Mahapurana Part 5

The Mahapurana, Part 5, authored by Pushpadant and edited by P. L. Vaidya, published by Bharatiya Gyanpith, is a comprehensive Jain text that details the lives and teachings of the 24 Tirthankaras. This particular volume, the fifth part, specifically covers the lives of Tirthankaras Neminath, Parshvanath, and Vardhamana Mahavira, spanning from Sandhi 81 to the final Sandhi 102.

Summary of Key Narratives:

The Mahapurana, Part 5, is rich with narratives that follow the Jain tradition of recounting the lives of the Tirthankaras and other significant figures in Jain mythology. The text is structured into numerous 'Sandhis' (chapters), each focusing on distinct events or characters. Based on the provided index and textual excerpts, here's a summary of the key narratives covered:

• Tirthankara Neminath (Sandhis 81-83):

  • Bandha of Tirthankara Prakriti by Nemi Jin: The narrative begins with the Tirthankara Neminath's karmic bonding of the Tirthankara-nature.
  • Birth of Vasudev and Nirvana of Andhakavrishni: It describes the birth of Vasudev (father of Krishna) and the departure for Nirvana of the Andhakavrishni lineage.
  • Meeting of Samudravijaya and Vasudev, and Birth of Baldev: The text recounts the meeting of Samudravijaya (Neminath's father) and Vasudev, and the subsequent birth of Baldev.
  • Birth of Vasudev Krishna: The birth of Krishna, a significant figure in later Hindu mythology but presented here within the Jain framework, is detailed.
  • Krishna's Childhood, Defeat of Kamsa and Chanura, and Jara-vadha: The childhood exploits of Krishna are narrated, including his victory over Kamsa and Chanura, and the slaying of Jara.
  • Previous Lives of Baldev and Krishna: The text delves into the past lives of Baldev and Krishna, explaining their cosmic journey and karmic influences.
  • Union of Rukmini and Kamadeva: This likely refers to an episode involving Rukmini, Krishna's consort, and her spiritual or earthly union, possibly highlighting themes of detachment or divine play.
  • Neminath's Nirvana: The text concludes the narrative of Neminath with his attainment of Nirvana.

• Tirthankara Parshvanath (Sandhis 93-94):

  • Previous Births of Marubhuti and Karindra: The text narrates the previous births of characters relevant to Parshvanath's story, possibly highlighting karmic connections.
  • Parshvanath's Nirvana: The narrative covers the final moments and attainment of Nirvana by Tirthankara Parshvanath.

• Tirthankara Mahavir (Sandhis 95-102):

  • Mahavir's Attainment of Bodhi (Enlightenment): The text details the process and events leading to Mahavir's supreme enlightenment.
  • Mahavir's Nikraman (Renunciation/Asceticism): The narrative covers Mahavir's great renunciation, his departure from worldly life, and his adoption of asceticism.
  • Origin of Kevala-jnana for Mahavir: The text describes the manifestation of Mahavir's omniscient knowledge.
  • Previous Births of Chandana: The past lives of Chandana, a prominent female disciple of Mahavir, are narrated, illustrating Jain principles of karma and rebirth.
  • Previous Births of Jivandhar Swami: The text also recounts the past lives of Jivandhar Swami, a significant figure in Jainism, possibly emphasizing his spiritual journey.
  • Initiation of Jambuswami: The initiation of Jambuswami, a prominent disciple of Mahavir, into the Jain monastic order is described.
  • Nirvana of Vir Jinendra: The volume concludes with the narration of the final Nirvana of Mahavira, referred to as Vir Jinendra.

Themes and Stylistic Features:

• Narrative of Previous Births (Purvabhava): A significant portion of the text is dedicated to recounting the previous births of the Tirthankaras and other important figures. This highlights the Jain concept of karma, rebirth, and the long spiritual journey towards liberation.
• Devotional Tone: The author, Pushpadant, often expresses humility and devotion to the Tirthankaras, particularly in the introductory verses of the Sandhis, seeking divine grace for his composition.
• Poetic Language and Style: The text is written in Apabhramsha, a Prakrit language, characterized by its rich poetic descriptions, use of similes, metaphors, and a narrative flow that captures the grandeur of the events. The translator, Dr. Devendra Kumar Jain, has rendered this into Hindi.
• Emphasis on Jain Principles: Throughout the narratives, core Jain principles such as non-violence (ahimsa), detachment, karma, righteousness, and the path to liberation (moksha) are implicitly or explicitly conveyed. The lives of the Tirthankaras serve as exemplars of these ideals.
• Interweaving of Mythological Elements: The text blends historical Jain narratives with mythological elements, often referencing divine beings and cosmic events that accompany the lives of the Tirthankaras.

In essence, Mahapurana Part 5 offers a detailed and devotional account of the lives of Neminath, Parshvanath, and Mahavir, illustrating their spiritual journeys, heroic deeds, and the eventual attainment of their ultimate goals, providing deep insights into Jain philosophy and hagiography.