Parishisht Parv Yane Aetihasik Pustak - Book Summary

This document is a translation of the Jain text "Parishisht Parv" (also referred to as "Aetihasik Pustak" or "Historical Book"), authored by Tilakvijay. Published by Shri Atmatilak Granth Society, Jamnagar, in 1917, it is presented as "Bhag 1" (Part 1) and is a Hindi translation by Muni Shri Tilakvijayji, a disciple of Muni Maharaj Shri Lalitvijayji, who was a disciple of the late Jainacharya Shrimad Vijayanandamuri (Shrimatmaramji).

The text begins with a preface and introduction, highlighting the immense knowledge and contribution of Acharya Hemchandracharya, who was honored with the title of "Kalikal Sarvagya" (Omniscient of the Kali Yuga). It laments the loss of many of his works due to time but emphasizes the value of those that remain, spanning grammar, poetry, lexicography, logic, rhetoric, prosody, ethics, eulogy, and biographies of great figures like Tirthankaras.

The book aims to introduce the lives of exemplary figures who succeeded Bhagwan Shri Mahavir Swami, tracing the lineage from Shri Sudharmaswami (the last Ganadhar of Mahavir Swami) to Shri Jambuswami (the last Kevali), Shri Sambhutivijaya, Shri Bhadrabahuswami, and Shri Sthulabhadrasuri, the last Shrut Kevali. It specifically mentions the detailed account of Shri Jambuswami's life with 18 stories and the political reigns of kings like Shrenik, Konik, Chandragupta, Bindusara, Ashoka, Kunala, and Samprati. The intention is to make the ancient Jain history accessible to Hindi-speaking Jains and the wider public.

The first chapter, "Prasannachandra Rajarshi aur Valkalchiri," narrates the story of King Prasannachandra who renounced his kingdom to become an ascetic. He was depicted in a state of severe penance, standing on one leg. During his asceticism, he overheard soldiers discussing a plot by his ministers to harm his son and usurp the throne. This news disturbed his meditative state, leading him into mental anger and conflict with the perceived enemies. King Shrenik encountered him in this state and, upon questioning Bhagwan Mahavir Swami, learned that if Prasannachandra had died at that moment, he would have gone to the seventh hell, but his current contemplation would lead him to a higher heavenly realm. The chapter explains how Prasannachandra's internal struggle and his eventual realization of the impermanence of worldly attachments led him to a state of pure meditation. It also recounts the story of King Somachandra, Prasannachandra's father, who, upon seeing a white hair, renounced his kingdom to pursue asceticism with his wife Dharani, leaving their infant son Prasannachandra to rule. The tale of Dharani's pregnancy and the birth of their second son, Valkalchiri (named so because he was wrapped in tree bark), is also detailed, as is the tragic fate of Dharani and the subsequent hardship faced by the infant Valkalchiri before his reunion with his brother Prasannachandra.

The subsequent chapters introduce other significant figures and their stories:

