Hastinapur - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Hastinapur" by Vijayendrasuri, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Hastinapur Author: Vijayendrasuri Publisher: Kashinath Sarak Mumbai Publication Date: V.S. 2003 / Vira Samvat 2473 / Dharma Samvat 24

This book, "Hastinapur," is part of a literary initiative by Acharya Vijayendrasuri to highlight historically significant places for Jains and to promote Jain history and philosophy. The author's previous works include "Vaishali" and "Virvihar Mimansa," both of which were well-received for their historical accuracy and authenticity. "Hastinapur" follows this tradition, aiming to provide detailed information about this important Jain pilgrimage site.

Key Themes and Content:

Origin of India's Name: The book begins by discussing the origin of the name "Bharatvarsha" (India). While popular belief attributes it to King Bharata, son of Dushyanta, the text also cites the Bhagavata Purana and Vasudevahindi, which state that the land was named after Bharata, the eldest son of Rishabhadeva, the first Tirthankara.
Establishment of Hastinapur and the Kuru Dynasty: The text delves into the etymology of Hastinapur, linking it to the Kuru dynasty. It mentions that Kuru, the 21st son of Rishabhadeva's son Nabhi, gave his name to the Kuru nation. Hastinapur (also referred to as Gajpur) is identified as the capital of this nation according to the Prajnapana Sutra. The Vividh Tirth Kalpa credits Kuru's son, Hasti, with founding the city.
Names of Hastinapur: The book enumerates various names for Hastinapur found in ancient Jain texts. In Prakrit, it is known as Hathinur, Hatthinpur, Hathiyaur, Hatthinapur, Gayur, Gaypur, and Gayanagar. In Sanskrit, it is referred to as Gajahvaya, Gajasahvaya, Gajanagar, Gajpur, Hastinpur, Hastinapur, Hastinipur, Nagahvaya, Nagasahvaya, and Nagpur.
Royal and Spiritual Significance:
- Rishabhadeva's Son: Bharata, Rishabhadeva's eldest son, is associated with the region, and it's mentioned that he was given the states of Taxila and Hastinapur when Rishabhadeva divided his kingdom.
- Tirthankaras Born/Associated with Hastinapur: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the Tirthankaras connected to Hastinapur:
  - Shantinath (16th Tirthankara): All four of his kalyanaks (auspicious events – conception, birth, initiation, and omniscience) took place in Hastinapur. His father was Vishvasena, and his mother was Achira Devi.
  - Kunthunath (17th Tirthankara): All four of his kalyanaks also occurred here. His father was King Sur, and his mother was Sridevi.
  - Aranath (18th Tirthankara): All four of his kalyanaks happened in Hastinapur. His father was Sudarshan, and his mother was Devi.
  - Rishabhadeva: It is mentioned that Rishabhadeva's parana (breaking of a fast) after his initiation was done with sugarcane juice by Shreyans Kumar, and a stupa was erected at the spot.
  - Mallinath (19th Tirthankara): The text notes that Mallinath also visited Hastinapur. According to Shvetambara tradition, Mallinath was born female. The text recounts a story where several kings, including the king of Hastinapur, Adinshatru, sought her hand in marriage, but she ultimately persuaded them to take diksha.
- Chakravartis: Several Chakravartis are associated with Hastinapur:
  - Sanat Kumar (4th Chakravarti): Born in Hastinapur.
  - Subhum (8th Chakravarti): Also from Hastinapur.
Other Important Figures and Events:
- Parashurama: Son of Jamadagni, Parashurama learned parshu vidya (weaponry) and is mentioned in connection with Hastinapur.
- Gangadatta: A wealthy householder who took diksha from Munisuvrataswami and attained a celestial birth.
- Pandavas and Kauravas: The famous Mahabharata characters are also linked to Hastinapur.
- Kartik Seth: A renowned merchant who, with his 1008 followers, took diksha from Munisuvrataswami and became the Indra of the first celestial realm.
