Parshwanath Charitra

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Parshwanath Charitra," based on the text excerpts:

Title: Parshwanath Charitra (The Life of Parshvanath)

Author: Shri Hemvijay Gani

Editor: Pt. Velsingha Nyaya Vyakaran Tirth

Publisher: Harsh Parishad, Benares

Context of Publication: This edition of the "Parshwanath Charitra" was published in Vikram Samvat 1972 (1916 AD) under the auspices of the "Munishri Mohanlalji Jain Granthmala," supported by the patronage of Bhikhibai, widow of Chunni Lal, son of Panna Lal of Bombay. The printing was done by Pt. Atma Ram Sharma at the George Printing Works in Benares. The publication aims to revive and make accessible ancient Jain texts.

Author's Background (Shri Hemvijay Gani): The text describes Shri Hemvijay Gani as a prominent poet and scholar. He is credited with writing numerous works, including "Vijayprashasteh" (a sixteen-canto epic), "Katharatnakara," "Kirtikallolini," "Anyokti Mahodadhi," "Sukta Ratnavali," "Vijayaprakasha," "Stuti Tridasha Tarangini," "Kasturi Prakara," "Sadbhava Shatakam," and "Vijayastutayah." His profound intellect, mastery of various arts and sciences (like grammar, prosody, rhetoric), and poetic prowess are highlighted. He was a disciple of renowned scholars and gurus, demonstrating exceptional talent from a young age.

The Text Itself - Parshwanath Charitra: The "Parshwanath Charitra" is a biographical account of the 23rd Jain Tirthankara, Lord Parshvanatha. The summary focuses on the content and structure of the narrative as described in the "Prastav" (Introduction) section.

Narrative Structure and Content: The "Parshwanath Charitra" is presented as a Mahakavya (epic poem), adhering to classical Sanskrit literary conventions. It is divided into six cantos (Sarga).

• Canto 1: Mangalacharan and Early Life

  • Begins with auspicious invocations and blessings.
  • Introduces the geographical setting of Jambu Dweepa and Bharat Kshetra.
  • Describes the city of Pothana, King Arvind, his queen Dharini, and their purohit Vishwabhuti.
  • Details the lives and family dynamics of the purohit's sons, Kamatha and Marubhuti.
  • Covers Vishwabhuti's heavenly attainment and the sorrow of Kamatha and Marubhuti.
  • Narrates the arrival of Muni Harishchandra and the subsequent religious discourses, leading to Marubhuti's embrace of the Jaina dharma.
  • Depicts a complex domestic drama involving Marubhuti's wife, Varuna, and Kamatha, culminating in Kamatha's downfall, his rebirth as an elephant, and eventual spiritual liberation.
  • The narrative highlights the concept of karma and the consequences of actions across lifetimes.

• Canto 2: Karmic Journeys and Past Lives

  • Focuses on the previous births of Lord Parshvanatha and the karmic connections that shaped his journey.
  • Details the lives of characters like Marubhuti's soul evolving through various forms, including a serpent and a divine being.
  • Explores the rebirth of Kamatha as a serpent, his suffering in hell, and his eventual transformation.
  • Introduces the lineage of King Vidyadhar and the story of Kiranvega, whose son Vajranabha eventually renounces the world.
  • Traces the karmic cycle, showing how beings interact across lifetimes due to their actions and desires.

• Canto 3: The Divine Elephant and Karmic Repercussions

  • Continues the exploration of past lives, likely focusing on the celestial journey and subsequent rebirths of beings connected to Parshvanatha.
  • Describes the life of an elephant (possibly a previous incarnation of a significant figure) and its interaction with a sage.
  • Illustrates the impact of past karma on present circumstances, showing how divine beings and even animals are bound by karmic laws.
  • Details the consequences of actions, including the elephant's eventual understanding and spiritual progress due to the sage's teachings.

• Canto 4: Birth and Childhood of Parshvanatha

  • Describes the birth of Parshvanatha in Varanasi, to King Ashvasena and Queen Vama.
  • Focuses on the auspicious signs accompanying his birth, like celestial light and divine music.
  • Narrates the divine intervention of Indra and other celestial beings in the birth ceremonies.
  • Details his childhood pastimes, emphasizing his innate purity and divine nature.
  • Introduces the conflict with the Yavanas (foreigners) and a significant event involving Parshvanatha's intervention.

• Canto 5: Parshvanatha's Renunciation and Spiritual Path

  • Depicts the moment when Parshvanatha witnesses an event that triggers his detachment from worldly pleasures.
  • Narrates his decision to renounce his kingdom and family life, embracing asceticism.
  • Details his spiritual practices, austerity, and the attainment of Kevala Jnana (omniscience).
  • Highlights his interactions with various beings and his efforts to guide them towards spiritual liberation.
  • Covers his encounters with obstacles and temptations, and his unwavering determination.
  • Includes the story of Dharanendra, the serpent king, and his devotion to Parshvanatha, particularly in protecting him from a formidable enemy (likely Kamatha).

• Canto 6: Culmination and Legacy

  • Summarizes Parshvanatha's teachings and the establishment of the Jaina order.
  • Likely concludes with his ultimate liberation (Nirvana) and the legacy he left behind.
  • May touch upon the disciples who followed his path and the continuation of his teachings.

Themes and Philosophical Underpinnings: The "Parshwanath Charitra" emphasizes several core Jain principles:

• Karma Siddhanta: The text meticulously illustrates the law of karma, demonstrating how actions in past lives influence present circumstances and future destinies.
• Reincarnation: The narrative follows the transmigration of souls through various lifetimes, highlighting the cyclical nature of existence.
• Renunciation and Asceticism: The life of Parshvanatha serves as an example of detachment from worldly desires and the pursuit of spiritual liberation through rigorous asceticism.
• Ahimsa (Non-violence): This foundational principle of Jainism is likely woven throughout the narrative, reflecting the consequences of violence and the merits of compassion.
• Spiritual Liberation (Moksha): The ultimate goal of the spiritual journey is Moksha, and the Charitra likely details the path and practices leading to this state of ultimate freedom.

Literary Style: The work is praised for its ornate Sanskrit, sophisticated vocabulary, intricate poetic compositions, and adherence to the conventions of Mahakavya. The editor, Pt. Velsingha, highlights the author's skill in describing various scenes, characters, and emotions, making the narrative engaging and edifying.

Significance of the Publication: This publication, through the efforts of the Harsh Parishad and the generous support of Bhikhibai, makes a valuable Jain scripture available to the public, contributing to the preservation and dissemination of Jain heritage and philosophy. The editor expresses hope that any remaining imperfections due to the text's condition will be forgiven and corrected by knowledgeable readers.