Thambhan Tirthmal Stavan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Thambhan Tirthmal Stavan" by Trailokyamandanvijay, based on the provided pages:

Introduction and Context:

The "Thambhan Tirthmal Stavan" is a Jain devotional hymn that lists and describes the temples (Jinalaya) in the ancient city of Khambhat (also known as Thambhan). The provided text is an excerpt from "Anusandhan - 53 Shri Hemchandracharya Visheshank, Part 1," published by ZZ_Anusandhan. The current rendition is based on a handwritten manuscript transcribed by Shri Mohanlal Bhojak, in memory of his revered Gurus (Shri Punyavijayji, Shri Ramanikvijayji, and Shri Jaybhadravijayji) who visited Khambhat in Samvat 2009 (1952-1953 CE). This manuscript was later obtained by Shri Lakshmanbhai Bhojak and preserved by Smt. Rasilaben Kadiyan, who, despite her old age and ill health, meticulously edited and sent it for publication, demonstrating her deep love for knowledge.

Author and Dating:

The author is identified as belonging to the Anchalgachha sect and a disciple of Punyavijay Suri. While the author's name is not explicitly stated, the repetition of the word "Mukti" at the end of many verses strongly suggests the author's name might be "Muktisagar Muni." The text mentions two Punyavijay Suris from the Anchalgachha sect, one from the 17th-18th century and another from the 19th century. Further research is needed to determine which Punyavijay Suri the author was a disciple of. However, another work attributed to "Muktisagar Muni" (Sutak Chopai, composed in Samvat 1906) is also mentioned, suggesting this is indeed the same author.

The exact date of composition is debated. The colophon reads "Samvat satar ogan pachlotara varse, Karti sud chhathe Malaya," which could translate to Samvat 1705, 1749, or 1905. However, by considering "satar" (seventy) as an intended interpolation and analyzing the content, the composition is firmly placed in Samvat 1905 (1898-1899 CE). This aligns with the author being a disciple of the 19th-century Punyavijay Suri. This dating is further supported by:

• Comparison with other works: The description of Khambhat's Jinalayas in this work differs significantly from the "Chaityaparipati" by Matisagar (Samvat 1701), suggesting it's not from the very distant past.
• Mention of Mahabhadraswami's Jinalaya: The Jinalaya of Mahabhadraswami in Prajapatiwada is also mentioned in a document from Rewachand Panachand (Samvat 1947) and a preface to the Jayatihuṇastotra. The absence of this Jinalaya in earlier works suggests the composition is around Samvat 1900. Shri Mohanlal Bhojak also dates it to Samvat 1905.

Content and Structure:

The "Thambhan Tirthmal Stavan" meticulously lists 84 Jinalayas across 23 areas of Khambhat. Each Jinalaya is identified by the name of its principal deity (Mulnayak). The text is structured in the form of verses (Doha) and devotional songs (Dhal), each sung in a specific meter or tune.

Key Information about the Temples:

The text provides a detailed list of the Jinalayas, often noting discrepancies or similarities with the "Rewachand Panachand Kagad" (referred to as "Re.Pa.") and other older temple lists. Some notable points include:

• Specific areas and their temples: The text systematically goes through various localities (e.g., Alipado, MandviPol, Kadakotdi, Prajapatiwado, Jiraupoli, Mankunwarbai ni Pol, Dantawado, SagotaPol, Cholawado, Ghiuvati, BhoyraPado, Manekchok, Bambhanvado, Alang, Maniyarvado, Chokhipol, Naliarpol, Sanghvinipol, BorPipado, Kharvado, Shankarapur, Rajgadh) and names the Jinalayas within them.
• Deviations from other sources: The text highlights differences with the "Re.Pa." regarding the number of temples in certain areas, the presence or absence of specific deities, and even the names of localities. For instance, Prajapatiwado is referred to as "Kumbharvado" in "Re.Pa.," and some temples are described as being in underground chambers in "Re.Pa." but not in this work, or vice versa.
• Missing verses: It is noted that a few lines are missing from Dhal 6, 7, and 8, possibly due to omissions in the original manuscript itself.
• Unlisted temples: In Mankunwarbai ni Pol, only three Jinalayas are mentioned, but their names are not provided. It's speculated that a verse listing these names might have been missed.
• Cross-references: The text occasionally refers to other localities for clarification, such as when a Shantinath Jinalaya in SagotaPado is not listed in "Re.Pa." and suggests that it might be the same temple as the one in Dantawado, given their proximity.
• Comparison with earlier works: The introduction states that this work is an addition to the five known ancient works describing Khambhat's Jinalayas: Dungar Shravak's (16th century), Rishabhdas's Trambavati Tirthmal (Samvat 1673), Matisagar's Chaityaparipati (Samvat 1701), Padmavijayji's Chaityaparipati (Samvat 1817), and Rewachand Panachand's document (around 19th century).

Devotional Aspect:

The "Stavan" is filled with prayers and praises for the Tirthankaras, acknowledging their role in guiding souls towards liberation. The verses express devotion, seek blessings for well-being, and highlight the spiritual merit gained through visiting these sacred sites. The concluding verses emphasize the auspiciousness of reciting and listening to the Tirthmal, promising prosperity and ultimate liberation.

Additional Notes:

• The text includes titles and descriptions of sculptures of Hemchandracharya and King Kumarpal in Girnar, suggesting a broader context or connection within the "Anusandhan" publication.
• The term "Rajgadh*" is identified as possibly being the village known today as "Rajal."

In essence, the "Thambhan Tirthmal Stavan" is a historically significant Jain text that serves as a valuable record of the Jinalayas in Khambhat, offering insights into the religious practices and architectural heritage of the Jain community in that region during the 19th century. It is a testament to the author's devotion and the dedicated preservation efforts of individuals like Smt. Rasilaben Kadiyan.