Shwetambar Jain Tirth Darshan Part 01

This Jain text, "Shwetambar Jain Tirth Darshan Part 01," compiled by Jinendrasuri and published by Harshpushpamrut Jain Granthmala, is a comprehensive guide to Shwetambar Jain pilgrimage sites. It serves as a devotional offering, aiming to provide readers with the ability to experience the darshan (visual perception and spiritual connection) of these sacred places and the Tirthankar deities from the comfort of their homes.

The book details a vast collection of Jain tirths (pilgrimage sites) across India and internationally, including locations in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Africa, London, and Japan. It meticulously catalogs 378 tirths, presenting them with an aim to facilitate both visual experience and devotional practice.

Key features and content of the book include:

• Extensive Coverage: The first part of the Shwetambar Jain Tirth Darshan focuses on the Gujarat region, Rajasthan, and foreign countries. It includes an alphabetical index of tirths for easy navigation. The book is structured to allow immediate access to desired information, with maps and district-wise tirths provided.
• Detailed Information: For each tirth, the book aims to provide:
  • Photographs of the temples and the Mulnayak (principal deity).
  • A brief history and relevant information about the tirth.
  • Where space permitted, hymns, prayers (stotras), and verses (shlokas) are included, enabling devotees to engage in worship and contemplation alongside the visual darshan.
• Emphasis on Devotion: The preface highlights that true pilgrimage is for the purification of Samyagdarshan (right faith) and emphasizes the importance of spiritual discipline alongside physical travel. It cautions against travel motivated by worldly desires and encourages adherence to Jain principles, such as abstaining from meat, nighttime food consumption, and engaging in frivolous activities. The analogy of the bitter gourd being bathed in holy waters but retaining its bitterness unless the inner bitterness is removed illustrates the necessity of inner purification during pilgrimage.
• Authoritative Lineage: The book is dedicated to and presented under the guidance of esteemed Jain Acharyas:
  • Compiled and edited under the direction of Tapomurti Acharya Shri Vijay Karpur Surishwarji Maharaj.
  • Under the spiritual leadership of Pattadhar Halar Deshodharak Shreshth Kaveshwar Acharya Shri Vijay Amrit Surishwarji Maharaj.
  • And compiled under the patronage of Prachin Sahityodharak Acharya Shri Vijay Jitendra Surishwarji Maharaj.
• Illustrative Content: The initial pages include illustrations of significant Jain symbols and concepts such as the fourteen dreams, Ashta Mahapratyiharyas (eight great auspicious symbols), Ashta Mangals (eight auspicious items), Ashta Prakari Pooja (eight types of worship), Panch Kalyanaka Pooja, twelve vows, and the Navpad Mandal. It also features images of the 24 Tirthankars, the Namokar Mahamantra, and Shri Gautam Swami.
• Broad Scope: Unlike previous guides that might have focused only on major tirths, this work includes smaller tirths and temples within larger cities, aiming for a comprehensive coverage of 588 tirths in total.
• Call to Spiritual Improvement: The book encourages pilgrims to reform their lives by cultivating virtues like humility, good conduct, devotion to Jinendra, right faith, ethical behavior, and the avoidance of vices and sensual pleasures. It stresses that pilgrimage divorced from spiritual transformation is ultimately fruitless.
• Practical Guidance: The text offers practical advice to pilgrims, warning against seeking mere comforts like accommodation, food, or sightseeing, which can detract from the spiritual purpose. It also cautions against actions that constitute ashatana (disrespect or desecration) of the holy sites.
• Publisher's Contribution: The publication is by Shri Harshpushpamrut Jain Granthmala, identified as publishers, with their address in Lakhawaval, Shantipuri (Saurashtra). The publication details, including the year (Vira Samvat 2525, Vikram Samvat 2055, 1999 AD), first edition print run (1000 copies), and pricing (Rs. 650.00), are provided.
• Note on Temple Practices: An important note is included regarding the practice of hoisting temple flags. It advises against using ladders, which can cause ashatana due to the continuous weight and potential harm to birds. Instead, it recommends using methods like ropes and pulleys for flag hoisting.

In essence, "Shwetambar Jain Tirth Darshan Part 01" is a devotional compendium designed to be a spiritual resource for Shwetambar Jains, offering a pathway to connect with their heritage and deities through detailed descriptions and devotional aids for numerous pilgrimage sites.