Jain Itihas

This text is the "Jain Itihas" (History of Jainism) authored by Hemratnasuri and published by Jinshasan Aradhana Trust. The provided pages offer introductory material and the beginning of the historical narrative of Jainism.

Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided pages:

Core Purpose and Introduction:

• The book aims to present a concise history of Jainism, serving as a "lamp" to guide those interested in understanding the past of this tradition.
• It highlights that while other books on Jain history exist, this one is designed for those with a "brief interest," making the vast history accessible.
• The text acknowledges its predecessor, published 97 years prior, which is now rare. The current edition is a re-editing under the guidance of Acharya Shri Vijay Hemchandrasurishwarji.

Inspirational and Editorial Guidance:

• The book is presented under the inspiration and guidance of Pujya Vairagyadeshana Daksha Acharyadev Shriwardhan Vijay Hemchandrasurishwarji Maharaj.
• It is published by Shri Jinshasan Aradhana Trust, with Mumbai and Patan mentioned as locations.
• The text expresses gratitude to various Acharyas, Panyas, and Gani for their blessings, inspiration, and guidance, including:
  • Pujya Siddhantamahodadhi Acharyadev Shriwardhan Vijay Premsurishwarji M.S.A.
  • Pujya Vardhamantaponidhi Acharyadev Shriwardhan Vijay Bhuvanbhanusurishwarji M.S.A.
  • Pujya Samtasagar Panyas Pravar Shri Padm vijayji Ganivarya
  • Pujya Siddhantadiwakar Gachhadhipati Acharyadev Shriwardhan Vijay Jayghoshsurishwarji M.S.A.
• Special mention is made of Panyas Pravar Shri Kalyansurijivijayji Ganivarya as the re-editor.

Key Themes and Content Outline (Based on the Index and Introduction):

• Importance of History: The introduction emphasizes that history is an ideal for religious and practical conduct, allowing for understanding changes over time and place. It's deemed essential for all religious followers.
• Ancient Roots: Jainism's history is described as ancient, tracing back to the "earliest Agam authors." The Agams (scriptures) are presented as the primary source for understanding this history, revealing Jain ethics and practices from ancient to modern times.
• Uniqueness of Jainism's Historical Material: The text claims that Jainism possesses unparalleled historical material for clarifying its beliefs and practices compared to other religions.
• Chronological Span: The history begins with the seventh Kulkar, King Nabhi, at the end of the third era of the last descending half-cycle (Avasarpini).
• Timeline of Tirthankaras: It covers the history from the first Tirthankar, Shri Rishabhdev Bhagwan, up to the twenty-third Tirthankar, Shri Parshvanath.
• Mahavir Bhagwan and Vir Samvat: The narrative then focuses on the period from the Nirvana of Shri Mahavir Bhagwan, the present propagator of the faith, marking the beginning of the Vir Samvat (Jain Era) calculation.
• Impact and Evolution: The book details the historical events and the "religious endeavors" of influential Jain figures, highlighting the "greatness of the Jain Shasan" and the evolution of Jainism, its ethics, societal practices, institutions, and the decline or rise of its prominent figures (scholars, householders, monks) and their qualities like wisdom, generosity, enthusiasm, valor, and faith.
• Detailed Chapter Breakdown (Anukramanika): The index (Anukramanika) provides a chapter-by-chapter overview of the book's content, covering significant periods and personalities:
  • Chapter 1: History from Shri Rishabhdev to Gautam Swami, including the origin of Buddhism.
  • Chapter 2: From Sudharma Swami to Mank Muni, the revival of the Dashvaikalik Sutra, and the origin of the Oshwal and Shrimali communities.
  • Chapter 3: History from Shri Yashobhadrasuri to Shri Sthulbhadrasuri, including the reign of the Nine Nandas and King Samprati.
  • Chapter 4: History from Arya Mahagiri and Arya Suhasti to Kalkacharya, including the establishment of the Kotigachha.
  • Chapter 5: History from Vir Samvat 453 to 400, detailing the lineage from Shri Dinnasuri to Padaliptasuri, and including the histories of Siddhasen Diwakar, King Vikram, and Nagarjun.
  • Chapter 6: History from Vikram Samvat 1 to 130, from Shri Vajraswami to Durbhila Pushpamitra Suri, and the salvation of Javad Shah.
  • Chapter 7: From Shri Chandrasuri to Devarkingani, the defeat of Buddhists, King Shiladitya, the fall of Vallabhpur, the composition of Shatrunjay Mahatmya, and the writing down of Jain principles.
  • Chapters 8 onwards: The history shifts to more recent (Arvachin) times, covering significant centuries and influential figures like Haribhadrasuri, Siddhasuri, Delamahattara, Shilgunasuri, Vanraj Chavda, establishing of Anhilpur Patan, and continues through various centuries, detailing the lives and contributions of numerous Acharyas, kings, ministers, and significant events, including the origins of various Jain sub-sects (Gachhas) and the compilation of Jain scriptures.

Content Highlighted in the Initial Chapters (Chapter 1 onwards):

• First Tirthankar Shri Rishabhdev: His role in civilizing humanity, his sons Bharat (Chakravarti) and Bahubali, and the mention of Bharat's contributions like building temples and the potential origin of the term "Brahmin" from those who recited "Mahan" (non-violence).
• Second Tirthankar Shri Ajitnathji: His time and the events related to King Sagar, the Ganga river's origin, and the eventual liberation of Sagar Chakravarti.
• Subsequent Tirthankaras: The text briefly mentions the lineage of Tirthankaras from Shri Sambhavnathji up to Shri Dharmanathji, noting the shift in Vedic practices from benevolent to violent with the Brahmins after the 9th Tirthankar.
• Historical Figures: It introduces figures like the "Harivansh," the origins of the Surya and Chandra Vamshas, and the prominent figures of the Mahabharata era, connecting them to Jain history and lineage.

Overall Impression:

The provided pages indicate that "Jain Itihas" is a comprehensive work aiming to systematically present the history of Jainism through its Tirthankaras, Acharyas, kings, and significant events, offering a chronological account of the evolution and impact of Jainism through the ages. The introductory sections highlight the importance of faith, lineage, and the preservation of knowledge within the Jain tradition.