Holy Abu

Author(s): Jayantvijay
Publisher: Yashovijay Jain Granthmala

Page 10

PUBLISHER'S NOTE
The Fame of Mt. Ābu has spread all over Bhārat and even crossed her borders, both for its veritable gift of natural beauty and its galaxy of lofty specimens of Architecture. Connoisseurs of classical plastic art, both native and foreign have showered lavish commendations upon the beautiful carvings in the Jaina Temples of Ābu. Thousands of pilgrims from all over India visit Ābu every year to offer their worship at the holy shrines and numerous visitors from foreign countries sojourn there to pay their homage to the Craftsmanship of the Old Masters. It is, therefore, with great pleasure that we publish this volume which, we hope, will prove useful as a guide, not only to the seekers of beauty-spots and health-resorts but also to students of Ancient Indian Art and Culture.
The fame of the late reverend Muni Shri Jayanta Vijayaji is well established both as a scholar of literature and history of the Jainas and as an author of works dealing with their holy places. His non-sectarian approach to his subject and fidelity to history, claim our undiluted admiration.
Among the numerous works of Muni Shri Jayanta Vijayaji dealing with places of Jaina Pilgrimage, five are outstanding for having Ābu as their theme. Readers of these volumes will appreciate the efforts of one who combined in himself the austere discipline of a Jaina Monk's daily life and the learning of a research scholar. These five works about Mt, Abu are as follows :
1. Tirtharāja Ābu :-It presents a mythological and historical account of Abu-a good guide for travellers.
2. Arbuda-Prachina-Jaina-Lekha-Sándoha :-It is a collection of the inscriptions on idols, stone-plaques, etc., with Gujarāti translations thereof and comments thereon.
3. Achalgadh :-An account of a part of Ābu.
4. Arbudāchala-Pradakshiņā-Varṇanam :-A short account of 97 towns and villages surrounding the Mount of Ābu.
5. Arbudāchala-Pradakshiņā-Jaina-Lekha-Sandoha :-A collection of inscriptions found on images etc. in the towns and