Mahapurana Part 3

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Overall Context:

This document is Part 3 of the Mahapurana, a significant Jain scripture attributed to the poet Pushpadanta. It is an Apabhramsa text, edited by Dr. P. L. Vaidya and translated into Hindi by Dr. Devendra Kumar Jain. Published by Bharatiya Gyanpith, this volume covers the lives of Tirthankaras Ajitnath to Mallinath, specifically from Sandhi 38 to 67. The text aims to provide a detailed account of the lives of these spiritual giants, interwoven with mythological narratives, philosophical concepts, and the poet's distinctive literary style.

Key Themes and Content:

The Mahapurana is a vast encyclopedic work covering the lives of the 63 illustrious persons (Shalaka Purushas) in Jain tradition, including the 24 Tirthankaras, 12 Chakravartis, 9 Vasudevas, 9 Prativasudevas, and 9 Baladevas. This particular part focuses on:

• Lives of Tirthankaras: It details the biographies of Tirthankaras from Ajitnath to Mallinath. Each Tirthankara's story typically includes their birth, past lives (poorva-janma), divine auspicious signs (maha-nimitta), renunciation, spiritual practices (Sadhana), enlightenment (Keval-gyan), teachings (Deshna), and final liberation (Nirvana).
• Mythological Narratives: The text incorporates extensive mythological accounts, including the stories of kings, celestial beings (devas), demons (asuras), and powerful individuals like Chakravartis, Vasudevas, and Baladevas. These narratives often serve to illustrate Jain principles, karma, and the cyclical nature of existence.
• Poetic and Literary Style: Pushpadanta's writing is known for its grandeur, vivid imagery, and extensive use of metaphors and similes. The Apabhramsa language, though ancient, is rich and expressive, and the text is celebrated for its literary merit.
• Jain Philosophy and Ethics: Woven into the narratives are core Jain philosophical concepts such as karma, reincarnation, renunciation, non-violence (ahimsa), restraint (sanyama), the pursuit of liberation (moksha), and the importance of right faith, knowledge, and conduct (Triratna). The text often highlights the moral implications of actions and the consequences in future lives.
• Detailed Descriptions: The text provides detailed descriptions of celestial realms, palaces, cities, natural landscapes, and the grandeur of spiritual assemblies (samavasarana).

Specific Content Highlights from the Provided Pages:

• Introduction by P. L. Vaidya: The introduction thanks various individuals and institutions for their support in publishing this volume, including the Manikchand Digambar Granthamala, the University of Bombay, Professor Hiralal Jain, Master Motilal Sanghavi, and Mr. R. G. Marathe. It also details the critical material used for the edition, mentioning specific manuscripts ('K', 'A', 'P') and their characteristics, as well as the commentary of Prabhachandra.
• Summary of Contents: The text outlines the content of this volume, mentioning the Sandhis (chapters) and the Tirthankaras and other figures whose lives are described. It details the stories of Ajitnath, Sambhavnath, Abhinandan, Sumatinath, Padmanabha, Chandraprabha, Pushpadanta, Shitalanath, Shreyanshanth, Vasupujya, Vimalnath, Dharmanath, Shantinath, Kunthunath, and Arahnatha. It also covers the mythological narratives of figures like Sagar, Bharat, Ashwagriva, Trivishta, and others, illustrating the interconnectedness of lives and actions.
• Sandhi XXXVIII (Ajitanatha's Life): This section begins with the poet's dedication to the Tirthankara Ajitanatha, followed by his own struggle with depression and inspiration from Sarasvati and Bharat. It describes Ajitnath's birth, coronation, renunciation, and enlightenment, highlighting the poet's self-awareness and literary process.
• Sandhi XXXIX (Sagar's Story): This Sandhi details the story of King Sagar, his 60,000 sons, their misdeeds, and their eventual demise and revival, illustrating the concept of karma and divine intervention. It emphasizes the teachings of renunciation and the impermanence of worldly life.
• Sandhi XL-XLIV (Lives of Tirthankaras): These sections cover the previous lives and births of Tirthankaras like Sambhavnath, Abhinandan, Sumatinath, Padmanabha, and Suparshvanatha.
• Sandhi XLV (Chandraprabha's Previous Lives): This section focuses on the previous existences of Chandraprabha, tracing his journey through various births that led to his Tirthankara status.
• Sandhi XLVIII (Sheetalnath's Life): It describes Sheetalnath's previous lives, his kingship, and his eventual renunciation, emphasizing the impact of worldly suffering on spiritual awakening. It also touches upon the historical context of the era and the practice of charitable giving.
• Sandhi L-LII (Baladeva, Vasudeva, Prativasudeva Narratives): These Sandhis delve into the complex mythological genealogies and stories of powerful warrior figures like Baladeva, Vasudeva, and Prativasudeva, often involving epic battles and moral dilemmas. The story of Vishnundi, Vishakhabhuti, and their relationships with kings and princes is a significant part of these sections.
• Sandhi LVI-LX (Further Narratives): These sections continue to explore the lives of Tirthankaras and the associated mythological figures, detailing their earthly careers, spiritual journeys, and encounters with various characters.
• Appendices (Tables): The document includes five tables in the appendix summarizing key information about the Tirthankaras and other important figures. These tables cover:
  • Iconographic descriptions of Tirthankaras according to the Digambara tradition.
  • Details of the previous lives, birthplaces, and parentage of Tirthankaras.
  • Lists of the constellations associated with different Tirthankaras.
  • Information about the Chakravartis.
  • Information about Baladevas, Vasudevas, and Prativasudevas. The editor emphasizes that the primary sources for this volume are Vimalasuri's Sanskrit Uttarapurana, Gunabhadra's Sanskrit Uttarapurana, and Pushpadanta's Mahapurana. While the focus is on Digambara tradition, Swetambara tradition is occasionally referenced where Mahapurana is not supportive or when the editor could not find the material within Mahapurana.

Editorial and Publishing Information:

• Publisher: Bharatiya Gyanpith
• Second Edition: 2001
• Price: 200 Rupees
• Series: Murti Devi Jain Granthamala, Apabhramsa Granthanka 17

Overall Significance:

Mahapurana Part 3 offers a rich tapestry of Jain tradition, blending spiritual teachings with captivating narratives. It showcases Pushpadanta's masterful Apabhramsa poetry and provides invaluable insights into the lives and philosophies of the Tirthankaras and other key figures in Jain cosmology. The detailed appendices are a significant contribution for researchers and students of Jainism, offering structured data from the scriptures.