Atimuktakmuni Charitram - Book Summary

This document is a digital scan of the Jain text "Atimuktakmuni Charitram" (The Life of the Muni Atimuktak) by Purnabhadra Gani, published by Jinduttasuri Gyanbhandar.

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Front Matter and Publication Details:

Title: Atimuktakmuni Charitram
Author: Purnabhadra Gani (disciple of Jinpatisuri)
Publisher: Shri Jinadattasuri Gyana Bhandar (Surat)
Sponsorship: The publication was made possible through the financial assistance of Seth Surajmal Bhanwar Lal Pugaliya of Raipur.
Source Material: The text is based on an ancient palm-leaf manuscript found in the Jaisalmer Gyana Bhandar.
Editing and Review: The text was reviewed and corrected by Muni Sukhasagarji M. and Jethalal Bhai Shastriji.
Date of Publication: Samvat 2001 (Akshay Tritiya)

Introduction (Nivedan):

The introduction highlights the significant place of Jain literature within Indian literature, specifically mentioning Charita (biographical) literature.
It emphasizes the importance of the lives of great men and monks in inspiring religious pursuits.
The text, "Atimuktak Charitra," is presented as an exemplary biography of the young monk Atimuktak.
Key aspects of Atimuktak's life are highlighted:
- He was initiated by Bhagwan Shri Mahavir himself at the tender age of six.
- He mastered the eleven Angas (Jain scriptures).
- He achieved Kevalgyana (omniscience) through severe penance.
- He attained Moksha (liberation).
The introduction also praises the literary quality of the work, noting its richness in language and poetic embellishments, despite its apparent brevity.
Information about the author's guru, Jinpatisuri:
- Jinpatisuri was a highly respected scholar of the Kharatargachha lineage (lived from VS 1210-1277).
- He was known for his prowess in philosophical debates, including one against Acharya Pradyumnasuri and another against Padmaprabha in the court of Maharaja Prithviraj Chauhan.
- He consecrated the idol of Mahavirswami in Kalyanpur and revised the "Ghatsthanakavrutti."
- He was also the author of other significant works.
Information about the author, Purnabhadra Gani:
- He was a highly learned scholar, though details of his life are scarce.
- He composed the "Atimuktak Charitra" in 1282 VS in Pralhadanpur and the "Dhanyashalibhadra Charitra" in 1285 VS in Jaisalmer.

The Narrative of Atimuktak Muni Charitra:

The main body of the text is a poetic narration of the life of Atimuktak.

