Bhagvana Neminath Diwakar Chitrakatha 020 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bhagvan Neminath Diwakar Chitrakatha 020," based on the provided pages:

Overview:

This "Chitrakatha" (Picture Story) book, "Bhagvan Neminath Diwakar Ank 20," published by Diwakar Prakashan, is a detailed pictorial narrative of the life and teachings of Lord Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankara in the Jain tradition. The book aims to build good character, purify thoughts, enhance knowledge, and provide entertainment. It is written by Muni Shri Purnachandra Vijay Ji and edited by Shri Chand Surana 'Saras'.

Key Aspects of Lord Neminath's Life and Teachings:

Divine Birth and Heritage: Lord Neminath was born to King Samudravijaya and Queen Shivadevi in the Yaduvanshi lineage of Sauripur. He was a cousin to Lord Krishna, who was born to King Vasudev and Queen Devaki. This era saw the birth of three great souls in the Yadu dynasty, bringing glory and religious inspiration to Indian society.
Character and Virtues: Neminath was described as immensely powerful and brave, but also as the embodiment of compassion. His life was pure, untouched by worldly desires, much like a lotus in water. He was a source of well-being, flowing like the Ganga of compassion and non-violence.
Social Reformer: A significant contribution of Neminath was his role in liberating the Yadava community from the vices of hunting and meat/alcohol consumption, guiding them towards morality and good conduct. He conveyed the message of compassion for living beings and vegetarianism not just through his words but also through his self-sacrificing actions. Lord Krishna actively supported him in spreading these teachings.
Recognition in Vedic Literature: The book highlights that Neminath's teachings and religious propagation are praised not only in Jain literature but also in Vedic texts. The Yajurveda contains mantras dedicating offerings to him, recognizing him as the revealer of spiritual knowledge and a benefactor of all beings. The renowned philosopher Dr. Radhakrishnan also acknowledged him as a historical figure.
Narrative Sources: The life events of Lord Neminath are extensively detailed in Jain Agamas, commentaries, and biographical texts. While there might be minor variations in descriptions due to tradition, his ideals of non-violence and compassion are universally depicted with great reverence. The portrayal of his relationship with Rajimati is particularly rich in Jain literature, emphasizing sacrifice, chastity, and wisdom.

Narrative Highlights from the Chitrakatha:

