Monk and Monarch

Author(s): Vidyavijay
Publisher: Deepchand Banthia

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for the pilgrimage. The Jain Sangha of Patan resolved to go with Suriji observing 'Chhari. 36 The Sangha issued invitations to Lahore, Agra, Multan, Kashmir and Bengal. On an auspicious day they started for the pilgrimage. The Sangha went on advancing with carriages, horses, camels, and thousands of men. Gradually they reached Ahamadabad. Sultan Murad of Ahamadabad gave all facilities to the pilgrims. Then they reached Dholka. There Sanghvi Udaykaran of Khambhat requested them to stay for some days there, which they did. Here they were joined by Bai Sangde and Soni Tejpal along with 36 'Sejvalan'.
When this big congregation neared Palitana, Navrangkhan, the governor of Sorath, learning about Suriji's pilgrimage, came to receive him. He made them enter Palitana with great festivities. Suriji was being greeted there with golden and silver flowers.
According to Rishabhadas, there were 72 Sanghavis with him. Moreover there was one Sangha from Patan, there were three Sanghas from Ahamadabad, there was one Sangha from Malva, one from Mevat and one from Medta. Moreover there were smaller Sanghas from many other places. All these joined Suriji. According to Pandit Darshanvijay, the author of " Vijaytilaksuriras, " there were in this pilgrimage in all two lacs of men. In those days of slow communication, this assemblage of two lacs of men was a wonder. It was a unique occasion. People had the advantage of two tirthas, viz., Siddhachal and Suriji.
They wished to go up the mountain on the full-moon day of Chaitra. The previous night they all passed in the valley, and early in the morning they started their ascent. At last Suriji reached the highest part where the fort is situated. Then he went round all the small and big places of worship. Jain poets have described all this at great length in all details. Moreover it is said that Suriji passed several days on the mountain. It should be here remarked that ordinarily it is forbidden for a Jain monk to stay overnight on a tirtha like Siddhachal. But Hirvijaysuri stayed there because he was weak through old age and penance.
After bowing down to all the different gods, Suriji sat at a quiet place. There persons of all the Sanghas came to bow down