Bhagvana Mahavira Diwakar Chitrakatha 001 002

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This publication, "Bhagvana Mahavira Diwakar Chitrakatha 001 002," presented by Diwakar Prakashan and authored by Atmadarshanvijay (with Munishri Purnachandra Vijayji M. as a key contributor), is a pictorial biography of Lord Mahavir, the 24th and last Tirthankar of this era.

Core Theme: The central theme is the life and teachings of Bhagavan Mahavir, emphasizing his journey from a compassionate child to an enlightened Tirthankar. The narrative highlights the arduous spiritual discipline and numerous past lives (27 in total) undertaken to achieve this supreme spiritual status. The book aims to educate and entertain readers, promoting knowledge and spiritual growth.

Key Content and Narratives:

• Introduction to Bhagavan Mahavir: The text introduces Lord Mahavir as the 24th Tirthankar, born in 599 BCE. He is described as courageous, heroic, adventurous, compassionate, and possessing immense spiritual merit. His core teaching was "Grant fearlessness to every living being, and behave with friendliness and equanimity towards all." He renounced his royal life at 30 to pursue rigorous asceticism for approximately 12.5 years, enduring severe hardships before attaining Keval Gyan (omniscience). He lived for 72 years, spreading the teachings of equanimity, restraint, non-possession, anekantavada (multi-sidedness), and ahimsa (non-violence) before attaining Nirvana in Pavapuri.

• The Path to Tirthankarhood: The book emphasizes that the Tirthankar pada (status) is the highest spiritual achievement, attained after countless births of penance, meditation, restraint, and cultivating love and friendship. Therefore, the narrative traces Mahavir's life across 27 previous births to illustrate the immense spiritual journey required.

• Source of the Narrative: The foundation of this biography is the "Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Charitra" by Acharya Hemchandrasurishwarji. Munishri Purnachandra Vijayji M. has condensed this into a visual narrative.

• Previous Births and Key Incidents: The comic book format then delves into specific previous births of Lord Mahavir, illustrating the development of his spiritual qualities:

  • Nayasara (Forest Guardian): In this life, Nayasara, a kind forest guardian, shows compassion by offering food to ascetic monks, earning spiritual merit. The monks guide him on the path to salvation (Samsara).
  • Marichi (Son of King Bharata): As Marichi, son of King Bharata, he initially experiences renunciation and takes diksha from Lord Rishabhadeva. However, he deviates from strict asceticism, leading to negative karmic consequences and the birth of caste pride. He is foretold to become the 24th Tirthankar.
  • Vishvabhuti (Son of King Vishvanandi): As Vishvabhuti, he experiences family conflict and renounces worldly life to become a muni. However, due to pride and anger after being insulted by his cousin Vishakhanandi, he loses the merit of his penance and vows to take revenge in a future life.
  • Triprishtha Vasudeva (Son of King Prajapati): As Triprishtha, a powerful Vasudeva, he exhibits immense strength and courage, defeating the anti-king Ashwagriva. However, his impatience and anger, particularly in the incident with the attendant, lead to negative karma. This birth foreshadows his future encounters with the Vasudeva (Baladeva) and anti-Vasudeva roles.
  • Nandan (Son of King Jitshatru): As Prince Nandan, he renounces worldly life after witnessing the transient nature of sunsets. He undertakes severe penance and binds Tirthankar nama karma.
  • Priyamitra (Prince of Bhuka Nagari): As Prince Priyamitra, he becomes a Chakravarti Emperor, known for his compassion and service to the poor. He later renounces the world and undertakes intense penance.
  • Deva (in Mahashuk Kalpa): This signifies a celestial rebirth after profound spiritual practices.
  • Mrugavati's Son (Prince Triprishtha): (This seems to be a repeat or related to the Triprishtha Vasudeva birth, illustrating his strength and karmic entanglements).
  • Chandanbala (as Chandana/Vasumati): The narrative highlights Chandanbala's life as a princess who, after being sold into slavery, is bought and mistreated. Her unwavering devotion and eventual donation of dry lentils to Mahavir, despite her suffering, demonstrate profound spiritual fortitude. This incident is crucial as it fulfills Mahavir's strict vow (abhigraha).

