Ek Lakh Parmaro Ka Uddhar

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ek Lakh Parmaro ka Uddhar" (The Liberation of One Lakh Parmars) by Navinchandra Vijaymuni:

The book, "Ek Lakh Parmaro ka Uddhar," chronicles a significant historical undertaking of the 20th century: the conversion of a large segment of the Parmar Kshatriya community to Jainism. Authored by Muni Navinchandra Vijayji, the text delves into the historical and religious significance of this movement.

The Superiority of the Kshatriya Varna in Jainism: The text begins by establishing the importance of the Kshatriya varna (social class) within Jainism, tracing its origins back to Lord Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankara. It highlights that the majority of Tirthankaras, Chakravartis (universal emperors), and important figures in Jain history belonged to the Kshatriya lineage. The text emphasizes that Jainism is considered the "religion of Kshatriyas," as it was through their efforts that the religion spread and flourished. A notable example is Lord Mahavir Swami's birth. When his soul was initially destined to be born to a Brahmin woman, Devānandā, Indra intervened. Concerned that a Tirthankara's soul should only be born in a Kshatriya lineage, Indra transferred Lord Mahavir's fetal form to the womb of Trishala, a Kshatriya queen. This reaffirms Jainism's recognition of the Kshatriya varna's eminence.

The Ancient Parmar Kshatriya Lineage: Following Lord Munisuvrat Swami, the Ikshvaku dynasty of Kshatriyas diversified into numerous branches. Lord Neminath was born into the Yaduvansh, and Lord Mahavir Swami into the Jñātr̥kula. After Lord Mahavir's Nirvana, the Jñātr̥kula also split into various sub-clans, including the Parmars, Solankis, Sisodiyas, and Rathores. The text cites the Hindu historian Jaishankar Prasad, who believed that the Parmar, Parihar, Chalukya (Solanki), and Chauhan dynasties originated from an "Agni-kula" (fire dynasty) in Mount Abu. The Parmars ruled in and around Abu, with Chandravati as their capital. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Parmars and Solankis were compelled to leave Abu and Chandravati, migrating to Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. The Solankis settled near Patan in Gujarat, while the Parmars established themselves around Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh.

The Valor of the Parmar Kshatriyas: The inherent bravery of Kshatriyas made their very identity synonymous with valor, and true bravery led to leadership. The text highlights that the division of labor in ancient India included the Kshatriyas' duty to protect and prosper the nation. The Parmar Kshatriyas fulfilled this duty admirably. After settling in Ujjain, they extended their dominion over the entire region of Madhya Pradesh, from Vadodara to the Chambal valley. Ujjain became their capital. Parmar rulers were renowned for their exceptional bravery, justice, and appreciation for literature and art. Figures like Vikramaditya (for justice), Munja (for valor), and Maharaja Bhoja (for knowledge) are celebrated. Maharaja Bhoja's work, "Saraswati Kanthabharana," inspired Acharya Hemchandrasuri to compose the grammar text "Siddha-Hema Vyakarana." Similar to the Solanki rulers Siddharaj Jaysinh and Paramahamsa Maharaja Kumarpal, the Parmar lineage produced great rulers like Vikramaditya, Munja, and Bhoja.

The Connection Between Parmar Kshatriyas and Jainism: Maharaja Bhoja's court hosted the gifted Jain poet Dhanpal, who held a high position alongside the renowned Kalidasa. Dhanpal authored the prose epic "Tilakamanjari," which glorifies the city of Vinita and Lord Adinath. This work is considered a masterpiece of Sanskrit literature. Dhanpal's poetic genius and fearlessness deeply impressed King Bhoja. The king, a lover of hunting, was moved by Dhanpal's poignant description of a deer wounded by his arrow. This experience instilled compassion in the king for all living creatures, and he renounced hunting thereafter. Maharaja Bhoja's successor, Laghubhoja, honored Sri Shanticharya, the author of "Jeevavichara," with the title "Vadivetal" (master debater). Just as Acharya Hemchandrasuri transformed Solanki Kumarpal into a devoted Jain, Vadivetal Sri Shanticharya inspired Parmar Laghubhoja to become a fervent supporter of Jainism.

