Tirth Varnan Bhaktimala

The book "Tirth Varnan Bhaktimala" by Shravak Bhimsinh Manek, published by Shravak Bhimsinh Manek, is a guide for Jain pilgrims. The catalog link provided is https://jainqq.org/explore/005363/1.

This comprehensive book is divided into two parts. The first part includes an introduction, details about the individuals who embarked on the pilgrimage, descriptions of various Jain pilgrimage sites (Tirths), information about the five major Tirths, railway fares, distances in miles by cart and on foot, and addresses of important Tirths. The second part focuses on the daily religious practices of a Jain individual, covering topics like the philosophy of darshan (vision/faith), principles of worship, methods for undertaking and concluding samayika (a form of meditation), Chaityavandan (worship of temples), Stavan (devotional songs), Aarti (devotional ritual with lamps), and more.

The author's aim is to help fellow Jains undertake their pilgrimages smoothly and fulfill their spiritual aspirations. The book details a specific pilgrimage journey undertaken from Amalsad, beginning on Kartik Vad 11, Samvat 1978 (December 6, 1920). It meticulously records the number of tickets purchased for various individuals and groups.

The journey description includes practical details such as:

• Travel Itinerary: The book outlines the train routes, station stops, and the duration of stops. For instance, it mentions a significant waiting period in Surat due to train timings.
• Accommodation: It describes the conditions of dharmashalas (pilgrim rest houses) at various locations, noting both the facilities provided (like beds, water, and cooking arrangements) and the shortcomings (like overcrowding or lack of certain amenities).
• Local Travel: Information is provided on how to travel between different sites, including hiring bullock carts, tangas, or motor vehicles, along with their approximate fares.
• Site Descriptions: Each Tirth is described in terms of its significance, the main deity or idol, historical anecdotes, and the specific features of the temples and surrounding areas.
• Practical Advice: The author offers advice to pilgrims, such as the importance of carrying provisions, being cautious about hygiene, and the need for planning ahead.
• Financial Details: Some sections mention expenses incurred for travel and donations.
• Community Aspects: The book highlights the communal spirit and cooperation within the pilgrimage group, mentioning instances of shared meals and religious observances organized by different individuals.

The text covers a wide array of significant Jain pilgrimage sites across India, including:

• Major Tirths: Shikharji, Pavapuri, Rajgir, Champapuri, Kakdi, Lachhwad, Ksheerakund, Kacul, GuniAji, Madhuban, Bholpur, Kandalpur, Bihar (Vishala Nagari), Patna, Gaya, Kashi (Banaras), Singhpuri, Chandravati, Allahabad, Ayodhya, Faizabad, Ratnapuri (Navrahi), Kanpur, Kayamganj, Kampilapuri, Shikohabad, Mathura, Vrindavan, Delhi, Hastinapur, Agra, Jaipur, Bikaner, Phalodi, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Kesariyaji, Karada Parshvanath, Chittorgarh, Ajmer, Rani Gam, Varkana Ji, Nadel, Nandlai, Dhanera, Muchhala Mahavir, Sadadi, Ranakpur, Aamnewada, Nandia, Abu Road, Kharedi, Mount Abu, Avachalgadh, Shri Ambaji, Kumbhariyaji, Mesana, Taranga Ji, Bheyani, Shri Shankheshwar, Pansar, Ujjain, Shri Bhagsi Ji.

The second part of the book delves into the devotional practices, providing guidance on:

• Darshan Bhavna (Philosophy of Vision/Faith): Emphasizing the importance of seeing and contemplating the divine.
• Puja Prakaran (Worship Procedures): Detailing the steps for performing the eight types of worship (Ashta Prakari Puja) with specific mantras and verses. This includes purification rituals, applying sandalwood paste, offering flowers, burning incense and lamps, using unbroken rice (akshat) for auspicious symbols, offering food and fruits.
• Chaitra Vandana (Temple Worship): Explaining the etiquette and chants for worshipping in temples.
• Stavan (Devotional Songs): Providing lyrics for various hymns dedicated to different Tirthankaras.
• Aarti and Mangal Deep (Devotional Rituals): Describing the singing of devotional songs and the lighting of lamps.
• Pachkhan Vidhi (Fasting and Vow Procedures): Explaining how to take and conclude vows, including fasting.
• Samayika Vidhi (Meditation Procedures): Guiding on the proper way to perform and conclude samayika.

The book is written in Gujarati and aims to be a practical and spiritual companion for Jain pilgrims undertaking their journeys and for those seeking to deepen their understanding of Jainism.