Parshvanath Charitam - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Parshvanath Charitam" by Bhattarak Sakalkirti, as presented in the provided pages:

Book Title: Parshvanath Charitam Author: Bhattarak Sakalkirti Translator/Editor: Pt. Pannalal Jain Sahityacharya Publisher: Bharat Varshiya Anekant Vidwat Parishad

Overall Summary:

The "Parshvanath Charitam" is a significant Jain text that narrates the life and deeds of Lord Parshvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism. Authored by the esteemed Bhattarak Sakalkirti, a prominent figure in Jain literature and religious scholarship, the text provides a detailed account of Parshvanath's life, from his auspicious conception and birth to his spiritual enlightenment and eventual liberation (moksha). The narrative is rich in philosophical teachings, ethical principles, and devotional sentiments, aiming to guide readers towards spiritual well-being and salvation.

Detailed Summary of Key Sections:

The provided pages offer a substantial portion of the "Parshvanath Charitam," with a particular focus on the introductory and biographical sections concerning Bhattarak Sakalkirti, followed by the initial chapters of Lord Parshvanath's life story.

1. Introduction and Dedication (Page 1): The book is dedicated to Acharya Vimalasagar Ji Maharaj on his 10th death anniversary. It highlights the work of Bhattarak Sakalkirti and acknowledges the contribution of Pt. Pannalal Jain as the translator and editor. The patronage of Shri Gangwal Ji Jain Bandhu from Jaipur is also mentioned.

