Chintamani Parshwanath Diwakar Chitrakatha 04 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Chintamani Parshwanath Diwakar Chitrakatha 04" in English:

This book, "Chintamani Parshwanath Diwakar Chitrakatha 04," published by Diwakar Prakashan and authored by Vijaymuni and Shreechand Surana, is a comic book (Chitrakatha) that aims to instill good values, purity of thought, knowledge enhancement, and entertainment.

The story focuses on Lord Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism, who lived in the 9th-10th century BCE, approximately 250 years before Lord Mahavira. Lord Parshvanatha preached the Chatur-yama Dharma (Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, and Aparigraha) for 70 years across India. His teachings significantly influenced various dynasties and he was the deity of the Naga (serpent) kingdoms in South India. Known for his compassion and emphasis on meditation, millions of followers remained devoted even after his Nirvana. The story of the serpent couple (Dharandhar and Padmavati) whom he saved by reciting the Navkar Mantra is highlighted, explaining their role as divine helpers to his devotees. Lord Parshvanatha's name is revered as "Chintamani Parshvanatha" because meditating on him fulfills desires, much like the mythical Chintamani jewel.

The book narrates the previous births of Lord Parshvanatha, showcasing his embodiments of forgiveness and compassion. The narrative then details the events leading up to his birth as the 23rd Tirthankara.

Key Incidents from Previous Births:

