Merumandar Puran

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The article reviews "Merumandar Puran," a significant work of Jain literature that has been translated and annotated into Hindi by the esteemed Acharya Ratna Shri 108 Deshbhushanji Maharaj. The reviewer, Dr. Ravindra Kumar Seth, highlights the profound impact of Jainism on South Indian culture and literature, particularly in Tamil.

Historical and Cultural Context:

• The review begins by emphasizing that many great Jain acharyas originated from South India and significantly influenced both common people and royalty through their ascetic lives, vast knowledge, and public service.
• Evidence of Jain thought is found in foundational Tamil texts like 'Tirukkural' and 'Tolkappiyam,' indicating a definite influence on Tamil language and literature. While the attribution of 'Tirukkural' to Jainism is debated, the Mahakavya 'Shilappadikaram' is clearly shown to extensively discuss Jain principles.
• The reviewer notes that Tamil literary historians have often focused on Shaivite and Vaishnavite traditions, with less attention paid to Jainism. However, incidents like the theological debates between Thirugnana Sambandar and Jain adherents, the conversion of Jains to Shaivism, and the persecutions described in Periyapuranam (despite potential exaggeration) reveal the presence, life, thought, and struggles of Jain followers in the Tamil region.

"Merumandar Puran" and Acharya Deshbhushanji Maharaj's Contribution:

• "Merumandar Puran" is described as a Tamil work originally composed by Vamanacharya.
• Acharya Shri 108 Deshbhushanji Maharaj's translation and commentary on this text are considered an extraordinary achievement, showcasing his spiritual depth and philosophical insights.
• The Hindi translation and commentary were completed in Samvat 2028 ( Jaipur Chaturmas) and published in Samvat 2026.
• The 510-page book includes the original Tamil text transliterated into Devanagari, its translation, and a detailed Hindi commentary.
• While Vamanacharya's life and era are not precisely documented, he is recognized as a profound scholar of both Tamil and Sanskrit. An inscription at an ancient Jain Rishabhanatha temple near Tirupati Kundra provides some information.

Content and Themes of "Merumandar Puran":

• The book comprises 12 chapters, with the first 20 pages offering a summary of the entire narrative. Each verse is accompanied by extensive commentary.
• The commentary is praised for its profound philosophical insights presented in simple, heartfelt language that touches the core of the reader's being.
• Beyond religious teachings, the book offers vivid descriptions of nature, insightful portrayals of human nature, depictions of life struggles, and the hardships encountered on the path of asceticism.
• The story of Minister Shivabhuti and Bhadramitra serves to illustrate the detrimental effects of wealth (Kanchan), the negative consequences of greed for money and jewels, and the importance of justice.
• The text discusses the various efforts people make to acquire wealth due to intense possessiveness, highlighting that property gained through theft or other illicit means is fleeting, leading to the destruction of reputation, patience, and prosperity.
• Key Jain virtues are explored, including promoting the welfare of all beings, practicing compassion, experiencing empathy for others' suffering, and renouncing the desire for revenge. The importance of Dana (charity) in the forms of scripture, medicine, food, and protection is advocated.
• A particularly eloquent passage describes a Muni (ascetic) engaging in penance, abandoning the "rope of sleep" and embracing the "woman of penance" with the "love of mind purification" and the "life of compassion for living beings."
• The narrative is interwoven with many sub-stories, all aiming to guide readers towards religion, philosophy, and detachment in life. Numerous aphorisms are naturally integrated into the text.
• The central philosophy revolves around religion being the true witness that protects beings in hell.
• The book expounds upon the teachings of Lord Arhat, emphasizing the importance of faithful adherence to Dharma. It identifies anger, pride, deceit, and greed (Kashayas) as the sources of karmic influx and advocates for the ten virtues (Dharma): forgiveness, humility, honesty, truthfulness, purity, self-control, austerity, renunciation, non-possession, and chastity. Faith and devotion to the scriptures (Agamas) are also stressed as pathways to achieving liberation (Moksha).
• The work also includes refutations of Buddhist concepts like the impermanence of the self (Anityatmavada).
• The poet's descriptions of cities, buildings, and other settings are detailed and evocative, with examples provided of towering gateways, bustling streets filled with beautiful women, and the sounds of music and dance.

Conclusion:

• The reviewer concludes that by translating and annotating this original Tamil work, Acharya Deshbhushanji Maharaj has transformed it into a valuable Hindi resource.
• "Merumandar Puran" is expected to play a significant role in strengthening faith in religion, connecting the Indian populace with their cultural heritage, and inspiring those curious about Jainism to gather further knowledge from diverse sources.

In essence, "Merumandar Puran," as presented through Acharya Deshbhushanji Maharaj's work, is a rich Jain scripture that offers profound philosophical insights, moral guidance, and a detailed portrayal of life and nature, deeply rooted in the cultural tapestry of South India.