Aradhana Kathakosha

"Aradhana Kathakosha" (आराधना कथाकोश), authored by Bhattarak Chandrakirti and edited by Shantakumar Jaykumar Killedar, is a significant Jain text published by Jain Sanskruti SamrakshSaka Sangh Solapur in 1978. This comprehensive collection of narratives, presented in Marathi, draws from the "Prathamanuyoga" tradition of Jain literature, focusing on the virtuous lives and teachings of revered Jain figures.

The book is structured into numerous "prasangas" (episodes or stories), each detailing the exemplary lives of saints, kings, and individuals who exemplified Jain principles. The "Prakshiya Nivedan" (Publisher's Note) highlights the text's importance in instilling religious values in young minds and contributing significantly to Marathi Jain literature.

The "Anukramanika" (Index) reveals a vast array of stories, covering themes such as:

• The lives of prominent Jain ascetics and figures: Including tales of Patrakesari, Akalankcharitra, Sanatkumar Chakravarti, Samantabhadra Muni, Sanjayanta Muni, Vishnumumar Muni, Vajrakumar, and many others.
• The adherence to Jain vows and principles: Stories illustrate the importance of virtues like Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Brahmacharya (celibacy), Aparigraha (non-possession), and the impact of these practices on their lives. Examples include the stories of Dhivar Katha, Anantmati Katha, Vidyut Chaur, and Brahmacharya Dosha stories.
• The consequences of virtuous and unvirtuous actions: The text demonstrates the outcomes of following Dharma (righteousness) and the pitfalls of adhering to negative traits like greed, anger, pride, and delusion, as seen in tales like the ones involving Vasuraja and the consequences of falsehood.
• The power of devotion and faith: Narratives like Jinendra Bhakta and the stories related to the Pancha Namaskar Mantra emphasize the profound impact of devotion on spiritual progress and achieving liberation.
• The teachings of Jain philosophy: The text explores concepts like the importance of righteous conduct, the nature of karma, the path to spiritual purification, and the ultimate goal of Moksha (liberation).
• Geographical and cultural insights: The book provides descriptions of various ancient Indian regions, cities, rivers, and customs, offering a glimpse into the historical and cultural context of Jainism.

The "Prastavana" (Introduction) and "Bhasha-Visheshata" (Language Features) sections discuss the unique linguistic characteristics of the manuscript, noting its Marathi language, influences from Sanskrit, and some grammatical peculiarities. The text also delves into the manuscript's tradition, tracing its lineage from earlier Sanskrit works and acknowledging the contributions of its compilers and translators.

"Aradhana Kathakosha" serves as a rich repository of Jain moral teachings and inspirational stories, aiming to guide readers towards a virtuous and spiritually fulfilling life.