Mahavira Charitra - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mahavira Charitra" by Khubchand Shastri, based on the provided pages:

Overview:

The text is identified as "Mahavira Charitra" by Ashag Kavi, translated into Hindi by Pt. Khubchandji Shastri, and published by Mulchand Kisandas Kapadia. It is part of the "Digambar Jain Granthamala" series. The book focuses on the life and teachings of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara in Jainism. The publication seems to be a Hindi translation of a Sanskrit work, aiming to make the life story of Lord Mahavira accessible to a wider audience, particularly Jain patrons.

Key Features and Content:

Translation and Editorship: The primary translator is Pt. Khubchandji Shastri, assisted by Pt. Manohar Lal Shastri. The project was initiated due to a conversation with Pt. Pannalalji Vakliwal, who suggested that Ashag Kavi's "Mahavira Charitra" was superior to another existing "Mahavir Purana" by M. Samaysinkirti.
Financial Support: The publication of 2,200 copies was made possible by a donation of ₹600 from Seth Kalyanmalji Sahib of Indore, in memory of his mother, Shrimati Phulibai. This indicates a collaborative effort between scholars and philanthropic individuals in disseminating Jain literature.
Biographical Sketch of Shrimati Phulibai: A significant portion of the initial pages (Pages 9-16) is dedicated to the life of Shrimati Phulibai, the mother of Seth Kalyanmalji. Her life story highlights her upbringing in Ujjain, her marriage into a prominent Jain family, and her devout nature. It also recounts a significant event during her wedding where cholera struck, affecting her father and then the groom, but ultimately leading to the groom's recovery, attributed to her strong destiny. The biography also mentions her philanthropic activities, including contributing to the renovation of temples and establishing a girls' school. Her significant donation of ₹61,000 is detailed, showing her commitment to religious and social causes.
The "Mahavira Charitra" Content:
- Structure: The text is divided into 18 chapters (Sargas), detailing various stages of Lord Mahavira's life. The provided text includes summaries or details of the first few chapters:
  - First Chapter (Putrotpatti - Birth of a Son): Describes the kingdom of Nandivardhan and his queen, Viravati, and the auspicious birth of their son, Nandan. It also introduces the concept of mangalacharan (invocations) in Jain texts and the poet's humility in undertaking this work. The narrative then elaborates on the prosperous kingdom and the city of Shwetatapra.
  - Second Chapter (Munivadan - Going to See the Muni): Details the young prince Nandan's encounter with a sage named Shrutasagar, leading to his spiritual awakening and realization of the impermanence of worldly possessions. This chapter also describes King Nandivardhan's decision to renounce the throne and embrace asceticism, taking his son Nandan with him.
  - Third Chapter (Marichi Vilapan - Marichi's Lament): This chapter appears to begin a narrative about the past lives of individuals, focusing on Marichi, who was born in various forms and experienced the consequences of his actions. It mentions his past life as a lion and the spiritual guidance he received. The chapter also touches upon the cyclical nature of birth and death.
  - Fourth Chapter (Vishvanandi Nidana - Vishvanandi's Vow): This chapter seems to follow a similar narrative of past lives, detailing the story of Vishvanandi, who renounced worldly life and embraced asceticism. It touches upon the transient nature of life and the pursuit of liberation.
  - Fifth Chapter (Tripishta Sambhav - Birth of Tripishta): This chapter introduces the lineage and the birth of Tripishta, who is destined to become a Chakravarthi (universal emperor). It describes the virtuous kingdom of Kununda and its king, Siddharth, and his queen, Priyankara, and their son's auspicious birth and upbringing.
  - Sixth Chapter (Ashwagriva Sabha Kshobh - Agitation in Ashwagriva's Assembly): This chapter likely deals with political or societal conflicts, possibly involving Ashwagriva and his actions, leading to disruption or unrest.
  - Seventh Chapter (Sena Niveshan - Deployment of Army): This chapter would focus on military aspects, possibly the movement or deployment of armies.
  - Eighth Chapter (Divyāyudhāgaman - Arrival of Divine Weapons): This chapter suggests the introduction of supernatural or divine weapons, possibly used in significant battles or for spiritual purposes.
  - Ninth Chapter (Tripishta Vijay - Tripishta's Victory): This chapter details the conquests and victories of Tripishta, likely in his role as a universal emperor.
  - Tenth Chapter (Baldev Sidhhi Gaman - Baldev's Attainment of Siddhi): This chapter describes the spiritual journey and attainment of liberation (Siddhi) by Baldev.
  - Eleventh Chapter (Simha Prayopgaman - Death of Simha by Sallekhana): This chapter details the death by Sallekhana (religious fasting unto death) of a lion, likely in a past life context related to the Tirthankara's journey.
  - Twelfth Chapter (Kanakanavya Kapisht): The title suggests a story related to Kanakanavya and Kapisht.
  - Thirteenth Chapter (Haripena Mahashukra Gaman - Haripena's Journey to Mahashukra): This chapter appears to describe the journey or progress of Haripena, possibly to a higher realm or state.
  - Fourteenth Chapter (Priya Mitra Chakravarti Sambhav - Birth of Chakravarthi Priyamitra): This chapter focuses on the birth of Priyamitra, a Chakravarthi.
  - Fifteenth Chapter (Surya Prabha Sambhav - Birth of Suryaprabha): This chapter details the birth of Suryaprabha.
  - Sixteenth Chapter (Nandan Pushpottar Vimana - Nandan's Ascent to Pushpottara Vimana): This chapter describes Nandan's journey to the Pushpottara Vimana, a celestial abode.
  - Seventeenth Chapter (Bhagavat Kevala Jnana Utpatti - Attainment of Omniscience by the Lord): This crucial chapter details the process and event of Lord Mahavira attaining Kevala Jnana (omniscience), a pivotal moment in his spiritual journey.
  - Eighteenth Chapter (Bhagavan Nirvāṇa Upagamanan - Lord's Attainment of Nirvana): This final chapter describes Lord Mahavira's attainment of Nirvana (liberation), the ultimate goal in Jainism.
Literary Style: The translation is noted for its poetic and descriptive language, aiming to evoke the grandeur and spiritual significance of the events. The preface mentions the author's reliance on an "Ashag Kavi" whose work is praised.

Overall Purpose:

The "Mahavira Charitra" serves as a hagiographical work, aiming to:

Educate: Provide a detailed account of Lord Mahavira's life, from his birth to his ultimate liberation, in an accessible Hindi translation.
Inspire: Motivate readers through the virtuous life and teachings of the Tirthankara.
Promote Jainism: Foster devotion and adherence to Jain principles among the community.
Preserve Legacy: Document and propagate the sacred scriptures and their interpretations.

The extensive detail in the chapter summaries indicates a comprehensive narrative covering various aspects of Lord Mahavira's life, including his past lives, his renunciation, his spiritual quest, and his ultimate achievements.