Aapana Tirthankaro

This document is the Gujarati text of the book "Aapana Tirthankaro" (Our Tirthankaras) by Taraben R Shah, published by Shree Mumbai Jain Yuvak Sangh. It serves as a comprehensive reference guide detailing information about all 24 Tirthankaras of the current era (Vartaman Chovisi), as well as information about the Tirthankaras of the past (Ateet Chovisi) and future (Aanagat Chovisi).

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Key Information Provided:

• Title and Author: "Aapana Tirthankaro" by Taraben R Shah.
• Publisher: Shree Mumbai Jain Yuvak Sangh.
• Purpose: The author states in the "Nivedan" (Foreword/Statement) that this book is a compilation of factual information about Tirthankaras, serving as a reference book. It aims to consolidate scattered information from various Jain scriptures into a single, accessible volume.
• Tradition Followed: The book primarily follows the Shvetambar tradition, with alternative names or readings noted in parentheses where applicable.
• Accessibility: The author acknowledges that the information is extensive and not meant for casual reading but as a reference for those interested in the subject.
• Dedication: The book is dedicated to the soul of Smt. Gulabbaben Karanchand Shah.
• Invocation: The text includes traditional Jain invocations like "Namo Tiyaguna" (Namo Arihantadi) and "Logassa" sutra, which praises the Tirthankaras.
• Details of the 24 Tirthankaras: The majority of the book comprises detailed tables and lists providing specific information about each of the 24 Tirthankaras of the current era. This includes:
  • Parents: Father and Mother of each Tirthankara.
  • Symbols (Lanchan): The emblem associated with each Tirthankara.
  • Birthplace and Country: Where each Tirthankara was born.
  • Yaksha and Yakshini: The celestial beings associated with each Tirthankara.
  • Height and Complexion (Varna): Physical attributes like height (in Dhanushya and Hast) and complexion.
  • Kalyanak Dates: Dates of the five auspicious events (Chyavan, Janma, Diksha, Kevalgyan, Nirvana) in both Marwadi and Gujarati calendar formats.
  • Birth Nakshatra and Rashi: The birth constellation and zodiac sign.
  • Devlok of Origin: The celestial realm from which the soul descended.
  • Previous Lives (Bhav Sankhya and Puraibhav Nagari/Devbhav Ayushya): Details of past lives and their duration.
  • Ascetic Practices: Details related to initiation, time of initiation, penance, first alms, and period of asceticism.
  • Enlightenment: Details about the place and time of attaining Kevalgyan (omniscience).
  • Spiritual Tree (Dnyan Vruksh): The tree under which Kevalgyan was attained.
  • Preaching (Pratham Deshna): The subject of their first sermon and the number of followers (Ganadhar).
  • Disciples: Key disciples (First Shishya, Mukhya Ganadhar).
  • Devotees: Prominent devotees and rulers.
  • Powers and Accomplishments: Details about Kevalgyanis, Avadhijnanis, Chaddhapurvadhari, Vaigraiya Labhdhar.
  • Followers: Numbers of monks (Sadhu) and nuns (Sadhvi), lay disciples (Shravak) and female lay disciples (Shravika).
  • Marital Status: Whether they were married or unmarried.
  • Wife's Name: If married.
  • Lifespan: The duration of their life.
  • Nirvana: The location and time of their liberation.
  • Nirvana Posture: Whether they attained Nirvana in a seated or standing posture.
• Tirthankaras of Past and Future Eras: The book also includes tables listing the Tirthankaras of the past and future eras, providing similar details.
• Cosmic Geography: Information about different continents (Dwip) and regions (Kshetra) like Jambudweep, Dhatkikhand, and Pushkarardh is provided, along with the Tirthankaras residing in them.
• Sahasrakoot: Explanation of the structure of Sahasrakoot, a sacred architectural design containing numerous Jina images, and the categorization of these images (past, present, future Tirthankaras, Mahavideh Tirthankaras, Kalyanak images, etc.).
• Moun Ekadashi: A detailed explanation of Moun Ekadashi, a special fasting day observed due to the unique confluence of numerous auspicious events (Kalyanaks) occurring on the same day for various Tirthankaras across different continents and eras.
• Tirth Vandan: A section detailing the veneration of Jina images and temples across different celestial realms and earthly locations.
• Merits of Devotion: Verses emphasizing the power of devotion to the Tirthankaras and their teachings.
• List of 170 Tirthankaras: A compilation of 170 Tirthankaras who were active during the time of Lord Ajitnath, specifically mentioning those in Bharat, Airavat, and Mahavideh regions.
• Thirty-four Atishayas: A detailed explanation of the thirty-four extraordinary characteristics or virtues of the Tirthankaras.
• Thirty-five Qualities of Tirthankara Speech: A comprehensive list of the thirty-five attributes of the divine speech of Tirthankaras.
• Fourteen Dreams of Tirthankara Mothers: A description of the auspicious dreams perceived by the mothers of Tirthankaras before their birth.
• Guru of Previous Lives: Information about the spiritual preceptors of the Tirthankaras in their previous human lives.
• Mahavideh Kshetra Tirthankaras: A detailed explanation of the continuous presence of Tirthankaras in Mahavideh Kshetra and the cyclical nature of their lives.

In essence, "Aapana Tirthankaro" is a meticulously compiled and highly informative book that serves as an encyclopedia of Jain Tirthankaras, providing a wealth of detailed biographical and spiritual data for scholars, devotees, and anyone seeking to understand the lineage of spiritual guides in Jainism.