mahatmya and mention hidden treasures and eternally worshipped idols.

The Enduring Devotion of the Jain Community:

• The unparalleled glory of Shatrunjaya, due to its miraculous and awe-inspiring Mahatmya, has maintained the deep faith of the Jain community for centuries. Even when other important pilgrimage sites have been forgotten, Shatrunjaya has retained its prominence despite numerous calamities.
• The text notes that the expenditure on Shatrunjaya by the Jain community has likely not been matched by any other community on any other pilgrimage site globally, as also remarked by Alexander Forbes.
• The practice of undertaking "Sanghs" (organized pilgrimages) is highlighted. Historically, wealthy individuals sponsored these expeditions, allowing thousands of ordinary Jains to visit the holy mountain. Even in the 19th and 20th centuries, Sanghs with millions of rupees in expenses were organized. The Patwa family's Sangh and Har Kunwar Shethani's Sangh are cited as examples.
• The position of "Sanghpati" (leader of a Sangh) is considered highly auspicious, even superior to that of Indra or a Chakravarti. True Sanghpati is achieved not just through wealth but through virtues like justice, righteousness, compassion, and self-control. Historical figures like ministers Bahad, Vastupal-Tejpal, Jagadu Shah, Pethad Shah, and Samara Shah are mentioned as exemplary Sanghpatis. The lineage of "Sanghvi" families is traced back to this practice.

Modern Accounts and Temple Descriptions:

• The text then transitions to modern descriptions of the Shatrunjaya mountain.
• The road from Palitana leads to the base of the mountain at a place called "Bhatha Taleti," offering respite to pilgrims.
• The climb is described, mentioning significant temples:
  • Babu Dhanpat Singh and Laxmipati Singh Temple: Built in memory of their mother, Mehtab Kunwar, in Vikram Samvat 1950.
  • Dholi Parab Visama: A resting place with a water fountain.
  • Bharat Chakravarti's Footprints: Also found at resting places.
  • Kumarpal Kund and Resting Place: Associated with King Kumarpal.
  • Hinglaj Devi's Platform: Where a pujari encourages offerings.
  • Hanuman's Platform: With a statue of Hanuman.
  • Muslim Pir's Grave: A story explains its presence as a protective measure, possibly to deter Muslim invaders.
• The summit consists of multiple "Tonks" (clusters of temples):
  • Chowmukhji Tank: The highest point, featuring a magnificent four-faced temple of Lord Adinath, built by Seth Somji of Ahmedabad in VS 1675, reportedly costing 58 lakh rupees.
  • Chhipavasahi Tank: Built by the Chhipa (Bhavsar) community in VS 1791, containing temples and the Pandava temple.
  • Sakarchand Premchand Tank: Built by Seth Sakarchand Premchand of Ahmedabad in VS 1893.
  • Ujam Bai's Tank: Built by Ujam Bai, aunt of Seth Premabhai, featuring a unique representation of Nandishwar Island.
  • Hemabhai Seth's Tank: Built by Seth Hemabhai of Ahmedabad in VS 1882.
  • Premchand Modi's Tank: Built by wealthy Modi Premchand Seth, costing millions, featuring six large temples.
  • Balabhai's Tank: Built by Seth Dipchand Kalyanji (Balabhai) of Ghogha-Bandar in VS 1893, containing the "Adbhut" temple with an 18-foot tall idol of Adinath, carved from the mountain itself.
  • Motishah Seth's Tank: Built by Seth Motishah of Mumbai, filling a large chasm known as "Kuntasar ki Khad." This massive project cost over a crore rupees and includes 16 large temples.
  • Adishwar Bhagwan's Tank: The largest Tonk, occupying the second peak, housing the main historical temple of Lord Adinath.
• The sheer density and grandeur of thousands of temples are described, creating a breathtaking and divine spectacle.
• The author laments the loss of ancient craftsmanship due to repeated renovations. Many original inscriptions and artistic elements have been altered or destroyed by subsequent restorers, making it difficult for archaeologists to ascertain the original structure and history. Sectarian rivalries between Jain monastic orders are cited as a reason for the destruction of ancient records and structures.

Detailed Account of Karma Shah's Uddhar:

• The text then focuses on the most recent major restoration by Karma Shah.
• Karma Shah, the youngest of five sons of Tola Shah, was a highly virtuous and successful merchant. His father, Tola Shah, had a prophetic conversation with Acharya Dharmaratnasuri, foretelling that Karma Shah would complete the restoration, just as the patrons of the past (like Vastupal) had achieved great merit.
• Karma Shah's journey to the mountain, his deep devotion, and his interactions with King Bahadur Shah of Gujarat are described. Bahadur Shah, indebted to Karma Shah for past generosity, granted him a royal decree to undertake the restoration.
• The text details the meticulous planning, organization, and immense expenditure involved. Karma Shah employed numerous skilled artisans, provided for their needs lavishly, and ensured all construction followed scriptural guidelines under the supervision of learned disciples like Vivekmandan and Vivekadhir.
• The selection of the auspicious time for the consecration by learned scholars and the invitation of Jain communities from across India are described.
• The narrative highlights the grand procession, the immense gatherings, and Karma Shah's unparalleled generosity in feeding, housing, and gifting to pilgrims, artisans, and religious figures.
• The consecration ceremony (Pratishtha) was performed by Acharya Vidyamaṇḍanasuri. Karma Shah's profound humility and devotion are emphasized, as he did not seek to have his name inscribed, attributing all success to the divine and his gurus.
• The text mentions the placement of a golden pinnacle and flagstaff on the main temple and the symbolic coronation of Karma Shah as Sanghpati.
• Karma Shah's extensive charitable acts continued, including the donation of villages to the temple and providing immense wealth to mendicants and seekers.
• The entire endeavor is presented as a testament to Jain faith, piety, and organizational prowess. The text concludes with the author's hope that his efforts to compile this history will be fruitful.

Appendices:

• Lineage of Consecrating Suris: A family tree of the Acharyas involved in the consecrations, tracing back to Vijayratnasuri.
• Karma Shah's Family Tree: A genealogical chart of Karma Shah's family, as per the prasasti by Kavi Lavanyasamay.
• Great Prasasti of Karma Shah's Uddhar: The full text of the inscription on the main temple's door, detailing the restoration.
• Anupurti (Addendum): A collection of statements from various Jain monastic lineages (Gachhas) affirming that Shatrunjaya is a shared heritage of all Jains and not the property of any single sect.
• Rājavalī-Koshtak (List of Kings): A chronological list of rulers of Gujarat and Delhi, including their reign periods, providing historical context for the various uddhars.

In essence, the Shatrunjayatirthoddharprabandha is a comprehensive historical and religious account of the Shatrunjaya pilgrimage. It blends mythological narratives of its sanctity with detailed historical records of its numerous restorations, culminating in the significant modern restoration by Karma Shah, showcasing the enduring devotion and charitable spirit of the Jain community.