Manibhadra Charitra

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Manibhadra Charitra" by Charitravijay, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Manibhadra Charitra Author: Muni Maharajshri Charitravijayji Publisher: Samaydharm Karyalay, Sanand (Kathiawad) First Edition: 1942 (Samvat 1998)

Core Subject: The text is a hagiographical account of Manibhadra, a significant Yaksha (a celestial being associated with Jainism) who is considered the guardian deity (Adhishthayak Dev) of the Tapagachha lineage of Jainism. The book traces his life story, his transformation, and his role in protecting the Jain community and the Tapagachha.

Key Themes and Narrative Points:

1. Introduction to Manibhadra:

   • Manibhadra is identified as the guardian deity of the Tapagachha, a prominent sect within Jainism. The text explains that different gacchas (sects or branches) have their own presiding deities.
   • Traditionally, Manibhadra's idols were established in the upashrayas (monastic dwelling places) of the Tapagachha. The author laments the decline in the worship of Manibhadra in modern times, with new upashrayas not featuring his idol, which he fears will lead to future followers forgetting him.

2. Origin of the Biography:

   • The author, Muni Charitravijayji, states that this biography was written based on an ancient manuscript discovered in the Padmanabh Suri Jain Manuscript Library in Patan, North Gujarat.
   • He acknowledges that the work might have limitations due to being based on a single manuscript and appeals to scholars and readers to provide any other available writings on Manibhadra's life for future improvements.

3. Debunking a Traditional Legend:

   • The author contrasts a popular legend about Manibhadra's origin with the account found in the manuscript.
   • Popular Legend: This legend claims that another sect's acharya used their presiding deities to harm the Tapagachha acharya and his disciples. In distress, the Tapagachha acharya received guidance from an old Manibhadra. This Manibhadra, told he had only three days to live, took a vow of fasting and died to be reborn as a deity to protect the Tapagachha from the harmful influence.
   • Manuscript Account: The manuscript presents a different narrative. It states that an acharya of the Lokagachha (another Jain sect) performed rituals to invoke deities like Dholabhairav and Kalabhairav, ordering them to kill the disciples of the Tapagachha acharya, Shri Hemavimalsuri. Many disciples died. The acharya then worshipped the Shasan Devi (guardian goddess), who advised him to go to Gujarat, where he would find someone to pacify this disturbance. The acharya traveled to Gujarat and found Manekshah Seth of Ujjain, who had renounced worldly life and was on a pilgrimage to Shatrunjaya. Manekshah Seth was killed by a wild animal near Palanpur. He was reborn as Manibhadra. The acharya arrived at that spot, and Manibhadra appeared. Manibhadra pacified the disturbance. His body was then dismembered into three parts: the head was placed near the Kshipra River in Ujjain, the torso in Agrol village, and the feet near Magarkada by Palanpur. After this, he became the presiding deity of the Tapagachha.

4. Setting the Scene in Ujjain (Malva Region):

   • The narrative begins by highlighting the historical and cultural significance of Malva and its capital, Ujjain. It mentions famous figures like King Bhoj, Kalidasa, and King Vikramaditya.
   • Ujjain is described as a vibrant city with bustling markets, skilled artisans, beautiful gardens, and a devout populace.
   • The story focuses on Manekshah Seth, the Nagarseth (chief merchant) of Ujjain. He is portrayed as a deeply religious and respected individual, greatly influenced by his virtuous mother, Kasturbai, who instilled strong religious values in him. Manekshah Seth is described as prosperous and righteous.

5. The Influence of Lokagachha Acharya Padmanabhasuri:

   • The text describes a public discourse by Acharya Padmanabhasuri of the Lokagachha, which draws a large crowd in Ujjain.
   • Manekshah Seth is initially captivated by Padmanabhasuri's eloquent preaching. However, the growing sectarian conflict (between Tapagachha and Lokagachha) is mentioned.
   • Padmanabhasuri subtly influences Manekshah Seth, leading him to abandon his ancestral religious practices and adopt the Lokagachha. This causes great distress to his mother, Kasturbai.

