Antrik Parshwanath Chand - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Antrik Parshwanath Chand" by Rasila Kadia, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Antrik Parshwanath Chand Author: Rasila Kadia (Editor/Compiler) Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229435/1

Overall Summary:

"Antrik Parshwanath Chand" is a collection of devotional poems and verses dedicated to Lord Antrik Parshwanath, a prominent figure in Jainism. The text, compiled by Dr. Rasila Kadia and based on an older manuscript (from the private collection of the Vidyamandir, Ahmedabad), celebrates the glories of Lord Antrik Parshwanath. It highlights his compassionate nature, his ability to remove obstacles, diseases, sorrows, and calamities. The work emphasizes that Lord Antrik Parshwanath is ever-present and accessible even in the Kali Yuga.

Key Themes and Content:

Glory of Antrik Parshwanath: The primary theme is the glorification of Lord Antrik Parshwanath. The poems describe his divine form, particularly the effulgence of his hood (phana) and the radiant gem on it, which captivate the reader's mind.
Miraculous Nature of the Idol: A significant aspect highlighted is the unique nature of the Antrik Parshwanath idol, which is described as always remaining suspended in the air, a testament to its divine power.
Remover of Afflictions: The text extensively details Lord Parshwanath's ability to alleviate various forms of suffering. This includes:
- Obstacles and Calamities: Removing hindrances, difficulties, and severe crises.
- Diseases: Curing dreadful illnesses such as festering wounds, leprosy, tuberculosis, infections, fevers, and various other ailments.
- Fears and Dangers: Protecting devotees from eight major fears, dangerous animals like snakes, lions, and elephants, and even from warfare.
- Negative Influences: Ward off evils, bad luck, poverty, and suffering caused by enemies or difficult circumstances.
Devotional Odes: The text is composed in various poetic meters like Doha, Adiyall, Chali, Deshnam, Chhappay, Arya, and Gaha, making it melodious and engaging for the reader. The use of alliteration and internal rhymes enhances its lyrical quality.
Universal Reach of Fame: The poems suggest that the fame and influence of Lord Antrik Parshwanath extend not only across India but also to foreign lands like Arabia, Ceylon, Iraq, Afghanistan, Baluchistan, and China, indicating his universal appeal.
Specific Descriptions:
- The verses vividly describe the Lord's divine beauty, comparing his radiance to the moon and celestial beings.
- The powerful effect of chanting his name is repeatedly emphasized, bringing solace and success.
- The text also touches upon the devotional practices of kings and sages who venerate the Lord.
Historical and Scholarly Context: The introduction provides valuable historical information about the work. It mentions that the manuscript was prepared from a 4-page copy from the collection of Vidyamandir, Ahmedabad. It notes the manuscript's good condition and the presence of illustrations. The editor, Dr. Rasila Kadia, has corrected numbering errors and made spelling adjustments for clarity. The text also provides the lineage of the author (Bhagvijay Vachak) and the date of composition: Margashirsha Krishna Paksha 14 of VS 1750 (November 1693). The work was created for the recitation of Pandit Bhagvijaygani, the assembly of monks, and especially Muni Shri Premvijay in Patan. This historical detail adds significant value to the work from a scholarly perspective.

Structure and Poetic Forms:

The work is a compilation that utilizes a variety of traditional Indian poetic forms, including:

Doha: Short couplets often used for opening invocations or encapsulating wisdom.
Adiyall: A meter characterized by its rhythmic flow.
Chali: A descriptive meter, used for detailing the Lord's powers and remedies.
Deshnam: Verses listing various geographical locations where the Lord's fame is prevalent.
Chhappay: A six-line stanza with a specific rhyme scheme.
Arya: A meter known for its musicality.
Gaha: Often refers to a simple, lyrical verse.
Ardhanaarach: A specific poetic description of form.

Conclusion:

"Antrik Parshwanath Chand" is a devotional masterpiece that serves as a powerful testament to the enduring faith in Lord Antrik Parshwanath. Through its rich lyrical content and profound descriptions of divine powers, it offers solace, inspiration, and a pathway to overcoming life's challenges for its readers and listeners. The scholarly introduction and historical context provided by the editor further enhance its value as a significant Jain text.