Mahavir Ka Mukhtsar Jivan

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Mahavir ka Mukhtsar Jivan" by Sahir Ludhiyanvi, based on the provided text:

This poem, titled "Mahavir ka Mukhtsar Jivan" (A Brief Life of Mahavir), was written by the renowned film poet Sahir Ludhiyanvi. It was recited on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti in 1946, in the presence of Acharya Shri Atma Ram Ji Maharaj. The poem is taken from the Urdu book "Bhagwan Mahavir" by Shri Kashi Ram Chawla. It is noted as the poet's only known poem dedicated to Lord Mahavir and is currently unavailable. The transcription was done by Purushottam Jain and Ravindra Jain.

The poem is a heartfelt tribute to Lord Mahavir, describing his life and teachings in an evocative and poetic style. It begins by painting a grim picture of a world that has lost its humanity, where injustice and cruelty have become rampant. This era of suffering is described as lasting for 250 years, leading to widespread despair and the perversion of dharma.

Against this backdrop of darkness, Lord Mahavir emerges as a beacon of light. The poem highlights his miraculous birth and childhood, mentioning an incident where he touched Mount Meru and caused it to tremble, astonishing even the gods. His profound knowledge and mastery of fourteen languages are also mentioned, underscoring his intellectual prowess.

The poem then delves into Mahavir's decision to renounce worldly life. Witnessing the suffering of the innocent and the prevalence of injustice, his heart was moved. Despite his parents' attempts to dissuade him and his marriage, he ultimately followed his spiritual calling. He gave away his wealth and lived a life of austerity for twelve years, dedicating himself to spiritual purification.

Upon embracing asceticism, Mahavir became a torchbearer of Jainism, carrying its banner forward. He spread his message of peace and non-violence, transforming millions of misguided souls. He endured immense hardships and persecution with unwavering equanimity, never uttering a complaint. Even when subjected to extreme torture, his response was always peace and compassion.

The poem emphasizes Mahavir's profound teachings and the positive impact they had on society. He uplifted the poor, brought solace to the distressed, and instilled a spirit of love and generosity. His wisdom and his ability to communicate across various languages made his teachings accessible to all.

The narrative continues to describe how Mahavir's teachings eventually led to the downfall of oppressive rulers and the awakening of those lost in ignorance. As Jainism spread its influence, Mahavir attained Nirvana (liberation).

The poem concludes with a prayer to Lord Vardhaman, addressing him as the guide to the ultimate goal, the embodiment of peace and non-violence. The poet expresses the ongoing suffering in the world and the persistent presence of injustice. He implores Mahavir to once again spread the message of non-violence, extinguish the fires of deceit, and guide humanity towards truth. The final lines express a yearning for the freedom and liberation of the Indian people.

In essence, "Mahavir ka Mukhtsar Jivan" is a powerful and poetic portrayal of Lord Mahavir's life, his spiritual journey, his revolutionary teachings of Ahimsa (non-violence) and his lasting impact on humanity, presented against a backdrop of societal degradation and a fervent plea for the renewal of his message in the present day.