Valabhipurni Aetihasik Kirtigatha - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Valabhipurni Aetihasik Kirtigatha" (Historical Glory of Vallabhipur) by Shilchandrasuri, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Valabhipurni Aetihasik Kirtigatha (Historical Glory of Vallabhipur) Author: Shilchandrasuri Publisher: Shri Bhadrankaroday Shikshan Trust, Godhra Publication Year: 2003 CE / 2059 VS

This book, "Historical Glory of Vallabhipur," written by Shilchandrasuri and published by Shri Bhadrankaroday Shikshan Trust, is a detailed account of the historical significance of Vallabhipur, particularly from a Jain perspective.

Introduction and Genesis:

The genesis of this book can be traced back to an earlier request made by the then Governor of Gujarat to compile a comprehensive introduction to the historical monuments and Jain history of Vallabhipur. While that initial effort didn't materialize, the idea was planted. Later, during a visit to Palitana, a prominent individual, Seth Shrenikbhai, visited Vallabhipur, was impressed by its historical heritage, and urged the local leaders to publish its history, suggesting Shilchandrasuri as the author. The author then embarked on this project, gathering materials from Ahmedabad and Bhavnagar. Although initially intended for the Vallabhipur Sangh, due to unforeseen reasons, it is now being published independently by the Bhadrankaroday Shikshan Trust.

Vallabhipur's Historical Significance:

Vallabhipur is presented as a historically significant site for Jainism, Jain pilgrimage, and the broader history of Gujarat. The text emphasizes that the city has endured many trials and witnessed numerous historical events. Archaeological evidence, including over 250 copper plates and grants, along with scattered remnants, testifies to its rich past.

The Past (Ateet):

A Center of Power: In its prime, Vallabhipur held significant sway in Western India, comparable to Ujjain in Central India. Kings like Shiladitya, Dhruvasena, and Dharasen established and developed it as the capital of their vast empires. The city's prosperity attracted envy and led to frequent invasions by enemies and foreign rulers, resulting in its destruction multiple times.
Foreign Accounts: The renowned Chinese traveler Xuanzang visited Vallabhipur during his extensive travels in India and documented its immense prosperity in his travelogues.
Jainism and Buddhism: Vallabhipur was a region where both Jainism and Buddhism flourished. There are historical mentions of a period where Buddhists defeated Jain acharyas, influenced the king towards Buddhism, and gained dominance over the sacred Jain pilgrimage site of Shatrunjaya.
The Triumph of Mallavadi: The narrative highlights the pivotal role of the Jain muni Mallavadi (also known as Mallavadi Ganikshamaashramana), a resident of Vallabhipur and an acharya in the lineage of Lord Mahavir's disciple Sudharmaswami. He is lauded for his intellectual prowess, famously quoted by Acharya Hemchandrasuri as being superior to all other logicians.
- Mallavadi's Origins and the Challenge: Mallavadi hailed from Vallabhipur. His uncle, Jinandansuri, a respected acharya, was defeated and humiliated in a religious debate with a Buddhist acharya. This event deeply affected Jinandansuri.
- Mallavadi's Education and Achievement: Jinandansuri, on his sister Durlabhadevi's visit, suggested that her three sons, especially the youngest, Mall, were well-suited to contribute greatly to the Jain faith. Durlabhadevi and her sons were initiated. Under Jinandansuri's tutelage, Mall and his brothers became accomplished scholars and acharyas. Mallavadi, in particular, authored significant works like the "Dwadashar Nayachakra" and a commentary on the "Sanmatitarka."
- The Nayachakra's Significance: The story of the "Dwadashar Nayachakra" involves a precious manuscript containing parts of the ancient "Purvagata Shruta" entrusted to Mallavadi by Jinandansuri with strict instructions not to open it. Driven by youthful curiosity, Mallavadi opened the manuscript, causing it to vanish. He then undertook severe penance to regain it. Goddess Saraswati, impressed by his devotion, tested him and ultimately blessed him with the knowledge to create a commentary on the first verse he read, which became the "Nayachakra." This event marked his intellectual triumph and brought immense prestige to Vallabhipur.
- Mallavadi's Re-Debate and Victory: Mallavadi challenged the Buddhist acharyas who had defeated his guru. He participated in a debate in the royal court and, drawing upon his knowledge from the Nayachakra, his arguments were so complex that the Buddhist opponents were unable to respond. He was declared the victor, clearing the stain of his guru's defeat and re-establishing Jainism's supremacy.
The Age of Calamities and Agam Recensions: The 9th century CE is described as a period of great hardship in India, marked by invasions, famines, and epidemics, which also affected Vallabhipur. During this tumultuous era, the oral tradition of Jain scriptures was at risk of being lost.
- Agam Vacana (Recensions): In response to this crisis, Jain acharyas convened gatherings known as "Vacana" in Mathura and Vallabhipur. Around 830-840 VS, Acharya Nagarjunasuri organized a council in Vallabhipur for the South Indian Sangh, leading to the fourth Agam Vacana and the compilation of agreed-upon Agam texts. Acharya Mallavadi also contributed significantly to this effort.
- The Final Agam Compilation: The synchronization of the Agam texts from the Mathura and Vallabhipur Vacanas was completed in 980 VS at Vallabhipur under the leadership of the eminent Acharya Devardhigani Kshamashramana, with the participation of 500 acharyas. This monumental task involved writing down the Agam scriptures in book form.
Vallabhipur and the Kalpa Sutra: The text also mentions that the acharya presiding in Anandpur (near Vallabhipur) recited the sacred "Shrikalpa Sutra" to King Dhruvasena of Vallabhipur to console him after the untimely death of his beloved prince. This act brought peace to the king and led to the tradition of reciting the Kalpa Sutra during the Paryushana festival, a practice that continues to this day, with its origins traced back to the Vallabhipur region.