Birth as Marubhuti: In a past life, Parshvanatha's soul was born as Marubhuti, the son of the royal priest in Potanpur. His elder brother, Kamatha, was arrogant, short-tempered, and wicked, while Marubhuti was simple, peaceful, and virtuous. Kamatha, fueled by jealousy of Marubhuti's status, lusted after Marubhuti's wife, Vasundhara. Kamatha seduced Vasundhara, and their illicit affair began. Kamatha's wife, Varuna, discovered their sin but was beaten and thrown out by Kamatha when she tried to reason with him. Vasundhara was also rebuked by Kamatha. When Marubhuti returned, he discovered the affair and, heartbroken by the betrayal, complained to King Arvind. Kamatha was publicly disgraced, paraded through the city with his face blackened and riding a donkey, and then exiled. Later, Marubhuti, regretting his actions, went to find Kamatha to seek forgiveness. However, Kamatha, still consumed by anger and hatred, struck Marubhuti with a large stone, killing him. King Arvind, upon hearing of this, renounced his kingdom and became a monk.
Birth as an Elephant (Gajapati): After his death, Marubhuti's soul was reborn as an elephant in the Vindhyachal mountains. While meditating near a reservoir, the monk (formerly King Arvind) encountered the elephant. The elephant, angered by the perceived intrusion, was about to attack the monk when the monk's spiritual power stopped him. The monk then revealed himself as Marubhuti's former self and reminded the elephant of his past life. The elephant, remembering, bowed to the monk and was advised to abandon anger and embrace forgiveness for his salvation. The elephant practiced severe penance, but then got stuck in a swamp.
Birth as a Serpent (Kukkut Serpent and Naga): Kamatha's soul, dying with intense anger, was reborn as a flying Kukkut serpent in the same forest. Recognizing the elephant (Marubhuti), the serpent attacked him with its venomous bite, seeking revenge. The elephant, remembering the monk's teachings, endured the pain with forgiveness and died peacefully. In the next birth, Kamatha's soul became a venomous serpent, and the elephant's soul became King Kiranveg, who renounced his kingdom to become a monk. The serpent, still harboring animosity, attacked the monk, who, remaining steadfast in his meditation and forgiveness, eventually attained divinity.
Birth as King Vajranabh and Bhil: Parshvanatha's soul was born as King Vajranabh, who renounced his kingdom to become a monk. Kamatha's soul was reborn as a Bhil (hunter). The Bhil, upon seeing the monk, was filled with anger and shot him with an arrow. The monk, meditating with equanimity, died and became a god. The Bhil, in turn, was bitten by a snake and died with violent thoughts, going to hell.
Birth as Chakravarti Suvarnabahu: In his seventh birth, Parshvanatha's soul became Chakravarti Suvarnabahu. He encountered a beautiful princess named Prabhavati in a hermitage. After a conversation with the sage Galav, he married Prabhavati. Later, feeling detachment from worldly pleasures, he renounced his kingdom and became a monk. Kamatha's soul was reborn as a fierce lion and attacked the monk, who, with peace and equanimity, met his death and became a god.
Birth as Parshvanatha: In his tenth birth, Parshvanatha's soul descended into the womb of Queen Vamadevi, wife of King Ashwasen of Varanasi. She had auspicious dreams, including seeing a serpent near her husband. This led to the child being named Parshva, meaning "near" or "beside." He was born with a serpent emblem.
Youth and Early Life: Parshva Kumar was raised with great affection. He received training in warfare and various arts. He was known for his exceptional beauty and valor. His destiny was intertwined with Princess Prabhavati, who had vowed to marry only him.
Conflict with Yavanraja: The ruler of Kalinga, Yavanraja, besieged Kushasthala city because Princess Prabhavati had chosen Parshva Kumar. Parshva Kumar, with divine weapons and chariot sent by Indra, defeated Yavanraja, who then surrendered and sought peace. King Prasenjit, Prabhavati's father, then formally arranged their marriage.
Encounter with Kamatha (as a Yogi): Later, while observing the city with Queen Prabhavati, Parshva Kumar noticed a large gathering. He learned that a yogi named Kamatha was performing a severe penance, including a Panchagni Yajna (fire sacrifice). Parshva Kumar, remembering his past connection with Kamatha, saw a pair of serpents being burned alive in the sacrificial fire. He intervened, denouncing the violence and exposing Kamatha's ignorance. The serpents, when rescued by Parshva Kumar, were healed by him reciting the Navkar Mantra and attained divine births as Dharanendra and Padmavati. The public scorned Kamatha, who, filled with renewed anger, went to perform even more severe penance and was reborn as the demon Meghamali.
Renunciation and Enlightenment: Witnessing the prevalence of ignorance and deceit, Parshva Kumar decided to renounce worldly life and embrace monkhood. He took initiation with 300 followers.
Meghamali's Attacks and Dharanendra-Padmavati's Intervention: Meghamali, the former Kamatha, attacked Parshvanatha in various terrifying forms, including a lion, an elephant, and venomous snakes. He also caused a torrential downpour to drown the meditating Parshvanatha. The divine couple Dharanendra and Padmavati, remembering their benefactor, protected Parshvanatha by forming a lotus-like seat with their hoods and creating a canopy over his head. Dharanendra then challenged Meghamali.
Meghamali's Surrender and Parshvanatha's Teachings: Frightened by Dharanendra, Meghamali surrendered and begged for forgiveness from Parshvanatha, acknowledging his past wrongdoings. Parshvanatha preached forgiveness and peace, which appeased Meghamali's hatred.
Attainment of Keval Gyana (Omniscience): Eighty-two days after his initiation, Lord Parshvanatha attained Keval Gyana under a Dhataki tree in the Ashrampada garden. He then delivered his first sermon, leading many to embrace monastic and lay life.
Nirvana: Lord Parshvanatha preached for approximately 70 years, guiding people towards the path of righteousness. Towards the end of his life, he ascended to Sammed Shikhar mountain, where he attained Nirvana on the eighth day of the bright half of the month of Shravana, under the Vishakha constellation. Sammed Shikhar is a holy pilgrimage site where numerous Tirthankaras and ascetics have attained liberation.

The book also includes information about the Jain Shvetambar Sri Sangh at Sammed Shikharji, highlighting their humanitarian activities, the unique construction of the Shrutamar Jinalaya, the installation of various deities, and their ongoing efforts to support the needy.

In essence, the book is an illustrated narrative of Lord Parshvanatha's life and previous births, emphasizing themes of karma, reincarnation, forgiveness, compassion, and the ultimate triumph of virtue over malice. It serves as a spiritual and educational resource, making the teachings of Jainism accessible through compelling storytelling.