Chapter 2: Bhavadatta and Bhavadev: This chapter likely continues the narrative, possibly introducing the stories of Bhavadatta and Bhavadev, and perhaps explaining the divine origins and auspicious signs associated with certain individuals. It touches upon the concept of rebirth and the influence of past actions on one's destiny.
Chapter 3: Sagardatta and Shivkumar: This chapter focuses on the lives of Sagardatta and Shivkumar. It depicts their renunciation of worldly pleasures and their pursuit of spiritual knowledge, highlighting their virtues and the challenges they faced. The story of Sagardatta's contemplation of the impermanence of clouds leading to his detachment and subsequent renunciation is a key element.
Chapter 4: Antim Kevali Jambuswami: This chapter introduces the final Kevali, Jambuswami. It details the story of his parents, Rishabhdatt, a virtuous merchant, and Dharani, his pious wife, and how their desire for a son was fulfilled through divine intervention and their devotion. The birth of Jambuswami and the auspicious signs accompanying it are described.
Chapter 5: Jambukumar ka Vivahotsav aur Aajanam Brahmacharya ka Niyam (Jambukumar's Wedding and the Vow of Lifelong Celibacy): This chapter narrates the wedding of Jambukumar to eight daughters of wealthy merchants. Despite the festivities, Jambukumar's deep commitment to spiritual life, influenced by the teachings of Ganadhar Shri Sudharmaswami, leads him to take a vow of lifelong celibacy. This highlights the conflict between worldly desires and spiritual aspirations.
Chapter 6: Jumbukumar ka Apni Striyon ke Saath Vivad aur Chori Nimitta Prabhav ka Aana (Jambukumar's Dispute with His Wives and the Arrival of Prabhav for Theft): This chapter likely details the internal struggles Jambukumar faces due to his marital obligations and his spiritual vows. It also introduces Prabhav, who comes to steal, and his interaction with Jambukumar, showcasing Jambukumar's unwavering detachment even in the face of danger.
Chapter 7: Athara Naate (Eighteen Relations): This chapter explores complex familial relationships and their consequences, likely through various anecdotes and stories that illustrate the intricate web of connections and the moral implications thereof. The stories of Kuberadatta and Kuberadatta, and the tale of Maheshwardatta, his unfaithful wife Gangila, and their consequences, serve to illustrate the complexities of karma and relationships.
Chapter 8: Nupur Pandita: This chapter focuses on the story of Nupur Pandita, likely a tale that illustrates the importance of chastity and the consequences of deceit and slander. The story of Devadatta, his daughter-in-law Durgila, and the Nupur (anklet) incident, leading to Durgila's reputation as "Nupur Pandita," is a significant narrative. It also touches upon the king's investigation into the conduct of his queens.
Chapter 9: Meghrath aur Vidyunmali: This chapter narrates the story of two brothers, Meghrath and Vidyunmali, who are pursuing spiritual knowledge. Vidyunmali's fall from grace due to worldly attachments and his subsequent life of hardship contrasts with Meghrath's adherence to spiritual path, illustrating the consequences of choices.
Chapter 10: Shankhadhamak, Vanar aur Siddhi Buddhi: This chapter likely explores themes of attachment, consequences of greed, and the importance of true spiritual understanding through stories of Shankhadhamak (someone who used a conch shell), a monkey, and two women named Siddhi and Buddhi. The stories serve as moral lessons on the pitfalls of excessive desire and the value of true contentment.
Chapter 11: Jatiman Ashwa aur Murkh Ladka (The Noble Horse and the Foolish Son): This chapter highlights the virtue of loyalty and the pitfalls of foolishness. The story of a gifted horse, entrusted to a virtuous merchant, and a foolish son who mismanages his father's business, serve as cautionary tales.
Chapter 12: Brahmanputra aur Ek Shakuni (The Brahmin's Son and a Shakuni Bird): This chapter likely delves into the consequences of actions, the influence of past karma, and the nature of right conduct, possibly through the story of a Brahmin's son and the allegorical tale of a Shakuni bird.
Chapter 13: Teen Mitra (Three Friends): This chapter illustrates the importance of true friendship and the consequences of superficial relationships. The story of Somadatta and his three friends—Sahmitra, Parvamitra, and Praṇamitra—demonstrates how true support is found in genuine friendship during times of adversity.
Chapter 14: Nagashri - Lalitanga: This chapter likely narrates the tale of Nagashri and Lalitanga, possibly highlighting themes of attachment, karma, and the pursuit of spiritual liberation. The story of Nagashri's deceitful confession to the king and Lalitanga's unfortunate fate serves as a cautionary tale.
Chapter 15: Saparivar Jumbukumar ki Deeksha aur Nirvan (Jumbukumar's Initiation with His Family and Nirvana): This chapter marks a significant point as it details Jambukumar's complete renunciation of worldly life, including his marriage and family, to embrace asceticism along with his relatives. It culminates in his eventual liberation (Nirvana). The chapter also mentions the passing of Ganadhar Shri Sudharmaswami and Jambuswami's role as the last Kevali.
Chapter 16: Shayyambhavasuri aur Manakmuni: This chapter likely focuses on the lives of Shayyambhavasuri and Manakmuni, illustrating their spiritual journeys and contributions to Jainism. It highlights Shayyambhavasuri's enlightenment and his role in composing the "Dashavaikalika Sutra," a foundational text for Jain monks' conduct. It also details the lineage and the spiritual paths of these revered figures.

The book concludes by stating that the character of the "Valkalchiri Mahatma" was completed on the third day of the bright fortnight of Magshir in Vikram Samvat 1972. It then announces the commencement of the character of Shri Jambuswami.

Overall, "Parishisht Parv" is presented as a historical and ethical guide, drawing upon the lives of significant Jain figures to impart moral lessons, illustrate the principles of Jain philosophy, and preserve the rich history of the Jain tradition.