The Widespread Influence of the Parmar Kshatriya Dynasty: A popular saying acknowledged the Parmars' prominence: "The first branch is Parmar, the rest are Sisodia, Singala. Rathore of Ranthambore, descendant of Chauhan." This couplet underscores the historical dominion, authority, and widespread influence of the Parmar Kshatriyas across India. However, after the death of Parmar Laghubhoja and the Nirvana of Vadivetal Sri Shanticharya, the Parmars' connection with Jainism waned. Their internal unity dissolved, leading to fragmentation. Those Parmar Kshatriyas residing on the borders of Madhya Pradesh lost contact with Ujjain and became isolated. Despite the loss of direct Jain contact, their inherent Jain values persisted. They established small kingdoms, with Devgarh as their primary capital. The remaining Parmars were dispersed across seven hundred villages within a two-hundred-kilometer radius. After India's independence, these villages were divided into two districts, and their small states were integrated into the Indian Union. Post-statehood, they embraced agriculture as their livelihood. They are strictly vegetarian, their lives characterized by simplicity, gentleness, humanity, and sincerity. They are fearless, hardworking, and possess a strong sense of self-respect, neither seeking favors nor tolerating insult.

The Love of Parmar Kshatriyas for Religion: The Parmar Kshatriyas are described as inherently courageous, fearless, diligent, simple-hearted, and religious. Their proximity to the borders of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat resulted in a blend of both cultures. The valor of Maharaja Vikramaditya, Munja, and Bhoja flowed through their veins, and the principles of non-violence championed by Acharya Hemchandrasuri and Maharaja Kumarpal echoed in their lives.

The Dawn of Jainism Among the Parmars: In the vicinity of Bodeli, in Vadodara district, there were villages of Parmar Kshatriyas, with Bodeli serving as their commercial hub. Around 1915, Somchandra bhai Keshavlal, a devout Jain, owned a shop there. Parmar Kshatriya brothers frequented his shop to purchase essential goods. They were impressed by his simplicity, sincerity, and religious curiosity. They believed that by explaining the glory of Jainism, positive results could be achieved. One day, Somchandra bhai discussed the fundamental principles of Jainism with Sitabhai from Salpura village, who was his close friend. Sitabhai was deeply impressed by Jainism and dedicated himself to the Jin-Shasan (Jain faith). He, in turn, conveyed the greatness of Jainism to his fellow Parmar Kshatriya brethren, leading to their conversion. This demonstrates the religious fervor and inquisitiveness of the Parmar Kshatriyas, who already possessed latent seeds of non-violence, truth, compassion, love, and friendship, which only needed nurturing. Somchandra bhai recognized and fulfilled this need.

The First Jain Converts from the Parmar Kshatriya Lineage: Somchandra bhai continued his efforts to spread the core tenets of Jainism, inspiring families from villages like Salpura, Dūma, Jhāmpā, and Sāntalāvaḍā to embrace the faith. This led to the number of Jain Parmar Kshatriyas reaching two hundred and eighty. Among these two hundred and eighty individuals was Ranchhodbhai Gopaldas from Salpura, a respected householder, and his wife, Balubahan. In 1923, their son, Mohanlal, was born.

The Path to Monkhood: Mohanlal to Muni Indravijayji: Mohanlal received his early education in the village school. At the age of eleven, he moved to Dabhoi, 22 kilometers away, to study under the guidance of Nyas Shri Rangvijayji Maharaj, where he acquired elementary knowledge of Jainism. In 1936, inspired by Nyas Shri Rangvijayji, a "Kumar Chhatralaya" (youth hostel) was established in Bodeli for the children of Parmar Kshatriya brothers. Mohanlal relocated to Bodeli, receiving both religious and practical education. At the age of ten, his parents passed away. He continued his studies at the Bodeli hostel until he was seventeen. From childhood, Mohanlal harbored seeds of detachment from worldly life, which now blossomed. He expressed his desire for spiritual liberation through initiation to his uncle, Sitabhai. Despite his uncle's reluctance, Mohanlal's firm resolve prevailed. Reluctantly, with tearful eyes, his uncle bid him farewell for his initiation.

At seventeen, Mohanlal presented himself before Muni Shri Vinay Vijayji Maharaj in Narsanda, Gujarat, for his initiation. Muni Shri Vinay Vijayji had already met Mohanlal in Bodeli when he was known as Jivanlalji and was engaged in promoting Jainism. Muni Shri Vinay Vijayji, recognizing Mohanlal's humility, simplicity, detachment, and determination, conferred upon him initiation in Narsanda village in 1941. He was given the new name Muni Shri Indravijayji Maharaj, thus becoming the first Jain initiate from the Parmar Kshatriya lineage.

