Shatrunjay Giriraj Darshan in Sculptures and Architecture

Author(s): Kanchansagarsuri
Publisher: Aagamoddharak Granthmala

Page 52

Renovations of Shri Shatrunjay
Palitana. His son, King Chakradhar, desired the title of 'Sanghpati'. Blessed by the Guru, he arranged a 'Sangh' to the Shatrunjay and performed the tenth renovation of Giriraj.
ELEVENTH RENOVATION BY RAMACHANDRA
The younger brother of king Rama received initiation, attained Keval Gnan' and 'Moksha' with a thousand saints on Shatrunjay. Shri Rama undertook the eleventh renovation of the Tirtha.
TWELFTH RENOVATION BY PANDAVAS
In the time of Neminath, Pandavas performed the twelfth and the last renovation of the Fourth Aara.
In the Fifth Aara, four renovations have been finished and the fifth one is on the way:
(1) THIRTEENTH RENOVATION BY JAVADSHA
[Vikram Samvat (V.S.) about 105]
Tirtha Shatrunjay was in trouble due to laxity of Jains and the fear of thieves and wild animals. Pilgrims almost quit visiting Giriraj.
In Mahuwa (Saurashtra) there lived a rich man named Javadsha. The Moghuls attacked Saurashtra and conquered it. Sheth Javadsha was a great Jain even under the Moghul rule. He pleased the Badshah with his diplomatic tact and received permission for trade and industry. He made lot of money and erected a Jain temple in Mahuwa. Gradually the Jains gathered together, learnt about the significance of Siddhachal, its current deterioration and hence a need for renovation.
Javadsha did "Aaradhana' of Goddess Chakreshwari. Saint Vajraswamiji came to Mahuwa. Javadsha arranged for 'Sangh' to Shatrunjay accompanying Shri Vajraswami. In spite of the obstacles from jealous and mean elements, they did reach Palitana. They worshipped Shatrunjay with great rituals and installed a new idol of Lord Aadishwar. Overjoyed Javadsha and wife died on Siddhagiri and attained the higher level of existance.