Jain Dharma Ki Shramaniyo Ka Bruhad Itihas - Book Summary

Based on the provided text, here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Dharma ki Shramaniyo ka Bruhad Itihas" by Vijay Sadhvi Arya:

Title: Jain Dharma ki Shramaniyo ka Bruhad Itihas (A Comprehensive History of Jain Ascetic Women) Author: Dr. Sadhvi Vijayashri 'Arya' Publisher: Bharatiya Vidya Pratishthan

Overview:

This monumental work, spanning approximately 1000 pages, is a rare and historical research-based text that aims to provide a comprehensive history of Jain ascetic women (Shramanis). It delves into their lives, their dedication to pure conduct, and immortalizes their scholarly contributions through the glorious narratives of ten thousand such women. The book is praised for its detailed analysis from historical, philosophical, and spiritual perspectives, presenting a unique document of India's ancient cultural heritage.

Key Themes and Content:

The book is structured into eight chapters, covering the history of Jain Shramanis from ancient times to the present, across various traditions and sects:

Chapter 1: Preliminary Background (Purva Peethika):
- Discusses the importance of spiritual traditions in Indian culture.
- Explores the antiquity and distinctiveness of Shramanic culture and Jain Shramanic culture.
- Compares Jain Shramanis with ascetic women in other Indian religions (Vedic, Buddhist, Christian, Islam, Sufi) and highlights similarities and differences.
- Examines the four-fold Jain Sangha (Shraman, Shramani, Shravak, Shravika) and the position of Shramanis within it.
- Analyzes the reasons for the apparent neglect of the Shramani Sangha in the Digambara tradition.
- Explains the various synonyms for Jain Shramanis, their meanings, and significance (Shramani, Shramana, Ashramana, Shamani, Samani, Nirgranthi, Bhikshuni, Sanyatini, Vratini, Sadhvi, Aryika, Kshullika).
- Details the internal organization of the Shramani Sangha, including positions like Pravartini, Mahattara, Ganini, Ganavachhedika, etc., and discusses the differences between Digambara and Shwetambara practices.
- Outlines the rules for entry into the Shramani Sangha and the initiation ceremonies.
- Details the 27 virtues of Jain Shramanis and their code of conduct (dietary rules, clothing, ascetic practices, etc.).
- Identifies the sources for studying the history of the Shramani Sangha, including Agam literature, Niyuktis, Bhashyas, Churnis, Charitra works, inscriptions, and archaeological findings.
- Includes a significant section on the depiction of Shramanis in art and architecture, featuring rare ancient images from various periods.
Chapter 2: From Pre-historic Times to Arhat Parshvanath:
- Covers the origin and development of the Jain Shramani Sangha.
- Provides a critical study of Shramanis during the Tirthankara periods, including names and numbers.
- Details the Shramanis from the pre-historic era up to the time of Arhat Parshvanath, mentioning influential figures like Brahmi and Sundari (daughters of Rishabhanatha), Sulochana, Shama, Rajamati, Madanrekha, Pottila, Kamalavati, etc.
- Cites specific numbers of Shramanis mentioned in Agam, Niyukti, Puran, and Katha literature (360 specific Shramanis).
Chapter 3: Mahavir and Post-Mahavir Era:
- Focuses on Shramanis during the time of Lord Mahavir and the period following him (from Vir Nirvana 1 to 1489).
- Highlights key figures like Arya Chandanbala, Mrigavati, Jayanti, Devananda, Susa, Kali, Samudrashri, Pushpacula, Yaksha and Yakshdattā, Arya Poini, Rudrasoma, Ishwari, and Yakshini Mahattara.
- Mentions 109 Shramanis from the period up to the 15th century Vir Nirvana.
Chapter 4: Digambara Tradition Shramanis:
- Discusses the distinction between Shwetambara and Digambara traditions.
- Covers the early period of the Digambara tradition and the existence of Jain Shramanis in South India.
- Details the Shramanis of the Yapakiya sect and the Bhattaraka tradition, and their significant place in the Jain Sangha.
- Presents information on 319 Shramanis from the 8th to the 21st century, including those who observed the great Sallekhana vow on Chandragiri mountain.
- Highlights the independent leadership of Kurattigal Bhattarikas from the 8th to the 11th century, who established educational institutions.
- Notes the emergence of Aryikas in the 19th and 20th centuries, mentioning figures like Arya Shri Chandramati Ji, Shri Dharamati Mataji, Shri Viramati Ji, and Shri Indumati Ji.
- Specifically mentions the contributions of Ganni Shri Gyanmati Ji and Aryika Suparshwamati Ji, who have authored numerous philosophical texts.
- Details prominent 21st-century Aryikas like Ganni Vijaymati Ji.
Chapter 5: Shwetambara Tradition Shramanis:
- Covers the extensive and refined tradition of Shwetambara Shramanis, detailing 3221 identified Shramanis.
- Discusses various Gachchhas like Khartargachchha (240 Shramanis), Tapagachchha (5784 Shramanis as of 2005), Anchalgachchha, Upakeshgachchha, Agamicgachchha, and Parshvachandragachchha (58 Shramanis in 2005).
- Highlights scholarly Shramanis like Mahattara Gunavardhimani (author of Anjan Sundari Charitam) and Mahattara Padmasiri.
