Parshwachandra Gaccha Tunk Ruprekha

The book "Parshwachandra Gaccha Tunk Ruprekha" (A Brief Outline of the Parshwachandra Lineage) published by Shree Jain Hathisingh Saraswati Sabha, Ahmedabad, is a biographical compilation focusing on the prominent acharyas and ascetics of the Shriman Nagpuriya Tapagaccha, also known as the Shripaśhchandrasuri Gaccha.

Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided pages:

Core Purpose and Content:

The book aims to highlight the lives and contributions of the spiritual leaders within the Shripaśhchandrasuri Gaccha, a prominent lineage within Jainism. It emphasizes their dedication to spiritual practices, scholarship, social welfare, and the propagation of Jain teachings. The text serves as an inspiration for devotees and followers, encouraging them to emulate the virtues and deeds of these revered figures.

Key Figures and Their Narratives:

The book details the lives of several significant acharyas and munis, with a particular focus on:

• Yugapradhana Shri Paśhchandrasurishwarji Maharaj: He is presented as a central figure, whose name became synonymous with the lineage, giving it the name "Paśhchand Gaccha." His life is described as being filled with renunciation, austerity, literary service, tolerance, miracles, and intellectual prowess. His contributions are noted across four key areas. The book includes a detailed account of his birth, initiation, education, conferment of various titles (Upadhyay, Acharya, Yugapradhana), his extensive travels and preachings, his role in resolving religious disputes, and his prolific literary works. His life is presented as a testament to spiritual attainment and a source of inspiration.
• Shri Vadhidevsuri: He is recognized as the founder of the Shriman Nagpuriya Tapagaccha. His scholarship and victory in debates against Digambar acharyas are highlighted, earning him the title "Sakalvadi Sugata." His establishment of the lineage in Vikram Samvat 1177 is noted, along with his significant literary contributions and the consecration of temple deities.
• Other Important Acharyas and Munis: The book also provides brief biographical sketches of other important figures who contributed to the lineage's growth and influence. These include:
  • Shri Padmprabhusuri
  • Shri Kushalchandji Ganivar (emphasizing his balanced approach to knowledge and practice, and his influence in promoting Jain dharma, and his efforts to correct laxity in religious practices)
  • Shri Bhratṛchandrasurishwarji (highlighted for his significant role in the lineage's prominence, his conversion of many to Jainism, his advocacy for pure religious conduct, and his significant literary output. His miraculous intervention in saving cows from sacrifice is also mentioned.)
  • Shri Punamchandji Ganivar (his life is described from his birth, education, challenges in family life, eventual initiation, and his service to the Gaccha. His passing in Ahmedabad is noted.)
  • Shri Jagatchandji Ganivar (his life is traced from his birth in Kutch, his devotion to his gurus, his initiation, and his travels and preachings. His passing in Ahmedabad is also mentioned.)
  • Shri Sagarachandrasurishwarji (his life from birth in Kutch, his studies, initiation, scholarly pursuits, and his eventual attainment of Acharya pada and his passing in Dhrangadhra are described. His role in resolving disputes and his literary works are emphasized.)

Key Themes and Focus Areas:

• Spiritual Lineage and Succession (Pattparampara): The book traces the lineage of acharyas, showcasing the unbroken chain of spiritual leadership and the succession of learned and virtuous individuals.
• Austerity and Renunciation (Tapasya and Tyaga): The lives of these acharyas are depicted as examples of severe penance, self-discipline, and detachment from worldly pleasures, highlighting the Jain emphasis on these practices for spiritual liberation.
• Scholarship and Literary Contributions: The text emphasizes the significant literary works produced by these acharyas, including philosophical treatises, commentaries, devotional songs (stotras), and ethical guidelines.
• Religious Propagation and Reforms: The acharyas are portrayed as active proponents of Jainism, traveling extensively, preaching the principles of ahimsa, conducting religious ceremonies, and correcting deviations from established practices (like the issue of "chauth" for Paryushan).
• Miracles and Divine Intervention: The narratives often include accounts of miraculous events attributed to the acharyas' spiritual power, demonstrating divine favor and their ability to overcome obstacles.
• Social and Ethical Guidance: The acharyas provided guidance on various aspects of life, including ethical conduct, social responsibility, and the importance of religious rituals.
• The Role of the Jain Community (Shri Sangh): The support and devotion of the Jain community (Shri Sangh) in facilitating the acharyas' work, including the organization of festivals, the construction of religious institutions, and the dissemination of their teachings, are acknowledged.
• The Shriman Nagpuriya Tapagaccha: The establishment and development of this specific lineage, its origins with Shri Vadhidevsuri, and its subsequent flourishing under leaders like Shri Paśhchandrasurishwarji are a central theme.
• Chronological and Historical Context: The book provides dates and historical references (Vikram Samvat) to place the lives of these figures within a historical framework.
• The Establishment of the Shree Jain Hathisingh Saraswati Sabha: The book also highlights the founding of this educational institution, attributing its establishment to the inspiration of figures like Shri Bhratṛchandrasurishwarji and the patronage of Shri Hathisinghbai. It emphasizes the Sabha's role in preserving and disseminating Jain knowledge.

Structure and Presentation:

The book includes:

• A clear index (Anukramanika) listing the chapters and their respective page numbers.
• An introduction (Upodghat) explaining the purpose and context of the book.
• Detailed biographical accounts of key figures, often including their birth, initiation, education, major achievements, travels, and death.
• Discussions on significant Jain practices and calendar events, such as the determination of festival dates (Parva Tithi Nirnay) and the debate surrounding the timing of Samvatsari.
• A substantial list of literary works attributed to the acharyas, showcasing their vast intellectual output.
• Biographies of subsequent leaders and the continuation of the lineage.
• Information about the Shree Jain Hathisingh Saraswati Sabha and its contributors.
• Illustrations (photos) of some of the acharyas and religious sites.
• A correction slip (Shuddhipatraka) for any printing errors.

Overall Significance:

"Parshwachandra Gaccha Tunk Ruprekha" serves as a valuable historical and spiritual document for the Jain community, particularly followers of the Shripaśhchandrasuri Gaccha. It preserves the legacy of its esteemed leaders, offering insights into their profound contributions to Jain philosophy, literature, and practice, and providing a framework for understanding the development and continuation of their spiritual tradition.