Parshvanath Charitra Ek Samikshatmak Adhyayana

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Parshvanath Charitra Ek Samikshatmak Adhyayana" by Surendrakumar Jain:

This book, "Parshvanath Charitra Ek Samikshatmak Adhyayana" (A Critical Study of the Life of Parshvanath), is a PhD thesis written by Dr. Surendrakumar Jain Bharti. It was published by Shri Digambar Jain Atishay Kshetra Mandir Sanghiji, Sanganer, Jaipur, under the auspices of the Acharya Gyanasagar Vagarth Vimarsh Kendra, Beawar. The book serves as a comprehensive critical analysis of the "Parshvanath Charitra" composed by the great poet Raiddhu.

Key Aspects Covered in the Book:

1. Historical Context of Lord Parshvanath:

   • The book extensively discusses the historicity of Lord Parshvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara. It cites various scholars, including Zimmer, Hermann Jacobi, A.M. Ghatate, and Jarl Charpentier, who support his existence as a historical figure.
   • It highlights that Lord Mahavir himself stated he was propagating the same religion previously preached by Lord Parshvanath.
   • Evidence from Buddhist texts, such as the Anguttara Nikaya and Majjhima Nikaya, is presented to establish the existence of the Nigrantha (Jain) sect and its practices prior to Lord Mahavir and Lord Buddha.
   • The book details the traditional Jain accounts of Lord Parshvanath's birth: born in Varanasi to King Ashvasena and Queen Vama, he renounced worldly life at the age of 30, undertook severe penance, attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience), preached for 70 years, and attained Nirvana at Sammed Shikhar (Parasnath Hill) in 777 BCE.

2. Poet Raiddhu and his Work "Parshvanath Charitra":

   • The book introduces Mahakavi Raiddhu, a prominent poet of the Apabhramsa language, associated with the Mathur Gachha of the Kashthasangha.
   • It describes Raiddhu's "Parshvanath Charitra" as a significant and masterfully crafted work divided into seven cantos (Sandhis). The poem is praised for its literary merit, engaging dialogues, and profound character portrayals.
   • The author notes Raiddhu's remarkable command over the Apabhramsa language, its nuances, and his ability to weave in elements of politics, society, religion, and culture.

3. Structure and Content of the Research:

   • The thesis is divided into eight chapters:
     • Introduction: Discusses the tradition of Jain biographical poetry.
     • Chapter 1: A comparative study of the life and historicity of Tirthankara Parshvanath, examining narratives across different literatures.
     • Chapter 2: An introduction to Raiddhu's "Parshvanath Charitra," covering the poet's biography, other works, the composition period, the essence of the story, and its sources.
     • Chapter 3: Analysis of the language and style of "Parshvanath Charitra."
     • Chapter 4: Establishing "Parshvanath Charitra" as an epic poem.
     • Chapter 5: Unveiling the social, economic, and cultural aspects depicted in the work.
     • Chapter 6: Examining the political structure described.
     • Chapter 7: Analyzing the religious and philosophical beliefs presented.
     • Chapter 8: Determining the position of Raiddhu's "Parshvanath Charitra" among other works on the subject and declaring it an unparalleled creation in Indian literature.

4. Literary Analysis of Raiddhu's Work:

   • Language and Style: Dr. Jain analyzes Raiddhu's Apabhramsa, noting its late Apabhramsa characteristics, proximity to early modern Indian languages, and the incorporation of regional vocabulary (Rajasthani, Braj, Bundeli, Bagheli). He provides detailed linguistic analysis of vowel and consonant changes, phonetic tendencies (like 'sh' becoming 's', 'p' becoming 'v'), and the use of various grammatical structures.
   • Alankaras (Figures of Speech): The book highlights Raiddhu's skillful use of various alankaras, particularly Utpreksha (poetic fancy), providing numerous examples of his creative similes and metaphors. He also discusses the effective use of Upama (simile), Rupaka (metaphor), Anupras (alliteration), and Yamak (rhyme).
   • Rasa (Sentiment): The primary rasa in "Parshvanath Charitra" is identified as Shanta (peaceful/serene). However, the author also notes the effective use of Shringara (erotic/romantic), Veera (heroic), Raudra (furious), and Bibhatsa (disgusting) sentiments in appropriate contexts, such as depicting battles or hellish torments.
   • Chhanda (Metres): The study details the various metres employed by Raiddhu, with Paddhadia being the most prevalent, followed by Ghatta, Ardilla, Dwipadi, Radda, Bhujanga Prayata, Chandranana, Sargini, and Sansargi.
   • Dialogues: The book emphasizes the excellence of dialogues in Raiddhu's work, stating that they are superior to those in other Jain works on Parshvanath. These dialogues effectively reveal the characters' traits, motivations, and the unfolding of events.
   • Supernatural Elements: The presence of supernatural elements, such as divine interventions by Indra, Kubera, Dharanendra, and Padmavati, the birth of Tirthankaras from divine realms, the construction of Samavasharans by deities, and the miracles associated with Tirthankaras, are discussed as integral to Jain tradition and narrative.

5. Socio-Cultural and Political Landscape:

   • The thesis sheds light on the social structure, family life, and the roles of men and women. It portrays ideals of filial duty and the contrast between virtuous and wicked characters.
   • The book describes the economic life, trade, marketplaces, and the importance of wealth and prosperity in cities like Gopachal (Gwalior) and Varanasi.
   • The political system depicted includes kings, ministers, armies (infantry, cavalry, chariots, elephants), and the concept of Saptanga Rajya (seven limbs of the state), as well as the strategic importance of diplomacy and espionage through envoys.
   • The religious and philosophical underpinnings are explored, focusing on Jain tenets like Chaturyama Dharma (four vows) of Parshvanath and Panchashiksha (five vows) of Mahavir, the concept of karma, the cycle of birth and death, the importance of penance (tapas), the pursuit of moksha (liberation), and the path of Ratnatraya (three jewels: right faith, right knowledge, right conduct).

6. Comparative Study with Other Works:

   • The author makes a significant contribution by comparing Raiddhu's "Parshvanath Charitra" with earlier and contemporary works on the same subject in Prakrit, Sanskrit, and Apabhramsa. This comparison highlights Raiddhu's originality, his sources, and the variations in narratives.
   • The book points out discrepancies between the "Kalpasutra" and Raiddhu's work regarding certain events and details, while also noting similarities with "Uttarapurana."

7. Author's Contribution:

   • Dr. Surendrakumar Jain's extensive research and critical analysis are evident throughout the book. He draws upon a wide range of classical Jain texts and modern scholarly works.
   • The book is a testament to the author's deep understanding of Jain philosophy, literature, and history.

In essence, "Parshvanath Charitra Ek Samikshatmak Adhyayana" is a scholarly work that not only analyzes a significant Jain epic poem but also provides a detailed exploration of the life and teachings of Lord Parshvanath, the socio-political conditions of ancient India, and the evolution of Jain literature. It is a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts of Jainism and Indian literature.