Chandraprabhacharitam

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about the "Chandprabhacharitam" by Amrutlal Shastri:

Book Title: Chandraprabhacharitam Author: Amrutlal Shastri Publisher: Z_Acharya_Shantisagar_Janma_Shatabdi_Mahotsav_Smruti_Granth_012022.pdf Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/210478/1

This text is a detailed review and analysis of the "Chandraprabhacharitam", a Mahakavya (epic poem) authored by Amrutlal Shastri. The work focuses on the life and teachings of the eighth Jain Tirthankara, Lord Chandraprabha.

Key Aspects of the "Chandraprabhacharitam":

• Title and Tradition: The title "Chandraprabhacharitam" is consistent with the ancient tradition of naming Jain epics after their central figures. The author notes that the poem is also known as "Udayank" due to the inclusion of the word "Udaya" in the concluding verses of each canto.
• Subject Matter: The Mahakavya narrates the edifying life of Lord Chandraprabha, comprising eighteen cantos and 1691 verses.
  • The first fifteen cantos are dedicated to describing the six previous lives (atit bhav) of Lord Chandraprabha.
  • The final three cantos detail his current life (vartaman bhav), covering his Garbha Kalyanak (auspicious conception), Janma Kalyanak (auspicious birth), Tapa Kalyanak (ascetic initiation), Jnana Kalyanak (supreme knowledge), and Moksha Kalyanak (liberation).
  • The epic also interweaves relevant contextual descriptions and subsidiary narratives.
• Summary of Previous Lives: The review outlines the seven significant lives of the protagonist that form the core of the narrative:
  1. King Shrivarma: Described in the land of Sugandhi, King Shrivarma's life is marked by his parents' longing for a son, their devotion, and his eventual renunciation after his father's spiritual quest. He himself later renounces the kingdom after a period of kingship and achieves liberation.
  2. Shreedev: As a result of his austerities, Shrivarma is reborn as Shreedev in the first heaven, enjoying divine pleasures for two sagaropam years.
  3. Emperor Ajitsen: Born to King Ajitajaya and Queen Ajitsena in the city of Koshala, Ajitsena faces abduction by a demon named Chandaruchi due to past enmity. He is tested and eventually triumphs, demonstrating his valor and virtue. He becomes a Chakravarti Emperor, obtains the fourteen ratnas and nine nidhis, and later renounces the world to become an ascetic after witnessing a tragic event.
  4. Achyutendr: After his reign, Ajitsen becomes Achyutendr in the Achyuta heaven, experiencing divine bliss for twenty-two sagaropam years.
  5. King Padmanabh: Reborn as Padmanabh in Ratnasanchaypur, he witnesses his father's renunciation and embraces a righteous path. He later seeks knowledge from Muni Shridhar, learns about his past lives, and eventually attains liberation after rigorous austerities.
  6. Vaijayanteshwar: Following his life as Padmanabh, he is reborn as an Ahimendra in the Vaijayanta heaven, enjoying celestial bliss for thirty-three sagaropam years.
  7. Tirthankara Chandraprabha: His final life as the eighth Tirthankara, Chandraprabha, is described as commencing in Chandrapuri. His parents are King Mahasen and Queen Lakshmana, known for their virtues. The text details auspicious signs during his conception, including a rain of jewels. The narrative covers his birth, the celestial Abhishek ceremony by the gods, his childhood, marriage, reign characterized by justice and prosperity, his renunciation after witnessing old age, and his ascetic practices leading to omniscience and liberation.
• Details of Lord Chandraprabha's Current Life:
  • Parents: King Mahasen and Queen Lakshmana.
  • Conception: Marked by auspicious events, including a nightly rain of jewels for six months prior to his conception and continuing until his birth. Eight Dik-Kumarias attend to the Queen.
  • Birth: Occurred on the eleventh day of the dark fortnight of Pausha, accompanied by celestial phenomena and the awakening of divine musical instruments.
  • Abhishek: Performed by Indra on Mount Sumeru, where he was named Chandraprabha.
  • Childhood: Characterized by divine play and proficiency in various arts.
  • Marriage and Reign: He married several queens, including Kamlaprabha, and ruled justly, ensuring the welfare and happiness of his subjects.
  • Renunciation: Triggered by a divine message disguised as an old man, revealing the ephemeral nature of life. He renounced his kingdom and adopted asceticism.
  • Asceticism and Knowledge: He attained omniscience (Kevalya Jnana) on the seventh day of the dark fortnight of Phalguna after rigorous penance.
  • Samavasaran: A magnificent assembly was created by Kubera, where Lord Chandraprabha delivered sermons on the seven tattvas (elements).
  • Disciples and Congregation: The text lists the impressive numbers of his disciples, including Ganadharas, Kevalis, and learned monks and nuns.
  • Liberation: He attained Moksha on the seventh day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada on the summit of Sammeta Shikhar (Shikharji) after his ten lakh purva lifespan concluded.
• Literary Aspects:
  • Rasas (Emotions): The epic is rich in various rasas, with Shanta (peace) being the principal rasa, supported by others like Shringar (romance), Veera (heroism), etc.
  • Alankaras (Figures of Speech): The work extensively employs both Shabd Alankaras (sound-based figures of speech) and Arth Alankaras (meaning-based figures of speech), demonstrating a masterful use of poetic devices.
  • Review and Appreciation: The reviewer praises the epic for its poetic beauty, profound meaning, imaginative descriptions, captivating narratives, appropriate dialogues, adherence to the Vaidarbhi style, and its comprehensive portrayal of Jain philosophy and principles. It is considered a significant contribution to Sanskrit epic poetry, standing out for its clarity, simplicity, and elegance, even surpassing works like "Raghuvansha" and "Buddha Charita" in accessibility.
  • Criticism: Minor criticisms include the relatively brief mention of Lord Chandraprabha's principal wife and son, and a slight obstruction of the narrative flow due to an extended philosophical discussion in the second canto.
  • Commentaries: The epic is supported by a Sanskrit commentary by Muni Chandra (Vikram Samvat 1560) and a Panjika by Gunanandi (Vikram Samvat 1597). A commentary in old Hindi by Pandit Jayachandra Chhavda (Vikram Samvat 1795) on the philosophical verses is also available.

In essence, Amrutlal Shastri's review highlights "Chandraprabhacharitam" as a significant and well-crafted Jain epic that not only narrates the life of a Tirthankara but also intricately weaves in philosophical teachings and exemplary conduct, making it a valuable work in Jain literature.