Panch Parvo

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Panch Parvo" by Niranjanvijay, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Panch Parvo (Five Festivals) Author/Compiler: Muni Shri Niranjanvijayji Maharaj (Sahityacharya, Shasan Prabhavak, Nidervakta, Marudhar Ratna) Publisher: Shri Khanti-Niranjan-Uttam Jain Gyan Mandir, Ahmedabad Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/005284/1 Date of Publication (as indicated on some pages): V.S. 2040 (1987 CE), with a reprint in V.S. 2041 (1985 CE).

Overall Theme: The book is a collection of discourses and narratives focused on the significance and glory of five important annual festivals (Parvas) in Jainism. These festivals are:

1. Kartik Purnima (Full Moon in Kartik month)
2. Paush Dashami (Tenth day of Paush month)
3. Meru Trayodashi (Thirteenth day related to Mount Meru)
4. Chaitri Purnima (Full Moon in Chaitra month)
5. Akshaya Tritiya (Third day of Vaishakh month)

The primary aim of the book, as highlighted by the publisher and compiler, is to educate and inspire the Jain community, especially children, by presenting these important days through engaging stories and simple language. The compiler, Muni Shri Niranjanvijayji, is highly respected for his prolific writing (over 150 books) and his ability to make Jain teachings accessible and interesting.

Summary of Key Festivals and Narratives:

1. Kartik Purnima (Pages 9-38):

• Significance: This festival marks the beginning of the new year after Diwali. It is considered a highly auspicious day, especially for the pilgrimage to Siddhagiri (Shatrunjaya).
• Historical Context: The text explains the pause in travel and outdoor activities during the monsoon (Chaturmas) due to the increased presence of small life forms and difficult travel conditions. Kartik Purnima signals the resumption of pilgrimages.
• Pilgrimage to Shatrunjaya: The text emphasizes the immense spiritual benefit of performing the pilgrimage to Shatrunjaya on this day, stating it yields greater rewards than similar acts performed elsewhere or at other times.
• Practices: Pilgrims undertake specific vows during the pilgrimage, including:
  • Samayak Dharinari (possessing Right Faith)
  • Padachari (walking on foot)
  • Sachitta Parihari (abstaining from things with life)
  • Ekasanukari (eating one meal a day)
  • Brahmachari (celibacy)
  • Bhoomi Shayankari (sleeping on the ground)
• Narrative Example: The book recounts the story of the two brothers, Dravid and Varikhil, sons of Rishabhadeva, whose mutual envy and conflict over their shares of the kingdom were ultimately resolved through the wisdom of a sage and their subsequent spiritual journey. This story illustrates the impermanence of worldly possessions and the importance of detachment.
• Spiritual Merit: It is mentioned that performing austerities and rituals on Kartik Purnima at Shatrunjaya can help in shedding negative karma, including sins like killing women, children, or cows.

2. Paush Dashami (Pages 41-102):

• Significance: This day is significant as it commemorates the birth anniversary (Janma Kalyanak) of Lord Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara.
• Historical Context: The narrative centers around King Shrenik of Magadha, a devout follower of Lord Mahavir Swami. King Shrenik inquired from Lord Mahavir about the most auspicious day in the month of Paush.
• Lord Parshvanatha's Life: The text provides a detailed account of Lord Parshvanatha's birth in the city of Varanasi to King Ashwasen and Queen Vama. It describes the auspicious fourteen dreams the queen had, signifying the greatness of the child. The birth of Lord Parshvanatha brought immense joy and peace to all three worlds, even to the souls in hell.
• Key Events: The summary includes Lord Parshvanatha's marriage to Princess Prabhavati of Kushasthala, his triumph over the wicked king Yavan through his prowess and the intervention of gods, and his eventual renunciation of worldly life for spiritual pursuit.
• The story of Suradatta Sheth: A significant portion details the story of Suradatta Sheth, a wealthy but misguided merchant who initially followed wrong paths (Mithyatva). Due to his past karma, he faced immense losses, losing his wealth and status. However, upon encountering the teachings of Acharya Devendrasuri and learning about the virtues of Paush Dashami, he embraced Jainism and diligently performed the rituals. As a result, his lost wealth was miraculously restored, and he achieved spiritual progress, eventually attaining liberation.
• Rituals: The text outlines the specific practices for observing Paush Dashami, including fasting, chanting Lord Parshvanatha's name, performing pujas, and offering charity.

3. Meru Trayodashi (Pages 105-135):

• Significance: This day is celebrated in reverence to Mount Meru and the spiritual liberation (Nirvana) of Lord Rishabhadeva, the first Tirthankara, which occurred on Paush Vad Teras (equivalent to Meru Trayodashi). The day is considered highly auspicious for spiritual austerities.
• Narrative: The story of King Anantvirya of Ayodhya and his son Pingalkumar is central. Pingalkumar was born with weak and deformed limbs. Despite his disability, his marriage was arranged with Princess Gunsundari of Brahmpur. The story highlights the consequences of past karma, as Pingalkumar's condition was attributed to his past misdeeds, including the misuse of temple wealth and the killing of a pregnant deer while renouncing Jain principles.
• The role of Acharya Gangal: The king, troubled by his son's condition, seeks the guidance of Acharya Gangal. The Acharya explains the karmic cycle and advises the observance of Meru Trayodashi.
• The Practice of Meru Trayodashi: The text details the ritualistic observance of this festival, which involves fasting (often a strict Chevihaar upvas), performing specific pujas to Lord Rishabhadeva (e.g., chanting "Shri Rishabhdev Nathay Namah" 20 times or 20 Navkarvalis), sleeping on the floor, maintaining celibacy, and performing devotional acts. The festival culminates in a ritualistic offering of a representation of Mount Meru made of silver, gold, or even ghee.
• Transformation: Through the diligent observance of this vrat (vow), Pingalkumar was miraculously cured of his afflictions and regained his health and radiance, leading to his eventual reign and later renunciation for spiritual pursuits, ultimately attaining Moksha. The story serves as a powerful illustration of the efficacy of righteous practices in overcoming past karma.

