Jain Sahitya Me Shrikrishna Charit

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the Jain text "Jain Sahitya me Shrikrishna Charit" by Rajendramuni, based on the provided pages.

Book Title: Jain Sahitya me Shrikrishna Charit (Shrikrishna's Character in Jain Literature) Author: Rajendramuni Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy, Jaipur & Shri Tarak Guru Jain Granthalaya, Udaipur Year of First Edition: 1961

Core Theme: The book delves into the portrayal of Shrikrishna within Jain literature, highlighting its distinct perspective compared to the Vedic tradition. While Vedic literature extensively details Shrikrishna's life, Jain literature also recognizes him as a significant and admirable figure.

Shrikrishna in Jain Tradition:

• Admirable Figure: In the Jain tradition, Shrikrishna is considered a praiseworthy individual, free from any moral failings throughout his life.
• Influence of Lord Arishtanemi: His life was deeply influenced by Lord Arishtanemi (the 22nd Tirthankara), leading him to embrace the principles of Ahimsa (non-violence).
• Vasudeva: He is identified as a "Vasudeva," a specific category of great heroes in Jain cosmology.
• Sattvic Householder: Shrikrishna is depicted as a sattvic (pure, virtuous) householder who inspired his children, wives, and disciples towards self-discipline and spiritual practice.
• Pacifist Efforts: Despite being a Vasudeva who had to engage in 360 battles, he was not a lover of war. He consistently tried to avert conflict.
• Vegetarianism: There are no instances in Jain literature depicting him consuming meat; he was a complete vegetarian.
• Valuing Restraint Over Indulgence: Although he married several beautiful women due to his status as a Vasudeva, he did not consider indulgence superior.

Scope of the Research: The author, Rajendramuni, meticulously compiled and presented various aspects of Shrikrishna's life based on references found in:

• Prakrit Jain Agama literature
• Sanskrit Jain literature
• Apabhramsa Jain literature
• Hindi Jain literature

The research aims to provide a comparative perspective and introduce new, original insights.

Key Aspects Covered in the Book (Chapter Structure): The book is divided into eight chapters, analyzing Shrikrishna's character from various Jain literary sources. The author has incorporated details from:

• Prakrit Jain Agama Literature: Analyzing relevant passages.
• Prakrit Agamottar Jain Literature: Examining Jain literature outside the Agamas.
• Sanskrit Jain Literature: Detailing Krishna narratives in Sanskrit Jain works, including Kavyas (poems) and Mahakavyas (epics).
• Apabhramsa Jain Literature: Discussing Shrikrishna's portrayal in Apabhramsa Jain texts.
• Jain Krishna Katha: Analyzing the narrative of Krishna based on Prakrit, Apabhramsa, Sanskrit, and Hindi Jain literature.
• Hindi Jain Ras and Puran Literature: Exploring devotional songs (Ras) and Puranic accounts in Hindi Jain literature.
• Hindi Jain Muktak Sahitya: Examining independent verses and shorter poems in Hindi Jain literature.

Appendices:

• Appendix 1: Genealogical tables detailing lineage.
• Appendix 2: Analysis of the relationship between Radha and Rajimati.
• Bibliography: A list of referenced works.

Author's Background: Rajendramuni Shastri is a disciple of Upacharya Shri Devendra Muni Ji Maharaj, who himself was a disciple of the revered Upadhyaya Shri Pushkar Muni Ji Maharaj. Rajendramuni is an avid scholar and writer, with over twenty-five published books. This book was his research thesis submitted for the "Sahitya Mahopadhyaya" degree, awarded by the Hindi Sahitya Sammelan, Prayag.

Comparative Significance: The book emphasizes the differences between the Vedic and Jain portrayals of Shrikrishna. While Vedic traditions often depict him as an avatar of Vishnu with divine attributes, the Jain tradition emphasizes his human qualities, extraordinary strength, virtuous conduct, and adherence to Jain principles, particularly Ahimsa and self-discipline.

Overall Contribution: "Jain Sahitya me Shrikrishna Charit" is a significant scholarly work that compiles and analyzes the vast Jain literary material related to Shrikrishna. It aims to establish his prominent and admirable position within Jainism and offers a valuable comparative study for researchers and enthusiasts of Indian religious and literary traditions.