Muni Indravijayji's Resolve and Achievements: Muni Shri Indravijayji's profound studies commenced under the auspicious, inspiring presence and guidance of his guru, Muni Shri Vinay Vijayji. While traveling from Gujarat to Rajasthan, his higher initiation was completed in 1945 by Acharya Shri Vikash Chandrasuriji Maharaj, the creator of the "Mahendra Panchang," in Bijowa. Seven years later, in 1948, he came under the tutelage of Punjab Kesari, Yugveer Acharya Shrimad Vijay Vallabh Surishwarji Maharaj in Sadri, Rajasthan. It was here that his true development began. He mastered Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Hindi, studying their literature. He began to reside with Acharya Shrimad Vijay Vallabh Surishwarji Maharaj, drawing new inspiration from his sacred presence, affection, and parental care. The Acharya's conduct, thoughts, ideals, and actions profoundly influenced Muni Shri Indravijayji. Through his insight, grace, and merit, he quickly became a learned Muni.

In the night of Ashwin Krishna Dashami, 1954, Punjab Kesari, Yugveer Acharya Shrimad Vijay Vallabh Surishwarji Maharaj passed away in Mumbai, plunging the entire Jain community into mourning. His demise was an irreplaceable loss to Jainism and society. The brilliant star that guided humanity through its divine light had been extinguished.

Muni Shri Indravijayji Maharaj undertook ascents of spiritual power. A seeker, Munishri Omkarvijayji, took initiation from him. He traveled with the serene Acharya Shri Samudra Surishwarji Maharaj from Mumbai to Surat. Here, Acharya Shri bestowed upon him the title of "Gani" (a senior monk) on the third day of Chaitra Krishna in 1954. Now, Gani Shri Indravijayji Maharaj was capable of independent work. His primary resolution was to spearhead the propagation of Jainism in his ancestral region and within the Parmar Kshatriya community. Muni Shri Jinvijayji had already inspired him for this mission. The great work of propagating the faith awaited him. He bowed at the feet of Acharya Shri Samudra Surishwarji Maharaj, received his blessings, and arrived in Bodeli, Vadodara district.

The Liberation of the Parmar Kshatriyas: The work of spreading Jainism in this region had been progressing slowly on a smaller scale. To organize this propagation effort, the "Shri Parmar Kshatriya Jain Dharma Pracharak Sabha" was established in Bodeli in 1936, inspired by Nyas Shri Rangvijayji. A greater scale and wider reach were now required for this propagation. This necessitated a dedicated ascetic who was intimately familiar with their language, customs, beliefs, and local circumstances. It was a remarkable coincidence that Gani Shri Indravijayji, the first Jain ascetic from the Parmar Kshatriya lineage of this very region, arrived in Bodeli to advance this propagation work.

The year was 1956. Gani Shri Indravijayji wholeheartedly dedicated himself to this propagation work and never looked back. For twelve long years, he traveled door-to-door, street-to-street, and village-to-village, propagating the faith. His sole conviction was to bring as many people as possible to follow the Jin and help them attain right faith. His powerful voice, profound knowledge, and simple style of explanation made his discourses highly popular in the region. Christian missionaries, Ramanandis, and Swaminarayan sect gurus were already active in propagating their respective faiths. However, as soon as Gani Indravijayji entered the area, they could not withstand his influence.

As a result of Gani Shri Indravijayji Maharaj's twelve years of arduous effort, one hundred thousand Parmar Kshatriya men and women (including Patels) became new Jains in this region. One hundred and fifteen seekers took initiation. Jin temples were constructed in sixty villages, and Jain religious schools were established in an equal number of villages. Gani Shri Indravijayji then came to be known as "Parmar Kshatriyoddharak" (Liberator of Parmar Kshatriyas).

In 1970, on the occasion of Vasant Panchami, the serene Acharya Shri Vijay Samudra Surishwarji Maharaj bestowed upon him the title of "Acharya" in Bardi, Mumbai. Gani Shri Indravijayji Maharaj then became Acharya Shri Vijay Indradinn Surishwarji. In 1977, his guru, Samudra Suriji, declared him his successor. Currently, he is diligently fulfilling the significant responsibility of managing the community and the Sangha, continuously striving to establish Jainism in his field of work. The inspiration for the restoration of Pawagad Tirth and the establishment of a Jain girls' hostel there marks a crucial phase in this endeavor.

The most significant contribution and the most glorious achievement of Parmar Kshatriyoddharak, Charitra Chudamani, Jain Diwakar Acharya Shrimad Vijay Indradinn Surishwarji Maharaj is making one lakh Parmar Kshatriyas followers of Jainism. In the five-hundred-year history of Jainism, no other Acharya has accomplished such a feat. The liberation of one lakh Parmars is indeed a historic achievement of the 20th century.