The Present (Vartaman):

Transformation and Resilience: Vallabhipur, formerly the capital of Gujarat and a prosperous city, experienced decline due to repeated invasions and foreign rule. Its name itself was altered over time, becoming "Vala" from "Vallahi" and "Vallai." Despite this, "Vala" retained its identity and was a princely state under the Gohil dynasty.
Patronage of Jainism: The rulers of Vala, including Thakor Vakhatsinhji, Thakor Gambhirsinhji, and the current Thakor Pravinsinhji, have consistently provided encouragement, support, and freedom for the Jain community to practice and advance their faith.
The Role of Spiritual Leaders: The text highlights the immense influence and contribution of three prominent Jain munis of the 20th century on the Jain community in Gohilwad, including Vala:
1. Pujya Gurudev Shri Vriddhivijayji – Vriddhichandji Maharaj
2. Panyas Shri Gambhirvijayji Ganivar
3. Acharya Shri Vijnemistrishwarji Maharaj These spiritual leaders fostered a spirit of unity and mutual respect among Jains, transcending sect and lineage distinctions.
Reconstruction of the Adinath Temple: Historically, Vallabhipur had a grand Jain temple dedicated to Lord Adinath. During the time of minister Vastupal and Tejpal, this temple, found in a dilapidated state, was renovated. Later, during periods of Muslim invasions or other disturbances, this temple was likely destroyed. Subsequently, the local devotees built a smaller temple resembling a "mahti deri" with a small idol of Adinath. In 1942 VS, under the inspiration of Vriddhichandji Maharaj, a larger, spire-adorned Jain temple (the current one) was constructed in Vala.
The Vision for a Grand Memorial: Vriddhichandji Maharaj harbored a strong desire to have a grand temple in Vala and a memorial honoring the 500 acharyas who participated in the Vallabh-Vacana with Shri Devardhigani Kshamashramana.
Consecration and Restoration: Although Vriddhichandji Maharaj passed away before the new temple's consecration, his disciples, Gambhirvijayji and Nemivijayji, carried forward his vision. In 1960 VS, Nemivijayji was granted the title of Gani-Panyas. Shortly thereafter, the consecration of the newly built temple took place. A grand ancient idol of Lord Parshvanath, generously donated by the Sangh of Burhanpur, was installed as the main deity. The event was celebrated with great fanfare, as noted in the "Jain Dharmaprakash" magazine.
The "Devagurupurasad" and the Memory of the Vacana: Following the establishment of the new temple, and in accordance with the vision of their guru, the Vala Sangh also installed magnificent idols of prominent acharyas, including Shri Devardhigani Kshamashramana, Shri Mallavadi Kshamashramana, and Shri Dhaneshwar Suri Maharaj. The primary inspiration was to create a permanent structure that would visually represent the historical Vallabh-Vacana, with idols depicting Devardhigani surrounded by 500 acharyas.
The Renaming of Vala to Vallabhipur: Acharya Shri Vijnemistrishwarji Maharaj played a crucial role in restoring the original glory of Vallabhipur. He motivated Thakor Shri Vakhatsinhji to undertake legal and political efforts to reinstate the historical name "Vallabhipur," replacing the less dignified name "Vala." This endeavor was successful, and the town was officially renamed Vallabhipur.
Establishment of Educational Institutions: The acharya also initiated the development of the "Shri Vriddhiuday Jnanshala" with a grand library, by purchasing the premises adjacent to the Vala Sangh's upashraya.
Acquisition of Land for the Grand Memorial: A significant undertaking was the acquisition of land for the grand memorial. Thakor Shri Pravinsinhji, demonstrating immense generosity, offered land as a gift. However, the acharya, adhering to Jain principles, insisted on a symbolic sale to ensure proper documentation and continuity. This led to the acquisition of land for the "Devagurupurasad."
The "Devagurupurasad" Construction: The plan for the "Devagurupurasad" involved a ground floor dedicated to a magnificent representation of the Vallabh-Vacana, featuring idols of Devardhigani with 500 acharyas, and an upper floor housing a Jain temple for Lord Adinath. The construction commenced, but due to the acharya's demise, his devoted disciples continued the project. The consecration of the "Devagurupurasad" took place in 2018-19 VS.
Vallabhipur's Flourishing Present: Today, the "Devagurupurasad" stands as a testament to Vallabhipur's glorious past and present, located on the main national highway. The text notes a resurgence in Vallabhipur's prosperity over the last decade, with millions of pilgrims and thousands of ascetics visiting, boosting the local economy. Activities like the Jeevdaya Panjrapole are also flourishing.
Notable Personalities: The summary mentions prominent figures from Vallabhipur, including the linguist Pandit Bachardas Jivraj Doshi and his son Dr. Prabodh Pandit, who have contributed to the town's intellectual heritage. Pandit Shridhshisvijayji Maharaj (Siddh Dadaji), an esteemed disciple of Acharya Vijnemistrishwarji Maharaj, was also a notable son of Vallabhipur.
Sources: The book draws upon various Jain historical texts, including "Jain Sahityano Sankshipt Itihas" by Mohanlal Dalichand Desai, "Jain Paramparano Itihas" by Triputi Maharaj, and works by Acharya Vijnemistrishwarji.
Limitations: Due to geographical distance, the book lacks illustrative images, which would have further enriched its content.

In essence, "Valabhipurni Aetihasik Kirtigatha" is a historical narrative that celebrates the rich heritage of Vallabhipur, particularly its profound connection with Jainism, highlighting key figures, pivotal events like the Agam Vacanas and the triumphs of Mallavadi, and the ongoing efforts to preserve and revive its historical and spiritual legacy.