Dharmabhyudaya Mahakavyam - Book Summary

The book "Dharmābhyudaya Mahākāvya," also known as "Saṅghapati Carita," is a monumental Jain epic poem composed in Sanskrit. The provided text includes introductory pages, table of contents, and the first ten chapters of the epic, along with extensive commentary and historical context.

Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided text:

Book Title: Dharmābhyudaya Mahākāvya (also known as Saṅghapati Carita) Author: Ācārya Śrī Udayaprabhasūri Maharaj (of the Nāgendragaccha lineage) Publisher: Bhadraṅkar Prakāśan, Ahmedabad Editors: Late Muni Matallik Śrī Caturvijayajī Mahārāja and Muni Puṅgava Śrī Puṇyavijayajī Mahārāja (Original Edition), Sādhvī Candanbālāśrī (New Edition) Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/009540/1

Overall Content and Purpose:

The "Dharmābhyudaya Mahākāvya" is a significant work in Jain literature that focuses on the "rise of Dharma" (Dharmābhyudaya) through the life and deeds of the historical minister Vastupāla. The poem uses Vastupāla's grand pilgrimage (saṅgha-yātrā) to Shatrunjaya and Girnar as a narrative framework to present various religious stories and teachings.

Key Features and Structure:

Epic Scope: The work is a Mahākāvya (epic poem) with 15 cantos (sargas) and approximately 5200 verses (ślokas).
Dual Title: It is known as "Dharmābhyudaya Mahākāvya" because it highlights the rise of righteousness, and "Saṅghapati Carita" because it details the chronicles of Vastupāla, the leader of these sacred congregations.
Historical and Puranic Blend:
- The first and fifteenth cantos are historically oriented, focusing on Vastupāla's lineage, his gurus, his pilgrimage, and details about past ācāryas of the Nāgendragaccha lineage.
- The remaining thirteen cantos delve into the mythological and puranic lives of righteous and holy beings, often illustrating principles of Dharma, virtue, and the consequences of actions.
Literary Style: The poem is written in classical Sanskrit and is praised for its eloquent language, rich metaphors, and profound meaning. The narrative style is descriptive, and while scholarly, the language in the puranic sections is described as accessible to those with basic Sanskrit knowledge.
Dedication: The new edition is dedicated to the memory of Muni Puṇyavijayajī Mahārāja, a pioneer in the modern era of textual research and editing in Jainism.

Content Summary of Cantos (based on the provided table of contents and introductions):

Canto 1: Tīrthayātrāvidhivarṇana (Description of the Rituals of Pilgrimage): Introduces the purpose and methodology of pilgrimage, likely setting the stage for Vastupāla's journey. It also includes hymns to Jain Tirthankaras and an introduction to the author's gurus and the greatness of Vastupala.
Canto 2: Ṛṣabhasvāmi Pūrvabhava Varṇana (Description of Rishabha Swami's Past Lives): Begins the puranic narrative by recounting the past lives of the first Tirthankara, Rishabha Swami.
Canto 3: Ṛṣabhasvāmi Janma-Vratādi Varṇana (Description of Rishabha Swami's Birth and Vows): Continues the narrative of Rishabha Swami, detailing his birth, life, and the vows he took.
Canto 4: Bharata-Bāhubali Varṇana (Description of Bharata and Bahubali): Narrates the stories of Bharata, the first Chakravarti (universal emperor), and his brother Bahubali, famous for their renunciation.
Canto 5: Śatrunjayatīrthōtpatti-Ṛṣabha-Nirvāṇa Varṇana (Origin of Shatrunjaya and Rishabha's Nirvana): Describes the origin and sanctity of the holy mountain Shatrunjaya and the final liberation (Nirvana) of Rishabha Swami.
Canto 6: Bharata-Nirvāṇa Varṇana (Description of Bharata's Nirvana): Details the liberation of Bharata.
Canto 7: Śatrunjaya Māhātmyōtkīrtana Varṇana (Glorification of Shatrunjaya's Greatness): Extols the virtues and significance of the holy pilgrimage site of Shatrunjaya.
Canto 8: Jambūsvāmī Carit Varṇana (Biography of Jambū Swami): Recounts the life and spiritual journey of Jambū Swami, the successor of the first Jain Kevalin. This canto is rich with illustrative stories.
Canto 9: Tapaḥ Prabhava Varṇana - Yugabāhu Caritra (The Power of Austerity and the Life of Yugabahu): Focuses on the glory of austerity (tapas) and narrates the story of Yugabahu.
Canto 10: Neminātha Prācyabhava Varṇana (Description of Neminath's Past Lives): Begins the narrative of the 22nd Tirthankara, Neminath, recounting his previous births and the events leading to his enlightenment.
Canto 11: Vasudeva Yātrā Varṇana (Vasudeva's Pilgrimage): Details the journey and deeds related to Vasudeva.
Canto 12: Kr̥ṣṇa Rājya Varṇana (Krishna's Reign): Describes the reign of Krishna.
Canto 13: Harivijaya (The Victory of Hari): Recounts events related to Krishna's life and exploits.
Canto 14: Vastupāla's Saṅghayātrā Varṇana (Vastupala's Pilgrimage Description): This canto is crucial as it describes Vastupala's grand pilgrimage, a central event in the poem.
Canto 15: Granthakāra's Praśasti (Praise of the Author): Concludes the epic, likely with verses praising the author and the work itself.

