Kunthunath Charitram

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Kunthunath Charitram" by Shubhvardhan Gani:

The "Kunthunath Charitram" is a Jain scripture detailing the life story of the 17th Tirthankara, Kunthunatha. Authored by Shubhvardhan Gani and published by Shravak Hiralal Hansraj, this text narrates the spiritual journey and accomplishments of Kunthunatha.

Key Events and Aspects of Kunthunatha's Life as Described in the Text:

• Birth and Early Life:

  • Kunthunatha was born in the city of Pundarikini in the Videha region of Jambudvipa, to King Jitashatru and Queen Mangalavati.
  • Upon hearing the teachings of the Jinas from his guru, King Jitashatru renounced his kingdom, appointed his virtuous son as successor, and took initiation along with other kings.
  • He attained the knowledge of the eleven angas (limbs of Jain scripture) through diligent study and austerities.
  • After performing penance with twenty foundational stages, he attained the name Arhat and achieved the status of a celestial being, becoming Sarvartha Siddha.
  • After enjoying immense happiness for thirty-three sagara years of lifespan, he was reborn on Earth.
  • He was conceived by Queen Shri Devi in the city of Hastinapur (also referred to as Gajpur) in Bharatavarsha.
  • His birth was heralded by fourteen great dreams, indicating his future greatness.
  • Celestial maidens and sixty-four Indras celebrated his birth with great festivities on Mount Meru, specifically on the Ati Pandukambala (a white blanket).

• Physical Attributes and Early Signs of Greatness:

  • The text describes Kunthunatha's remarkable beauty and auspicious physical features. His face was more radiant than the moon, making even the moon feel ashamed.
  • His lotus-like eyes surpassed the beauty of a thousand-petaled lotus, causing them to appear pale with shame day and night.
  • The text metaphorically suggests that Goddess Lakshmi, adorned with the Shrivatsa mark, resided on his chest, and her sorrow at separation from him caused Lord Vishnu to fall into the ocean.
  • His arms were so long they reached below his knees, likened to the doors of a fort guarding against suffering.
  • His fingers were as graceful as the fresh leaves of an Ashoka tree, and his entire body exuded splendor.

• Childhood and Princehood:

  • He enjoyed a long and joyous childhood, spanning twenty-two thousand eight hundred and fifty years.
  • Upon attaining maturity and developing a sense of detachment (vairagya), his father, King Shri, ceremoniously bestowed upon him the vast kingdom.

• Reign as a Chakravarti (Emperor):

  • He ruled his kingdom majestically, like Lord Indra, and was praised by Indra himself for his compassionate nature and golden radiance.
  • He enjoyed his princely life for as many years as the sun travels through the different regions of the world. During this time, the Chakra Ratna (celestial discus) resided in his armory.
  • He worshipped the Chakra Ratna with great celebrations and established peace in Bharatavarsha.
  • He arrived in Hastinapur, where he was consecrated with grand ceremonies by thirty-two thousand kings.
  • He enjoyed the pleasures of a Chakravarti for twenty-three thousand seven hundred and fifty years.

• Spiritual Awakening and Renunciation:

  • One day, while contemplating the results of his actions in the "Adarshagriha" (house of reflection), he was enlightened by the Lokantika celestial beings.
  • They advised him that since he understood the paths of worldly existence and liberation, he should renounce the world for the spiritual upliftment of all beings.
  • They urged him to shed his four types of karmas (Ghatikarmas) to attain Kevala Jnana (omniscience) and preach the Dharma for the salvation of all.
  • The Lokantika gods, considering themselves fortunate, then returned to their abodes.
  • The Bhagavan, aware of the opportune time for giving charity and following the path of the Arhats, continued to bestow gifts and increase his spiritual merit.
  • He ascended a celestial chariot (vijaya-ashvibika) pulled by thirty-two thousand bulls, accompanied by all the chief Indras and thousands of celestial beings.
  • He was praised by kings, gods, and celestial beings. While being praised by Charanas (celestial minstrels) for his detachment, he arrived at Sahasramravana (a forest of thousand mango trees) with thousands of kings.
  • There, after offering humble respects to the Kritikas (a group of celestial beings) and Siddhas, he took his vows of renunciation.

• Attainment of Kevala Jnana and Preaching:

  • He attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience) after sixteen months of wandering disguised, unseen by anyone and free from any pretense.
  • He was seated beneath a Tilaka tree in Sahasramravana, contemplating his soul, and immediately attained the fullness of omniscience.
  • Sixty-four chief celestial beings arrived at that time, bowed to him, and began worshipping him with devotion.
  • The Bhagavan then began delivering his sermons, which were as nectar-like as the moon. His teachings cured beings of the poison of delusion (mithyatva).

• Sermon and Disciples:

  • He preached about those who, lost in the pursuit of material pleasures, constantly commit sins and consequently fall into the hellish realms.
  • He explained that those who understand the path shown by the Arhats, are diligent in their religious practices, possess unwavering faith, engage in both types of austerities (external and internal), and are devoted to gods and gurus will attain liberation in a short time.
  • His sermon inspired the assembly, leading some to embrace a life of asceticism (charitra) and others to follow the path of a householder (grihastha dharma).
  • King Shambha renounced his entire kingdom, considering it insignificant as grass, and followed the Bhagavan, becoming his chief disciple (Ganabhrit).
  • He had sixty thousand disciples, including King Shambha, sixty-six hundred (Saadhyadevas), one lakh ninety thousand (shravakas - lay followers), and three lakh eighty-one thousand (shravikas - lay female followers).

• Nirvana (Liberation):

  • After wandering on Earth for twenty-three thousand seven hundred and fifty years, Shri Kunthu attained Nirvana on the peak of Sameta Shikhara mountain in the month of Kartik, during the conjunction of the moon and the Kritika star (on a full moon day).
  • His Nirvana was celebrated by Rishis, celestial beings, and Asuras. Many saints attained liberation along with him and proceeded to Siddhapuri.
  • Following Kunthunatha, twenty-eight great souls (Yugapurushas) and millions of saints proceeded to Kotishila.

In essence, the "Kunthunath Charitram" chronicles the life of this Tirthankara, highlighting his divine birth, his reign as a just emperor, his profound spiritual renunciation, his attainment of omniscience, his teachings on righteousness and liberation, and finally, his ascension to Nirvana. The text emphasizes his virtuous qualities, his detachment from worldly possessions, and his role in guiding humanity towards spiritual enlightenment.