2. Foreword by Dr. Kastoor Chand Kasliwal (Page 2-14):

Contribution of Jain Acharyas to Sanskrit Literature: The foreword emphasizes the significant role played by Jain monks and saints in the development of Sanskrit language and literature. Despite Lord Mahavir's teachings being in Ardhamagadhi, Jain scholars adopted Sanskrit due to the intellectual inclination towards it, contributing immensely to its literature across various genres like poetry, puranas, stories, dramas, philosophical texts, logic, and even sciences like Ayurveda, astrology, and mathematics.
Bhattarak Sakalkirti: The foreword specifically highlights Bhattarak Sakalkirti as a significant saint-poet of the 14th century. He was revered as an Acharya, Upadhyay, and a supreme mendicant. His works are considered a source of pride for the scriptural repositories of Rajasthan. Sakalkirti is described as a tapasvi (ascetic) of the literary firmament, illuminating all with his poetic brilliance for the past 700 years. He wrote extensively in both Sanskrit and Rajasthani on diverse subjects. His influence spread through his disciples, whose copies of his works enriched various libraries.
Sakalkirti's Literary Output: The foreword notes that while Sakalkirti's "Parshvanath Charitam" is a famous work, his overall contribution to Sanskrit literature, which includes numerous poems, puranas, character sketches, and philosophical treatises, is vast and deserves further scholarly attention. The works mentioned include "Mulachar Pradeep," "Prashnottar Upsakachar," "Adipurana," "Uttarapurana," "Shantinath Charitra," "Vardhaman Charitra," "Mallinath Charitra," "Yashodhar Charitra," "Dhanyakumar Charitra," "Sukumar Charitra," "Sudarshan Charitra," "Sadbhashitavali," "Parshvanath Charitra," "Vratakatha Kosha," "Nemijin Charitra," "Karmavipak," "Tattvarthasar Deepak," "Siddhantasar Deepak," "Agammar," "Paramatmaraj Stotra," "Sarachatvishtika," "Shripal Charitra," "Jambuswami Charitra," and "Dwadash Anupreksha." His Rajasthani works include "Aradhana Pratibodh Sar," "Nemishwar Geet," "Muktavali Geet," "Namokar Phal Geet," "Solah Karan Ras," "Sarashikhamani Ras," and "Shantinath Phagu."
Bhattarak Sakalkirti's Life: Sakalkirti was born in Samvat 1443 (1386 AD). His parents were Karam Singh and Shobha, and he hailed from Ahilpur Patan. His birth was preceded by a dream by his mother, symbolizing his future greatness. He was named Punsingh or Poornsingh, known for his auspicious qualities and auspicious birth marks. He displayed exceptional intelligence from a young age, mastering all scriptures. Even as a student, he was devoted to Arhat and strived to live by principles of forgiveness, truth, purity, and celibacy, showing an early detachment from worldly life.
Personality and Scholarship: Sakalkirti possessed an extraordinary personality. He was a deeply learned saint with mastery over Prakrit and Sanskrit. His disciples included eminent scholars like Brahm Jin Das and Bhattarak Bhuvan Keerti. His eloquence was captivating, attracting numerous devotees. He not only excelled in scholarship but also nurtured learned disciples. Brahm Jin Das referred to him as a great poet, the king of ascetics, and a treasure of penance. Other Bhattarakas praised his personality and scholarship. Sakalkirti identified himself as Muni Sakalkirti in his works. He himself lived an ascetic life and was known as Nirgranthkar or Nirmalraj. He played a significant role in establishing Jain influence in regions like Bagad, Mewar, and Dhundhad. He established a Bhattarak Gadi in Galia Kot in Samvat 1492. His life was characterized by adherence to numerous vows. In a remarkable 22-year period, he authored over 35 Sanskrit works and 8 Rajasthani works, besides traveling extensively and visiting numerous pilgrimage sites.
Death: According to one pattachari (genealogy), Sakalkirti lived for 56 years and passed away in Mahasana Nagar in Samvat 1499. This is supported by Pandit Parmanand Shastri and scholars like Dr. Jyotiprasad Jain and Dr. Premsagar. However, Dr. Jyotiprasad's lifespan estimate of 81 years is debated based on available pattacharis. "Sakalkirti Ras" provides a detailed account of his life, confirming his birth in Samvat 1443 and death in Samvat 1499.
Social Conditions of the Time: The social and religious consciousness was low during Sakalkirti's time. There was a scarcity of education and sadhus. The practice of Bhattarakas being nude was prevalent, and Sakalkirti himself followed this practice. Despite the challenges, religious faith was strong, with large pilgrimage groups led by sadhus. Pilgrimages were long, and their successful return was celebrated with grand festivals. The Bhattarakas established the practice of Panchakalyanak Pratishthas and other religious ceremonies. Their orders included monks, nuns, and lay followers. Sadhus had a strong desire for knowledge and received education within the sangha. Literary composition was popular, with Bhattarakas often writing at the request of their patrons. Copies of these texts were donated to libraries upon the completion of vows. Bhattarakas carried numerous handwritten manuscripts. The status of women was not high, and their access to education was limited, though some texts were commissioned for their study.
Literary Service: Sakalkirti's contribution to literature was immense, seemingly utilizing every moment of his ascetic life. His mastery over Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Rajasthani was evident. He composed poetry effortlessly, turning everyday sentences into verse. His literary tradition inspired many saints and ascetics in Rajasthan and Gujarat to serve literature and cultivate a passion for study among the general populace. In the last 22 years of his life, he produced over 27 Sanskrit and 8 Rajasthani works.
The "Parshvanath Charitam": Sakalkirti composed the "Parshvanath Charitam" in 23 cantos, following the combined style of purana and kavya used by previous acharyas to describe Lord Parshvanath's life poetically. The work details Lord Parshvanath's ten previous lives (first 10 cantos), his conception, birth, austerity, and knowledge-related auspicious events (cantos 11-18), and his teachings and nirvana (cantos 19-23). The text begins with salutations to the 24 Tirthankaras, followed by remembrance of Gautama and other Ganadharas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and all sadhus, and then specifically to Kundakunda, Akalankadeva, Samantabhadra, and Jinacharya. The narrative is based on Acharya Gunabhadra's "Uttarapurana," with Sakalkirti's unique style in presentation. He masterfully described events with varying levels of detail. The story includes the ten lives of Parshvanath and Kamatha, illustrating their karmic journey and eventual spiritual rise.
Content of the "Parshvanath Charitam" (Cantos 1-10): The initial cantos focus on earlier lives, including the story of Parshvanath and Kamatha. Key events include:
- Punarvasu and Anuttama: Parshvanath as Punarvasu and Kamatha as Anuttara.
- Hastigukatta and Vajranabha: Parshvanath as Hastigukatta and Kamatha as a serpent.
- Vidyutpati and Vidyutmala: Parshvanath as Vidyutpati and Kamatha as a serpent.
- Vajraveerya and Vijaya: Parshvanath as Vajraveerya and Kamatha as a Bhil warrior.
- Amita and Vajrabahu: Parshvanath as Amita and Kamatha as a lion.
- Vishvabhuti and Brahmi: Parshvanath as Vishvabhuti and Brahmi. This life describes the lineage leading to Parshvanath's birth.
Description of the Tirthankara's Life: The summary details the captivating descriptions of the five auspicious events (Panch Kalyanaks) of Lord Parshvanath's life. Canto 10 describes the divine rain of jewels, the 16 dreams of the mother, and their interpretations, all in ornate language that is accessible to the general reader. Canto 11 describes the fruit of the 16 dreams, the divine service to the mother, and Parshvanath's birth. Canto 12 details the birth-related consecration by the gods. Canto 13 describes the naming ceremony and Indra's dance. Canto 18 vividly portrays the Samavasarana, the divine assembly, reflecting Sakalkirti's profound knowledge. The entire work is characterized by its adherence to Shanta Rasa (peaceful sentiment) and its emphasis on detachment. The contemplation of the twelve reflections (Anupreksha) after developing detachment is particularly well-presented, showcasing the saintly nature and scholarly depth of Sakalkirti.
Historical Context: The text also provides insights into the social conditions of the time of Lord Parshvanath, indicating that people often renounced household life before old age. Criminals were exiled, and murder was considered a grave offense. The story of Kamatha being expelled from his hermitage for his brother's murder is mentioned. It also highlights the prevalence of Jainism, with temples in cities and the active participation of Jains in worship. Lord Parshvanath's role was to revive and strengthen the teachings of Neminath, as there was no need to establish a new religion but rather to remove laxity that had crept into the existing dharma. The presence of Vedic religion and its practices are also indirectly indicated through the mention of a tapasvi practicing Panchagni.
Religious Environment: The narrative suggests a society where religious observance was paramount, with a strong emphasis on serving sadhus. Acharyas and Munis inspired people towards righteous paths through discourses on heavenly pleasures and hellish torments. Children were sent to Jain teachers for education, learning scriptures, economics, martial arts, arts, and ethics. Jain temples witnessed special pujas during Ashtahnikas, with women attending in full adornment. Marriages and other auspicious occasions involved temple ceremonies.