- Mentions influential figures like Dharmalakshmi Mahattara, Shi Udyotashri Ji, Pravartini Punyashri Ji, Pravartini Shivashri Ji, and others, detailing their contributions to tapasya, literature, and spiritual propagation.
- Includes information on hundreds of Shramanis who copied ancient texts and compiled valuable manuscripts.
Chapter 6: Sthanakavasi Tradition Shramanis:
- Describes the Shramanis of the Shwetambara Sthanakavasi tradition, starting from the 16th century Vikram Samvat.
- Covers Shramanis from various traditions that emerged from the Kriyoddhara movement led by six key Acharyas.
- Highlights prominent Sadhvis like Bhaganj, Saddanji, Sohankunwarji, Kusumalvatiji, Pushpavatiji, and others, noting their scholarly and ascetic achievements.
- Details figures like Radhaji, Kushalkunwarji, Sirakvarji, Sundarji, Ratnakunwarji, Anandkunwarji, Ujjvalkumariji, Chandana, Dharmashila, Muktiprabhaji, and Pritisudhaji, emphasizing their roles in social reform and spiritual propagation.
- Also mentions Sharda Bai from the Khambhat sect and her contribution to reconnecting the lineage of Shramanas.
- Details the Shramani tradition within the Punjabi community, mentioning figures like Khetaji, Bhagataji, Sitaji, Khemji, Gyanañji, Sheranji, Gangi Devi, Parvati Ji, Chandaji, Draupadaji, Mathura Devi, Mohan Devi, Rajmati Ji, Pannadevi Ji, Kaushalyadevi Ji, Mohanmala Ji, Shubha Ji, Hemkanwar Ji, emphasizing their asceticism and influence.
- Covers the Dariyapuri sect and its Shramanis, mentioning Nathibai and Kesarbai.
- Discusses the Dhammadasi tradition and its prominent figures like Mainak Kunwar Ji, Heera Ji, Daulaji, Manak Kunwar Ji, Mehtab Kunwar Ji, Gulab Kunwar Ji, Sajjan Kunwar Ji, and the intellectual contribution of Nandkunwar Ji.
- Details the Marwar tradition mentioning Raghunath Ji, Jaymal Ji, Kushalo Ji, Tehkunwar Ji, Chauatha Ji, Sardar Kunwar Ji, Jadavanji, Bhurasundari Ji, Umrav Kunwar Ji, and Meenasundari Ji.
- Covers the Harji Rishi tradition, mentioning Kotas, Sadhumargi, and Diwakar sects and prominent figures within them.
- Estimates the total number of Shramanis in these traditions to be around 2953 (as of 2005), with a total of 2348 Shramanis documented in the thesis.
Chapter 7: Terapanth Tradition Shramanis:
- Traces the history of the Shramani Sangha of the Terapanth tradition from 1821 Vikram Samvat onwards.
- Highlights over 1700 Shramanis dedicated to the upliftment of Jin Shasan through their penance and sacrifice.
- Mentions key figures like Hira Ji, Varju Ji, Deepa Ji, Maluka Ji, Sardara Ji, Hastu Ji, Rambha Ji, Jeta Ji, Jhuma Ji, Jetha Ji, Gulaba Ji, Mukha Ji, Dhanna Ji, Lada Ji, Maula Ji, Sona Ji, Kanku Ji, Bhura Ji, Chanda Ji, Ancha Ji, Pyara Ji, Bhura Ji, Nojan Ji, Tansukha Ji, Mukha Ji, Jadaba Ji, Panna Ji, Bhatu Ji, Santoka Ji, Mohana Ji.
- Emphasizes the golden era under Acharya Shri Tulsi Ji, noting the widespread influence of the Saman Shreni.
- Details figures like Gonra Ji, Matushri Vadana Ji, Champa Ji, Suraj Kanwar Ji, Lichhama Ji, Kanchan Kunwar Ji, Pramodshri Ji, and Sumankumari Ji.
- Highlights the significant contributions of Mahashramani and Sangh Mahanideshika Sadhvi Pramukha Shri Kanakprabha Ji, who authored and edited around 115 books.
- Mentions Jayashri Ji, Amitaprabha Ji, and others as exceptional poets and Shatavdhanis.
- Provides a total of 1719 Shramanis and 116 Samanis documented from 1821 to 2053 Vikram Samvat.
Chapter 8: Conclusion (Upasamhar):
- Summarizes the ascetic and renunciatory nature of the Jain Shramani Sangha.
- Establishes their importance in world history and their collective contributions through creative works.
- Discusses various aspects of Shramani contributions and areas for future research.
- Addresses contemporary issues concerning Shramanis and emphasizes the need for their solutions.
- Concludes by stating that the work documents the history of 8153 Shramanis, with thousands more mentioned by name, and acknowledges that many remain unknown. The history is presented as a mirror to the past, a thermometer to measure the present, and a guide for the future.

Author's Dedication and Acknowledgements:

The author, Sadhvi Vijayashri 'Arya', dedicates the book to all virtuous Shramanis who have built history through their meritorious deeds and illuminated its pages with their sacred names. She expresses gratitude to Dr. Sagarmal Ji Jain for his guidance and inspiration. The author acknowledges the immense effort involved in collecting information from various sources, including Agams, inscriptions, manuscripts, and contemporary Shramanis. She also thanks individuals and institutions for their support.

Key Takeaway:

"Jain Dharma ki Shramaniyo ka Bruhad Itihas" is a monumental scholarly achievement that meticulously researches and presents the rich and often overlooked history of Jain ascetic women. It highlights their intellectual prowess, their ascetic dedication, their societal contributions, and their enduring legacy within the Jain tradition. The book serves as an invaluable resource for understanding the significant role of women in the spiritual and cultural fabric of Jainism and ancient India.