Adi Puran Part 2

This summary is based on the provided text, which is "Adi Puran Part 2" by Jinsenacharya, edited and translated by Dr. Pannalal Jain, published by Bharatiya Gyanpith. The text you've provided seems to be a detailed table of contents and specific chapter excerpts, primarily focusing on the events after Lord Rishabhdev's nirvana, particularly the life and conquests of Chakravarti Bharat, and eventually the spiritual journey of Bahubali.

Here's a comprehensive summary in English, organized by key themes and narrative progression:

Overview of Ādi Purāṇa Part 2:

Ādi Purāṇa, authored by Acharya Jinsen, is a highly significant Jain text. It chronicles the lives and virtuous deeds of the first Tirthankara, Lord Rishabhdev, and his descendants, particularly Chakravarti Bharat and Bahubali. Beyond religious narrative, it serves as a profound exploration of Indian culture, history, and societal development, making it indispensable for understanding Jainism and ancient Indian civilization. It is considered a great epic, a treatise on Dharma, politics, and ethics, and has garnered international acclaim for its portrayal of early human civilization.

This specific volume, Part 2, focuses on the continuation of the narrative, detailing Bharat's reign, his conquests, and the eventual spiritual paths taken by members of the Ikshvaku dynasty. It is enriched with Hindi translation, an introduction, and appendices including glossaries of technical, geographical, and personal terms, making it invaluable for researchers.

Key Narrative Threads and Themes:

1. Chakravarti Bharat's Reign and Conquests:

   • Ceremonial Duties and Preparations: The text describes Bharat's ceremonial worship of the Chakra-ratna, the celebration of his son's birth, and the subsequent preparations for his Digvijaya (world conquest).
   • Digvijaya: Bharat's military campaigns are detailed, traversing various regions of Bharatavarsha. He is depicted as leading a magnificent army, conquering kings, and overcoming natural obstacles.
     • Eastern Conquests: This includes descriptions of the autumn season, the army's march, the Ganga river, and the beauty of forests.
     • Southern Conquests: Bharat conquers kings and even defeats celestial beings (Vyantara Devatas) in his path, highlighting the power of his spiritual merit.
     • Western Conquests: Similar to the south, he proceeds westward, admiring the natural beauty of mountains and forests, and subduing the presiding deity of the western ocean.
     • Northern Conquests: Bharat marches north, reaching the foothills of the Vijayardha mountain. He encounters resistance from local rulers and Naga deities, but ultimately prevails, demonstrating his strategic prowess and the power of his allies (like Jayakumar with his fire-arrow).
   • Return to Ayodhya: After his extensive conquests, Bharat returns to his capital, Ayodhya. The Chakra-ratna stopping at the city gates signifies a turning point.
   • The Dilemma of Succession: Bharat realizes he must contend with his brothers, who have also achieved great spiritual or worldly stature. His brothers, influenced by their own spiritual pursuits, renounce their claims to the throne and take diksha (initiation) from Lord Rishabhdev.

2. Bahubali's Renunciation and Spiritual Triumph:

   • Bahubali's Refusal to Submit: Unlike his brothers, Bahubali, upon hearing the diplomatic message from Bharat, rebels against the idea of submitting to an elder brother when the kingdom was equally distributed. This leads to an inevitable conflict.
   • The War of Brothers: Bharat and Bahubali prepare for battle. Wise ministers suggest a ritualistic combat (Netra Yuddha, Jala Yuddha, Malla Yuddha) to avoid mass destruction.
   • Bahubali's Victory and Renunciation: Bahubali triumphs in all three combats. However, witnessing the futility of the conflict and the destructive power of the Chakra-ratna, he experiences profound detachment. He renounces the world and takes diksha.
   • Attainment of Kevala Jnana: Bahubali performs intense penance for a year, standing in Kayotsarga. He eventually attains Kevala Jnana (omniscience) and then Moksha (liberation).

3. Bharat's Spiritual Realization and Further Actions:

   • The Brahmanical Order and Dreams: Bharat reflects on his achievements and the creation of the Brahmanical order. He consults Lord Adinath about the implications of his dreams, which foreshadow future societal changes and the potential for deviation from Dharma.
   • Political and Ethical Teachings: Bharat imparts political science and the principles of Varnashrama Dharma to kings through various parables and examples.
   • The Nature of True Brahmana: The text distinguishes between true Brahmanas (those with spiritual merit and adherence to Jain principles) and those merely by birth, emphasizing compassion and non-violence as core virtues.
   • The Power of Merit (Punya): The text repeatedly extols the virtue of Punya, stating that through it, anything is achievable in the world, and it is the ultimate refuge in times of difficulty. The text outlines four types of Punya: worship of Jinendras, giving to worthy recipients, observance of vows, and fasting.

4. Narratives of Other Purushas:

   • The text then shifts to describing the lives and virtues of Jayakumar, including his marriage to Sulochana and the events surrounding his father Akampan's renunciation and attainment of liberation. The narrative emphasizes love, righteousness, and spiritual aspiration.

5. The Role of Acharya Gunabhadra:

   • It is mentioned that the subsequent part of the Purana, the Uttar Purana, was composed by Acharya Gunabhadra, detailing the lives of the remaining 23 Tirthankaras and other important figures.

6. Subhashitas (Wise Sayings):

   • The text is interspersed with numerous profound sayings and verses (Shlokas) that offer wisdom on various aspects of life, ethics, spirituality, and human conduct. These highlight Jain philosophical concepts like karma, detachment, compassion, self-control, and the ultimate goal of Moksha. Examples include:
     • "Poverty is a great suffering."
     • "Who does not desire what is beautiful and pleasing?"
     • "The equanimity of the highly powerful is also scorching."
     • "Great souls have wonderful resolve."
     • "The strength of the great is steadfastness."
     • "What is not possible through great Punya?"
     • "There is no greater means to achieve desired results than Punya."
     • "Punya is the ultimate refuge in calamity."
     • "Punya brings wealth to the poor and joy to those who desire happiness."

Overall Significance:

Ādi Purāṇa Part 2, through the life of Bharat and the spiritual journey of Bahubali, offers a comprehensive vision of Jain teachings. It emphasizes the importance of virtuous actions, the pursuit of spiritual knowledge, the practice of non-violence, and the ultimate liberation of the soul from the cycle of birth and death. The detailed descriptions of societal structures, military campaigns, and personal spiritual growth provide a rich tapestry of ancient Indian life through a Jain lens. The interspersed Subhashitas offer timeless wisdom applicable to all aspects of life, making the text a valuable source of both knowledge and ethical guidance.