Parshvapurana - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Parshvapurana" by Bhudhardas Kavi, based on the provided catalog link and page excerpts:

Book Title: Parshvapurana (Pārśvapuraṇa) Author: Bhudhardas Kavi (Bhūdhara Dāsa Kavi) Editor: Pt. Nathuram Premi (Nātharāma Premi) Publisher: Sanmati Trust, Mumbai Language: Braj Bhasha (with Hindi commentary/introduction)

Overview:

"Parshvapurana" is a significant poetic work in Jain literature, composed in the beautiful Braj Bhasha dialect. Authored by the renowned poet Bhudhardas Kavi, it meticulously narrates the life story of the 23rd Jain Tirthankara, Lord Parshvanatha. The text is deeply embedded with Jain philosophical principles, ethical teachings, and the path to spiritual liberation. This edition, published by Sanmati Trust, Mumbai, has been edited by the esteemed Pt. Nathuram Premi, a prominent figure in Jain literature. The book also includes a narrative summary (Katha Saar) by Pt. Kamal Kumar Shastri.

Key Aspects and Content:

The "Parshvapurana" is structured into nine distinct sections, each detailing a significant phase of Lord Parshvanatha's life and his previous births, ultimately leading to his enlightenment and liberation. The narrative emphasizes the Jain concepts of karma, rebirth, non-violence (ahimsa), renunciation, and the attainment of omniscience.

Summary of Chapters/Sections:

Praise of Lord Parshvanatha (Shri Parshvanathji ki Stuti): The text begins with devotional verses and prayers dedicated to Lord Parshvanatha, seeking his blessings for clarity of thought and spiritual progress.
First Chapter: Description of Marubhuti's Life (Marubhuti Bhav Varnan): This section delves into the previous birth of Lord Parshvanatha as Marubhuti. It describes the political intrigue, the fall from grace of his brother Kamatha, and Marubhuti's ultimate tragic demise at the hands of Kamatha. This sets the stage for the deep-seated animosity that would span many lifetimes.
Second Chapter: Description of the Elephant's Heavenly Journey, the Vidyadhar's Birth, and Vidyutprabha Deva's Life (Gaja Swarga Gaman Vidyadhar Bhav Vidyutprabhadev Bhav Varnan): This chapter continues the narrative of previous births. It details the life of a powerful elephant (possibly the incarnation of Kamatha's animosity) and its journey to heaven after a virtuous death, and then describes other significant births that shaped the karmic trajectory.
Third Chapter: Description of Ahindra Vajranabha's Happiness and Bhilla's Hellish Suffering (Vajranabha Ahindra Sukh Bhilla Narak Dukh Varnan): This section further elaborates on the cycle of birth and death, showcasing the vast differences in experiences based on karma. It contrasts the divine pleasures of an Ahindra (a celestial being) with the immense suffering endured in hellish realms, highlighting the consequences of actions.
Fourth Chapter: Description of Anandraya's Attainment of Indra's Status (Anandaray Indrapada Prapti Varnan): This chapter focuses on a previous birth where the soul destined to become Parshvanatha attained the status of Indra, the king of celestials. It describes the glorious life and responsibilities of an Indra, emphasizing the immense merit required for such a station, and how even such celestial pleasures are temporary and ultimately do not lead to liberation.
Fifth Chapter: Description of the Embryonic Incarnation (Garbhaavatar Varnan): This section details the divine conception and gestation of Lord Parshvanatha in the womb of Queen Vama, the wife of King Ashvasena of Varanasi. It describes the auspicious events and celestial signs that heralded his arrival, signifying his supreme spiritual stature.
Sixth Chapter: Description of Lord Jinendra's Birth Festival (Shri Jinendra Janmotsav Varnan): This chapter vividly narrates the grand celebration of Lord Parshvanatha's birth. It describes the descent of celestial beings, the showering of divine flowers, the celestial music, and the auspicious rituals performed by the gods and goddesses to honor the birth of a Tirthankara.
Seventh Chapter: Description of the Lord's Renunciation and Initiation (Bhagavat Vairagya Prapta Diksha Kalyanak Varnan): This chapter details the moment of renunciation, when Lord Parshvanatha, after witnessing the cycle of birth and death and the impermanence of worldly pleasures, renounced his royal life. It describes his ascetic initiation, the shedding of worldly possessions and adornments, and his commitment to severe penance and spiritual discipline.
Eighth Chapter: Description of the Enlightenment (Gyan Kalyanak Varnan): This section recounts the attainment of Keval Gyan (omniscience) by Lord Parshvanatha. It describes the arduous spiritual practices, the overcoming of obstacles, and the eventual realization of ultimate truth. It highlights the profound and universal teachings delivered by the omniscient Lord to alleviate the suffering of all beings.
Ninth Chapter: Description of the Lord's Nirvana (Bhagavan Nirvana Gaman Varnan): This final chapter details Lord Parshvanatha's final moments on Earth, his transcendence from the cycle of birth and death, and his attainment of Nirvana (Moksha) from the summit of Sammed Shikhar. It describes the celestial reception and the immense spiritual peace and bliss associated with the ultimate liberation.

Key Themes and Significance:

The Cycle of Karma and Rebirth: The "Parshvapurana" intricately weaves the concept of karma through the various births of Lord Parshvanatha and his adversary Kamatha. It illustrates how actions in one life directly impact the circumstances and experiences in subsequent lives, emphasizing the importance of righteous conduct.
The Power of Renunciation: The text highlights the transformative power of renunciation (vairagya) as the path to spiritual freedom. Lord Parshvanatha's renunciation of a life of luxury and power underscores the Jain ideal of detachment from worldly possessions and desires.
Ahimsa (Non-Violence): The narrative implicitly and explicitly champions the principle of Ahimsa. The suffering caused by violence, particularly the karmic consequences faced by Kamatha, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of compassion and non-harming.
Spiritual Wisdom and Guidance: The teachings of Lord Parshvanatha, particularly his sermons on the nature of reality, the path to liberation, and ethical conduct, are presented as profound spiritual guidance for the reader.
Poetic Excellence: Bhudhardas Kavi's mastery of Braj Bhasha is evident in the lyrical quality and evocative imagery of the text, making the spiritual narrative accessible and engaging.

Editorial Contribution:

Pt. Nathuram Premi's role as editor is crucial, ensuring the preservation and dissemination of this important literary and spiritual work. His efforts in bringing this text to light, possibly from older manuscripts, contribute significantly to Jain scholarship. The inclusion of Pt. Kamal Kumar Shastri's "Katha Saar" further aids understanding, especially for modern readers less familiar with classical Braj Bhasha poetry.

In essence, "Parshvapurana" is a rich tapestry of spiritual wisdom, philosophical insights, and poetic beauty, offering a comprehensive account of Lord Parshvanatha's life and teachings, and serving as a guide for spiritual aspirants.