Padliptasuri Ane Tarangvati - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Padliptasuri ane Tarangvati," authored by Dhirajlal Tokarshi Shah and published by Anand Prakashan Mandir:

Book Title: Padliptasuri ane Tarangvati (Shri Padliptasuri and Tarangvati) Author: Dhirajlal Tokarshi Shah Publisher: Anand Prakashan Mandir, Bhavnagar, Saurashtra Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/034987/1

This book is a compilation and scholarly analysis of the life of Acharya Shri Padliptasuri, a significant figure in Jainism, and the story of Tarangvati. The author, Dhirajlal Tokarshi Shah, has meticulously gathered information from various historical Jain texts and commentaries to present a comprehensive account.

Key Aspects and Content:

Introduction of Acharya Padliptasuri:
- The book begins by acknowledging the rarity of Jain munis writing their own biographies due to principles of detachment and avoiding ego. Therefore, the author has undertaken the task of reconstructing Padliptasuri's life based on the accounts of his contemporaries or those who lived shortly after him.
- Primary sources for Padliptasuri's biography include:
  - Kathavali by Shri Bhadreshwarsuri (publication status unknown).
  - Prabhavak Charitra by Shri Prabhachandrasuri.
  - Prabandhachintamani by Shri Merutunga Acharya.
  - Chaturvinsati Prabandh by Shri Rajshekharasuri.
  - An incomplete manuscript of Padliptacharya Katha from the Jain Bhandar in Patan, written on palm leaves (dated 1291 VS), making it older than the other major sources.
- The author notes that Prabhavak Charitra is considered the most detailed and primary source for Padliptasuri's life, as other works like Chaturvinsati Prabandh are largely based on it and Prabandhachintamani.
- The author also delves into the challenges of historical dating and the potential inclusion of legends in these ancient accounts, emphasizing the need for critical analysis.
Life of Acharya Padliptasuri:
- Early Life (Grahast Jivan):
  - Born in the city of Keshala (identified as Ayodhya), a prosperous and beautiful city.
  - His parents were Phulla (father) and Pratima (mother), who were wealthy and virtuous.
  - Despite his parents' earnest prayers and efforts, they were childless. Seeking divine intervention, Pratima worshipped the goddess Virataya (or Vardha) at a temple of Parshvanath.
  - The goddess appeared and advised her to partake of the water used to wash the feet of Acharya Arya Nagahasti, who belonged to the Vidhyadhar lineage, founded by Kalakacharya.
  - Following this advice, Pratima consumed the charnodak (foot-wash water) and subsequently conceived.
  - Acharya Nagahasti predicted that her son would be born ten yojana (about 80 miles) away, in Mathura, and would be renowned for his intellect and might. He also prophesied nine other brilliant sons.
  - Pratima, devoted to the Acharya, offered her firstborn to him.
  - She gave birth to a son of extraordinary beauty and radiance, named Nagendra (after a dream of a serpent king).
  - At the age of eight, Nagendra was taken by the Acharyas.
- Initiation and Acharyahood:
  - He received initiation (diksha) and was trained by Acharya Sanghamsinha.
  - Showing exceptional intellect, he mastered grammar, literature, and logic within a year.
  - Once, while fetching water, he was offered water by a young girl. He composed a verse about this experience, which led to his teacher bestowing upon him the name "Padlipta" (meaning one who can fly by smearing their feet). This signifies his attainment of flying (akashgamini vidya) powers.
  - In his tenth year, he was appointed as the Acharya (successor) by his guru, becoming known as Acharya Padlipta or Padliptasuri.
- Ministry in Mathura and Pataliputra:
  - He was sent to Mathura for the propagation of Jainism.
  - He then traveled to Pataliputra, the capital of King Mund (or Murunda).
  - In Pataliputra, he demonstrated his intelligence and supernatural powers through several encounters with King Mund and his scholars:
    - When sent a bowl filled with ghee and a needle, he returned it with the needle stuck upright in the ghee, signifying his ability to overcome all scholars.
    - He solved puzzles involving identifying the ends of a wooden stick, opening a sealed box, and distinguishing the root and tip of a stick by using scientific principles and his innate wisdom.
    - He cured King Mund's severe headache simply by touching his knee, earning him great respect.
    - When questioned about how mendicants survive without worldly income, he demonstrated the profound dedication of his disciples who performed tasks purely for the welfare of the world, using a test involving finding the direction of the Ganga river.
  - His profound knowledge and quick wit earned him the title of "Pratibha Shali" (possessor of brilliance).
- Pilgrimage to Shatrunjay:
  - After ministering in various regions, including Lata and Saurashtra, he undertook a pilgrimage to the sacred mountain of Shatrunjay, experiencing immense spiritual bliss.
- Acquisition of Various Arts and Sciences:
  - He traveled to South India, reaching Manakhetpur, where King Krishnaraja honored him.
  - He gained knowledge of Tattvapradhan from Acharya Devsuri.
  - He learned Nimitta Vidya (science of omens/astrology) from Acharya Shramanasimha and composed the renowned Prabandh Prakash.
  - He learned Siddha Praabhuta Vidya from Upadhyaya Mahendra, a disciple of Acharya Aryakaphutacharya, who had previously saved the Jain community in Pataliputra from forced conversion by King Dahad.
  - He developed a secret language called Padlipta-Palitti.
- Return to Pataliputra and Victory over Brahmins:
  - He returned to Pataliputra to resolve issues caused by forced Brahminical practices.
  - He resolved the conflict through his wisdom and spiritual powers, demonstrating the superiority of Jain principles.
