Ajitrabhu Charitram - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shri Ajitaprabhu Charitam" by Devanandsuri, edited by Vinaypurnashreeji, and published by Omkarsuri Gyanmandir. The text is a Mahakavya (grand epic poem) detailing the life and teachings of Lord Ajitnath, the second Tirthankara of Jainism.

Key Information and Content:

Title: Shri Ajitaprabhu Charitam (श्री अजितप्रभुचरितम्)
Author: Acharya Devanandsooriji (आचार्य श्री देवानन्दसूरिजी)
Editor: Sadhvi Vinaypurnashreeji M. (साध्वी श्री विनयपूर्णाश्रीजी म.)
Publisher: Acharya Shri Omkarsuri Gyanmandir (आचार्य श्री ॐकारसूरि ज्ञानमन्दिर), Surat.
Year of Publication: 2073 VS / 2017 CE.
Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/022706/1
Significance: This is the first publication of this work, which was previously unpublished. The editing process was based on a single transcript copy, making it a challenging but rewarding endeavor.

Editorial and Publishing Journey:

The text was published with the blessings and guidance of esteemed Acharyas like Shri Yashovijaysurishwarji M. and Shri Muneechandrasurishwarji M. The editor, Sadhvi Vinaypurnashreeji, undertook the monumental task of editing this work based on a sole manuscript copy. The transcript was reportedly filled with errors due to its transcription by someone unfamiliar with Sanskrit, and the initial pages containing verses 1-14 were missing. Sadhvi Vinaypurnashreeji, with immense dedication and perseverance, reconstructed these missing verses and meticulously researched and corrected the text by comparing it with other relevant Jain scriptures and texts like Vachanamala, Trishashthi Shalaka Purusha Charitra, Vasudevahindi, Upadeshmala, and others. The publisher expresses gratitude for her diligent work and hopes for more such scholarly contributions from her.

Content of the "Shri Ajitaprabhu Charitam":

The Mahakavya is structured into seven Sargas (cantos), detailing various aspects of Lord Ajitnath's life and teachings, interspersed with moral and philosophical stories.

