Jain Puran Sahitya

This document is a comprehensive overview of Jain Purana literature, titled "Jain Puran Sahitya" by K. Rushabhchandra. It functions as an essay or chapter, likely from a larger work, exploring the historical development, characteristics, and key texts within this genre of Jain literature.

Here's a breakdown of the key points:

1. Classification of Jain Literature: The text begins by categorizing Jain literature into four main divisions, similar to the traditional divisions of Jin Vani (the teachings of the Jinas): * Katha (Story): Also known as Dharma Kathanu Yuga or Prathamanu Yuga. This is considered the most important division as it effectively disseminates religious teachings to the general populace through engaging narratives. Purana literature is a significant part of this category. * Ganita (Mathematics/Astrology): Referred to as Ganitanu Yuga by Shvetambaras and Karananu Yuga by Digambaras. * Darshana (Philosophy): Known as Dravyanu Yuga by both sects. * Charitra (Conduct/Biography): Known as Charanau Yuga by both sects.

2. Definition and Scope of Purana Literature: * Jinysenacharya's Definition: Cites Jinysenacharya's Maha Purana (Adi Purana) which defines "Purana" as "that which is ancient." * Content of Purana: Purana literature primarily deals with the lives of the Shalaka Purushas (illustrious individuals) who are central to Jain tradition. These include: * Tirthankaras (Ford-makers) * Chakravartis (Universal Emperors) * Baladevas (Elder warriors) * Vasudevas (Chief warriors) * Prativasudevas (Rival warriors) * Maha Purana vs. Purana: A "Purana" describes the life of one Shalaka Purusha, while a "Maha Purana" encompasses the lives of multiple Shalaka Purushas. * Core Elements: Jain Puranas typically describe the six substances (Shad Dravya), the creation of the universe, the establishment of pilgrimage sites, past and future lives, moral and religious teachings, the fruits of merit and demerit, and the lives of virtuous individuals.

3. Evolution of Style and Language: * Poetic Influence: Jain Puranas incorporated poetic styles, likely influenced by contemporary literary trends. Jinysenacharya himself considered his Maha Purana a "Maha Kavya" (epic poem), integrating poetic elements. * "Charitra" as a Synonym: The term "Charitra" (biography) is often used synonymously with "Purana," especially by Shvetambara scholars, when referring to the lives of Tirthankaras. * Broadened Scope of "Charitra": Over time, the term "Charitra" expanded to include not only the lives of Shalaka Purushas but also the biographies of other great men and even fictional characters. * Linguistic Diversity: Jain Purana literature has been composed in various languages reflecting the prevailing linguistic environments: * Prakrit (Maharashtri): From the 6th to the 15th century. * Sanskrit: From the 8th to the 19th century. * Apabhramsha: From the 10th to the 16th century. * Stylistic Blending: While primarily poetic, some Puranas also feature prose, and some texts blend both. The influence of Brahmanical Puranas and the evolving Sanskrit literary styles of the time are evident.

4. Key Themes and Characteristics of Jain Puranas: * Standard Structure: Usually begin with descriptions of the three worlds, the cosmic time cycle, and the lineage of Kulakaras (progenitors). This is followed by descriptions of Jambudvipa and Bharatavarsha, the establishment of pilgrimage sites, and the expansion of lineages. * Narrative Styles: Accounts of the Shalaka Purushas' lives can be brief, detailed, or mere mentions. * Past Lives: Detailed accounts of past lives (Purva Bhava) are common. * Sub-plots and Folk Tales: Ancillary stories and folk tales are often integrated, sometimes forming a significant portion of the text. * Moral and Religious Exhortations: These are interspersed throughout, emphasizing Jain principles, the importance of good deeds, restraint, penance, renunciation, detachment, and the power of karma. * Biographies of Tirthankaras: The lives of Tirthankaras are described in detail, covering their cities, parents, conception, birth, miracles, childhood activities, education, renunciation, austerities, endurance of hardships, attainment of omniscience, assemblies (Samavasarana), religious discourses, travels, and final liberation (Nirvana). * Cultural Significance: These texts offer insights into linguistic development, daily life, and customs of different eras.

