Mahajan Sangh Ka Itihas

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mahajan Sangh Ka Itihas" by Gyansundar Maharaj, based on the provided pages:

This book, "Mahajan Sangh Ka Itihas" (History of the Mahajan Sangh), authored by Muni Shri Gyansundar Maharaj and published by Shri Ratnaprabhakar Gyanpushpmala, delves into the historical origins and evolution of a significant Jain community organization known as the Mahajan Sangh.

The narrative begins by situating the Jain community after Lord Mahavir's nirvana, highlighting two primary traditions: one stemming from Gandhar Saudharmacharya and the other from Acharya Swayamprabh Suri, a successor of Lord Parshvanath. While the former tradition's followers were primarily active in Eastern India, Acharya Swayamprabh Suri, with his 500 disciples, began moving westward, making Rajputana his area of spiritual activity.

At this time, Western India, particularly Rajputana, was dominated by atheistic Tantrics and adherents of "Vamamarg." These groups promoted practices involving meat, alcohol, and promiscuity, falsely associating them with religion, merit, and heavenly attainment. The land was rife with the sacrifice of innocent animals in religious rituals, causing widespread suffering.

It was during this period of societal distress that Acharya Swayamprabh Suri arrived in the beautiful gardens of Shri Mal (Bhinmal). He encountered a large-scale sacrifice ceremony where millions of animals were gathered. Upon learning of this, the Acharya went to the royal court and, with his powerful oratory and persuasive arguments, presented the principle of "Ahimsa Paramo Dharmaḥ" (Non-violence is the highest religion), supported by numerous irrefutable proofs from Jain and non-Jain scriptures, as well as logical reasoning. His eloquent speech captivated the audience, leading them to condemn the acts they had previously considered virtuous. The people, turning away from their violent tendencies, bowed at the Acharya's feet. He then explained the fundamental tenets of Jainism and converted 90,000 households, comprising millions of men and women, into Jainism, thereby granting eternal protection to countless innocent creatures. Subsequently, the Acharya preached the importance of temple worship and idol veneration as the foremost means of spiritual practice. The devotees there immediately began constructing a grand temple for the first Tirthankar, Rishabhdev. The Acharya stayed for a month, educating these new Jains (Shravaks) in the Syadvada philosophy and guiding them on Jain conduct, thereby strengthening their faith.

The narrative then describes Acharya Swayamprabh Suri's journey to Padmavati Nagar near Abu, where another massive sacrifice was planned. Driven by his commitment to his cause, he proceeded to Padmavati, accompanied by his disciples and the Shravaks from Shri Mal. In Padmavati, he again addressed the royal court and the public on the topic of violence. Despite initial resistance from established scholars, Acharya Swayamprabh Suri engaged in a philosophical debate, ultimately prevailing with the principle of non-violence. As a result, 45,000 households, including many Rajputs, accepted Jainism. For their spiritual welfare, the Acharya had a magnificent temple built for Lord Shantinath. These converts later became known as Shrimmal and Pragyat (Porwals). Acharya Swayamprabh Suri spent the remainder of his life tirelessly converting millions of non-Jains in the regions of Ayodhya and Shri Mal. He eventually appointed Muni Ratnachud as his successor and attained heavenly abode at Girnar Tirth after observing rigorous penance. The book emphasizes the duty of the Jain community, especially the Shrimmal-Porwals, to celebrate his anniversary annually with great enthusiasm.

The text then introduces Acharya Ratnaprabh Suri, the successor to Acharya Swayamprabh Suri. Hailing from a scholarly lineage, he was inherently knowledgeable. Upon assuming the Acharya pad, he decided to expand his missionary efforts. He journeyed with his 500 disciples to Upkeshpur, a newly established city in Marudhar that was a major trading center but also a stronghold of "Vamamargis." Initially, they faced hardship, with a lack of basic necessities. However, through intense meditation, austerity, renunciation, and detachment, they made a profound impact on the populace. Miraculous events, such as the revival of the King's son-in-law from snakebite by the water used to wash the Acharya's feet, and the King's subsequent offering of his kingdom, further solidified the Acharya's influence. The Acharya's refusal of the offered kingdom, demonstrating his asceticism, astonished the people, who then began to sing his praises.