3. Second to Tenth Chapters (Summary inferred from page headings and brief descriptions): The provided pages contain summaries and descriptions of subsequent chapters that delve into:

Second Chapter: Focuses on the transmigration of souls, specifically the lives of Marubhuti (son of Minister Vishubhuti), Kamatha, and the elephant Vajraghosha. It traces their karmic journey and the consequences of their actions, emphasizing the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
Third Chapter: Continues the life story, detailing the renunciation of Agnivega Kumar (son of Vidyudgati) and his subsequent divine existence as Shashiprabha Dev, and later as Agnivega in another life. It highlights the importance of virtuous conduct and penance.
Fourth Chapter: Describes the social conditions of the time, the geography of Jambudvipa and Bharat Kshetra, and introduces the kings of Podanpur, Arvind, and the minister Vishubhuti, along with their sons Kamatha and Marubhuti. It details the moral downfall of Kamatha and his subsequent punishment and expulsion.
Fifth Chapter: Continues the narrative, focusing on the characters' rebirths and the consequences of their actions. It highlights the profound devotion and austerity of the virtuous souls.
Sixth Chapter: Likely details further lives and experiences, emphasizing the hardships of existence and the importance of righteous conduct, possibly including events related to Kamatha's further transgressions and punishments.
Seventh Chapter: Discusses the life of King Anand of Ayodhya, his virtues, and his devotion to Jainism. It also touches upon the philosophical aspects of detachment and renunciation.
Eighth Chapter: Continues the biographical narrative, possibly focusing on the philosophical aspects of detachment, the pursuit of liberation, and the exemplary conduct of ascetics.
Ninth Chapter: Describes the celestial pleasures and the life of the Indras in heaven, contrasting them with the spiritual path.
Tenth Chapter: Details the auspicious dreams of the mother of Parshvanath, symbolizing his divine birth and future greatness.

11. Eleventh to Eighteenth Chapters (Summary inferred): These chapters likely detail:

Eleventh Chapter: The auspicious dreams of Lord Parshvanath's mother, their interpretation, and the divine reception of the Tirthankara in the womb.
Twelfth Chapter: The glorious birth of Lord Parshvanath, the divine celebrations, the divine shower of jewels, and the subsequent events of his childhood and youth.
Thirteenth Chapter: Describes the adornment of the infant Parshvanath and the celestial festivities.
Fourteenth Chapter: Focuses on Parshvanath's childhood pastimes, his education, and the development of his noble character, emphasizing his innate virtues and early detachment.
Fifteenth Chapter: Likely details the period of his youth, his contemplation of the world's impermanence, and his eventual renunciation. It discusses the twelve Anuprekshas (reflections) that foster detachment.
Sixteenth Chapter: Describes the great renunciation (Diksha) of Lord Parshvanath, his ascetic practices, and the divine support he received.
Seventeenth Chapter: Focuses on the attainment of Keval Gyan (omniscience) by Lord Parshvanath, the divine assembly (Samavasarana), and the subsequent teachings.
Eighteenth Chapter: Likely describes the Samavasarana, the divine throne, and the elaborate arrangements for the preaching of the Dharma. It highlights the divine nature of the environment and the celestial beings' devotion.

19. Nineteenth Chapter (Summary inferred): This chapter likely elaborates on the divine assemblies, the teachings delivered, and the spiritual discourse, perhaps including the reconciliation of earthly and spiritual matters.

20. Twentieth Chapter (Summary inferred): This chapter probably focuses on the philosophical teachings of Lord Parshvanath, explaining the fundamental principles of Jainism like the seven Tattvas (essences) – Jiva, Ajiva, Asrava, Bandha, Samvara, Nirjara, and Moksha. It would detail the path to liberation through Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct.

21. Twenty-first Chapter (Summary inferred): This chapter likely details the philosophical discourse further, perhaps discussing the nature of the soul, karma, and the path to overcoming them, emphasizing the importance of virtues and detachment.

22. Twenty-second Chapter (Summary inferred): This chapter likely describes Lord Parshvanath's ministry, his travels, the assemblies he addressed, and the impact of his teachings on the world. It might also cover his ascension to the heavens (moksha).

Overall Significance:

The "Parshvanath Charitam" serves as a devotional and instructive text for Jains. It not only narrates the life of a revered Tirthankara but also encapsulates core Jain principles, ethical guidelines, and the path to spiritual liberation. The work by Bhattarak Sakalkirti stands as a testament to the rich literary and spiritual heritage of Jainism. The foreword by Dr. Kasliwal underscores the profound scholarship and artistic merit of Sakalkirti's work, making it a valuable resource for understanding both Jain philosophy and Indian literary traditions.