24 Tirthankar Parichay 185 Dwaroma

This Jain text, "24 Tirthankar Parichay 185 Dwaroma" by Muni Shri Dipratnasagar, is a comprehensive compilation of information about the 24 Tirthankaras (spiritual guides) of the current era in the Bharat Kshetra. The book is structured into 185 "dwaras" or topics, providing detailed accounts of each Tirthankara.

The text begins with invocations and dedications, followed by a table of contents that maps each Tirthankara to their respective page numbers, covering the first 10 Tirthankaras (Rishabhdev to Shitalnath) and then continuing with the remaining 14.

Each Tirthankara's section delves into specific aspects of their life and teachings, including:

• Name and Order: Their personal name and their position in the lineage of Tirthankaras.
• Past Lives: Details about their previous births and where they resided in those lives.
• Reasons for Becoming a Tirthankara: The specific karmic actions (20 aspects) that led to attaining the Tirthankara status.
• Birth Details: Information about their celestial descent (Chyavan), conception (Garbhagrahan), birth, parents, clan, lineage, and birth symbol (Lanchhan).
• Physical Characteristics: Details about their complexion, strength, height, and other physical attributes.
• Life in Householder Stage: Information about their marriage, the duration of their princely life, reign, and any empires they ruled.
• Renunciation and Enlightenment: The circumstances of their renunciation, the penance undertaken, and the location and tree under which they attained Kevalgyan (omniscience).
• Teachings and Disciples: Details about their sermons, the number of Ganadharas (chief disciples), monks, nuns, Shravaks (male followers), and Shravikas (female followers).
• Specific Teachings: Information on their principles, vows, and the extent of their knowledge and spiritual attainments.
• Death and Liberation: The place and circumstances of their nirvana (liberation) and the time of their passing.
• Unique Events: Any special occurrences or miracles associated with them, and the miracles that occurred during their time.

The book emphasizes that while the primary source for the 185 topics is the "Saptatishat Sthan Pra," other Jain scriptures and texts like "Aavashyak Niryukti," "Tirthoddhar Patra," and "Trishashthi Shalaka Purush Charitra" were also consulted. The author also acknowledges variations in textual accounts regarding the numbers of disciples or other attributes, which are noted as different "patha" or readings.

The text provides a systematic and detailed biographical account of each of the 24 Tirthankaras, offering a rich resource for understanding their lives, spiritual journeys, and the foundational principles of Jainism. The inclusion of specific details like the number of past lives, the reasons for attaining Tirthankara status, the duration of their reign, and the specifics of their renunciation and enlightenment paints a vivid picture of these revered spiritual figures. The author, Muni Shri Dipratnasagarji, has a prolific publication record, with over 600 books to his name, highlighting his dedication to Jain literature and scholarship.