Dipalika Kalpa Sangraha

The provided Jain text, "Dipalika Kalpa Sangraha" by Chandanbalashreeji and published by Bhadrankar Prakashan, is a compilation of several Jain texts (Kalpas and commentaries) related to the festival of Deepavali, also known as Dipalika.

Here's a breakdown of the comprehensive summary in English:

Core Purpose and Content:

The book serves as a collection of various Jain texts that expound upon the significance, rituals, and narratives associated with the Deepavali festival. This festival is intrinsically linked to the Nirvana (liberation) of Lord Mahavir Swami, the 24th Tirthankar. The compilation aims to provide readers with a deep understanding of this auspicious occasion from different Jain perspectives and authors.

Key Texts Included:

The "Dipalika Kalpa Sangraha" brings together eight distinct works:

1. Dipotsava Kalpa (Deepotsava Kalpa) by Acharya Hemchandrasuri: This foundational text details the significance of the festival, a brief biography of Lord Mahavir Swami, his final sermon, the prophetic dreams of King Punyapal, the interpretation of these dreams, the state of the world in the fifth and sixth eras, the lineage of future Tirthankaras, and the origin of the Deepavali festival itself following Lord Mahavir's Nirvana. It also covers the rituals performed by kings and gods during this event.
2. Dipalika Kalpa by Srutha Sthavira Acharya Vinayachandrasuri: This Kalpa, composed in Vikram Samvat 1345, delves into the historical and spiritual significance of the Deepavali festival. It recounts the interaction between King Samprati and Acharya Aryasuhasti, explaining how the festival became prominent in both the worldly and spiritual spheres. It also includes narratives like the story of Vishnu Kumar and Namuchi, which explains the customs of decorating homes and mutual greetings during the festival.
3. Dipotsava Kalpa (Apapa Brihat Kalpa) by Acharya Jinaprabhasuri: Written in Prakrit in Vikram Samvat 1387, this text also discusses the reasons behind the prominence of the Deepavali festival. It reiterates the story of King Samprati and Acharya Aryasuhasti, and provides a detailed explanation of Lord Mahavir's final sermon, including the eight dreams of King Punyapal and their interpretation. It further elaborates on the future of the Jain community, the state of the world in the coming eras, and the names of future Tirthankaras and other illustrious figures.
4. Dipalika Kalpa by Srutha Sthavira Acharya Jinsundarasuri: Composed in Vikram Samvat 1483, this Kalpa also discusses the significance of the festival and the history of Lord Mahavir's life, including the dreams of King Punyapal. It provides a detailed description of the future eras and the state of the Sangh (Jain community).
5. Dipalika Kalpa by an unknown author: This Prakrit Kalpa follows a similar thematic structure to the works of Acharya Jinsundarasuri. It includes unique references such as the mention of 'Tandulveyaaliyapanna' and the Kalki king's horoscope, offering additional insights into the festival's narratives.
6. Deepavalika Parva Vyakyana by Acharya Lakshmisuri: This commentary, part of the larger work "Upadesha Prasad," explains the reasons behind the festival's prominence by recounting the story of King Samprati and Acharya Aryasuhasti and Lord Mahavir's final sermon. It highlights the rituals of fasting and puja performed on specific days of the festival.
7. Deepamalika Vyakyana by Pathak Umedchandra: This commentary also covers similar topics, including the dreams of King Chandragupta and the interpretation of the fifth era's conditions.
8. Dipalika Vyakyana by Upadhyay Gunasagar Gani: This commentary explains the festival's origins through the story of King Samprati and Acharya Aryasuhasti, Lord Mahavir's life, and the significance of the festival's customs.

Key Themes and Narratives:

• Significance of Deepavali: The texts emphasize that Deepavali is not just a festival of lights but also a period of spiritual introspection and remembrance of Lord Mahavir's teachings and Nirvana.
• Lord Mahavir's Life and Teachings: The compilation extensively covers aspects of Lord Mahavir's life, including his birth, दीक्षा (initiation), kevaljnana (omniscience), final sermon, and Nirvana. The dreams of King Punyapal and their prophetic interpretations, which foretell the decline of dharma and the state of the world in future eras, are a significant part of the narratives.
• Origin of the Festival: The texts explain how the festival originated from the lamps lit by the gods and kings to celebrate Lord Mahavir's Nirvana, symbolizing the illumination of the world with his teachings.
• Future Eras and the Jain Community: The texts provide descriptions of the conditions in the fifth and sixth eras, the decline of Jain practices, and the eventual revival of Jain dharma with future Tirthankaras.
• Commentaries and Explanations: The inclusion of various commentaries highlights the scholarly efforts of Jain Acharyas to preserve and explain the profound meanings behind the festival.
• Scholarly Compilation: The book is presented as a new edition, meticulously compiled and edited by Sadhvi Chandanbalashreeji, with blessings and inspirations from prominent Jain Acharyas. It also acknowledges the contributions of previous publishers and manuscript sources.
• Appendices: The new edition includes nine appendices that further enrich the content, such as providing specific Kalpa texts, alphabetical indexes of verses, translations, and special discussions on future Tirthankaras.

Overall Value:

The "Dipalika Kalpa Sangraha" is a valuable resource for Jain scholars, practitioners, and anyone interested in understanding the spiritual and historical context of Deepavali within Jainism. It offers a comprehensive and multi-faceted perspective on this important festival, drawing from the wisdom of revered Jain Acharyas. The compilation reflects the Jain tradition's emphasis on knowledge preservation and dissemination.