Mahavir Chariyam

This document is a detailed summary of the Jain text "Mahavir Chariyam" by Nayvardhanvijay, published by Ahmedabad Paldi Merchant Society Jain Sangh. The text meticulously chronicles the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects covered in the summary:

1. Book Details:

• Title: Mahavir Chariyam (also referred to as Siri Mahavir Chare)
• Author: Nayvardhanvijay (edited by Pujya Ganivarya Shri Nayvardhan Vijay Maharaj)
• Publisher: Ahmedabad Paldi Merchant Society Jain Sangh
• Publication Details: Veer Samvat 2527 / Vikram Samvat 2057, during the festival of Deepavali.

2. Foreword/Editorial Note:

• The publication was made possible by the request and invitation of the Ahmedabad Paldi Merchant Society Jain Sangh to Pujya Ganivarya Shri Nayvardhan Vijayji Maharaj and his monastic disciples to observe the Chaturmas (four months of rainy season retreat) with them.
• The recitations of the scripture during the Chaturmas, particularly of the 'Shri Upamiti Bhavaprapancha Katha' and other texts like 'Shri Kalpasutra,' led to a significant increase in 'Jnana-dravya' (wealth of knowledge).
• On the suggestion of Pujya Shri, this rare and valuable text 'Shri Mahavir Chariyam' was reprinted on durable and clear paper.
• The re-publication is marked as a fulfillment of a great undertaking, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Lord Mahavir's Nirvana Kalyanak.

3. Preface/Introduction:

• The text, 'Shri Mahavir Chariyam,' is attributed to Acharya Shri Gunachand Surishwarji Maharaj, a prominent figure of the Chandrakul lineage.
• It describes the entire life of Lord Mahavir, from his attainment of Samyak-tva (right faith) to his liberation (Moksha).
• A significant point is made that a Tirthankara's journey is truly counted only after attaining Samyak-tva. Lord Mahavir's soul is said to have undergone 27 births, starting from the life of Shri Naysarthi, before attaining Tirthankara status.
• The text emphasizes that the soul of a Tirthankara possesses innate, extraordinary virtues that blossom upon gaining Samyak-tva.
• It highlights that even the soul of a Tirthankara like Mahavir had to go through a long journey of worldly existence, including lives as single-sensed beings and even in hellish realms, due to the intricate workings of Karma. This is presented not as a flaw but as a lesson, showing the challenges even the liberated souls face and emphasizing the need for constant awareness and spiritual effort.
• The book is described as a vast ocean of knowledge, detailing not only Mahavir's past lives but also including other relevant and inspiring narratives.
• It serves as a refutation of certain "heterodox pandits" who allegedly dismissed some events of Mahavir's life as imaginary.
• The text stresses that deep devotion to Tirthankaras is the primary characteristic of a seeker, and this book is a great aid in achieving that goal. The recitation of this scripture is seen as a powerful tool to overcome even the most formidable karmas.
• Acharya Shri Vijay Ramchandra Surishwarji Maharaj held this work in high regard and had personally studied it deeply.
• The re-publication is praised as giving new life and longevity to this great scripture.
• The ultimate aim of reading this book is to cultivate unwavering faith in Lord Mahavir, to be mindful of the consequences of actions (karma-vipaka), to dedicate oneself to the practice of the true dharma, and to strive for the ultimate goal of liberation, reuniting with the divine.

4. Table of Contents (Subjects Covered): The extensive table of contents, spanning pages 9-15, provides a detailed chapter-wise (Prastav) and section-wise breakdown of the 'Mahavir Chariyam.' It includes narratives of:

• Pravra (Chapters) and detailed events:
  • Descriptions of the Mahapranjanti Shatrumardana, Naysar, the gift of food to monks in the forest, religious sermons, and attainment of Samyak-tva.
  1. Devatva in Saudharma heaven, Dharma-karya.
  2. Vinita, Shri Rushabhaprabhu, Samavasarana.
  3. Amareechideshana, Diksha of Vastubhuti, etc.
  • Details of various past lives, including births as Trivishta Vasudeva, Nandana, etc.
  • Encounters with obstacles and ascetics.
  • The influence of karma, births in celestial and hellish realms.
  • The path to spiritual realization through intense penance.
  • The teachings of various saints and ascetics.
  • Specific events like the seven dreams, the birth of Trivishta, the character of Surasena Parivrajaka, and the story of Agnidyota.
  • The divine birth of Mahavir, dreams, the lineage, the descent into Devananda's womb, transfer to Trishala's womb, and the auspicious dreams.
  • The birth of Mahavir, naming ceremony, childhood events, the auspicious signs at birth.
  • The renunciatory path, austerities, spiritual practices, and overcoming obstacles.
  • The attainment of omniscience (Kevala-jnana) and liberation (Moksha).
  • The teachings and sermons of Mahavir.
  • The stories of various disciples and their spiritual journeys.
  • Discussions on Jain philosophy, karma, vows, and ethical conduct.
  • Refutation of misconceptions and criticisms.
  • The ultimate goal of achieving liberation and merging with the eternal soul.
• Specific narratives mentioned: Nanda's birth, Proshilacharya's teachings, the story of King Narsimha and Champakamala, the sage Gokukhechara's battle, the king Jayashekhar, and various other significant events and figures from Mahavir's life and past lives.
• Key themes: The text appears to cover the entire spectrum of Mahavir's life, including his ascetism, austerities, sermons, miracles, the establishment of the Jain monastic order, and his ultimate liberation. It also delves into the philosophical underpinnings of Jainism, focusing on karma, reincarnation, and the path to spiritual purity.

5. Core Content (as inferred from the extensive table of contents): The text is structured chronologically and thematically, covering Mahavir's journey through various stages of life and numerous past lives. It aims to provide a comprehensive account of his spiritual evolution, the challenges he faced, his divine powers, his teachings, and the impact of his message on the world. The detailed listing of past lives and the events within them suggests a rich narrative style and a deep exploration of the Jain concept of karma and rebirth. The inclusion of specific stories, like those of Naysar, Vinita, and various other figures, indicates the text's focus on illustrating spiritual principles through biographical accounts.

In essence, "Mahavir Chariyam" is presented as an authoritative and comprehensive biography of Lord Mahavir, intended to inspire spiritual devotion, foster ethical conduct, and deepen the understanding of Jain philosophy and its core tenets. The emphasis on the meticulous recounting of past lives and the challenges overcome underscores the message of karma, perseverance, and the ultimate triumph of righteousness.