Divine Conception: The story begins with the divine conception of Neminath. As a celestial being in the Aparajita celestial vehicle, his abode began to shake, indicating his imminent birth on Earth. He saw his future mother, Queen Shivadevi, in a dream, and a divine soul descended into her womb on the midnight of Kartik Krishna Trayodashi. Shivadevi experienced fourteen auspicious dreams, including those of an elephant, lion, and other symbols of greatness.
Celestial Recognition: Heavenly beings, including Indra and other deities, paid homage to Queen Shivadevi, recognizing her as the mother of the 22nd Tirthankara who would spread Dharma across the world.
Prophecy and Name: King Samudravijaya understood the significance of his wife's dreams, recognizing that she was to bear a great soul. He confirmed that auspicious signs indicated the birth of a world-redeemer. On the twelfth day after Neminath's birth, the King announced that the child would be named Arishtanemi because the mother had seen the divine wheel of 'arishta' (auspicious jewels) in her womb.
Early Life and Strength: Arishtanemi grew up with a well-formed body and a serene blue-black complexion. The presence of the Shrivatsa mark on his chest led people to believe he would become a great emperor. He was also known as Nemikumar.
Conflict with Jarasandha: The narrative shifts to the political landscape, highlighting the animosity between the Yadava clan and the cruel ruler Jarasandha of Magadha. Upon learning of Krishna's role in killing his son-in-law Kansa, Jarasandha threatened to destroy the entire Yadava race unless Krishna and Balarama were handed over.
Krishna's Strategy and Migration: King Samudravijaya, supported by Krishna, decided to protect the Yadavas. Following the advice of astrologers, the Yadavas migrated westward to avoid further conflict.
Defeat of Kalakuma: Jarasandha's son, Kalakuma, pursued the Yadavas with a massive army. A divine being created an illusion to stop Kalakuma, making him believe that Krishna and other Yadavas had immolated themselves. In his arrogance, Kalakuma jumped into the illusory pyre and was consumed by fire.
Founding of Dwarka: The Yadavas, led by Krishna and Nemikumar, reached the western coast. There, Satyabhama gave birth to two sons, and Krishna performed penance to invoke a deity who then created a magnificent city named Dwarka.
Victory over Jarasandha: Jarasandha, upon hearing of his son's death, attacked Dwarka with a large army. During a fierce battle, Balarama was incapacitated, and Krishna was surrounded. Nemikumar then sounded his divine conch shell, the Panchajanya, revitalizing the Yadava army and causing Jarasandha's forces to panic. Krishna then used his discus to decapitate Jarasandha, ending his reign.
The Origin of Shankheshwar: The book details an event where Jarasandha attacked the Yadavas with a dark sorcery called "Jara Vidya," causing them to weaken. Following Nemikumar's guidance, Krishna performed penance, and a divine idol of Lord Parshvanatha emerged from the underworld. Sprinkling the idol's ritual water on the Yadava army dispelled the evil magic. This event is linked to the origin of the holy site of Shankheshwar.
Nemikumar's Strength and Demeanor: Nemikumar demonstrated immense strength by easily lifting and spinning Krishna's Sudarshana Chakra and bending Krishna's bow, the Sharnga. He also blew the Panchajanya conch, causing the earth to tremble. Despite his incredible power, he was humble and respected Krishna as an elder brother.
The Proposal to Marry Rajimati: Krishna, impressed by Nemikumar's might and concerned that he might overthrow him, decided the best way to pacify him was through marriage. He proposed a marriage between Nemikumar and Rajimati, the beautiful sister of Satyabhama.
Nemikumar's Renunciation at the Wedding: As Nemikumar was on his way to marry Rajimati, he witnessed a procession of animals and birds being held captive to be sacrificed for the wedding feast. Overcome with compassion, he stopped the procession, freed the animals, and renounced the marriage. He declared that he could not participate in a wedding that involved the violence of innocent creatures.
Embracing Asceticism: Nemikumar returned to Dwarka and announced his decision to renounce worldly life and embrace asceticism. Despite attempts by his family and Krishna to dissuade him, he remained steadfast. He performed a year of Varshidaan (charity) and then proceeded to Raivata Giri mountain. There, under an Ashoka tree, he performed the Panchamusti Loch (plucking five handfuls of hair) and accepted the vows of a monk, becoming Neminath. One thousand other princes also took diksha with him.
Rajimati's Renunciation: Upon hearing that Nemikumar had returned without marrying her due to the violence of the wedding feast, Rajimati was devastated. She renounced her worldly attire and adornments and, filled with sorrow and devotion, also headed towards Raivata Giri.
Neminath's Kevala Jnana and Rajimati's Diksha: On Raivata Giri, Neminath attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience). Seeing the divine assembly, Rajimati was inspired and requested Neminath for ascetic initiation. King Samudravijaya, Krishna, and others also urged the Tirthankara to grant her diksha. Rajimati then renounced her worldly life, performed the Panchamusti Loch, and became an ascetic.
** Rathnemi's Temptation and Repentance:** Later, while seeking refuge in a cave during a storm, Rathnemi (Neminath's brother) encountered Rajimati. He was tempted by her beauty and spoke inappropriate words to her. Rajimati sternly rebuked him for his lustful thoughts and his desire to consume what his elder brother had abandoned. Rathnemi, ashamed, repented and returned to Neminath for atonement. Neminath advised him to practice penance and meditation to overcome his desires.
Final Nirvana: Both Rajimati and Rathnemi attained liberation (Moksha) through their ascetic practices. Lord Neminath continued his spiritual journey through various regions of Saurashtra and finally returned to Raivata Giri mountain. On the eighth day of the bright half of Ashadh, after a month-long Santhara (fast unto death), he attained Nirvana (liberation).

The book concludes with a catalog of other publications by Prakrut Bharti Academy and Diwakar Prakashan. It also features a poignant message about the virtues of vegetarianism and the importance of mindful eating.