Mahavir Swami Parmatmanu Sankshipta Jivan Charitra

This document is a Gujarati text titled "Shree Mahavir Parmatmanu Sankshipta Jivan Charitra" (A Concise Biography of Lord Mahavir) by Kunvaji Anandji, published by Jain Dharm Prasarak Sabha, Bhavnagar. It aims to provide a brief life story of Lord Mahavir, including his 42 years of spiritual practice (12 years as an ascetic and 30 years as an omniscient being), with details of his retreats (chaturmas) and movements.

Here's a summary of the key sections and themes:

Overall Structure and Purpose:

• The book is presented as a concise biography, intended to fill a gap in existing literature that might not fully detail Mahavir Swami's movements after attaining omniscience.
• It includes descriptions of his ascetism (chhadmasthavastha), the hardships and difficulties he faced (upasarg), his penances, and his life as a householder.
• The text also incorporates devotional songs (stanzas or 'stavans') dedicated to Lord Mahavir, focusing on his past lives and the five auspicious events of his life (Panch Kalyanaks).

Content Breakdown:

1. Foreword (Page 4): The author explains the rationale behind writing this book, highlighting the lack of detailed sequential information in other texts regarding Mahavir's 30 years of wandering after attaining omniscience and the 12 years of his ascetic life, including the challenges faced. The author also mentions the inclusion of four major devotional songs. An error is noted regarding the description of Mahavir's 27 past lives in the first stanza, specifically mentioning the omission of 'innumerable lives' between the 5th and 6th life.

2. Description of Mahavir Swami's 30 Years of Wandering After Attaining Omniscience (Page 6 onwards):

   • This section details Mahavir Swami's activities after achieving Keval Gyan (omniscience) and establishing the four-fold Jain community.
   • It chronologically lists the locations of his 30 Chaturmas (rainy season retreats) and his associated travels.
   • The text mentions encounters with prominent disciples, kings, queens, and lay followers, often detailing their conversion or interaction with Mahavir.
   • Specific events are described, such as his interactions with King Shrenik, Abhayakumar, Jamali, Priyadarshana, Jayanti, Dhan and Shalibhadra, and various other disciples and ascetics.
   • There are detailed accounts of political events, like the change of power in Magadha, and the consequences of such events.
   • The text highlights the transformative power of Mahavir's teachings, as many individuals renounced worldly life and embraced asceticism after hearing his sermons.
   • Significant events like the encounters with Goshalak, the story of Chandana, and the reconciliation of the teachings of Parshvanath and Mahavir are recounted.
   • The final Chaturmas (42nd year of his spiritual life, 30th after omniscience) was spent in Pavapuri, where he eventually attained Nirvana.

3. Description of Mahavir Swami's 12 Years of Asceticism (Page 31 onwards):

   • This section focuses on the period of his austerities after taking initiation.
   • It describes various hardships and challenges (upasargas) he faced, including encounters with hostile beings, animals, and human temptations.
   • The text mentions divine interventions, such as Indra's presence and actions to protect Mahavir, though Mahavir often declined direct help, emphasizing self-reliance in shedding karma.
   • Notable events include facing the wrath of the snake Chandakaushik, enduring the torment of Sangam Dev, and the difficult removal of iron spikes from his ears by a physician and his son.
   • It details Mahavir's strict vows and difficult penances, such as fasting for extended periods (mass-khamana).
   • The relentless nature of his practice and his equanimity in the face of extreme suffering are emphasized.
   • The text also notes the initial period where he wore some clothing, and then became completely naked, emphasizing detachment.
   • The influence of Goshalak, his rival, and his disruptive actions are described throughout this period, highlighting the contrast between his destructive tendencies and Mahavir's unwavering spiritual path.

4. Description of Mahavir Swami's 30 Years as a Householder (Page 51 onwards):

   • This section briefly covers his life before renunciation, including his birth, naming, marriage, and family life.
   • It mentions his parents, Siddhartha and Trishala Mata, and the auspicious dreams Trishala had during pregnancy.
   • The divine intervention to transfer Mahavir's soul from Devananda's womb to Trishala's is described.
   • His divine birth ceremony (Janma Mahotsava) attended by gods is narrated.
   • His name 'Vardhaman' and later 'Mahavir' given by gods after demonstrating his strength are mentioned.
   • His education and marriage to Yashoda, and the birth of his daughter Priyadarshana and son-in-law Jamali are briefly noted.
   • The death of his parents and his elder brother Nandivardhan's request for him to remain in worldly life for two years are mentioned.
   • The text culminates in Mahavir's renunciation and initiation.

5. Devotional Stanzas (Stavans) (Pages 54 onwards):

   • "Shree Mahavir Swami na Sattavees Bhav nu Stavan" (Stanza on the 27 Past Lives of Lord Mahavir): This section describes 27 of Mahavir's past lives, detailing the karmic actions and consequences that led him to his final birth as Tirthankar. It highlights lives where he developed good qualities and others where he made mistakes, illustrating the journey of karma and soul evolution.
   • "Shree Mahavir Swami na Panch Kalyanaks nu Stavan" (Stanza on the Five Auspicious Events of Lord Mahavir): This section focuses on the five major events in Mahavir Swami's life: his conception, birth, renunciation, attainment of omniscience, and Nirvana. It describes the divine occurrences and the significance of each event.
   • "Shree Mahavir Swami na Panch Kalyanaks nu Stavan" (Another Stanza on the Five Auspicious Events): This appears to be a different rendition or focus on the Panch Kalyanaks.

6. Appendices:

   • List of Chaturmas: A chronological list of the 42 Chaturmas Mahavir Swami observed, specifying the locations.
   • Order of Upasargas: A list detailing the significant hardships and challenges faced by Mahavir Swami.
   • List of Penances: A brief account of the various types of penances (tapas) undertaken during his ascetic period.

Key Themes:

• Ahimsa (Non-violence): The paramount importance of non-violence is evident throughout the narrative, from Mahavir's own practices to his teachings and the consequences of violence.
• Detachment and Renunciation: The book emphasizes Mahavir's complete detachment from worldly possessions, relationships, and even his physical body in his pursuit of spiritual liberation.
• Karma and Rebirth: The concept of karma and its continuous cycle through numerous births is central to understanding Mahavir's journey and the stories of his past lives.
• Equanimity and Forbearance: Mahavir's ability to remain calm and steadfast amidst extreme suffering and provocation is a recurring theme, highlighting his immense spiritual strength.
• Divine Intervention and Self-Reliance: While divine beings occasionally intervened, Mahavir's path was primarily one of self-effort and shedding karma through his own actions.
• Devotion and Reverence: The inclusion of devotional songs underscores the reverence and devotion of the followers towards Lord Mahavir.

This book serves as a valuable resource for understanding the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir within the Jain tradition, providing a chronological and detailed account of his spiritual journey.