Nirayavalika Sutra

The Nirayavalika Sutra, also known as Kalpika, is a significant text within the Jain Agam literature, specifically classified as an Upanga. This summary is based on the provided text, which details the contents of the Sutra.

Publisher and Authors:

• Publisher: Shri Akhil Bharatiya Sudharm Jain Sanskriti Rakshak Sangh, Jodhpur Branch, Beawar.
• Authors: Nemichand Banthiya and Parasmal Chandaliya.
• Language: The text is presented in Hindi with explanations, difficult word meanings, and discussions.

Structure and Content:

The Nirayavalika Sutra is presented as a collection of five Upangas within a single Shruta Skandha. These five Upangas are:

1. Nirayavalika (Kalpika): This is the primary section, detailing the descriptions of hellish abodes and the beings residing there.
2. Kalpavatansika:
3. Pushpika:
4. Pushpachulika:
5. Vrshnidesha:

The text emphasizes that while these are considered separate Upangas, they are compiled together due to their smaller size and interconnectedness. The first section, Nirayavalika, gives its name to the entire collection.

Key Narratives and Teachings:

The Sutra primarily focuses on Dharmakathanu-yoga (narrative discourse) and illustrates the consequences of actions, particularly the path to hell and heaven.

Detailed Breakdown of the Five Upangas:

1. Nirayavalika (Kalpika):

   • Content: This section consists of ten chapters (Adhyayanas). It describes the ten sons of King Shrenika and Queen Chellana who went to hell due to their severe karmic actions and intense passions.
   • Key Incident: A prominent narrative focuses on Kunika (Kunik), the ambitious son of Shrenika and Chellana. Kunika imprisons his father Shrenika and usurps the throne. The interaction between Kunika and his mother Chellana, where she recounts Shrenika's immense affection and care for Kunika, including his father sucking the pus from Kunika's injured finger as an infant, deeply affects Kunika. Tragically, Shrenika, fearing a cruel death at his son's hands, consumes poison and ends his life. This event leads Kunika to shift his capital.
   • Other Narratives: It also details the story of Vahallakumara, Shrenika's younger son, and his conflict with Kunika over valuable possessions, leading to war with King Chetaka. The text mentions the immense destruction in battles like the Rathamusala Sangrama and Mahashilakantaka Sangrama, resulting in the death of 1 crore 80 lakh humans.

2. Kalpavatansika:

   • Content: This is the second Upanga, also containing ten chapters. It describes the ascent to heaven of ten sons of Shrenika and Chellana: Padma, Mahapadma, Bhadra, Subhadra, Padmabhadra, Padmasena, Padmagulma, Nalinigulma, Ananda, and Nandan.
   • Key Aspect: These ten individuals attained enlightenment after hearing Lord Mahavira's teachings, took initiation, studied the eleven Angas, and ultimately achieved heavenly realms. The name "Kalpavatansika" derives from their birth in the celestial realms (Kalpa).

3. Pushpika:

   • Content: The third Upanga, with ten chapters. It details the stories of ten celestial beings (Devas) who visited Lord Mahavira.
   • Narratives: The first four chapters describe celestial beings like Chandra, Surya, Shukra, and Bahuputrika who, after presenting various dramas, returned to their realms. Lord Gautama inquired about the cause of their divine radiance, and Lord Mahavira recounted their past lives. These beings had practiced right conduct (Sanyama) or partial right conduct (Desavirati) but their eventual fall into the lower realms as celestial beings was due to the failure to uphold their vows properly, the violation of their vows, and not repenting their faults.
   • Other Narratives: The remaining six celestial beings also visited Lord Mahavira, demonstrated thirty-two types of dramatic performances, and were explained by Lord Mahavira to have practiced Sanyama in past lives. Upon death, they attained the first celestial realm with a lifespan of two Sagaropama and will eventually attain liberation in Mahavideha.

4. Pushpachulika:

   • Content: The fourth Upanga, also with ten chapters. It describes ten celestial goddesses: Shri Devi, Hri Devi, Dhruti Devi, Kirti Devi, Buddhi Devi, Lakshmi Devi, Ila Devi, Sura Devi, Rasa Devi, and Gandha Devi.
   • Narratives: These goddesses were born in the Saudharmakalpa in heavens corresponding to their names. They visited Lord Mahavira in Rajgriha, displayed their devotion through dance, and returned. Lord Gautama inquired about their past lives, and Lord Mahavira revealed they had taken initiation from Aryapushpachulika during the time of Lord Parshvanatha. Due to the violation of their vows and not repenting their faults, they were reborn as goddesses in the first celestial realm, with a lifespan of one Palyopama. Upon completion of their lifespan, they will be reborn in Mahavideha and attain liberation through diligent spiritual practice.

5. Vrshnidesha:

   • Content: The fifth and final Upanga, containing twelve chapters. It focuses on twelve princes.
   • First Chapter: The first chapter describes Nishadhakumara, the son of King Baladeva and Queen Revati. When Lord Arishtanemi visited Dwarika, Nishadhakumara, along with Krishna Vasudeva and other citizens, went to pay respects. Lord Arishtanemi's chief disciple, Varadattamuni, inquired about Nishadhakumara's divine appearance. Lord Arishtanemi explained that it was the fruit of his faultless practice of Sanyama in a past life, leading to his birth in the fifth celestial realm. After exhausting his lifespan there, he was born as the son of King Baladeva, receiving divine beauty and human accomplishments. Later, Nishadhakumara took initiation from Lord Arishtanemi, studied the eleven Angas, and after death, was reborn as a celestial being in Sarvarthasiddha Vimana. Upon the completion of his lifespan there, he will be born in Alakapur in Mahavideha, attain perfect knowledge from great ascetics, and ultimately attain liberation through rigorous penance and observance of vows. This Upanga specifically details Nishadhakumara's story, and the remaining eleven chapters follow a similar pattern for the other princes.

Overall Significance:

The Nirayavalika Sutra serves as a powerful discourse on karma and its consequences, illustrating the cyclical nature of birth, death, and rebirth. It highlights the importance of adhering to Jain principles, the detrimental effects of passion and misconduct, and the ultimate path to liberation through righteous conduct and spiritual discipline. The text also provides historical and cultural insights through its detailed descriptions of ancient cities, royal lineages, and social practices. The detailed explanations and commentary within the published text aid in understanding the profound philosophical and ethical teachings of Jainism.