- Encounter with Nagarjuna:
  - In Tankapuri, he met the renowned alchemist Siddha Nagarjuna.
  - Nagarjuna, initially proud of his alchemical powers, was humbled by Padliptasuri's spiritual prowess, particularly his ability to fly and his miraculous urine.
  - Through a test involving turning a stone golden with his urine, Nagarjuna recognized Padliptasuri's superior spiritual abilities and sought discipleship.
  - Padliptasuri imparted knowledge to Nagarjuna, and in gratitude, Nagarjuna founded the city of Padlipta near Shatrunjay and built temples, honoring his guru.
  - Padliptasuri also gifted Nagarjuna with knowledge of certain medicinal herbs and a secret incantation for aerial locomotion.
- Ministry in Pratishthanpur and Encounter with King Shalivahana:
  - He visited Pratishthanpur, where King Shalivahana (or Gautamiputra Yashri Shankarni) ruled.
  - In the court of King Shalivahana, a debate with the poet Panchal highlighted Padliptasuri's superior intellect.
  - Padliptasuri composed the story of Tarangvati, demonstrating his mastery over language and narrative.
  - His mastery of yoga allowed him to demonstrate control over his life force, even appearing to die and be revived, impressing King Shalivahana.
- Final Years and Liberation:
  - Sensing the limitations of his lifespan through his knowledge of Nimitta Vidya, Padliptasuri, accompanied by Nagarjuna, went to Vimalachal.
  - After worshipping the Yugadidev and performing purification rituals, he undertook a fast unto death (anusana).
  - He attained liberation after 32 days of deep meditation and was reborn as a celestial being (Sammanik Dev of Ishanendra).
Tarangvati Story:
- Tarangvati is presented as a captivating narrative within the book, detailing the story of a woman's past and present lives, her profound love, and her spiritual journey.
- The Narrative: The story is framed by a conversation between a devout woman, Tarangvati (in her current life as a Jain nun), and a pious householder woman, revealing Tarangvati's extraordinary past life as a Chakravaki bird.
- Past Life: Tarangvati recounts her life as a female Chakravaki bird, deeply in love with her mate. Their idyllic life was tragically interrupted when a hunter's arrow, aimed at an elephant, mistakenly struck her mate, killing him. In her grief, she performed self-immolation by jumping into the funeral pyre.
- Rebirth and Love: As a consequence of her deep love and the merit from her pious actions in the previous life, she was reborn as Tarangvati, the daughter of a wealthy merchant in the city of Kaushambi. Her former mate was reborn as Padmadeva, the son of a merchant in the same city.
- Recognition and Union: Through serendipitous encounters and the visual depiction of their past life events in paintings, Tarangvati and Padmadeva recognized each other. Despite initial obstacles, including societal norms and parental objections, their profound love and destined union led them to elope.
- Trials and Tribulations: Their journey was fraught with danger, including an encounter with bandits where they were captured. However, through a combination of Tarangvati's quick thinking, Padmadeva's spiritual insights, and the compassion of a repentant bandit, they managed to escape.
- Spiritual Awakening: After their harrowing experiences, they encountered a Jain monk who explained the principles of karma, reincarnation, and the path to liberation. Deeply moved, both Tarangvati and Padmadeva renounced their worldly lives and became Jain ascetics.
- The Moral of Tarangvati: The story emphasizes the enduring power of love, the consequences of past actions (karma), the challenges of worldly attachments, and the ultimate liberation found in spiritual detachment and adherence to Jain principles.
Historical Notes and Commentary (Etihaasik Nendh ane Tippan):
- This section provides detailed analysis of various historical points, including:
  - The identification of Keshala as Ayodhya.
  - Discrepancies in the names of Padliptasuri's mother.
  - The significance of the goddess Virataya and Acharya Anandil.
  - The origin of the "Vidhyadhar Gachha."
  - The timeline of Acharya Nagahasti and his relation to Padliptasuri.
  - The debated timeline of Padliptasuri, linking him to the Kushan era (2nd-3rd century CE) through his association with King Mund.
  - Discussions on various other historical figures and events mentioned in the narrative.
  - Analysis of the authenticity and origins of the "Tarangvati" story, including its potential connection to Buddhist narratives as suggested by scholar Leyden, though the author supports an earlier Jain origin.
  - Detailed examination of scholarly opinions on the dating of Padliptasuri and the texts referring to him, particularly regarding his connection to Arya Rakshitacharya and the Anuyogadvara Sutra.
  - Further exploration of the relationship between Padliptasuri and King Shalivahana, suggesting a possible connection to later rulers of the Satavahana dynasty.
  - Discussion of Nagarjuna's encounter with Padliptasuri, questioning the narrative's literal interpretation of alchemical and mystical powers.
  - Analysis of Padliptasuri's literary contributions, including Tarangvati, Nirvan Kalika, and Prashna Prakash.
  - Evidence of Tarangvati's popularity from other Jain literary references.

Overall Significance:

"Padliptasuri ane Tarangvati" serves as a vital resource for understanding the life and teachings of Acharya Padliptasuri, a figure renowned for his spiritual prowess, intellectual brilliance, and significant contributions to Jain literature and tradition. The inclusion of the "Tarangvati" story, with its themes of love, karma, and renunciation, adds a rich narrative layer, making the teachings accessible and engaging. The author's meticulous research and critical approach provide valuable insights into Jain history and philosophy.