• Mahavir's Birth and Early Life: The text details Mahavir's conception, the 14 auspicious dreams of his mother, Trishala, and the divine intervention of Indra to transfer the embryo to Trishala's womb. His birth is celebrated with immense joy, and he is named Vardhaman (meaning "one who increases prosperity") due to the prosperity that followed his conception. His childhood showcases his bravery, skill in martial arts, and innate strength, as tested by celestial beings.

• Renunciation and Austerity: The book depicts Vardhaman's decision to renounce worldly life, his marriage to Yashoda, and his obtaining permission from his elder brother, Nandivardhan. It highlights his year-long charitable giving (dana) before his diksha. The diksha ceremony is described with divine participation. The text then vividly portrays the immense hardships (upasargas and parishahas) Mahavir endured during his 12 years of spiritual practice, including encounters with demons, animals, and harsh natural elements. These include:

  • The Goatherd and the Bulls: Mahavir's steadfastness despite the goatherd's accusations and physical assault.
  • The Serpent Chandakoushik: Mahavir's compassion towards the venomous serpent, leading to its spiritual transformation.
  • The Nagakumara Sudamstra: Mahavir's composure on the boat, despite Sudamstra's attempt at revenge.
  • Sangam's Torments: Mahavir's unwavering meditation and equanimity in the face of severe torments by the demon Sangam.
  • The Vow with Chandana: The fulfillment of Mahavir's vow to accept alms only from a specific type of distressed woman, achieved through Chandana's devotion.
  • The Goatherd's Revenge: Mahavir's silent endurance of the goatherd's violent act of piercing his ears, an act of karmic retribution from a previous life.
  • Removal of Nails: The compassionate act of Siddharth and Kharak Vaidya in removing nails from Mahavir's body.

• Attainment of Keval Gyan: The narrative culminates with Mahavir attaining Keval Gyan at the age of 42 under a Sal tree by the Jwalia River, marking his enlightenment and the beginning of his role as a spiritual guide for the world.

• Establishment of the Sangha and Teachings: The text describes the formation of the Chaturvidh Sangha (four-fold community: monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen) and the beginning of Mahavir's discourse. It highlights his teachings on controlling desires, the importance of equanimity, and the path to liberation.

• Key Disciples and Interactions:

  • Indrabhuti Gautama: The initial skepticism of the learned Brahmin Gautama, his debate with Mahavir, and his eventual acceptance of Mahavir's teachings, becoming his chief disciple.
  • Goshalaka: The conflict with Goshalaka, his false claims, and his downfall due to his anger and use of destructive energies (tejaleshya).
  • King Shrenik: The interactions with King Shrenik, including the prophecy of his rebirth as the first Tirthankar Padmanabha in the next era and the profound spiritual lessons about karma and the true value of spiritual practice (samayika).
  • Prince Meghakumar: Meghakumar's initial renunciation, his struggle with the hardships of ascetic life, and the powerful parable of the elephant Meruprabh that reignites his resolve and understanding of compassion and perseverance.

• Nirvana and the Beginning of Deepavali: The book concludes with Mahavir's attainment of Nirvana. The intense grief of Gautama is depicted, followed by his own attainment of Keval Gyan. The day of Mahavir's Nirvana is marked as the origin of the festival of Deepavali (Diwali).

Overall Purpose and Presentation: The book is presented in a captivating, colorful comic book format, making the complex life and teachings of Bhagavan Mahavir accessible to a wider audience, including younger generations. The emphasis on visual storytelling enhances the impact of the spiritual narratives and the historical context of Jainism. The inclusion of "Diwakar Chitrakatha" as a series suggests a broader effort to bring Jain scriptures and stories to life through this medium. The publisher, Diwakar Prakashan, and associated trusts are dedicated to spreading Jain knowledge and values.