4. Chaitri Purnima (Pages 137-169):

• Significance: This full moon day in the month of Chaitra holds special significance, particularly in relation to the holy pilgrimage site of Shatrunjaya (also known as Siddhachala, Vimalgiri, Pundrikgiri). It is associated with the memory of Pundrik Swami, the chief Ganadhar of Lord Rishabhadeva, and the liberation of five crore ascetics.
• Pilgrimage: The text strongly advocates for undertaking the pilgrimage to Shatrunjaya on this day, emphasizing that the spiritual environment of this holy place, saturated with the energy of liberated souls, can help in shedding accumulated karma rapidly.
• Historical Narratives:
  • Nami and Vinami: The story of Nami and Vinami, sons of Lord Rishabhadeva who were denied a kingdom, highlights their unwavering devotion to Lord Rishabhadeva. Their persistent service and devotion, even without receiving direct answers regarding their kingdom, earned them the favor of Dharanendra, the king of serpent deities. Dharanendra bestowed upon them special Siddha Vidyas (supernatural powers), enabling them to establish beautiful cities and rule. Eventually, Nami and Vinami attained liberation from Shatrunjaya.
  • Lord Rishabhadeva at Shatrunjaya: The narrative recounts Lord Rishabhadeva's visit to Shatrunjaya with his Ganadhar Pundrik Swami and many other ascetics. It speaks of the spiritual power of the mountain and the numerous souls who have attained liberation there.
  • The story of the widowed daughter: A poignant story is told of a widow whose daughter was cursed to remain a widow due to past karma related to betraying her husband and causing him harm. The grandmother, upon learning from Pundrik Swami that the curse could be mitigated by observing Chaitri Purnima rituals, diligently performed them. This led to the daughter's spiritual progress, eventually attaining a heavenly life and later liberation.
• Practices: The text recommends observing the day with fasting, visiting Jain temples (especially Shatrunjaya), performing specific pujas, chanting mantras like the Navkar Mantra, practicing contemplation (Kaussarga), and showing compassion through charity.

5. Akshaya Tritiya (Pages 170-265):

• Significance: This day, falling on Vaishakh Sud Tritiya (third day of the bright half of Vaishakh month), is considered highly auspicious for initiating charitable acts and spiritual practices. Its name, "Akshaya," means inexhaustible or eternal, signifying that the merits gained on this day are lasting.
• Origin Story: The primary narrative explains the origin of Akshaya Tritiya's significance from the time of the first Tirthankara, Lord Rishabhadeva.
  • Lord Rishabhadeva's Tap: Lord Rishabhadeva performed a rigorous fast for one year and forty days. During this period, he did not receive any suitable alms due to the people's lack of knowledge about the proper way to offer food to ascetics.
  • Shreyans Kumar's Role: Shreyans Kumar, a descendant of Lord Rishabhadeva, had foresight through divine dreams indicating a significant spiritual event. He understood that Lord Rishabhadeva was in need of pure and suitable sustenance. Shreyans Kumar offered fresh sugarcane juice to Lord Rishabhadeva, breaking his year-long fast.
  • The Miracle of Akshaya Tritiya: This act of pure and selfless charity (Supatra Daan) by Shreyans Kumar is the reason for the day's auspiciousness. The sugarcane juice provided was so pure that not a single drop was wasted, and the gods rained down jewels, flowers, and divine clothes to celebrate this act. The day of this first-ever pure Daan is therefore called Akshaya Tritiya.
• Historical Significance: The text mentions that Lord Rishabhadeva's first alms-breaking (Parana) occurred on this day, making it a cornerstone of Jain practice. It also notes that the tradition of Shreyans Kumar's act is remembered and emulated by devotees who perform the "Varsi Tap" (year-long fast), concluding it with sugarcane juice on Akshaya Tritiya.
• Kala Chakra and Yugalis: The book also briefly touches upon the concept of time cycles (Yugas) and the transition from the Yugali period (where people lived in harmony without the need for organized governance or complex societal structures) to a more structured society requiring laws and leadership, tracing the lineage of "Kulakars" (law-makers).
• Karma and its Consequences: The narratives, particularly those of Pingalkumar and Suradatta Sheth, underscore the profound impact of karma, demonstrating how past actions dictate present circumstances and how righteous practices can help overcome negative karmic influences.

Overall Message and Publisher's Intent: "Panch Parvo" is presented as a guide to understanding and observing key Jain festivals. The book aims to instill devotion, encourage virtuous living, and promote spiritual growth through the study of historical events and the lives of Tirthankaras and devout followers. The publisher, Shri Khanti-Niranjan-Uttam Jain Gyan Mandir, is dedicated to making Jain literature accessible and is committed to publishing works that benefit the community, especially the younger generation. The book's clear, engaging style, coupled with illustrations, makes it a valuable resource for Jain education.