Jay Mahavira Mahakavya - Book Summary

This document is a summary of the Jain text "Jay Mahavira Mahakavya" by Manekchand Rampuriya, published by Vikas Printer and Publication, Bikaner. The catalog link provided is for a Jain resource, and the document itself is presented under a "Fair Use Declaration" by "The Free Indological Collection" (TFIC), indicating it's for educational and research purposes.

The book is an epic poem dedicated to Lord Mahavir. The author, Manakchand Rampuriya, in his preface (Page 9), humbly describes Lord Mahavir's life as an immense ocean of spiritual endeavor, reaching which is extremely difficult, especially for someone like him who is "ignorant in all respects" and "without means." He states that the work only touches upon various aspects of Lord Mahavir's radiant life, acknowledging that fully capturing such an unfathomable ocean is impossible for anyone.

Rampuriya emphasizes that the "Jay Mahavira" focuses on the life aspect of Lord Mahavir, with the doctrinal aspect only being touched upon. He explains that the doctrinal aspects of all Tirthankaras are the same, but their life experiences and journeys are unique. He highlights that Lord Mahavir's penance and the hardships he faced on the path of spiritual practice were his own and incomparable.

The author mentions that the idea for this composition arose from discussions about Lord Mahavir's immense penance and fearlessness. He felt a calling to write his biography, particularly in a poetic form, as he hadn't found such a work. He felt Lord Mahavir was present with him at every moment during the writing process, suggesting that the Lord himself inspired and guided the writing, with the author acting as a mere instrument.

The book is structured into sixteen Sargas (chapters), as indicated by the index (Page 11):

Vandana (Salutation): A prayer and expression of devotion.
Pratham Sarga (First Chapter): Discusses the dense times before Lord Mahavir's advent, characterized by hate, violence, and a lack of peace, and how a divine light emerged to guide humanity.
Dwitiya Sarga (Second Chapter): Describes Lord Mahavir's numerous past lives and his unwavering adherence to truth. It details his conception, the auspicious dreams of his mother Trishala, and the divine intervention of Indra regarding the transfer of the embryo from Devananda to Trishala.
Tritiya Sarga (Third Chapter): Focuses on the auspicious and prosperous state of the kingdom and the royal palace of King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. It narrates the fourteen auspicious dreams of Queen Trishala and their interpretation by learned scholars, signifying the birth of a great soul.
Chaturtha Sarga (Fourth Chapter): Describes the divine birth of Lord Mahavir, the celebrations that followed, and the events in the celestial realms. It details the auspicious time, the adornment of the city, the joy of the gods, and Lord Mahavir's first celestial bath.
Panchama Sarga (Fifth Chapter): Highlights Lord Mahavir's exceptional qualities and valor from childhood. It recounts instances where he demonstrated courage and power by subduing a venomous serpent and a demon, earning him the title "Mahavir" from Indra.
Shashtha Sarga (Sixth Chapter): Touches upon Lord Mahavir's intellectual prowess, his interactions with celestial beings like Indra in the "Knowledge School," his marriage to Yashoda, and the birth of their daughter Priyadarshana. It then describes his growing renunciation and the concern of his parents.
Sapta Sarga (Seventh Chapter): Details Lord Mahavir's preparation for renunciation, his acceptance of the offer of the Lord of the realms to rule for two more years to appease his parents, and his eventual departure from worldly life. It also describes the divine indication of the path of renunciation.
Ashta Sarga (Eighth Chapter): Focuses on Lord Mahavir's detachment and practice of austerity. It mentions his spiritual practices and the acceptance of alms in a pure state. It highlights his equanimity in the face of adversities like insults, hunger, and the attempts by others to harm him.
Nava Sarga (Ninth Chapter): Narrates an incident where a poor Brahmin named Som, due to his wife's taunts about poverty, seeks Lord Mahavir's help. Lord Mahavir, with his compassion, divides his divine garment to provide a means for Som.
Dashama Sarga (Tenth Chapter): Describes an incident where Lord Mahavir is asked by a cowherd to guard his cattle. While Lord Mahavir is absorbed in meditation, the cows are stolen. The agitated cowherd, instigated by delusion, attacks Lord Mahavir, but the attack is rendered ineffective, and the cowherd is enlightened and repents.
Ekadasha Sarga (Eleventh Chapter): Depicts Lord Mahavir's meditation at a temple where a fierce Yaksha attempts to harm him. However, Lord Mahavir remains undisturbed, and the Yaksha, defeated by his spiritual power, repents and seeks forgiveness.
Dvadasha Sarga (Twelfth Chapter): Tells the story of Chandakoushik, a serpent consumed by anger, who is transformed by Lord Mahavir's compassion and wisdom into a benevolent being. It emphasizes the power of forgiveness and love in overcoming negative emotions.
Trayodasha Sarga (Thirteenth Chapter): Describes Lord Mahavir's journey and the challenges he faces, including a storm on the Ganges orchestrated by a demon, and his calm demeanor during these trials. It also recounts an incident where a shepherd attempts to harm him, but Lord Mahavir remains steadfast. It also mentions the incident with Goshalak, who attempts to harm Lord Mahavir with fire.
Chaturdaśa Sarga (Fourteenth Chapter): Focuses on Lord Mahavir's rigorous penance, his vows, and his acceptance of specific alms as part of his spiritual discipline. It details his encounter with Chandanbala and her unwavering devotion.
Panchodasha Sarga (Fifteenth Chapter): Describes Lord Mahavir's attainment of omniscience (Keval Gyana) and the subsequent assembly of gods to celebrate. It highlights his teachings on the soul, detachment, and the path to liberation, and the conversion of Indrabhuti Gautama.
Shashodasha Sarga (Sixteenth Chapter): Recounts the final moments of Lord Mahavir's earthly existence, his Nirvana, and the celestial ceremonies. It emphasizes the profound grief of his disciples, particularly Gautam Swami, and their subsequent understanding of his ultimate liberation.

In essence, "Jay Mahavira Mahakavya" is a devotional and biographical epic that chronicles the life, teachings, and spiritual journey of Lord Mahavir, from his birth to his ultimate liberation, emphasizing his compassion, detachment, and the transformative power of his example.