Historical and Scholarly Context:

Vastupala and Tejpal: The text extensively highlights the significance of the two minister brothers, Vastupala and Tejpal, who were influential figures in Gujarat during the Chaulukya dynasty. Their virtues, achievements, patronage of arts and literature, and extensive religious benefactions are celebrated.
Literary Patronage: The poem references other contemporary works and poets who wrote about Vastupala, such as Someshwar (Kīrtikaumudī), Arisimha (Sukr̥tasaṅkīrtana), Jayasiṃha Sūri (Hamīramadamardana nāṭaka), and Bālacandra Sūri (Vasantavilāsa).
Sponsorship and Publication: The original publication was by the Siṅghī Jainaśāstra Śikṣāpīṭha at Bhāratīya Vidyā Bhavana, Mumbai, in VS 2005 (1949 CE). The new edition was inspired by Paṅnyās Śrī Vajrasenavijayajī Mahārāja and compiled by Sādhvī Candanbālāśrī, with financial support from the Śrī Navāḍīsā Śvetāmbara Mūrtipūjaka Tapagaccha Jain Saṅgha.
Editorial Efforts: The text acknowledges the meticulous editorial work of Muni Caturvijayajī and Muni Puṇyavijayajī, who based their work on four ancient manuscripts: three palm-leaf manuscripts and one paper manuscript. The palm-leaf manuscript from the Śāntinātha Temple in Khambhat is particularly noted as being written by Vastupala himself.

Key Themes and Values Illustrated:

Dharma (Righteousness): The poem emphasizes the rise and practice of Dharma, particularly through acts of virtue, pilgrimage, and devotion.
Austerity (Tapas): The power and importance of austerity are highlighted through various stories.
Generosity (Dāna): The exemplary generosity of Vastupala and other virtuous individuals is a recurring theme.
Devotion: Devotion to Jain principles, Tirthankaras, and spiritual preceptors is central to the narrative.
Perseverance: The stories often illustrate the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity and moral challenges.
Karma: The text implicitly or explicitly shows the working of karma through the lives and consequences of actions described.
Social Harmony: The author and editors express a hope that reading such texts will inspire individuals to attain higher spiritual states and contribute to the welfare of all beings.

Author's Contribution:

The author, Udayaprabhasūri, is presented as a learned scholar and a gifted poet. His proficiency in Sanskrit, philosophical depth, and ability to weave together historical facts with puranic narratives are evident in his work. He was also known for his contributions to astrology and commentaries on Jain philosophical texts.

In essence, "Dharmābhyudaya Mahākāvya" is a comprehensive literary and spiritual work that not only chronicles the life of a great historical figure but also serves as a repository of Jain teachings, mythology, and ethical principles, aiming to inspire righteousness and spiritual upliftment.