The next day, the King, along with his court and citizens, came to hear the Acharya. Upon hearing the core principles of Jainism, they abandoned false beliefs. Maharaja Utpaldev of the Suryavansha was the first to accept Jainism, followed by his ministers and other members of the royal family and citizens. It is noted that many of these converts, including Kshatriyas, became the ancestors of the Oswals and Porwals.

The book then addresses a misconception about Acharya Ratnaprabh Suri converting all people of Osianagar, including those from lower social strata, to Jainism, leading to certain Gotras among Oswals. The author refutes this, stating that Oswals originated from pure Kshatriya lineage, with later additions from Vaishya and Brahmin communities, but not from Shudras.

The significant aspect of Acharya Ratnaprabh Suri's work was the establishment of a public organization called the "Mahajan Sangh" (Great People's Association) in Upkeshpur, which had 384,000 households. The author outlines several reasons for establishing this organization:

1. Social and Religious Reform: To address the decline in political, social, and religious order in the region.
2. Combating Vices: To enforce the principles against meat and alcohol consumption, which were prevalent at the time.
3. Maintaining Purity: To prevent newly converted Jains from relapsing into their old ways through association with non-Jains, and to establish new social norms.
4. Facilitating Conversion: To provide support and integration for new converts from other regions.
5. Strengthening Unity: To foster organizational strength for the progress of religion and society.
6. Growth and Expansion: The Sangh's influence led to its growth from millions to billions.
7. Preservation of Jainism: The absence of such organized bodies in other regions led to the loss of Jain communities, whereas the Mahajan Sangh has helped preserve Jainism.

The book argues that the current decline of the Mahajan Sangh is not due to its creation by ancient Acharyas but rather to the abandonment of the original teachings and the internal divisions and corrupt practices that emerged later. The author criticizes those who blame the Acharyas for the Sangh's downfall, highlighting the immense benefit the Acharyas provided by saving people from hellish births and guiding them towards liberation.

The text further explains the origin of various Gotras and sub-castes within the Mahajan Sangh. It traces the development from the initial establishment of the Mahajan Sangh in Upkeshpur by Acharya Ratnaprabh Suri. The subsequent dispersal of people from Upkeshpur due to the modification of a sacred idol led to the formation of the "Upkeshi" or "Upkeshvansha." As Upkeshpur's name evolved to Osian, its inhabitants became known as Oswals.

The author clarifies that the original name of the lineage was "Mahajan Sangh," which later became "Upkeshvansha" due to their association with Upkeshpur, and then "Oswal" due to the city's evolution into Osian. The diverse Gotras and sub-castes arose from various factors such as professions, trades, places of origin, playful nicknames, ancestral lineage, and the continuation of original Rajput Gotras. The book provides extensive examples of these origins.

The author laments the current dilapidated state of the Oswal community, comparing it to a dying tree afflicted with disease. He asserts that the Mahajan Sangh in its past was powerful, influential, and generous, earning respect and titles like "Jagat Seth" and "Nagar Seth."

The book also addresses the issue of different Gachhas (sects) within the Jain community. It explains that while the initial establishment was by the Upkesh Gachha, the emergence of new Gachhas, driven by differences in principles and practices, led to internal conflicts and the fragmentation of the Mahajan Sangh. The text criticizes the "Chaityavasi" (temple-dwelling) Acharyas for creating division by establishing proprietary relationships with Shravaks and their descendants.

The author highlights the historical agreement made in Vikrama Samvat 775, involving 37 Acharyas and kings, to ensure that the right to perform certain rituals would remain with the descendants of the original Acharyas, irrespective of which temple a Shravak patronized. However, this order was eventually disrupted by the "Dhundi" and "Terapanth" movements, which further weakened the Mahajan Sangh and led to the downfall of the Oswal, Porwal, and Shrimmal communities.

The author concludes by suggesting that the Gachha Mamata (attachment to one's own Gachha) is detrimental to selfless Sadhus. He urges Jain Shravaks to consider themselves disciples of both the Upkesh Gachha (descendants of Parshvanath) and the Saudharma Gachha (descendants of Mahavir), and to honor all influential Acharyas of the past, especially those who guided their ancestors away from vices. He believes that this approach will uphold Jain Dharma and lead to liberation.

The book aims to provide a foundational understanding of the Mahajan Sangh's origin and intends to publish further volumes detailing the history of notable individuals within the Sangh. The printer is Shri Shambhusinh Bhati of Adarsh Press, Ajmer.