- Vishnukumar: A story from Uttaradhyayan Sutra describes King Pottar of Hastinapur and his sons Vishnukumar and Mahapadma. Vishnukumar's miraculous feat of spanning the earth with three steps earned him the name Trivikrama.
- Mahabal: Son of King Bal of Hastinapur, who took diksha after his coronation and was born in the fifth celestial realm.
- Bal Householder: Mentioned in Nirayavaliya, who became a celestial being and is destined for liberation.
- Pottil: A person from Hastinapur who took diksha from Mahavirswami and is destined for liberation.
- King Shivraj and Shivbhadra: King Shivraj took diksha from Mahavirswami.
- Bhimakoot (Hunter): Mentioned in Vivagasuyam, along with his wife and son, as being from Hastinapur.
- Sumuh Householder: Also from Hastinapur, who attained heaven after taking diksha.
Jain Temples and Structures: The text describes the presence of four chaityas (temples) dedicated to Shantinath, Kunthunath, Aranatha, and Mallinath, as well as a temple for Ambika Devi, during the time of Acharya Jinaprabhsurisuri.
Historical Accounts and Travellers:
- Jinaprabhsurisuri: Journeyed to Hastinapur with a decree from Muhammad Tughlaq and consecrated new idols of Shantinath, Kunthunath, and Aranatha, as well as an image of Amba.
- Pandit Vijay Sagar: Mentions Hastinapur as the birthplace of Shantinath, Kunthunath, and Aranatha, and notes the presence of five Pandavas, five Chakravartis, five stupas, and five Jin idols.
- Pandit Saubhagya Vijay: Corroborates Vijay Sagar's account with slight variations, mentioning three stupas instead of five and placing Hastinapur forty kos east of Delhi.
- Khartar Gacchaacharya Jinachandra Suri: Visited Hastinapur during his time (V.S. 1806-1858).
Modern Situation and Request:
- Location: Hastinapur is situated in the Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh. The text provides details about the road conditions and travel from Meerut.
- Digambara Jain Presence: Meerut has a significant Digambara Jain population with several temples. The book describes a large Digambara Jain temple in Hastinapur, built approximately 200 years ago by Shri Harasukhrai of Delhi, along with a large dharamshala. It also mentions a significant fair for Digambaras during the Gangasnan at Garhmukteshwar.
- Shvetambara Jain Presence: There is a grand temple of Shri Shantinath Maharaj for the Shvetambaras, with surrounding dharamshalas. The text mentions a mound near the temple that is under Shvetambara control and places of worship (Nasiana Ji) for Rishabhadeva, Shantinath, Kunthunath, Aranatha, and Mallinath.
- Annual Fast Observance (Barsitap): The book strongly recommends that the parana of the annual fast (Barsitap), which is currently performed at Shiddhachal, should be observed at Hastinapur, as it is the historical site where Rishabhadeva's parana took place.
- Current Management and Restoration: The management of the pilgrimage site is overseen by a committee, with support from individuals like Lala Hazarimal Ji and Babu Mul Jewellers. The text notes that the site has undergone several restorations, with the last one being by Shri Pratap Chandra Ji Parsan Jeweller and the pratishtha by Shri Jinkalyansuri Ji.
Nearby Sites and Archaeological Potential: The book briefly mentions nearby sites such as Vasumtha village with an ancient Digambara temple, Vidur Tila (with a Shiva temple), Draupadikund, Barahkund, and Raghunath Ji's palace. It notes that the area contains broad bricks and expresses hope that the Archaeological Department will conduct excavations to shed more light on the historical significance of Hastinapur.

In essence, "Hastinapur" by Vijayendrasuri is a scholarly and devotional exploration of a pivotal Jain pilgrimage site, delving into its rich history, mythological connections, and spiritual significance for the Jain community. It serves as a guide for pilgrims and an important historical document for those interested in Jainism and ancient Indian history.