Description of Polasana City (Verses 2-5): The text begins by describing the beautiful city of Polasana, located in the southern part of Jambu Island. It is depicted as a prosperous and aesthetically pleasing city with gardens, lakes, magnificent buildings, temples, and bustling marketplaces.
Description of the King and Queen (Verses 6-17): The city is ruled by King Vijaya, who is described as virtuous, wealthy, and powerful, comparable to the sun, moon, and deities. His queen, Shri, is also described as beautiful and virtuous. They are blessed with a son named Atimuktak. The queen had a dream of Atimuktak while pregnant, and they named their son accordingly.
Atimuktak's Childhood (Verses 18-23): Atimuktak is portrayed as a delightful child, cherished by his parents.
The Arrival of Bhagwan Mahavir (Verses 19-29): The narrative then shifts to the auspicious arrival of Bhagwan Mahavir into a garden outside the city. His presence is described with great detail, emphasizing his divine radiance, his magnificent chariot-like vehicle, and his dignified posture on a jeweled throne.
The King's Reaction and Informing Mahavir (Verses 30-46): The gardener observes Mahavir's arrival and excitedly informs King Vijaya. The king, along with his retinue, proceeds to the garden to welcome the Lord. The verses describe the beauty of the garden, enhanced by the presence of Mahavir. The text then beautifully portrays the changing seasons and their splendor, linking them metaphorically to the divine presence.
The King's Devotion and Audience with Mahavir (Verses 56-98): King Vijaya, overwhelmed with devotion, dismounts from his elephant and approaches Mahavir. He sheds his royal attire and ornaments, adopts simple white garments, and walks barefoot to the Samavasarana (the divine assembly). He performs elaborate prostrations and offers prayers, praising Mahavir's virtues and comparing him to celestial beings and natural phenomena to highlight his perfection.
Mahavir's Discourse (Verses 99-115): Mahavir then delivers a sermon on the path to liberation. He describes the suffering inherent in the cycle of birth and death (samsara), attributing it to the afflictions of anger, pride, deceit, greed, attachment, hatred, etc. He explains the importance of right faith, knowledge, and conduct (Samyaktva, Gyan, Charitra) and the ten cardinal virtues of an ascetic (Dharma). He encourages the audience to embrace the spiritual path.
Initiation of Disciples (Verses 111-115): Many individuals, inspired by Mahavir's sermon, request initiation into the monastic order. Mahavir grants them the path to liberation, either through full monasticism or partial vows (Deshvirati).
Gautam Swami's Alms Round (Verses 116-119): The narrative then introduces Gautam Swami, the chief disciple of Mahavir, known for his severe penance. He sets out for alms (bhiksha) in Polasana.
Atimuktak Meets Gautam Swami (Verses 120-133): Young Atimuktak, dressed in his finest attire and jewels, is playing with his companions in the royal palace. He sees Gautam Swami begging and, out of curiosity, asks him about his identity and purpose. Gautam Swami explains that they are monks (Nirgranthas) seeking alms for their livelihood.
Atimuktak Offers Alms (Verses 134-136): Atimuktak, impressed, invites Gautam Swami to his home and offers him alms. His mother, Shri, respectfully receives Gautam Swami.
Atimuktak's Desire for Initiation (Verses 137-142): Atimuktak then asks Gautam Swami where they reside. Upon learning they are with Bhagwan Mahavir, Atimuktak expresses his desire to visit and pay respects to the Lord. He is brought to Mahavir and sits respectfully before him.
Mahavir's Sermon to Atimuktak (Verses 142-146): Mahavir, recognizing Atimuktak's inherent spiritual inclination, preaches to him and the assembly.
Atimuktak's Renunciation (Verses 145-159): Atimuktak returns home and declares his intention to renounce the worldly life to his parents, citing the suffering in the cycle of existence as his motivation. His parents, initially surprised by his understanding of Dharma at such a young age, are eventually convinced. The king and queen celebrate his renunciation and formally present him to Bhagwan Mahavir.
Atimuktak's Spiritual Journey and Practices (Verses 160-203): The text then details Atimuktak's life as a monk. He walks with Mahavir and the monastic order, enduring the seasons and hardships with equanimity. A significant event occurs when he playfully takes a broken plank (patal-graha) from a water stream, acting as a captain. The elder monks scold him, but Mahavir intervenes, stating that Atimuktak, despite his playful nature, has immense spiritual potential and will attain liberation in this very life. Mahavir instructs the monks to guide and train him.
Atimuktak's Dedication to Learning and Penance (Verses 177-203): Under the tutelage of the elder monks, Atimuktak quickly masters the eleven Angas. He observes strict vows, remains detached from worldly pleasures, and engages in rigorous penance. The text describes his increasing austerity, including prolonged fasting and mortification of the flesh, eventually leading to his emaciated state.
Atimuktak's Attainment of Kevalgyana and Moksha (Verses 202-211): Atimuktak continues his intense penance, ultimately achieving Kevalgyana (omniscience) and then Moksha (liberation) in the same lifetime. The final verses describe the virtues of a liberated soul, free from all suffering, impurities, and worldly attachments. The text concludes with the author, Purnabhadra Gani, dedicating this life of the great muni Atimuktak, achieved through the grace of God, Gurus, and scriptures. The composition date of the book (VS 1282) is also mentioned.

Overall Theme:

The "Atimuktakmuni Charitram" is a hagiographical text that narrates the life of a remarkable Jain monk who achieved spiritual liberation at a very young age. It highlights themes of divine grace, the importance of renunciation, the power of penance, the teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir, and the profound spiritual potential that can be realized through dedicated practice. The narrative also serves as an example of devotional literature within the Jain tradition, emphasizing the path to salvation.