Akshay Trutiya

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Akshay Trutiya" by Purnachandrasuri, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Akshay Trutiya Author: Purnachandrasuri Publisher: Upendra H Shah

Overview:

The book "Akshay Trutiya" is a religious discourse that highlights the significance of the festival of Akshay Trutiya as a messenger of "Supatra Daan" (charitable giving to worthy recipients) and delves into the profound merit and practices associated with "Varshitap" (a year-long fast). The text is authored by the esteemed Acharya Shri Madh Vijaya Purnachandrasurishwarji Maharaj and published by Upendra H. Shah.

Core Themes and Narrative:

1. Akshay Trutiya as a Festival of Supatra Daan: The central theme is that Akshay Trutiya is a sacred occasion for practicing and celebrating charitable giving, particularly to those who are worthy recipients, emphasizing the spiritual benefits and auspiciousness of such actions.

2. The Significance of Varshitap: The book elaborates on the practice of Varshitap, which is a rigorous ascetic discipline involving fasting for a significant period, often mirroring the long penance undertaken by Lord Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankar. It explains the spiritual merit and transformative power of undertaking such austerities.

3. The Story of Lord Rishabhdev and Shreyanskumar: A substantial portion of the text narrates the historical and spiritual account of Lord Rishabhdev's first fast after his renunciation.

   • Lord Rishabhdev's Renunciation: The narrative begins by describing a golden era in ancient India where people lived long lives, possessed great height, and enjoyed excellent health and virtue. They attributed their prosperity to Lord Adinath (Rishabhdev). The text recounts Lord Rishabhdev's decision to renounce his kingdom on Chaitra Krishna Ashtami, a moment of deep sorrow for his subjects.
   • The Long Fast: After his renunciation, Lord Rishabhdev wandered through villages and towns, but people, unfamiliar with the concept of mendicancy (begging), offered him riches, gold, and precious items, which he did not accept. This led to a prolonged period of fasting for him, extending beyond a year.
   • The Dreams: The story focuses on the night before Vaishakh Shukla Tritiya (Akshay Trutiya). King Somprabh (a descendant of Bahubali), Prince Shreyanskumar, and Nagarsheth Subuddhi all experienced significant dreams.
     • King Somprabh dreamt of a king surrounded by enemies, whose powerful son Shreyans helped him achieve victory.
     • Shreyanskumar dreamt of Mount Meru, covered in darkness, which he cleansed by pouring milk on it, restoring its brilliance.
     • Nagarsheth Subuddhi dreamt of scattered sun rays that Shreyanskumar managed to reconnect to the sun, making it shine brightly again.
   • Interpreting the Dreams: The next morning in the royal assembly, they discussed their dreams. They collectively concluded that these dreams portended great benefit for Prince Shreyanskumar, as he was central to all the dream interpretations.
   • Lord Rishabhdev's Arrival in Hastinapur: Coincidentally, on this auspicious day, Lord Rishabhdev arrived in Hastinapur. The public, recognizing him, pleaded with him to accept their offerings.
   • Shreyanskumar's Understanding and Offering: Shreyanskumar, upon seeing the emaciated state of Lord Rishabhdev due to his long fast, was deeply moved. Through his past-life recollection (Jati Smaran Gyan), he remembered his nine previous lives interconnected with Lord Rishabhdev. He understood that Lord Rishabhdev could only accept pure, unadulterated food that was not prepared for the sake of the ascetic. Seeing sugarcane juice as such an offering, and with ample supply from farmers who had come to present it as a gift, Shreyanskumar felt divinely guided.
   • The First Offering and Akshay Trutiya's Origin: Shreyanskumar offered 108 pots of sugarcane juice to Lord Rishabhdev, marking the end of his 400-day fast. This act of "Supatra Daan" was so meritorious that the gods rejoiced, showering gold coins and garments, and playing celestial drums. This divine recognition and the act of breaking a long fast with pure sustenance is considered the origin of the Akshay Trutiya festival.
   • The Significance of the Offerings: Shreyanskumar explained to the gathered populace that the dreams signified his role in helping Lord Rishabhdev overcome his fast and its associated adversities (represented by the dark Meru and scattered sun rays). He also explained his nine past-life connections with Lord Rishabhdev, highlighting the deep spiritual bond.

4. The Merit of Varshitap and Daan:

   • The book emphasizes that Varshitap is not just about fasting but also about the purification of one's karma. It highlights the profound merit that accrues from practicing such austerities and performing "Supatra Daan."
   • Daan (charity) is presented as the first step of Dharma and a cure for the disease of attachment (parigraha). It is crucial for spiritual progress and attaining liberation.
   • The text connects the merit of Varshitap with the act of giving, suggesting that those who perform it with the right intention can eventually achieve the highest spiritual state and offer fearlessness (abhayadaan) to all beings.

5. Practical Guidance for Varshitap:

   • The book provides specific guidelines on how to perform Varshitap, including starting points (Fagun Vad 8), fasting days, and appropriate meals for breaking the fast.
   • It recommends breaking the fast with "achitt" (unprocessed) sugarcane juice and suggests performing the "paarnaa" (final breaking of the fast) at holy pilgrimage sites like Palitana or Hastinapur for maximum spiritual benefit.
   • It mentions the large gatherings at Palitana on Akshay Trutiya for the culmination of Varshitap, facilitated by the Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi.

6. Personal Dedication: The book includes dedications and songs for Malini Bahen, wife of Upendra H. Shah, celebrating her completion of various penances, including Varshitap, highlighting the role of family and spiritual endeavors in life.

Conclusion:

"Akshay Trutiya" by Purnachandrasuri serves as a comprehensive guide and inspiration, illuminating the spiritual significance of Akshay Trutiya as a festival of selfless giving and celebrating the profound practice of Varshitap. It connects these observances to the historical events of Lord Rishabhdev's life and the extraordinary act of Shreyanskumar, emphasizing the power of virtuous actions and spiritual discipline in purifying the soul and achieving spiritual upliftment.