Mahavir Chariyam Part 01

This Jain text, "Mahavir Chariyam Part 01" by Shri Gunchandra Gani, is a comprehensive biography of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara in Jainism. Published by Shri Divya Darshan Trust, it is presented in four volumes with original Prakrit text, Sanskrit translation by Muni Nirmalyashvijay, and Gujarati translation by Shri Atmanand Jain Sabha, Bhavnagar.

Key aspects of Part 01 include:

• Content: The book covers 27 past lives of Lord Mahavir and the historical events of his 27th life. It also delves into the political and religious conditions of India during Lord Mahavir's time in a captivating historical and poetic manner.
• Editorial and Publishing Details: The text is edited by Muni Nirmalyashvijay, with typesetting by Gyanmandir, Koba, and printing by Shri Parshva Computers, Ahmedabad. It is the first edition, with 500 copies printed.
• Inspirational Figures: The book is dedicated to the spiritual guidance of Param Pujya Acharyadesh Shrimad Vijay Bhuvanbhanu Surishwarji Maharaj and offers blessings from Param Pujya Siddhant Divakar Gachhadhipati Acharyadesh Shrimad Vijay Jayghosh Surishwarji Maharaj.
• Sanskrit Translator: Param Pujya Punyavijayji Maharaj, disciple of Param Pujya Vishwalyavijayji Maharaj.
• Gujarati Translator: Shri Atmanand Jain Sabha, Bhavnagar.
• Foundational Concepts: The text emphasizes that the right to become a "Paramatma" (Supreme Soul) is not exclusive but available to anyone who undertakes rigorous spiritual practice. It highlights that Lord Mahavir himself did not attain divinity overnight but went through a journey of 27 lives, learning from past mistakes.
• Narrative Style: The biography is described as providing numerous moral lessons and being highly enjoyable and insightful.
• Specific Examples from the Text (Volume 1 - Chapters 1-3):
  • The narrative includes a dialogue where Bharat Chakravarti asks Lord Adinath about future prosperous personalities, with Adinath pointing to Marichi, emphasizing that no one has a monopoly in the world.
  • It illustrates the dangers of unqualified activities, citing Marichi's incorrect teachings leading to vast repercussions.
  • The rarity of "Samyaktva" (right faith) is highlighted, with Marichi regaining it only in the 27th life, after missing it for the time span of 10 Tirthankaras.
  • The story of Vishakhbhuti and Vishwabhuti Muni is used to show the importance of humility and the consequences of disrespect.
  • The text also touches upon the understanding of honor and dishonor even by sentient beings, stressing the importance of loving interactions.
  • The story of King Ashwagriva and the insult to his envoy serves as a warning to always be aware of the person standing before us and their backing.
  • The narrative of Tripṛṣṭha Vasudeva and his pursuit of Princess Vijayavati further illustrates the transient nature of worldly attachments, where even desirable objects become unattractive later.

The first part of "Mahavir Chariyam" lays a strong foundation for understanding Lord Mahavir's life and teachings by focusing on his previous incarnations and the essential Jain principles through engaging stories.