Spiritual Pilgrimmage Of Chha Gau

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Spiritual Pilgrimage of Chha Gau" by Acharya Shri Gunratnasuriji:

This book, "Spiritual Pilgrimage of Chha Gau," is a guide and explanation for a significant annual Jain pilgrimage, particularly focusing on the "Chha Gau" (Six Gau, approximately 15 kilometers) route. The core message of the book is to imbue this pilgrimage with spiritual understanding and reverence, rather than treating it as a mere outing or social event.

Key Themes and Content:

• The Significance of Falgun Sud 13th: The book clarifies why the 13th day of Falgun Sud is designated as the primary day for this pilgrimage. It is linked to the historical event where two princes and a vast number of Jain monks attained salvation on this specific day. The author laments that many participants are unaware of this profound significance and engage in frivolous activities, urging them to adopt a serious mindset focused on shedding karma and achieving moksha (salvation).

• The Story of Pradyumna (Krishna's Son): A significant portion of the book is dedicated to narrating the life and adventures of Pradyumna, the son of Lord Krishna. This narrative serves as a pedagogical tool to illustrate Jain principles:

  • Karma and its Fruits: The story highlights how past actions (karma) lead to consequences, both positive (punya) and negative (papa). Pradyumna's life is portrayed as a series of events shaped by these karmic influences.
  • The Dangers of Passion (Kama Rag) and Attachment: The narrative emphasizes how unchecked desires, lust, and attachment lead to misfortune and suffering. Examples include Kanakmala's lustful advances towards Pradyumna and Shamb's succumbing to passion even towards his mother.
  • The Importance of Righteous Conduct and Control of Diet: The book links Pradyumna's ability to resist temptation to controlling one's diet and desires. It also cautions against the consumption of eggs, comparing their nutritional value unfavorably with pulses and citing health and ethical concerns.
  • The Consequences of Enmity and Actions: The story of the enmity between Satyabhama and Rukmani, and their sons, illustrates how maternal conflicts can foster animosity between siblings, leading to further negative consequences.
  • The Power of Skills (Siddhis): Pradyumna's mastery of skills like Pragnapti is showcased, demonstrating how abilities can be used for both beneficial and detrimental purposes, depending on the user's intentions.
  • The Fall of Dwarka: The book recounts the prophecy of Lord Neminath regarding the destruction of Dwarka due to the arrogance and intoxication of its inhabitants, particularly the sons of Krishna. This serves as a stark warning against the perils of alcohol and vice.
  • Salvation of Shamb and Pradyumna: The narrative culminates with Shamb and Pradyumna, along with a vast assembly of monks, achieving Kevalgyan (omniscience) and salvation on Shatrunjaya Hill on Falgun Sud 13th, reinforcing the significance of the pilgrimage day.

• Mental Pilgrimage of Shatrunjay Hill: The book offers a detailed running commentary of a mental pilgrimage through Shatrunjaya Hill, guiding the reader through various significant locations and temples on the hill. This includes:

  • Jaya Taleti: The starting point, with mentions of Lord Adinath's footprints and historical significance.
  • Various Temples and Footprints: Descriptions of temples dedicated to Shantinath, Lord Padma Prabhu, Jagat Sheth, King Kumarpal, and many others, along with the footprints of various Tirthankaras and revered monks.
  • Pradakshinas: The ritualistic circumambulations around the main temple of Lord Adinath.
  • Rayan Pagala: The location of Lord Adinath's footprints under a Rayan tree.
  • Temple of Shree Pundrik Swami: Highlighting Pundrik Swami's connection to the hill and his attainment of salvation.
  • Grand Temple of Dada: The main temple housing the idol of Lord Adinath, described with great reverence.
  • Devki's Six Sons: The story of Devki's six children who were miraculously saved and later attained salvation on Shatrunjaya, narrated to explain the presence of their idols.
  • Ulka Jal: A water point with historical significance.
  • Small Temples of Ajitnath and Shantinath: Mentioning a miracle involving the temples.
  • Chillan/Chandan Talawadi (Lake): The origin of the lake through a miracle.
  • Idol of Diamond: A description of a legendary diamond idol of Lord Adinath.
  • Siddha Shila: A place where a great number of souls have achieved salvation.
  • Bhadva's Hill: Specifically mentioning the salvation of Shamb and Pradyumna with 8.5 crore monks on Falgun Sud 13th.
  • Siddhavad: A banyan tree under which many souls have attained salvation.

• Emphasis on Devotion and Righteous Action: Throughout the book, the author stresses the importance of performing the pilgrimage with sincere devotion, understanding, and a genuine desire for spiritual progress. He encourages readers to perform Chaitya Vandans (acts of reverence) at each significant spot and to chant mantras like "Namo Siddhanam" (homage to the liberated souls).

• Critique of Modern Trends: The author expresses concern over the dilution of religious practices and the rise of "reformers" who dismiss traditional rites and festivals as "inflation of Dharma." He warns that such attitudes can lead to spiritual downfall. He also advocates for the performance of annual duties prescribed in Jain scriptures.

• Call to Action: The book concludes by urging readers to undertake this pilgrimage with the intention of shedding karmas and achieving salvation, and to cultivate this mental pilgrimage daily.

In essence, "Spiritual Pilgrimage of Chha Gau" aims to elevate the physical act of pilgrimage into a profound spiritual journey, enriching the reader's understanding of Jain philosophy, ethics, and history through compelling narratives and detailed descriptions of sacred sites.