5. Major Works and Authors (Categorized by Theme):

*   **Ramayana-related:**
    *   **Vimalasuri's Paumacariya (5th-6th Century CE):** The oldest available Jain Purana in Prakrit. It narrates the lives of Rama (Baladeva), Lakshmana (Vasudeva), and Ravana (Prativasudeva), with significant variations from the Valmiki Ramayana. Its aim was to present a Jain interpretation of the popular Rama narrative.
    *   **Ravisenacharya's Padma Charitra (8th Century CE):** The first major Jain Purana in Sanskrit, largely a replication of Vimalasuri's work.
    *   Other Ramayana-related works by Sakalkirti, Devavijayagani, and Bhattarak Somsen are mentioned.

*   **Mahabharata-related (Harivansha Purana/Pandava Purana):**
    *   These works narrate the lives of the 22nd Tirthankara Neminatha, Krishna (Vasudeva), Baladeva, Jarashindhu, and the Kauravas and Pandavas.
    *   **Jinysenacharya's Harivansha Purana (9th Century CE):** The first major Sanskrit work in this category, believed to be based on an earlier Prakrit work by Vimalasuri.
    *   Other notable works by Sakalkirti, Shri Bhushan, Devprabh Suri, Shubha Chandra, and Amarchandra are discussed.

*   **Maha Purana (Lives of Tri-shashti Shalaka Purushas):**
    *   **Shilankacharya's Chauppanna Mahapurisa Charia (10th Century CE):** A Prakrit work, primarily prose, that mentions twenty-four Maha Purushas, excluding the nine Prativasudevas.
    *   **Jinysenacharya's Maha Purana (Adi Purana and Guna Bhadra's Uttara Purana) (10th Century CE):** A monumental work, with Adi Purana covering the first Tirthankara and the first Chakravarti, and Uttara Purana detailing the lives of the remaining Shalaka Purushas.
    *   **Hemachandracharya's Trishashti-shalaka-purusha-charita (12th Century CE):** A significant Sanskrit work, the appendix of which (Parishishta Parva) holds historical importance.
    *   Other works by Mallishen, Sakalkirti, Ashadhar, and Vimalasuri are also mentioned.

*   **Lives of Individual Tirthankaras:**
    *   The text then provides an extensive list of works dedicated to the lives of individual Tirthankaras, from Rishabhanatha to Mahavira.
    *   It details authors and their works in Prakrit, Sanskrit, and Apabhramsha for each Tirthankara, highlighting the chronological development and prolific nature of these biographies.
    *   Notable Tirthankaras with numerous associated biographies include Shantinatha, Neminatha, and Parshvanatha.

*   **Lives of Other Virtuous Individuals:**
    *   Biographies of figures like Sagarachakravarti, Sanatkumara, and Harishena are mentioned.
    *   The text also notes that while most biographies of Shalaka Purushas are integrated into Maha Puranas, some independent works exist for figures like Chakravarti Subhauma.
    *   It further mentions that biographies of virtuous lay followers (shravaka-shravikas), ascetics, and even some fictional characters are also categorized as "Charitra," and some are even called "Purana" (e.g., Agadadatta Purana, Kubera Purana).

6. Conclusion: * The author emphasizes the vast and rich collection of Jain Purana literature available. * It highlights the presence of many unpublished works in manuscript libraries. * A call is made to the literary community and the Jain society to ensure the publication and preservation of these valuable texts before they are lost.

In essence, "Jain Puran Sahitya" is a scholarly exploration of a vital branch of Jain literature, tracing its origins, evolution, defining characteristics, and the significant literary contributions made by various scholars across different languages and time periods. It underscores the didactic and narrative power of these stories in propagating Jain dharma.