Nari Ke Mukti Data Bhagawan Mahavir

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Nari ke Mukti Data Bhagawan Mahavir" by Shanta Bhanavat, based on the provided pages:

The text, "Nari ke Mukti Data Bhagawan Mahavir" (Lord Mahavir, Liberator of Women), by Dr. Shanta Bhanavat, argues that Lord Mahavir was a pivotal figure in liberating women and elevating their status in society.

The Pre-Mahavir Era: A Dark Age for Women

The author begins by stating that women are like the two wheels of the chariot of society, and their equality is essential for societal progress. She describes the sixth century BCE, when Lord Mahavir appeared, as a period of "great fall" for women. They were devalued, treated like cattle, bought and sold in public, and utilized as mere chattel by wealthy men, despite being sentient beings. Societal norms were deeply oppressive, with sayings like "the uncontrolled woman is dominated by man" and "women, prostitutes, and Shudras are the means of sin" holding sway.

Lord Mahavir's Revolution: Recognizing and Elevating Women

Lord Mahavir, according to the text, recognized women in their diverse roles as mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters, acknowledging their existence and inherent worth. He made significant efforts to uplift their fallen lives and restore their lost honor. He proclaimed that considering women inferior to men was ignorance, irreligious, and illogical. He emphasized that women, through their boundless maternal love, inspire and empower men, contributing immensely to societal welfare. Furthermore, he asserted that women could achieve liberation (moksha) by overcoming lust, vices, and the cycle of karma.

Equality in the Four-Fold Order

A key aspect of Mahavir's liberating vision was the equal standing he granted to women within his spiritual order. He established a "Chaturvidh Sangha" (four-fold order) consisting of monks (sadhu), nuns (sadhvi), male lay disciples (shravak), and female lay disciples (shravika). He considered all four as "tirtha" (centers of spiritual guidance) and fellow travelers on the path to moksha. This radical equality is evidenced by the demographics of his followers: while there were 14,000 monks, there were 36,000 nuns. Similarly, there were 159,000 male lay disciples compared to 318,000 female lay disciples. This numerical superiority of women signifies the awakening Mahavir ignited, inspiring women to embrace the path of spiritual practice, even in their degraded state. The leadership within the monastic orders was also significant, with Indrabhuti Gautam leading the monks and Chandanbala leading the nuns. Other prominent nuns mentioned include Pushpala, Sunanda, Revati, and Sulsa. Mahavir also provided women opportunities to listen to religious discourses, ask questions in congregations, and have their doubts resolved. The text highlights Princess Jayanti, who engaged in profound philosophical and religious discussions with Lord Mahavir.

Abolishing Slavery and Prostitution

The text emphasizes Mahavir's strong opposition to the prevalent slave and prostitution systems of his time. He actively campaigned against the buying and selling of women, which was not just for convenience but also a marker of wealth and status. He openly criticized the practice, even when it involved the sale of maids for the service of Prince Meghkumar, the son of Emperor Shrenik. For his vocal opposition, Mahavir faced numerous hardships and severe punishments, all of which he endured with equanimity.

Dignity for Former Prostitutes

When establishing his religious order, Mahavir extended the right to receive initiation with full respect to women from royal families as well as courtesans and prostitutes. The text states that women whose lives as courtesans were previously looked down upon by men became revered figures within the monastic order after embracing initiation, transforming their conduct and atoning for their past deeds.

The Significance of the Harsh Vow (Abhagraha)

To demonstrate his commitment to uplifting neglected women, Mahavir undertook a rigorous vow in the twelfth year of his spiritual practice. This vow comprised 13 severe conditions related to accepting alms from a specific type of impoverished and distressed woman. These conditions, such as the woman being a princess, having been sold, having a shaved head, wearing shackles, being hungry for three days, shedding tears, yet smiling, and standing in a specific manner while offering alms, vividly illustrate the pitiable condition of women in that era. They were oppressed by society and family. Mahavir's vow was intended to re-establish these suffering women in society. He refused alms from kings and queens, ultimately accepting alms from Princess Chandana, who perfectly embodied these conditions.

The Story of Chandanbala

Princess Chandana, daughter of King Dadivahana of Champanagari, faced immense tragedy. After her father's death during an invasion by King Shataneek, her mother Dharini sacrificed her life for the sake of her chastity. Chandana was left helpless and was sold by a merchant to a wealthy businessman in Koshambi for five hundred gold coins. The businessman's wife subjected Chandana to severe atrocities, forcing her into slavery, binding her with shackles, shaving her head, and leaving her hungry. Despite these severe hardships, she smiled upon seeing Mahavir. Mahavir accepted alms from her, offering her greater respect and honor for her virtue and character than from any royal lady.

Women's Spiritual and Social Advancement

The text further elaborates on how Mahavir's teachings inspired women. Ten royal consorts of Emperor Shrenik of Magadha, including Mahakali and Sukali, embraced the spiritual path. Those who once adorned themselves with jewelry in palaces, now donned "garlands of austerities" like Kanakavali and Ratnavali, shining with inner spiritual light. Many lay disciples remained steadfast in their righteous conduct after listening to Mahavir's teachings. The text emphasizes how wives, hearing of their husbands' spiritual upliftment through Mahavir, also sought his guidance. Shivananada, upon hearing her husband Anand describe Mahavir as benevolent, auspicious, and embodying knowledge, was inspired to seek his blessings and embrace the lay disciple vows.

Respect in Household Life and the End of Sati

Mahavir's inspiration led to increased respect for women in household life. He considered a man who acted with consideration for his virtuous wife as a righteous person. The status of widows also improved. The text notes that even isolated instances of the Sati practice (widow immolation) existed during Mahavir's time, and the non-violent Mahavir's teachings contributed to the eradication of this cruel custom.

Mahavir's Reverence for Motherhood

The text highlights Mahavir's profound respect for motherhood. Even in the womb, he ceased his movements, concerned about causing discomfort to his mother, Trishala. This caused her anxiety, leading him to resume his movements, filling her with joy and strengthening his resolve to never renounce worldly life while his parents were alive. He honored this vow throughout his life.

Conclusion: Women as Spiritual Motivators

In conclusion, the text asserts that Lord Mahavir held immense respect and reverence for women. He did not view them as impediments to spiritual practice but rather as embodiments of inspirational power and endurance. It was through his courage that, twenty-five hundred years ago, he granted women spiritual rights that surpassed social and economic freedoms, enabling them to achieve their full potential and attain spiritual liberation. Mahavir, therefore, stands as the "Liberator of Women."