Ashtapad Maha Tirth 01 Page 336 To 421 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on the key narratives and teachings presented, particularly concerning Ashtapad Tirth and related figures. The summary is structured to cover the main sections and themes found in the text.

Summary of "Ashtapad Maha Tirth" (Pages 336-421)

This extensive section of the book details significant events and characters associated with the sacred Ashtapad Tirth, a mountain revered in Jainism. The narrative weaves together devotion, philosophical insights, and historical accounts of key figures.

1. Ravana and Mandodari's Devotion at Ashtapad:

The passage begins with Ravana and Mandodari, accompanied by their retinue, arriving at Ashtapad. They witness the magnificent Jin Chaityas (temples) built by Bharat Chakravarti.
Ravana and Mandodari engage in profound devotional worship of all 24 Tirthankaras, from Rishabhadeva to Mahavira.
They perform Bhavapuja (devotional worship through inner feeling and artistic expression). Ravana plays the Veena, and Mandodari dances. Their performance is so intense that when a Veena string breaks, Ravana, using Laghu Laghvi Vidya, uses a vein from his thigh to mend it, demonstrating his selfless devotion.
The text quotes Vimalasuri's Pavamachariu to highlight Ravana's skill and the depth of their devotion, emphasizing that even when a string broke, Ravana's dedication remained unbroken, leading him to attain great spiritual merit and bind the Tirthankara-pada (status).

2. Dharnendra's Encounter with Ravana and Mandodari:

Dharnendra, the King of Patala (underworld), arrives at Ashtapad with other deities to worship. Hearing the divine music, he observes Ravana and Mandodari engrossed in their worship.
Respecting their spiritual absorption, Dharnendra decides not to disturb them and waits.
After their worship concludes, Dharnendra expresses his pleasure and satisfaction with Ravana's praise of the Arihantas. He offers Ravana a boon.
Ravana, exhibiting profound detachment (nishkrihata), humbly declines any reward, stating that accepting a boon would diminish his own devotion.
Dharnendra is highly impressed by Ravana's detachment and bestows upon him the Amodha-Vijaya (unfailing victory) bahurupakarini vidya (a supernatural power to change forms).
The text praises Ravana's selfless devotion, highlighting that true worship is not a transaction but a pure act of love, valuing devotion above worldly possessions.

3. Rani Virmati and the Story of King Mumman:

The narrative shifts to Rani Virmati, whose inherent radiance is linked to a past life event at Ashtapad, as described in Nalayana by Manikyasuri.
King Mumman, a powerful but irreligious king, encounters a merchant caravan going to Ashtapad. He unjustly attacks the caravan and captures a muni (ascetic).
Mumman, driven by cruelty, unleashes dogs on the muni. The muni, possessing great fortitude and vajra-rishabhanaracha sanghayana (a strong physique), endures the pain with equanimity.
Rani Virmati, upon witnessing the horrific act, is deeply distressed. She rebukes the king for his barbarity, comparing the muni to a wish-fulfilling tree and a precious jewel. She urges the king to seek forgiveness.
The muni, through his teachings, enlightens King Mumman about the true nature of dharma and the consequences of violence. This leads to Mumman and Virmati accepting lay discipleship (Shravaka dharma).
The muni reveals his destination is Ashtapad and Mumman's actions, though cruel, have served a purpose by bringing him closer to this spiritual pursuit. He explains the immense merit of visiting Ashtapad, stating that worshipping the Tirthankara idols there leads to liberation within eight lifetimes.
Rani Virmati, inspired, desires to visit Ashtapad herself. With the help of the Shasanadevi (guardian deity), she undertakes severe penance and is granted passage to Ashtapad in a celestial vehicle.
At Ashtapad, she worships the Tirthankara idols, applying tilakas (marks) made of precious stones on their foreheads.
The narrative then follows Virmati and Mumman (in a subsequent life as Dhanya and Dhanasri) as they continue their spiritual journey, serving ascetics and living a righteous life. Their virtuous deeds lead them to higher rebirths, eventually as celestial beings and then as Nal and Damayanti, whose story is briefly touched upon concerning past life connections and separations.

4. Guru Gautam Swami and Ashtapad:

The text provides an account of Guru Gautam Swami's life, highlighting his spiritual prowess and his connection to Ashtapad.
Gautam Swami, a chief disciple of Lord Mahavir, possessed extraordinary knowledge and laddhis (supernatural powers).
He ascended Ashtapad using Janghacharana Laddhi (power of swift movement) and the support of sun rays, signifying mastery over physical limitations through spiritual power.
On Ashtapad, he worshipped the Tirthankara idols and created the Jagachintamani Chaityavandan.
He encountered 1503 ascetics performing difficult penances, unable to reach Ashtapad. Gautam Swami's arrival and his Akshinmahanasa Laddhi (inexhaustible food power) allowed him to feed all 1503 ascetics with a small amount of kheer (rice pudding) during their parana (breaking of fast).
This act of spiritual grace led to the ascetics attaining Kevala Jnana (omniscience).
Gautam Swami's own attainment of Kevala Jnana was delayed due to his deep attachment (rag) to Lord Mahavir, a concept explained as a subtle barrier to ultimate liberation. Lord Mahavir eventually advised him to overcome this attachment to achieve Kevala Jnana.
The narrative emphasizes the power of devotion and the complex journey towards spiritual perfection, even for profound disciples like Gautam Swami.

5. Acharya Padaliptasuri and Ashtapad:

Acharya Padaliptasuri is presented as a figure who achieved miracles through spiritual practice and created works of great imagination.
His story involves a unique event where he granted the power of levitation (padalipata vidya) to a disciple, earning him the name Padalipta.
He famously visited five major Tirthas – Shatrunjay, Girnar, Ashtapad, Sammet Shikhar, and Arbuda Giri – daily for worship using his aerial powers.
The text mentions his profound philosophical works and his role in establishing the city of Palitana.

