Jain Tirths of India By: Group C2 2007-2009 Acknowledgements This book is dedicated to our Guruji, Shri Mahendrabhai Shah who has established and serviced the Study Class of Jain Society of Greater Detroit consistently beyond the call of duty. Guruji started the concept of “Pathshala” over 25 years ago which has now soared across United States and Canada. His hard work and dedication to Jain Study Class with “Tan, Man and Dhan” is beyond anyone to rise to the level. Without him we would not have the Study Class we have today. Everyone in Study Class, not just Group C2, sincerely thanks you for your incredible devotion, and we would like you to know that your efforts are greatly appreciated, and your teachings will never go to waste. Riya Shah, Surabhi Modi, Deesha Shah, Juhi Nahata, Kush Madhani, Kunal Shah, Utsav Lathia, Shreyans Munot, Sneha Shah The Class C2 also extends special thanks to Vishal Modi, a student of Class F for co-authoring this book. He dedicated many hours composing the framework of the Tirth booklet and researching some of the material. Table of Contents One Satrunjay- Utsav Lathia Two Sammet Shikarji- Juhi Nahata Three Pavapuri- Riya Shah Four Girnar- Shreyans Munot Five Ranakpur- Kunal Shah Six Shankeshwar- Deesha Shah Seven Delwara- Juhi Nahata Eight Uvassaggaharam- Kush Madhani Nine Dharmachakra Prabhav- Shreyans Munot Ten Taranga- Riya Shah Preface A tirth is a pilgrimage site that provides the inspiration for the Jain Sangh to remove themselves from the cycle of birth and death and cross into moksha. There are many different kinds of tirths, such as Purana kshetras or Atishaya kshetras, but the main form is a Siddha kshetra, where kevalis attain moksha. Visiting these spiritual venues motivates one to liberate itself from all weaknesses of a human being, including pride, jealousy, and greed. These tirths offer a medium to find inner peace and strength that allows one to reflect on their past misdeeds and grow from them, thus shedding karma from ones soul. In addition, a tirth reminds one of their spiritual values, thereby uplifting one’s consciousness. Because so many Tirthankars and Sadhus have passed through them, every particle on the land is considered holy, and a simple touch can rid one of bad karmas. Tirths are one of the most important lands to the Jain Sangh, and with it comes the hope of attaining moksha one day. Although tirths are spread throughout India, the majority of them are situated in Gujarat and Rajasthan. Interestingly, 20 of the 24 tirthankars achieved moksha at the Samet Shikarji Tirth in Bihar, India. Tirths are also spreading out of India. There are places such as Siddhayatan Tirth in Texas, which contains a miniature version of many tirths, such as Girnar and Shatrunjay. Although tirthankars did not actually visit this place, soil from the actual tirths were used in creation of these miniature tirths. There is also a place called Siddhachalam Tirth in New Jersey, founded by Acharya Sushil Kumar in 1983. It is the only real Jain Tirth out of India. The Acharya purified Siddhachalam through austerities, study, and meditation. The purpose of both of these places is to help future generations find their roots in ancient Indian wisdom, learn the principle of non-violence, learn meditation, and learn to be good people in society. The Jain Society of Greater Detroit Study Class children of Class C2 did research on some of the very well known tirths to learn and share information about different tirths with rest of the students of the class. The project involved parents greatly who worked together with the students to research and compile the information. This may be used as a reference for the students of study class to inspire them to visit these places while they are in India. SHREE SATRUNJAY MAHATIRTH By Utsav Lathia Satrunjay Temples, Palitana, Gujarat Location Palitana is located on the bank of the Satrunjay River. It is 1900 feet above sea level. The Satunjaya Mountain is 6 Km from Palitana (ancient name Padaliptapur), 48 km from Bhavnagar in Gujarat. Mulnayak Its mulnayak is our first Tirthankar Shree Rishabhdev Bhagwan. The idol is nearly 216 cms high, white-colored and brightly shining with a serene and peaceful face. It is in the Padmasana posture. Establishment Mount Shatrunjay is Shaswata Tirth meaning it is eternal and has been there forever in some form. Shree Rishabhdev Bhagwan had 100 sons. His eldest son, Bharat Maharaja, had a dream to build this temple. He did the Pratistha of Shree Rishabhdev Bhagwan, Shree Pundrik Swami, Nami- Vinami, Shree Nabhiraja, Shree Marudevi (mother of Rishabhdev), Sunandam, Sumangala, Bhrami, Sundari and few others at this tirth of Palitana. Palitana has 108 different names in the scriptures and is believed to be eternal shrine. It has gone through 16 Jirnodhars (renovations) in this cycle (avasarpini). The path from Taleti to Rampol is 3 Kms. It has largest concentration of Jain derasars. There are 3745 steps to up to top. There are 9 ‘tunks’ on it. There are 105 big dersars and 815 small deris with a total of 11,904 idols (pratimas) made of stones and 665 idols made of metal. There are total of 8961 Padukas (images of feet). Guardian deity of this shrine is Kapradi Yaksh. In the Muslim age, a Muslim King from communal upspring erected shrine of Angarsha for protection of the tirth. The following are the nine tunks on the climb through the mountain all built in the mighty King Vikram Era. Number Name Year Chief Idol Built by Whom Built 1 Narsinh 1921 Bhagawan Shantinath Narsinh Kesharji Keshavji 2 Choumukhiji 1975 Idols of Pandavas Sheth Sadasomji 3 Chhipavasahi 1791 Bhagawan Adinath Chhipa brothers 4 Sakarvasahi 1893 %KDJZDQ&KLQWDPDQL Sheth Sakalchand Premchand 3DUVKYDQDWK 5 Nandishvar 1893 Bhagawan Chandranan Smt. Ujambai 6 Hemvasahi 1886 Bhagawan Adeswar Sheth Hemabhai 7 Premvasahi 1843 Bhagawan Adeshwar Premchand Modi 8 Balavasahi 1893 Balabhai 9 Motishah 1893 Bhagawan Adeshwar Sheth Shri Motishah Sheth This leads us to the main tunk of Shree Adeshwar bhagawan. Importance As per Jain religious books there is no tirth like Shatrunjaya Mahatirth. 23 out of 24 Tirthankaras (except Shree Neminath Bhagwan) have given message about Jainism to whole world from Satrunjay Tirth. First tirthankara Shree Rishabhdev Bhagwan did the deshna from Samovasaran under Rayana tree. He had climbed for 99 Purva times (Purva = 84 lac x 84 lac years) up to shrine on top of this Siddhachal giriraj and in commemoration of that pilgrims from all over the world do the same on their part. Shree Ajitnath and Shree Shantinath had done Chaturmas over here. Pundarikswami, the first Ganadhar of Bhagwan Rishabhdev had renounced the world to attain emancipation at this holy place. The mountain is named as Pundarikgiri after him. Shree Simadharswami has told that sinful person can get rid of their sins by going to Shatrunjaya tirth. A pilgrimage to this tirth is said to be equivalent to 100 pilgrimages. Every year, more than 4 lakhs pilgrims, observing six restraints in form of Sanghas pay visit to this unique tirth for pilgrimage. Pilgrims can do Navanu Jatra Vrat in which they climb Shree Shatrunjay Tirth 108 times within few months. This can be done anytime between Kartak Sud 15 to Ashadh sud 14. Many people stay in Palitana for 4 months during Chaturmas Season- Ashadh sud 15 to Kartak sud 14. They can't go on Palitana mountain - just stay at bottom and do darshan in Talati Temple. They do all religious activities here. Main Celebrations 1. Kartik Sud poonam: The day the mountain reopens after four months of Monsoon season. On this day Dravid – Son of Rishabhdev and Varikhill went to Moksha with 10 crore munis. 2. Meru Vada teras: Shree Rishabh Dev Bhagwan went to Moksha on this day. 3. Fagan Sud Teras: The circulatory pilgrimage of 6 Gau (19.3 kilometers). On this day Sri Samb and Sri Pradyumna, sons of Sri Khrisna attained Moksha over here. 4. Chaitra Purnima: Sri Pundrikswami, first Gandhar of Sri Adiswar Bhagwan attained Moksha on this day. 5. Vaishakh Sud Tritaya (3): This is occasion for Parna for Varshitap. 6. Vaishakh Krisna Chath (6): This is the anniversary of the 16th renovation carried out by minister Karmashah and conquest ceremonial consecration of the temple. Satrunjay Today There are 50 new and 35-40 old dharmashala in Palitana. Several dharmashalas are with arrangement for good bhojanalaya. People from all over India come to Patlitana to do parnu for their Varshitap. Standing atop at the summit, it is possible to view the Shetrunjaya River below. Devout Jains refrain from eating during their uphill climb, which may begin at dawn, as well as when they are descending just before dusk; they may sip on some boiled water. Glossary: Tirthankara – A tirthankara is one who establishes Jain organization and who is omniscient Scriptures – Jain Litérature Avasarpini – Descending cycle Gandhara – Main disciple of Tirthankara, through them Tirthankaras convey their message to world Emancipation – To be free from bonds (life –Death cycle) to attain Moksha. Tunk- Hilltop place of worship. Taleti- Base of mountain. Chaturmas - Four months of Monsoon Season References: http://www.jainuniversity.org/ http://www.jsgc.org/shatrunjay.htm Sammet Shikharji By Juhi Nahata Sammet Shikharji Jain Temple, Jharkhand (Bihar) Location Shri Sammet Shikharji, located in eastern India, near Giridih, in Jharkhand (Bihar) state, India, is a major Jain pilgrimage destination and one of the most sacred places for Jains in the world. Mulnayak The Mulnayak Bhagawan at Sammet Shikar is Bhagawan Parshvanath. Bhagawan Parshvanath was the 23rd Tirthankar. His father’s name was Ashvasen and his mother’s name was Vama Devi.