Trambavati Tirthmal - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Trambavati Tirthmal" by Bhuvanchandravijay, based on the provided pages:

Overview of the Text and its Discovery:

The book "Trambavati Tirthmal" is presented as a significant, previously unknown work by the renowned Jain poet Shri Rishabhdas, who was active in the 17th century. The author, Muni Bhuvanchandravijay, expresses joy in bringing this work to light. It's noteworthy that this text was not recorded in the Jain Granthavali (Jain Bibliography) and isn't mentioned in the existing commentaries on Rishabhdas's works.

The text's limited dissemination is attributed to its primary focus on Khambhat (also known as Stambhatirtha or Trambavati), a city in Gujarat. Copies might exist in other Khambhat libraries, but thorough examination hasn't been possible. The discovered manuscript is in excellent condition, discovered by chance as scattered pages from the knowledge repository of the Shri Parshwachandragachha Sangha in Borpiplad. The manuscript itself was written in Khambhat in 1744 (V.S. 1744), about 70 years after the original composition in 1673 (V.S. 1673).

Significance of the Work:

Historical Contribution: This work is considered a valuable addition to the history of Khambhat, providing specific details about the city.
Literary Value: It is an important contribution to the ancient literature of the "Tirthavali" (pilgrimage lists) genre.
Fills a Gap: The text fills a perceived gap in the poet Rishabhdas's known oeuvre, showcasing his admiration for both religion and Khambhat.

Related Discoveries and Comparisons:

The author also mentions another finding: a list of Jinhalayas (Jain temples) in Khambhat from about 150 years prior. Coincidentally, while discussing the "Trambavati Tirthmal," Pandit Shri Lakshmanbhai Bhojak of Ahmedabad showed the author a similar list he had recently acquired, and provided a photocopy.

The author notes the existence of other "Chaitya Paripatis" (lists of temples) related to Khambhat, such as:

"Khambhat Chaitya Paripati" by Shri Dungar Muni (17th century, 13 couplets).
"Khambhat Chaitya Paripati" by Padmavijay (mentioned in Jain Granthavali).
"Khambhat Tirthmala" by Matisagar (composed in 1701 V.S.).

The author expresses hope that future scholars will undertake a comparative study of these works with the "Trambavati Tirthmal."

Content of the "Trambavati Tirthmal":

The text itself is a devotional hymn (stavan) dedicated to Trambavati (Khambhat) and its numerous Jain temples and deities. The hymn is structured into several "Dhal" (sections or cantos) and a concluding "Kalash" (couplet).

The "Trambavati Tirthmal" lists numerous Jain temples and the number of idols (bimba) within them, categorized by their locations (Polis or areas) within Khambhat. The poem describes these temples and the Tirthankaras (Jain saints) housed within them, often with devotional verses about worshipping them.

Key Features and Observations from the Text:

Temple and Idol Count: The "Trambavati Tirthmal" lists a total of 79-80 Jinhalayas in and around Khambhat. The total number of idols mentioned across all temples is 2730.
Locations (Polis): The text meticulously lists temples based on their location within Khambhat, mentioning various "Polis" (lanes or districts) such as Sagutani Poli, Dantarani Poli, Gandharva, Prajapatyani Pol, Alangvasaini Pol, Mohorvasai, Nakarna Poli, Jirola, Mahalaxmi Pol, Chokasi, Sharua, Mungar, Maniyara, Saha Jedas, Bhandari, Vora, Saha Mahiana, Givati, Patua, Unchi Seri, Sagotapada, Salvi, etc.
Specific Temples and Tirthankaras: Many Tirthankaras are mentioned, including Rishabhdev, Kunthunath, Shantinath, Neminath, Chandprabhu, Sambhavnath, Munisuvrat, Vaspujya, Mallinath, Simandhar, and Mahavir Swami. Specific temples are identified by the Tirthankara they house or by names like "Chintamani," "Samal," "Bhujranga," etc.
Poetic Style: The language is Gujarati with some archaic forms and influences characteristic of the time and region. The author notes changes in pronunciation and spelling, such as "Vyamb" for "Bimb," "Chyintamani" for "Chintamani," "Polya" for "Poli," and "Yana" for "Jina."
Devotional Tone: The hymn is filled with devotion, praising the Tirthankaras and the merit gained through their worship.
Conclusion (Kalash): The concluding couplet reinforces the idea that worship leads to rewards and states that the "Trambavati Tirthmal" was completed in Samvat 1744 (Kartik Sud 2) at Stambhatirtha.

Comparative Analysis with Lists (Pages 9-16):

The latter part of the text presents two lists of temples in Stambhatirtha (Khambhat).

List 1 (from Khambhat Bhandar): This list, believed to be around 150 years older than the current publication, details numerous temples and their locations within Khambhat. It includes "ghar-derasar" (temples in private homes) and "dakshin-sanamukh derasar" (south-facing temples).
List 2 (from La. Da. Bha. Vidyamandir, Ahmedabad): This list is similar to the Khambhat list but is more concise. It dates to V.S. 1900 (1843 AD).

Key Findings from Comparing the Lists and the Tirthmal:

Temple Count: The Tirthmal lists 79-80 temples, while the lists (from about 150-200 years later) indicate a total of 85 temples in Khambhat and its surrounding areas. The author suggests that over time, temples might have been moved or their counts consolidated, leading to variations.
Historical Continuity: Despite the passage of approximately 400 years, a significant number of temples mentioned in the Tirthmal are still present, with minor changes. This suggests that Khambhat's Jain temples have endured relatively well, with new temples being built and old ones renovated.
Name Variations: Some locality names show evolution. For instance, "Mohorvasai" in the Tirthmal is known as "Khada-khoti" today, and "Saha Mahiana ni Pol" (Tirthmal) corresponds to "Manek Chowk" in modern times. "Ladwado" today was "Brahmanda" in the lists and not mentioned by that name in the Tirthmal.
South-Facing Temples: The text notes that Jain temples are not typically south-facing, yet one of the Khambhat lists records 8 such temples, many of which are still south-facing today.
Idol Count Discrepancy: While the Tirthmal counts 2730 idols, current estimates are around 1200 stone and 1370 metal idols. The author attributes this to the natural process of idols becoming worn out, being replaced, or being consecrated anew over centuries.

In essence, "Trambavati Tirthmal" is a historically and religiously significant text that provides a detailed, poetic inventory of Jain temples in Khambhat during the 17th century, offering valuable insights into the city's Jain heritage and the evolution of its religious landscape.