Mallinath No Ras

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mallinath no Ras," based on the provided pages:

Title: Mallinath no Ras Author: Kavi Rishabhdas Editor/Compiler: Sadhvi Diptipragnashreeji Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan (as part of Anusandhan - 50) Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229668/1

Overview:

"Mallinath no Ras" is a Jain devotional poem (Ras) composed by Kavi Rishabhdas, a renowned literary figure of the medieval period. The Ras focuses on the life and teachings of the 19th Jain Tirthankara, Bhagavan Mallinath. The work is presented here in its edited form by Sadhvi Diptipragnashreeji, with valuable insights into its historical context, linguistic nuances, and spiritual significance.

Key Details from the Text:

• Author: Kavi Rishabhdas, a Jain layperson, is credited with composing over 32 Rasas and numerous other smaller works.
• Date of Composition: The Ras was composed in the year 1685 VS (Vikram Samvat) on the 13th day of the bright half of the month of Posh (Posh Shudi 13), a Sunday.
• Place of Composition: The Ras was composed in Trambavati (identified as Khambhat, or Cambay), a city that the poet describes as having 85 Jinālaya (temples) and 42 Paushadhshālā-upāshray (monastic residences) at that time.
• Source Material: Kavi Rishabhdas himself states that he based this Ras on the Jain Āgama text, the Jñātādharmakathāṅga Sūtra, specifically its description of "Mallijñāta." This suggests it's a vernacular rendition of the scriptural narrative.
• Structure and Form: The Ras is composed in various poetic forms, including Doha, Chaupai, and Dhal, and contains 297 verses (kaḍī).
• Manuscript: The edited version is based on a Xerox copy of a manuscript obtained from the 'Ā. Shri Vijayalāvanyasuri Citkosh' in Botad. The editor expresses great joy in knowing that this particular manuscript is believed to be in Kavi Rishabhdas's own handwriting, making it a treasured artifact.
• Linguistic Features: The language used by Kavi Rishabhdas is noted for its colloquial and direct style, reflecting how he would have spoken and written. This includes some unique or less common words (e.g., "ohalās" for ullās, "uśab" for aśubh), which might pose challenges for modern linguists.
• Subhāṣitas (Wise Sayings): The Ras incorporates several insightful subhāṣitas, some of which are translations of Sanskrit verses, such as the verse "Kāmārthināṃ kuto lajjā?" (Where is modesty for the desirous?). Other couplets and verses are also highlighted for their profound meaning, with some verses appearing to be adapted from the "Bhojaprabandha" attributed to King Bhoj.
• Musical and Historical Context: Mentions of musical Ragas like Bhairav, Kalyāṇ, and Naṭ indicate the author's familiarity with music. Historically, the composition falls within the period when the Tapa Gaccha had two branches, and this Ras was created during the reign of Acharya Shri Vijayanandsuri of the Āṇasūri branch.
• Social and Historical Depiction of Khambhat: The Ras provides a vivid picture of Khambhat's historical and social landscape. It mentions affluent householders and their charitable contributions, such as:
  • Parekh Vaji-Raji (two brothers) who performed good deeds worth three and a half lakh rupees.
  • Tejpāl Soni of the Oswal lineage, who sponsored renovations of the Shatrunjaya and Girnar pilgrimage sites, spending two lakh rupees.
  • Sanghavi Somkaran-Udaykaran, King Shrimāl of the Oswal clan, Thakkar Jayraj Jasvir, Thakkar Kika-Vagha, and others.
  • The existence of animal welfare institutions (Jivdayā) in Khambhat during that era is also noted.
• Concluding Verses: The Ras concludes by describing the author's lineage, identifying him as the son of Sanghan, son of Mahirāj Sanghavi of the Visa Porvad lineage. He is described as a lay follower (śrāvaka) observing twelve vows. The text also notes that the proximity of the author's home, shop, and monastic residence facilitated the availability of pure food and undisturbed ground for monks, making the area attractive for ascetics.

Content Highlights of Bhagavan Mallinath's Life as Described:

The Ras narrates the life story of Bhagavan Mallinath, starting from his conception and birth in Ayodhya. Key events and descriptions include:

• Previous Lives and Merit Karma: The text touches upon Mallinath's past lives and the merit karma (punya) that led to his Tirthankara status, including his previous life as a celestial being and the "woman-state" (strīveda) resulting from past spiritual practices.
• Birth Symbolism: The queen's dream of fourteen auspicious items, including an elephant, a bull, flowers, a flag, and a pot filled with water, is described.
• Naming: He was named Mallinath by his father, Kumbharaj, who interpreted the dreams. The name "Malli" is linked to the idea of desire or attachment (moha) and conquering it, as well as possibly a more literal meaning related to fragrance.
• Physical Attributes: Mallinath is described as having a blue complexion, a height of 25 bows, and the symbol of a pitcher (kalas) at his feet. He possessed 108 auspicious marks and a beautiful physique.
• His Previous Lives: The narrative details his previous births as seven kings: Mahābal, who practiced austerities and was reborn as a celestial being, and the other six kings who ruled in different cities and kingdoms.
• The Story of the Jewel: The text includes a significant narrative about a jewel where Mallinath (in a past life as a female) had shown her unique beauty and grace. This leads to suitors (kings) sending emissaries and eventually to conflict when the gem is sought.
• Teachings on Detachment: The Ras emphasizes Mallinath's teachings on detachment from worldly pleasures, the transient nature of physical beauty, and the importance of spiritual practice. He eloquently explains the composition of the body and the illusory nature of external attractions.
• The Role of the Ascetic: A notable section describes an encounter with a tapasvin (ascetic) who presents a limited view of the divine. Mallinath corrects him, emphasizing the Jain understanding of a supreme, formless God and the importance of internal spiritual cultivation over external rituals.
• Royal Encounters and Renunciation: The Ras describes interactions with various kings who are drawn to Mallinath's beauty or teachings. Through his wisdom, they are often guided towards understanding the truth and ultimately renouncing the world.
• Generosity and Renunciation: Mallinath's immense generosity is highlighted, with descriptions of him distributing wealth and valuables (gold, pearls, elephants, horses, clothes) before his initiation.
• Initiation (Diksha): The narrative culminates in Mallinath's renunciation, his initiation into the monastic order, and his subsequent spiritual practices, including austerity (tapas) and the pursuit of omniscience (Kevala Jnana).
• The Assembly (Samavasarana): The text describes the grand assembly where Mallinath delivers his sermons, outlining the nine fundamental principles of Jainism, the ten types of virtues, the importance of the five great vows, and various aspects of monastic conduct.
• Thirty-Four Specific Auspicious Qualities (Atishay): The latter part of the Ras details the thirty-four extraordinary qualities and attributes of Bhagavan Mallinath, which are characteristic of Tirthankaras. These include his pristine physical state, his powerful voice, the divine throne, the celestial fan-bearers, the divine audience, and the celestial signs surrounding him.
• Liberation (Moksha): The Ras concludes with the attainment of liberation by Bhagavan Mallinath and the celestial ceremonies performed in his honor, emphasizing the ultimate goal of the spiritual path.

Significance and Conclusion:

"Mallinath no Ras" serves as a devotional work that encapsulates the life story of a significant Tirthankara. It combines historical narrative, poetic beauty, and profound spiritual teachings on detachment, karma, and liberation, as understood within the Jain tradition. The inclusion of subhāṣitas and the detailed description of Khambhat's society add layers of cultural and historical value to this important Jain text. The editor's meticulous work in presenting this Ras makes it accessible for study and devotion.