Sarga 1: Mangalacharan, Bhavatrayavarnanam, Vimalavahan Swarupa Pratham Bhav Varnanam, Dharmacharcha, Dharmasya Phalam, Dane Mangalkalash Katha, Mangalkalashasya Purvabhav, Shile Champakalaka Katha, Panch Kutuhalkarinyah Kathah: This sarga begins with auspicious invocations and then narrates the pre-life and early life of Lord Ajitnath, focusing on his previous birth as King Vimalavahana. It also discusses the concept of Dharma (righteousness) and illustrates its principles through stories like that of Mangalkalash and Champakalaka, emphasizing the importance of virtue, charity, and compassion.
Sarga 2: Vimalavahan Nripasya Gurudarshaneccha, Vimalavahana Rajnah Sadbhavana, Shri Arindam Guruvandane Arthagamana, Lakshyadivirasata Suchika, Guror Deshana, Lakshmiduranta Lyam Shripatikatha, Bandhuvarasya Kirtichandra-Samaravijaya Katha, Striviratyam Agadadatta Katha, Vishyatuchhatve Madhubindukatha, Dehalalanavaiphalye Shashiprabha Katha: This sarga continues the narrative of Vimalavahana's spiritual journey, his desire to meet his Guru Arindama, and the Guru's discourse on the transient nature of wealth, attachment, and worldly pleasures. It includes stories illustrating the futility of excessive attachment to material possessions and sensual desires, such as the tales of Kirtichandra-Samaravijaya, Agadadatta, Madhubindu, and Shashiprabha.
Sarga 3: Shri Ajitaprabho Mata-Pitrādi, Shri Ajitaprabho Shchyavanam, Swapnadarshanādi Cha, Shri Ajitaprabho Janma, Dik-Kumarika-Krita Janma-Mahah, Devendra-Krita Janma-Mahotsavah, Shakra-Indra-Krita Jina-Stuti, Sagarachakrinoh Janma, Jita-shatrunrupa-Vihita Ajita-Jina-Sagarachakra Janmotsavah, Balya Krida, Deha Varnana-ādi, Jita-shatrunrupasya Sachivena Saha Vartalapa, Shri Ajitajinasya Purah Sachivavijnapti-Nivedana, Shri Ajitajinasya Panigrahana, Jita-shatrunrupasya Diksha-Grahaneccha, Shri Ajitaprabho Rajyabhisheka, Shri Ajitaprabho Chintana, Shri Ajitajinasya Samvatsarik Dana, Ajitaprabhu Chintana, Ajitajinasya Samvatsarik Dana: This sarga vividly describes the celestial descent of Lord Ajitnath into his mother's womb (Vimalavahana's final birth), the auspicious dreams of his mother Vijaya, his birth, the divine celebrations by celestial beings, the congratulations and prophecies by Indra and other deities, the birth of Chakravarti Sagar, and the joyful celebrations of the births of Ajitnath and Sagar. It also covers Ajitnath's childhood, physical description, discussions with his ministers, his marriage, his contemplation of renunciation, and his annual acts of charity.
Sarga 4: Sagarachakrino Shatkhanda Sadhanam, Dharmavishaye Dhanmitrakatha, Purnamegha-Sulochanayoh Purva Bhav Sambandha, Meghavahana-Sahasrakshayoh Purva Bhavah, Chakrisutotpatti Varnanam: This sarga details Chakravarti Sagar's conquest of the six continents, his governance, and his understanding of Dharma, exemplified by the story of Dhanmitra. It also delves into the past lives of characters associated with Sagar's dynasty and the Puranas, such as Purnamegha-Sulochana and Meghavahana-Sahasraksha, and the birth of Sagar's sons.
Sarga 5: Sagaraputranam Svechcha Vihara, Varuna Varmarah Katha, Ashta-pada Darshana, Sagarātmajaih Kruta Jina-Stuti: This sarga narrates the events following Sagar's conquest, including the free wanderings of his sons. It features the story of King Varunavarma and his moral dilemmas, the sons' visit to Ashtapad mountain, and their devotion to Lord Adinath, the first Tirthankara, as they witnessed the sanctity of the place. The stories highlight the consequences of actions and the importance of righteous conduct.
Sarga 6: Sagaraputranam Ashtapada Rakshanaya Parikha-Karanam, Sagarātmajānam Nāgendrena Bhasmikaranam, Amātya-Sainya-Āntahpurastrīnam Vilapana, Ayodhyām prati Prasthanam, Mumūrshūnam Amātyādīnām Dvijena Pratibodhana, Swaputra-Mrutyu-Mishād Dvijanmanā Sagar-Pratibodhana, Sagarasya Vilapa, Dvijena Sagarasya Āshvāsana, Ganga-Pravaha-Skhalanāya Bhagirathasya Gamanam, Bhagirathasya Ayodhyām prati Gamanam, Kruta-Karma-Vipāke Vasumatī Katha, Girā Kruta-Karma-Vipāke Ashokashrī Katha, Janādi-Sāgara-Putrānām Bhagirathasya Cha Purva Bhavah, Bhagirathasya Vinītāyām Āgamanam, Rajyabhishekaḥ, Shri Ajitaprabhoḥ Sahasrāmravane Samāgama[m], Shri Ajiteshasya Panch-Indriya-Durvipāka-Sūchaka-Katha-Panchakamaya-Deshanā, Shravanendriyāsaktau Subhadrā Katha, Chakshur-Indriyāsaktau Lolāksha Katha, Sāmudrika-Shāstra, Ghrāna-Indriyāsaktau Gandhapriya Katha, Rasana-Indriyāsaktau Rasalola Katha, Sparshana-Indriyāsaktau Sukumalikānr̥pa Katha, Sagarachakriṇah Pravrajyā, Sagararṣheh Kevalajñāna Präpti: This extensive sarga covers the tragic event of Sagar's sons being reduced to ashes by the Naga King. It describes the lamentations of the queens and ministers, their journey back to Ayodhya, the Brahmins' attempts to console Sagar, Sagar's grief, Bhagiratha's penance to bring the celestial Ganga to cleanse the ashes, and his subsequent coronation. It also includes the significant teaching by Lord Ajitnath on the consequences of attachment to the five senses, illustrated through stories like those of Subhadra (hearing), Lolaksha (sight), Gandhapriya (smell), Rasalola (taste), and Sukumalikā (touch). The sarga culminates with Sagar's renunciation and attainment of Kevala Jnana.
Sarga 7: Kaushāmbīnagarē Prabhōh Samavasaraṇa, Dr̥ḍhasamyaktvē Sulakṣaṇā-Śuddha-Bhaṭṭayoh Kathā, Samyaktvamāhātmyē Amaradatta-Bhāryā Katha-Nakm: The final sarga depicts Lord Ajitnath's Samavasaṇ (divine assembly) in Kaushambi. It highlights the power of Samyak-Tva (Right Faith) through the stories of Sulakshana and Shuddha-Bhatta, and the profound teachings of a renunciate yogini on the nature of Dharma. The story of Amaradatta's wife (often referred to as Kamalini or Shyamadatta) is presented to illustrate the dangers of attachment and the transformative power of righteousness.

Themes and Teachings:

The "Shri Ajitaprabhu Charitam" extensively explores core Jain principles such as:

Ahimsa (Non-violence): Emphasized throughout the text, particularly in the context of Dharma and the consequences of violence.
Renunciation (Vairagya): The narratives often highlight the detachment from worldly pleasures and the pursuit of spiritual liberation.
Karma: The concept of karma and its inevitable consequences, both positive and negative, is a recurring theme.
Samyak-Tva (Right Faith): The importance of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct is central to the teachings.
The Illusions of Worldly Pleasures: The Mahakavya uses numerous stories to illustrate the transient and ultimately sorrowful nature of worldly enjoyments.
The Power of Virtue and Righteous Actions: The text consistently shows how virtuous deeds lead to positive outcomes, both in this life and the hereafter.
The Dangers of Attachment and Desire: The stories of characters like Vimalavahana, Lohalaksha, Rasalola, and others serve as cautionary tales about the pitfalls of excessive attachment to senses and worldly desires.

Overall:

"Shri Ajitaprabhu Charitam" is a significant contribution to Jain literature, offering a detailed and devotional account of Lord Ajitnath's life. It serves as a guide for spiritual seekers, providing moral instruction and inspiration through captivating narratives and profound teachings, all presented in elegant Sanskrit poetry. The extensive list of scriptures and texts consulted during the editing process underscores the scholarly rigor applied to make this rare work accessible to the public.