6. Kasturbai's Devotion and Satyagraha:

   • Distraught by her son's deviation from their traditional Jain path, Kasturbai undertakes a personal austerity: she vows to abstain from ghee and milk.
   • Her daughter-in-law, Laxmi, also joins her mother-in-law in this vow, demonstrating their deep commitment and acting in solidarity (a form of satyagraha).
   • Manekshah Seth is shocked to see his mother and wife observing such strict vows and learns the reason for their austerity – his abandonment of their traditional faith.

7. Manekshah Seth's Redemption:

   • The crisis prompts Manekshah Seth to reflect. He realizes the depth of his mother's devotion and the impact of his actions.
   • He is further convinced by his wife and mother's steadfastness.
   • He decides to seek guidance from Acharya Hemavimalsuri of the Tapagachha. He undergoes a test where he brings burning torches near the acharya and his disciples, but they remain undisturbed in their meditation. This profound experience leads to Manekshah Seth's sincere repentance.
   • He apologizes to Acharya Hemavimalsuri, and through the acharya's teachings, he reaffirms his commitment to Jain principles. He decides to invite Acharya Hemavimalsuri to his home.

8. The Journey to Shatrunjaya and Sacrifice:

   • Inspired by the teachings and the "Siddhachal Mahatmya" (glory of Shatrunjaya), Manekshah Seth takes a solemn vow: to renounce food and water and undertake a barefoot pilgrimage to Shatrunjaya.
   • Despite the perilous journey (long distance, difficult terrain, wild animals), he sets out from Agra.
   • On his journey, in a dense forest near Palanpur, he is tragically attacked and killed by bandits who mistake his detached spiritual state for madness and his opulent appearance for a wealthy merchant.
   • At the moment of his death, his mind is still focused on Shatrunjaya.

9. Rebirth as Manibhadra and Divine Intervention:

   • Due to his immense devotion and the circumstances of his death while on a sacred vow, Manekshah Seth is reborn as Manibhadra, a powerful Yaksha, a celestial being who becomes the guardian deity of the Tapagachha.
   • The narrative then connects back to the Lokagachha Acharya Padmanabhasuri, who, seeking revenge on Acharya Hemavimalsuri, hires a Kapalik (a practitioner of dark rituals) to perform malevolent rituals.
   • This ritual causes the death of ten disciples of Acharya Hemavimalsuri in Agra. The eleventh disciple is also gravely ill.
   • Acharya Hemavimalsuri, guided by the Shasan Devi, travels to Gujarat. He encounters Manibhadra (the reborn Manekshah Seth) in a forest.
   • Manibhadra recognizes Acharya Hemavimalsuri as his spiritual guide.
   • Acharya Hemavimalsuri explains the plight of his disciples. Manibhadra, with his divine powers, confronts the Kapalik and the malevolent deity (Kalabhairava) invoked by the Lokagachha. He fights and defeats them, saving the remaining disciples and ending the curse.

10. Manibhadra's Role and Worship:

    • Manibhadra, now a powerful deity, becomes the protector of the Tapagachha and its acharyas.
    • The text details the practices for worshipping Manibhadra, including observing fasts on certain days (Ashtami, Chaturdashi), offering specific items, chanting mantras (like "Om AsiAau Saah Namah Patho Shree Manibhadra disatu mama sada sarvakaryeshu Siddhim"), and making vows at his consecrated places.
    • It emphasizes the importance of personal devotion and participation in rituals.
    • The text includes various devotional poems, prayers, and hymns (Chhand, Garba, Doha, Aarti) dedicated to Manibhadra, highlighting his powers to grant wishes, protection from harm (diseases, enemies, wild animals, natural calamities), and overall prosperity.
    • The author reiterates the importance of maintaining the tradition of worshipping Manibhadra for the continuity and strength of the Tapagachha.

Overall Message: The book "Manibhadra Charitra" serves as an inspiring account of devotion, sacrifice, and the power of faith. It illustrates how sincere spiritual practice and adherence to Jain principles can lead to divine status and the ability to protect others. It also serves as a reminder and advocacy for the continued veneration of Manibhadra as a significant guardian deity within the Jain tradition.