6. Bharat Chakravarti and Ashtapad:

The story of Bharat Chakravarti is detailed, highlighting his profound spirituality and his role in establishing Ashtapad as a pilgrimage site.
After worshipping Lord Adinath at Ashtapad, he learns of the Lord's Nirvana. He experiences immense grief but is consoled by Indra, who explains the nature of liberation as a joyous occasion for the liberated soul.
Bharat Chakravarti constructs magnificent temples at Ashtapad, including the Simhanishadhya temple, which houses idols of all 24 Tirthankaras, along with structures for his family and ancestors.
He meticulously designs the mountain with eight measured pathways, leading to its name "Ashtapad" (eight steps).
After Lord Adinath's Nirvana, Bharat experiences deep sorrow but is eventually guided by his ministers to focus on devotion and duty.
His detachment from worldly pleasures, including his royal attire and possessions, signifies his spiritual awakening. He ultimately attains Kevala Jnana and Nirvana at Ashtapad.
The text notes his lifespan and the subsequent lineage, including his son Suryayash, who continues his spiritual legacy.
The construction of Ashtapad by Bharat Chakravarti is described as a significant event, creating a sacred space that purifies the world.

7. Ravana and Vali Muni at Ashtapad:

The narrative recounts an encounter between Ravana and Vali Muni at Ashtapad.
Ravana, seeking to assert his dominance, challenges Vali Muni. Vali, devoted only to the Arihantas, refuses to serve Ravana.
A fierce battle ensues, culminating in Ravana being captured by Vali. Vali, demonstrating mercy, releases Ravana after bringing him to the underworld.
Later, Ravana's aerial vehicle malfunctions near Ashtapad, where he finds Vali Muni in deep meditation. Enraged, Ravana attempts to destroy the mountain and the muni.
Vali Muni, with a subtle pressure of his toe, causes the mountain to tremble and Ravana to vomit blood, humbling him. Vali's intention was to teach Ravana a lesson, not to cause harm.
Ravana apologizes and proceeds to worship at the temple built by Bharat Chakravarti.

8. Pooja (Worship) of Ashtapad Tirth:

The latter part of the text describes the Ashtapad Tirth Pooja, a detailed ritualistic worship of Ashtapad.
It details the significance of different types of worship (material and spiritual) and the virtues of various Jain acharyas who composed such worships.
The Jal Puja (water worship) describes the cosmological details of the Jain universe, the lineage of Tirthankaras, and the geographical location of Ashtapad relative to other sacred sites like Shatrunjay.
The Chandan Puja (sandalwood worship) elaborates on the birth and life events of Lord Rishabhadeva, the first Tirthankara, and the rituals performed by celestial beings.
The Pushpa Puja (flower worship) details Lord Rishabhadeva's renunciation, his teachings, and the establishment of the Jain community.
The Dhoopa Puja (incense worship) recounts Lord Rishabhadeva's attainment of Kevala Jnana and Nirvana at Ashtapad, and the ceremonies conducted by Indra and other deities.
The Deepak Puja (lamp worship) describes Bharat Chakravarti's construction of temples at Ashtapad, including the Simhanishadhya temple, and the placement of idols.
The Akshata Puja (unbroken rice worship) speaks of the vast number of souls liberated from Ashtapad and other Tirthas throughout different eras.
The Phala Puja (fruit worship) narrates the story of Sagara Chakravarti's sons and their devotion to Ashtapad, leading to their celestial rebirths despite their accidental transgression.
The Naivedya Puja (offering worship) reiterates the significance of Ashtapad and the stories of ascetics attaining Kevala Jnana through its worship and Gautam Swami's grace.
The Stavans (hymns) offer poetic tributes to Ashtapad, recounting the various events and the devotion of Bharat Chakravarti and others.

9. Jain Center of America Inc., New York:

The provided text also includes information about the Jain Center of America (JCA) in New York. It outlines the milestones in the development of the center, from purchasing property to building the temple complex.
The temple's architectural design, floor details, artwork, and facilities are described, emphasizing its aim to be a sacred space for religious gatherings, education, and community life, reflecting Jain principles like Parasparopagraho Jivanam (mutual support of souls) and Anekantavada (multiplicity of viewpoints).
The mention of Ashtapad Tirth within the JCA's floor details suggests its significant representation and importance within the Center's philosophy and artistic expression.

Overall Themes:

Devotion and Detachment: The text repeatedly highlights the importance of selfless devotion (Bhavapuja) and detachment from worldly desires, as exemplified by Ravana and Bharat Chakravarti.
Spiritual Power and Grace: The narrative showcases the miraculous powers (laddhis) of ascetics like Gautam Swami and the benevolent grace of deities and Tirthankaras.
The Sacredness of Ashtapad Tirth: Ashtapad is consistently portrayed as a powerful spiritual site where devotion leads to liberation, and where historical events of great significance have occurred.
The Power of Penance and Righteous Living: The lives of Rani Virmati, Mumman, and others illustrate the transformative power of penance and living a virtuous life.
Artistic Expression of Faith: The Pooja and Stavans demonstrate how art, music, and poetry are used to express and propagate Jain teachings and devotion.
The Role of Acharyas and Scriptures: The text frequently references Jain scriptures and the contributions of renowned acharyas like Vimalasuri, Manikyasuri, and Dipvijayji Maharaj, underscoring the importance of scriptural authority and learned guidance.
Jain Identity and Community: The inclusion of the Jain Center of America's information emphasizes the preservation and propagation of Jainism in contemporary times, integrating traditional values with modern architectural and technological advancements.