Bhagvana Mahavira Diwakar Chitrakatha 057 058

This is a summary of the Jain text "Bhagvana Mahavira Diwakar Chitrakatha 057-058," authored by Jinottamsuri and Shreechand Surana, and published by Diwakar Prakashan. The book focuses on the life and teachings of Bhagavan Parshvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara in Jainism.

Key Highlights of the Book:

• Central Figure: Bhagavan Parshvanath. The book aims to provide a comprehensive account of his life, including his previous births (Pūrvabhava).
• Historical Significance: Parshvanath is presented as a historical figure, accepted by all historians, who lived approximately 3000 years ago in Varanasi (Kashi).
• Widespread Popularity: He is described as the most widely known and influential Tirthankara today, with more temples, hymns, prayers, and devotional songs dedicated to him than any other. His name is associated with granting wishes and overcoming obstacles, akin to figures like Ganesh, Hanuman, and Shiva in other traditions. He is often referred to as "Chintamani Parshvanath."
• Influence Beyond Jainism: The book notes that even non-Jains worship Parshvanath. It also mentions the belief that Lord Buddha accepted the "Chaturyama Dharma" (fourfold restraint) of Parshvanath before attaining enlightenment, and that yogis like Gorakhnath and Sidhnath were also his upasakas (worshippers).
• Core Message: Forgiveness (Kshama): The primary lesson conveyed through Parshvanath's life and previous births is the greatness of forgiveness. Forgiveness is portrayed as a means to purify and refine the soul.

Narrative of Previous Births (Pūrvabhava Katha):

The book recounts several of Parshvanath's previous births, illustrating the Jain principles of karma, rebirth, and the transformative power of virtue, particularly forgiveness, and the detrimental effects of anger and malice.

• Kamath and Marubhuti: This story depicts two brothers. Kamath, the elder, is arrogant and sinful, while Marubhuti, the younger, is virtuous and devoted. Kamath engages in immoral acts and is exposed by Marubhuti, leading to Kamath's punishment and exile. Angered by his disgrace, Kamath kills Marubhuti in a fit of rage, vowing revenge in future lives.
• Marubhuti as an Elephant: In his next birth, Marubhuti is reborn as a large elephant. Kamath is reborn as a venomous serpent (Kurkut Naga). The serpent, driven by past animosity, attacks and kills the elephant. The elephant, through the practice of equanimity and chanting the Namokar Mantra, dies peacefully and is reborn as a celestial being in the eighth heaven. The serpent, due to his hatred and violence, is reborn in the fifth hell.
• Kiranvega and the Serpent: Marubhuti's celestial life ends, and he is reborn as Prince Kiranvega. He becomes a king and later takes up asceticism. Kamath is reborn as a venomous serpent. In this birth, the serpent attacks and bites the ascetic Kiranvega, who, despite immense pain, remains steadfast and attains the twelfth heaven. The serpent dies in a forest fire and is reborn in the sixth hell.
• Vajranabha and Kurang the Bhil: Marubhuti is reborn as Prince Vajranabha, who later becomes king and a renunciate. Kamath is reborn as Kurang, a tribal hunter (Bhil). The Bhil, recognizing Vajranabha from a previous birth and driven by animosity, shoots an arrow at him. Vajranabha, however, remains calm, forgives the Bhil, and passes away peacefully, becoming a celestial being. The Bhil dies in a forest fire and goes to the fifth hell.
• Suvarnabahu Chakravarti: Marubhuti is reborn as Prince Suvarnabahu, who becomes a powerful Chakravarti (universal emperor). During his reign, he encounters the consequences of his past karma, including his previous interactions with the serpent (Kamath's rebirth). He hears a prophecy that he will marry Princess Padmavati, daughter of King Prasenjit. Through divine intervention and his own wisdom, he encounters Princess Padmavati and eventually marries her. He eventually renounces his worldly life, becomes a monk, and through intense austerities, earns the Tirthankara-nama karma. In one life, while practicing austerities, he is attacked by a lion (Kamath's rebirth), but he endures the suffering with equanimity and is reborn in the tenth heaven.
• Birth of Parshvanath: Suvarnabahu's celestial life ends, and he is reborn as Prince Parshva, the son of King Ashvasena and Queen Vamadevi in Varanasi. The book details his auspicious birth, the celestial celebrations, and his innate knowledge and noble qualities even as a child.

Key Events in Parshvanath's Life as Tirthankara:

• Renunciation and Asceticism: Parshvanath renounces his princely life, undertakes severe austerities, and attains omniscience (Kevalgyan) under a Dhātki tree.
• The Serpent and the Ascetic: A significant event describes a tapasvi (ascetic) performing penance by burning live creatures, including a serpent. Parshvanath intervenes, showing the ascetic the suffering he is causing. The serpent, due to the chanting of the Namokar Mantra by Parshvanath, is liberated and reborn as Dharanendra, the king of serpents.
• Dharanendra and Padmavati: Dharanendra and his consort Padmavati come to protect Parshvanath from the wrath of Meghamali (Kamath's rebirth), who attempts to harm Parshvanath through magical illusions and floods. Dharanendra spreads his hood over Parshvanath's head to shield him from the rising waters.
• The Fourfold Vow (Chaturyama Dharma): Parshvanath preached the "Chaturyama Dharma":
  1. Ahimsa (Non-violence)
  2. Satya (Truthfulness)
  3. Asteya (Non-stealing)
  4. Aparigraha (Non-possession)
• Establishment of the Fourfold Community: He established the fourfold Jain community (Sangh): monks (Sadhu), nuns (Sadhvi), laymen (Shravak), and laywomen (Shravika).
• Disciples: The book mentions his chief Ganadhara (principal disciple) Shubhdatta (also known as Shubha) and other Ganadharas.
• Nirvana: Bhagavan Parshvanath attained Nirvana on Mount Sammeta Shikhar after a life of 100 years, 70 of which were spent in asceticism.

Additional Information:

• "206 Elderly Virgin Maidens": The book mentions a unique incident where 206 elderly unmarried women from various cities took initiation under Parshvanath's teachings. Due to certain flaws in their spiritual practice, they were reborn as chief queens of celestial beings. In Lord Mahavir's time, they were identified by Lord Mahavir.
• Legacy and Influence: The text emphasizes the enduring faith and devotion people had towards Parshvanath, believing in his ability to resolve problems and fulfill desires. It highlights the continuity of his teachings and the influence of his fourfold path, which was adopted by Lord Buddha.
• Compilation and Publication: The book is presented as a part of a series of illustrated stories (Chitrakatha) aimed at making Jain principles and history accessible and engaging.

In essence, "Bhagvana Mahavira Diwakar Chitrakatha 057-058" is a devotional and educational portrayal of Bhagavan Parshvanath's life, illustrating the Jain principles of karma, rebirth, compassion, and the ultimate triumph of virtue and forgiveness over malice and anger through compelling narratives of his past lives and his life as a Tirthankara.