Jain Kalganana Vishayak Tisri Prachin Parampara

This document is an appendix to a previously published article, focusing on a "third ancient tradition of Jain chronology" (Jain Kalganana Vishayak Tisri Prachin Parampara). The author, Muni Kalyanvijay, presents this new information after his main article had already been sent to the press.

The core of this appendix is the discussion of a Theravali (a chronicle of Jain monks or lineages) attributed to Acharya Himavan. While the author has not yet obtained the original Prakrit text, he is basing his analysis on a Gujarati translation by Pandit Hiralal Hansraj of Jamnagar.

Key Points and Findings:

• Author's Scholarly Approach: Muni Kalyanvijay diligently researched the origin of this Theravali, noting that while it's attributed to Himavan (a prominent Sthavira whose time aligns with Skandila and Nagarjuna), there are some elements that raise questions about Himavan's sole authorship. He acknowledges that certain details support its antiquity, while others cast doubt on its attribution.
• Chronological and Historical Details: The Theravali provides significant chronological data and historical anecdotes, including:
  • Salutations: It begins with salutations to Lord Mahavir and his chief disciples, Gautama, Sudharma, and Jambū, followed by other prominent Sthaviras.
  • Bhadrabahu: It identifies Bhadrabahu as the author of the Sutraniryukti and places his demise 148 years after Mahavir's Nirvana. This coincides with the mention of the eighth Nand king, which also supports the timeline of Chandragupta Maurya's ascension 154 years after Nirvana, as mentioned in Harichandra's Parishishtaparvan.
  • Mahagiri and Suhasti: It describes Mahagiri as Jinakalpi (following the Jinakalpa conduct) and Suhasti as Sthavira-kalpi. It also mentions Suhasti's disciples, Sthita and Supratibuddha, being honored by the king of Kalinga.
  • Bhadrabahu's Demise Location: A significant new piece of information from this Theravali is its clear mention of the exact location of Shrutakevali Bhadrabahu's demise. The text states he passed away after a 15-day fast on the Kumar mountain (modern Khadgir) in the Kalinga country, 170 years after Mahavir's Nirvana. This resolves a long-standing debate among Jain scholars regarding his final resting place.
  • Royal Lineages and Events: The Theravali provides detailed accounts of various dynasties and significant historical events:
    • Magadha Kings: It mentions Bimbisara (Shrenika) as a devout follower of Lord Mahavir, who built a temple to Rishabhaswami on the Kumar and Kumari mountains in Kalinga and excavated caves for Jain monks. His son, Ajatashatru (Kanika), also a Jain follower, followed suit. The text details the rise of the Nand dynasty, the avarice of the eighth Nand, and his destruction of the Rishabhaswami temple.
    • Maurya Dynasty: It narrates Chandragupta Maurya's rise to power after overthrowing the ninth Nand, his initial leanings towards Buddhism, and later his firm adherence to Jainism. It also discusses his successors, Bindusara and Ashoka, noting Ashoka's shift to Buddhism and his subsequent activities.
    • Kalinga Dynasty: A substantial portion is dedicated to the Kalinga dynasty, focusing on King Kharavela. The Theravali clarifies Kharavela's lineage, tracing it back to King Chetak of Vaishali. It details his son Shobhanray's ascension to the Kalinga throne, and the lineage through Chandraraya, Kshemaraja, Vriddharaja, Bhikshuraya (Kharavela), Vakraraya, and Vidhuraya. It highlights Kharavela's significant contributions to Jainism, including the restoration of temples, the compilation of scriptures, and the promotion of Jain teachings.
    • Ujjain Branch of the Maurya Dynasty: The text also discusses the Ujjain branch of the Maurya dynasty after Ashoka, mentioning kings like Balabhadra, Bhanumitra, and Nabavahana, who were also Jain followers.
    • Gadahill and Vikramaditya: It recounts the story of Kalakacharya, his sister, Gardabhilla's abduction of his sister, Kalakacharya's alliance with a Saka king to defeat Gardabhilla, and the subsequent rise of Vikramaditya, who defeated the Saka king and established his rule.
• Chronological Framework: The Theravali presents a detailed chronological framework, listing significant events and the corresponding years after Mahavir's Nirvana. This includes the Nirvana of key figures like Gautama, Sudharma, and Jambu, the ascensions of kings like Shobhanray, Chandragupta, and Kharavela, and the deaths of various ascetics and rulers.
• Scriptural Compilation: The text highlights the efforts of monks like Skandila and Gandahasti in compiling and preserving the Jain Agamas, particularly the eleven Angas, during periods of hardship like the twelve-year famine. It also mentions the creation of commentaries and treatises by figures like Umaswati and Shyamaacharya.
• Attribution and Scholarly Debate: The author concludes by stating that while many of the events and their timings are corroborated by other ancient texts and inscriptions (like the Hathigumpha inscription), there are some aspects that require further investigation. The exact dating of some events and the precise authorship of the Theravali itself remain open for scholarly debate.

In essence, this appendix introduces a valuable Jain chronological text, the Theravali of Acharya Himavan, which provides significant historical and genealogical information, particularly regarding the Kalinga kings and the early Jain monastic lineages. It emphasizes the author's rigorous academic approach in analyzing and presenting this potentially new tradition of Jain reckoning.