Hindi Granthavali - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, which appears to be a collection of biographies of important Jain figures, likely intended for children's education. The book title is "Hindi Granthavali," and it was published by Jyoti Karayalay.

The text is structured as a series of "Pushpa" (flower/volume), each dedicated to a significant Jain Tirthankara or notable Jain personality. Here's a breakdown of the content:

Overall Theme and Purpose:

The preface (Page 4-8) explains the educational philosophy behind these stories. It highlights that abstract philosophical concepts are best understood through narratives. The stories aim to instill values of peace, detachment, and spiritual knowledge, not to incite base desires. The authors emphasize the importance of traditional storytelling for moral and spiritual development, especially in the context of modern society where such teachings are less prevalent in families. They also mention the success of previous Gujarati publications in this series.

Key Figures and Their Stories:

The book covers the lives of several prominent Jain figures, presented in a biographical and narrative style:

Shri Rishabhdev (First Tirthankara):
- Describes the idyllic early human society living in harmony with nature.
- Details the progression of human civilization, from early leaders (Kulkar) to the establishment of societal order.
- Narrates the life of Shri Rishabhdev, from his birth to his role in introducing various arts and sciences (like agriculture, pottery, weaving, governance).
- Highlights his eventual renunciation of worldly possessions and his attainment of enlightenment, making him the first Tirthankara (Adinath).
Shri Neminath (22nd Tirthankara):
- Introduces the Yadava dynasty, including characters like Vasudev, Baldev, and Shri Krishna.
- Describes the establishment of Dwarka and the life of Shri Neminath, known for his immense strength and spiritual wisdom.
- Highlights his pivotal moment of renunciation when he witnessed the suffering of animals destined for a royal feast, leading him to become a Tirthankara.
- Emphasizes his vows of celibacy and his profound understanding of the soul.
Shri Parshwanath (23rd Tirthankara):
- Recounts the birth of Parshwanath in the city of Kashi, associated with a dream of a black serpent.
- Details his upbringing, his immense strength and popularity.
- Narrates his interaction with Kamat, who practices severe asceticism and harbors ill-will, leading to a powerful encounter where Parshwanath demonstrates his spiritual prowess.
- Highlights his ultimate renunciation and the establishment of his teachings, emphasizing non-violence.
Prabhu Mahavir (24th Tirthankara):
- Describes the birth of Vardhaman (later Mahavir) in the kingdom of Magadha.
- Details his virtuous and strong childhood, his devotion to his parents, and his eventual marriage.
- Focuses on his 28 years of asceticism and the severe hardships he endured, highlighting his unwavering determination.
- Recounts his attainment of Keval Gyan (omniscience) and his subsequent teachings on non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness, non-stealing, chastity, and non-possession.
- Explains his role as the last Tirthankara and the establishment of the Jain sangha.
Veer Dhanna:
- Tells the story of Dhanna, the youngest son of Seth Dhansar, who was exceptionally intelligent and virtuous.
- Illustrates his intelligence through his business dealings, where his keen observation and honesty led to great prosperity, contrasting with his envious elder brothers.
- Shows his spiritual inclination when he witnesses the suffering of his family and ultimately renounces worldly possessions to follow Lord Mahavir.
Mahatma Dhadaprahari (Possibly a prominent Jain ascetic known for resilience):
- Narrates the story of Durdhar, a wicked and destructive young man who is eventually exiled.
- Describes his encounter with a hermit who inspires him to change his ways.
- Highlights his profound penance and forgiveness, even after enduring immense suffering and physical abuse. His story emphasizes the transformative power of seeking spiritual guidance and practicing penance.
Abhaykumar:
- Focuses on the story of Abhaykumar, the intelligent and resourceful son of King Shrenik of Magadha.
- Details his clever solutions to various problems, including proving his identity, securing his mother's rightful place, and outsmarting enemies of the kingdom.
- Showcases his unwavering adherence to Jain principles even when facing adversity.
Rani Chellana:
- Introduces the virtuous daughters of King Chetak of Vaishali, Sujyeshtha and Chellana.
- Highlights the conflict arising from King Shrenik's desire to marry one of Chetak's daughters, and Chetak's initial refusal based on lineage.
- Describes the clever stratagem employed by Abhaykumar to facilitate Shrenik's marriage with Chellana.
- Details Chellana's deep devotion to Lord Mahavir and her spiritual journey, leading her to renunciation.
