Ekvinshatisthan Prakaranam

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ekvinshatisthan Prakaranam" by Chaturvijay, based on the provided catalog link and scanned pages.

Book Title: Ekvinshatisthan Prakaranam (एक्विंशतिस्थान प्रकरणम्) Author: Chaturvijay (चतुरविजय) Original Author of the Prakarana: Shri Siddhasena Suri (श्री सिद्धसेन सूरि) Publisher: Khimchand Fulchandbhai (खीमचंद फूलचंदभाई) Commentary Author: Chaturvijay Muni (चतुरविजय मुनि) Commentary Title: Bodhidipika (बोधदीपिका)

Overall Purpose:

The "Ekvinshatisthan Prakaranam" is a foundational Jain text that systematically lists and explains the twenty-one significant stages or events related to the lives of the Tirthankaras (Jinas). This particular edition includes a detailed commentary titled "Bodhidipika" by Chaturvijay Muni, which elucidates the original Sanskrit/Prakrit verses. The work aims to provide a clear understanding of these crucial points for the spiritual benefit of the readers.

Key Content and Structure:

The text is structured around the twenty-one "Sthanas" (places or stages) related to the Tirthankaras. The "Bodhidipika" commentary breaks down each of these twenty-one stages, providing detailed explanations for each of the 24 Tirthankaras.

The twenty-one stages covered are:

1. Chyavan Viman (च्यवन विमान): The celestial abode from which a Tirthankara descends to earth.
2. Nagari (नगरी): The city of birth for each Tirthankara.
3. Janaka (जनक): The father of each Tirthankara.
4. Janani (जननी): The mother of each Tirthankara.
5. Riksha (रिक्क्ष): The birth star (Nakshatra) of each Tirthankara.
6. Rashi (रासीय): The birth zodiac sign of each Tirthankara.
7. Lanchhan (लँछण): The auspicious symbol or emblem associated with each Tirthankara.
8. Praman (प्रमाण): The measure of their physical stature (height).
9. Aayu (आयुः): The lifespan of each Tirthankara.
10. Varna (वर्ण): The complexion of each Tirthankara.
11. Antara (अंतर): The time gap or interval between successive Tirthankaras.
12. Diksha (दीक्षा): The age and circumstances of their renunciation.
13. Tapa (तप): The penance undertaken at the time of renunciation.
14. Bhikksha (भिक्षा): The details of their first alms received after renunciation.
15. Nanal (ज्ञानस्थान): The place of attainment of Kevala Jnana (omniscience).
16. Ganadhar (गणधर): The number of chief disciples (Ganadharas) for each Tirthankara.
17. Muni (मुनि): The number of mendicant disciples (Sadhus) who followed each Tirthankara.
18. Aarjika (आर्जि ): The number of mendicant female disciples (Sadhvis) who followed each Tirthankara.
19. Yaksha (यक्ष): The guardian Yaksha deity associated with each Tirthankara.
20. Devi (देवी): The guardian Devi deity associated with each Tirthankara.
21. Siddhi Sthan (सिद्धिस्थान): The location (mountain or place) where each Tirthankara attained Moksha (liberation).

Commentary ("Bodhidipika"):

The commentary by Chaturvijay Muni is titled "Bodhidipika" (Lamp of Wisdom). It serves to illuminate the original verses, making them accessible. The commentator acknowledges his guru brother, Shri Devvijay Muni, for his guidance in publishing this commentary. The preface details the lineage of scholars and the inspiration behind this publication. It also includes a "Shuddhipatrak" (Errata) for corrections.

Publication Details and Dedication:

• The book was published in Veer Samvat 2450, Vikram Samvat 1980, and AD 1924.
• It was published by Khimchand Fulchandbhai of Sinor for the spiritual merit (Shreyorth) and memory of his parents.
• The commentary was composed by Chaturvijay Muni, a disciple of Shri Amarvijayji Maharaj, who was himself a disciple of Shri Atmaramji Maharaj.
• Shri Amarvijayji Maharaj is praised in a "Guna Stutya Ashtakam" (Eight-Verse Hymn of Praise), highlighting his virtues.
• The text is dedicated to the feet of Acharya Shri Vijayanand Surishwarji.

Attribution of the Original Work:

The preface and the concluding verses clearly attribute the original "Ekvinshatisthan Prakaranam" to Shri Siddhasena Suri. The text references an ancient inscription mentioning that Shri Siddhasena Suri compiled these "twenty-one places" as they are common to all 24 Jinas. The commentary also discusses the possibility of multiple scholars named Siddhasena Suri, but concludes that the author of this prakarana is likely the one associated with the "Sādhāraṇa" (common) works.

Specific Insights from the Commentary (Examples):

The commentary meticulously details the specific names of the parents, cities, symbols, lifespans, constellations, zodiac signs, and the Yaksha and Devi deities for each of the 24 Tirthankaras, starting from Rishabhdev and ending with Mahavir Swami. For instance, it lists:

• Rishabhdev: Chyavan Viman: Sarvarthasiddhi, Birth City: Vinita, Father: Nabhi, Mother: Marudevi, Birth Nakshatra: Uttarashadha, Birth Rashi: Dhanu, Symbol: Bull, Lifespan: 84 lakh Purva, Diksha: with 4000 followers, attained Moksha at Ashtapad Parvat.
• Mahavir Swami: Chyavan Viman: Pranatakalpa, Birth City: Kshatriyakunda, Father: Siddhartha, Mother: Trishala Devi, Birth Nakshatra: Uttaraphalguni, Birth Rashi: Kanya, Symbol: Lion, Lifespan: 71 years, Diksha: alone, attained Moksha at Sammeta Shikhar.

Commentary on Tirthankara Events:

The commentary also delves into specific events such as:

• Tirthankara's renunciation: When and how they took diksha, often after ruling kingdoms.
• Tirthankara's penance: The type of fasts (upavasa) they undertook.
• Tirthankara's first alms: Who offered them and what they received.
• Attainment of Omniscience: The place and the penance leading to it.
• The interval between Tirthankaras: The time gap in terms of sagaropama (ocean-like periods) or years.
• The number of disciples: The vast numbers of Sadhus and Sadhvis following each Tirthankara.
• The interval of the Tirth (Jain order): It discusses periods when the Jain order might have ceased to exist between Tirthankaras.
• The celestial beings: Details the Yaksha and Devi deities associated with each Tirthankara, sometimes providing their attributes.
• Moksha: The specific location where each Tirthankara attained liberation.

The "Panchdasha Tithi Chaitya Vandanani" (Fifteen Daily Tirthankara Vandanani):

The latter part of the scanned pages includes a section titled "Panchadasha Tithi Chaitya Vandanani," which are devotional verses for each of the first fifteen Tithis (lunar days) of the Jain calendar. These verses highlight various auspicious events (Kalyanakas) of the Tirthankaras that occurred on those specific tithis, serving as a daily devotional practice.

Significance:

The "Ekvinshatisthan Prakaranam," with its detailed commentary, serves as an essential reference work for understanding the biographies and significant life events of all the Tirthankaras in Jainism. It provides a structured and systematic approach to learning about these revered spiritual guides, contributing to a deeper understanding of Jain philosophy and history. The publication of this commentary makes this important text more accessible to a wider audience.