Tirth Darshan Guide - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Teerth Darshan Guide," based on the provided pages:

Title: Teerth Darshan Guide Author(s): Jain Prarthana Mandir Trust Publisher: Jain Prarthana Mandir Trust Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/006523/1

Overview:

The "Teerth Darshan Guide" is a practical companion booklet derived from a larger, multi-volume encyclopedic work titled "Teerth Darshan." The primary purpose of this guide is to provide essential information for Jain pilgrims planning journeys to ancient Jain pilgrim centers (Teerths) across India. It aims to facilitate pilgrimage planning by offering details about locations, routes, facilities, and administrative contact information, while the main "Teerth Darshan" volumes offer a more visual and detailed exploration with extensive photographs and historical context.

Key Features and Purpose:

Handy Booklet for Pilgrims: Recognizing that the main "Teerth Darshan" volumes are bulky, this guide is designed to be portable and easy to use during travel and pilgrimage.
Comprehensive Information: For each listed Teerth, the guide provides crucial details such as:
- Presiding Deity and Location: Information about the main idol or significant feature of the shrine and its geographical placement.
- Approach - Route: Details on the nearest railway stations, bus routes, road conditions, and how to reach the Teerth.
- Amenities for Jain Pilgrims: Information on lodging (Dharmashalas), dining facilities (Bhojanshalas), and other available amenities.
- Managed By: The name and contact details (address, phone numbers) of the managing organization for each Teerth.
Focus on Practicality: Unlike the main volumes, this guide explicitly states it does not contain pictures of God or Gurus, focusing solely on actionable information for planning a visit.
Supplement to "Teerth Darshan" Volumes: The guide serves as a direct complement to the "Teerth Darshan" encyclopaedia, which is described as a "multi-colour encyclopaedia" published in three volumes, containing around 240 pages and 200 photos each, printed on high-quality art paper.
Promoting Jainism: The ultimate goal is to boost the flow of pilgrims to these sacred sites, thereby helping more people receive the blessings of the Teerthankars and promoting Jain dharma.
Historical Context: While the guide itself focuses on practicalities, it is derived from the "Teerth Darshan" volumes, which were created through extensive research and compilation, including travel to ancient Jain shrines and collection of historical data. The main publication was first published in 1980 by Shree Mahaveer Jain Kalyan Sangh and updated by Shree Jain Prarthana Mandir Trust in 2002.

Content and Scope:

The "Teerth Darshan Guide" lists a vast number of ancient Jain pilgrim centers spread across various states in India. The index reveals a wide geographical coverage, including but not limited to:

Bihar: Kshatriyakund, Rujubaluka, Sametshikhar, Pavapuri, Rajgrihi, and many others.
West Bengal: Jiyaganj, Azimganj, Kathgola, Calcutta.
Orissa: Khandgiri/Udayagiri.
Uttar Pradesh: Chandrapuri, Hastinapur, Ayodhya, Shravasti, Deogadh, and many more.
Andhra Pradesh: Kulpakji, Gudivada, Pedamiram.
Karnataka: Humbaj, Karkal, Mudbidri, Shravanbelgola, Dharmasthala.
Tamil Nadu: Jinagiri, Vijaymangalam, Ponnurmalai, Munigiri.
Rajasthan: Mahavirji, Ranakpur, Nakoda, Lodarvapur, Osiyan, and a very extensive list of numerous other Teerths.
Maharashtra: Ramtek, Bhadravati, Antariksh Parshvanath, Mangi-Tungi, Gajpantha.
Kerala: Kalikund, Palukunnu.
Gujarat: Kumbhariaji, Patan, Taranga, Shankeshvar, Girnar, Shatrunjay, Mahudi, Modhera, and many more.
Madhya Pradesh: Lakshmani, Talanpur, Bavangajaji, Pavagiri, Mohankheda, Makshi, Ujjain, and numerous others.
Punjab: Sarhind.
Himachal Pradesh: Kangda.
Delhi: Indraprasth.

The guide also includes introductory and concluding remarks from U. Pannalal Vaid, Founder Hon. Secretary, expressing gratitude, seeking blessings, and inviting suggestions for improvement. The publication is dedicated to the "Sincere heart felt wishes of Late Smt. Anuradha Gautam Vaid" and reveres the Vaid family.

Overall Impression:

"Teerth Darshan Guide" is a meticulously compiled resource that serves as an invaluable tool for any Jain individual or group planning a pilgrimage across India. It embodies a commitment to preserving and promoting Jain heritage by making the logistics of visiting these sacred sites accessible and manageable. The extensive list of Teerths highlights the rich and widespread presence of Jainism throughout the country's history.