- Explains the tragic story of her son Konik, who rebels against his father.
Chandanbala:
- Recounts the life of Chandanbala, born as Princess Vasumati, daughter of King Dadivahan of Champanagari.
- Details her unfortunate abduction, enslavement, and eventual suffering after her city was conquered.
- Emphasizes her unwavering adherence to purity and her devotion to Jain principles even in the direst circumstances.
- Highlights her eventual liberation and her becoming a key disciple of Lord Mahavir, becoming the chief female ascetic (Sadhvi).
Ilachi-Kumar:
- Tells the story of Ilachi-kumar, a young man who falls in love with a dancer.
- Describes his determination to marry her, leading him to abandon his privileged life and join a troupe of performers.
- His story culminates in a profound spiritual realization during a performance, leading him and the dancer to attain Keval Gyan (omniscience).
Jambuswami:
- Focuses on Jambuswami, the son of a wealthy merchant, who is betrothed to eight princesses.
- Describes his strong spiritual inclination and his desire for renunciation, influenced by the teachings of Sudharma Swami.
- Highlights his unwavering vow of celibacy and his eventual attainment of Keval Gyan, becoming the last Kevali (omniscient being) of that era.
Amrkumar:
- Narrates the story of Amrkumar, born to a poor Brahmin family, but destined for greatness due to his pure past-life karma.
- Details how his mother, driven by poverty and resentment, sells him to the king for a significant reward.
- Despite being thrown into a fire, Amrkumar's faith in the Navkar Mantra protects him, leading to the king's realization and his eventual embrace of Jainism.
- His story emphasizes faith, purity of thought, and the power of the Navkar mantra.
Shripal:
- Details the life of Shripal, who faces immense hardship and suffering, including being ostracized due to leprosy.
- Highlights his marriage to Mainasundari, a virtuous princess, who helps him through his ordeal.
- Emphasizes the transformative power of devotion to the Navpadji and the grace of spiritual masters in overcoming suffering and attaining prosperity and spiritual liberation.
Kumarpal:
- Focuses on the life of Kumarpal, the king of Gujarat, who rose from humble beginnings.
- Highlights his close association with the Jain Acharya Hemchandracharya, who guided him.
- Details his administrative reforms, his military conquests, and his patronage of Jainism, leading to the construction of magnificent temples.
- Emphasizes his transformation from a king to a Rajarshi (royal sage) and his lifelong dedication to Jain principles.
Pethadkumar:
- Narrates the story of Pethadkumar, a humble Jain layman who, despite initial poverty, becomes a successful businessman and minister.
- Illustrates his honesty, integrity, and his devotion to Jainism, even after achieving great wealth and status.
- Highlights his significant contributions to building Jain temples and his acts of charity and compassion.
Vimalshah:
- Recounts the life of Vimalshah, who rose from challenging circumstances to become a powerful minister and builder of magnificent Jain temples.
- His story emphasizes his courage, intelligence, and deep devotion to Jainism, particularly in building the famed temples at Mount Abu.
Vastupal-Tejpal:
- Focuses on the remarkable story of the brothers Vastupal and Tejpal, who served as powerful ministers and patrons of Jainism.
- Details their administrative skills, military prowess, and immense philanthropic contributions, including the construction of magnificent temples at Shatrunjaya, Girnar, and Mount Abu.
- Their lives exemplify the combination of worldly success and profound spiritual devotion.
Khema-Dedrani:
- Tells the story of Khema-Dedrani, a humble merchant who, through his extraordinary generosity and devotion to Jain principles, saves Gujarat from a severe famine.
- His story highlights the virtues of selfless charity and the importance of supporting the community, even in times of crisis.
Dharmaruchi Angar, Gajsukumal, Avantisukumal, Muni Shri Metary, Skandhak Muni and his disciples, Skandhak Muni:
- These are shorter narratives focusing on individuals who demonstrated extraordinary resilience, forgiveness, and devotion in the face of extreme suffering and persecution, ultimately leading to their spiritual liberation or advancement. They exemplify the highest ideals of Jain asceticism and adherence to principles like Ahimsa (non-violence) and Kshama (forgiveness).

Overall Contribution:

The "Hindi Granthavali" serves as a valuable resource for disseminating Jain teachings and values to a younger audience. By weaving moral and spiritual lessons into engaging biographical narratives, the book aims to inspire readers to cultivate virtues like truthfulness, non-violence, charity, and spiritual devotion. The collection covers a significant period of Jain history and highlights the exemplary lives of individuals who dedicated themselves to the path of liberation.