Prachin Jain Itihas Part 03 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Prachin Jain Itihas Part 03" by Surajmal Jain, covering the key figures and events described in the excerpt:

Overview:

"Prachin Jain Itihas Part 03" (Ancient Jain History, Part 03) is a scholarly work aiming to present a simplified yet informative account of Jain history based on ancient scriptures. This volume, published by Mulchand Kisandas Kapadia and authored by Pt. Mulchand Jain Vatsal, serves as a gift for the 32nd-year subscribers of the "Digambar Jain" magazine. The book covers the lives and teachings of various Tirthankaras, prominent Jain Acharyas, historical figures who embraced Jainism, and important events within Jain tradition. The language used is accessible to the general reader, making it suitable for both students and those seeking self-study.

Key Figures and Chapters:

The book is structured into several chapters, each dedicated to a significant personality or event:

Naminath (21st Tirthankara): The chapter details Naminath's birth, his life of 10,000 years, his brief married life, and his eventual renunciation. It highlights his attainment of Keval Gyan (omniscience) under a Bakula tree and his liberation from Sammed Shikhar along with 1000 Munis.
Jay Sen (11th Chakravarti): This chapter describes Jay Sen, an emperor during Naminath's time. It mentions his reign of 3000 years, his vast empire, and his eventual renunciation after witnessing a falling star, leading him to achieve the status of Mahaindra in an Anuttar Vimana.
Neminath (22nd Tirthankara): This extensive chapter recounts the life of Lord Neminath. It covers his birth, his divine upbringing, and a pivotal event where Krishna, to dissuade Neminath from marriage, showed him a pen of animals destined for slaughter. This sight deeply affected Neminath, leading to his renunciation and subsequent Keval Gyan under a Banyan tree. The chapter also details his teachings, his congregation, and his liberation from Mount Girnar.
Mahasati Rajimati: This chapter focuses on Rajimati, Neminath's betrothed. It narrates her sorrow upon Neminath's renunciation and her subsequent decision to also take monastic vows. She becomes a prominent nun and attains a high celestial status.
Jarasindhu (9th Pratinaryana): Jarasindhu is described as a powerful king who was ultimately slain by Krishna and sent to hell.
Shri Krishna and Baldev: This detailed chapter chronicles the lineage of Krishna and Baldev, their parentage, and their significant roles. It recounts Krishna's birth, his upbringing by Nand and Yashoda, his various exploits to defeat demons and establish righteousness, his eventual move to Dwarka, his marriage to 16,000 queens, and his demise. It also touches upon Baldev's characteristics and their eventual heavenly ascension.
Pradyumna Kumar: The chapter narrates the life of Pradyumna, Krishna's son. It covers his abduction as an infant, his upbringing by a Vidhyadhar king, his return to his parents, his valorous deeds, and his eventual liberation.
The Five Pandavas: This chapter details the story of the five Pandava brothers – Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva. It covers their education, their struggles with the Kauravas, their exile, their marriage to Draupadi, and their participation in the Mahabharata war. It highlights their ultimate renunciation and attainment of liberation or heavenly states.
Bhishma Pitamah (Pitribhakta): The chapter focuses on Bhishma, his vow of celibacy to secure his father's marriage to Satyavati, and his unwavering devotion to his father. It highlights his strength and principles.
King Bak (A Meat-Eating King): This chapter narrates the story of King Bak, who developed a taste for human flesh. It describes his downfall and how Bhima defeated him, forcing him to renounce meat-eating.
Brahmadatta (12th Chakravarti): This chapter describes the reign and eventual demise of Emperor Brahmadatta. It highlights his act of anger towards a cook and his subsequent rebirth as a celestial being, leading to his destruction by the celestial.
Parshvanath (23rd Tirthankara): This chapter details the life of Lord Parshvanath, his birth, his parents, his youthful encounter with a meditating ascetic and the serpent couple (Dharanendra and Padmavati), his renunciation, and his attainment of Keval Gyan. It also touches upon the challenges he faced and his ultimate liberation.
Mahavir (24th Tirthankara): This extensive chapter covers the life of Lord Mahavir. It describes his birth, his princely upbringing, his renunciation at the age of thirty, his austere penance, his encounters with various obstacles and their overcoming, his attainment of Keval Gyan, his first sermon, the establishment of the fourfold Jain community, and his ultimate liberation at Pavapuri. It also highlights the role of Gautam Ganadhar in establishing the divine discourse.
King Shrenik: This chapter details the life of King Shrenik of Magadha. It covers his early life, his conversion to Buddhism and then to Jainism, his reign, his devotion to Lord Mahavir, his family life, and his eventual imprisonment and death by his son Kunik (Ajatashatru).
Abhaykumar: The chapter focuses on Abhaykumar, Shrenik's son. It highlights his intelligence and cleverness in resolving complex situations, his reunion with his father, and his eventual renunciation and attainment of Keval Gyan.
Tapasvi Varishane: This chapter narrates the story of Varishane, Shrenik's son, who embraced asceticism. It describes his miraculous escape from execution and his eventual spiritual attainment.
Sati Chandana: This chapter recounts the life of Chandana, daughter of King Chetak. It details her abduction, her enslavement, her devotion to Lord Mahavir, and her attainment of monastic vows and eventual heavenly status.
Kshatriya-Ratna Jivadhar: The chapter describes Jivadhar, a brave and virtuous prince. It covers his orphaned childhood, his upbringing by a merchant, his mastery of arts and sciences, his heroic deeds, his marriage, his renunciation, and his attainment of Keval Gyan.
Jambukumara (The Last Kevali): This chapter focuses on Jambukumara, who attained omniscience. It details his early life, his arranged marriages, his renunciation after hearing a sermon, and his spiritual journey leading to Keval Gyan and liberation.
Vidyutprabh Chor: This chapter tells the story of Vidyutprabh, a notorious thief. It describes his life of crime, his encounter with Jambukumara's mother, his remorse, his eventual renunciation, and his attainment of a high celestial status.
Shri Bhadrabahu - The Last Shrutakevali: This chapter highlights the life of Bhadrabahu, the last Shrutakevali. It details his scholarly prowess, his prediction of a severe famine, his guidance to the Jain Sangha during this crisis, his association with Emperor Chandragupta Maurya, and his ultimate liberation.
Maharaj Chandragupta: This chapter chronicles the life of Emperor Chandragupta Maurya. It covers his birth, his military campaigns, his alliance with Chanakya, his establishment of the Maurya Empire, his interactions with Seleucus, and his adoption of Jainism under Bhadrabahu. It also mentions the dreams he had and their interpretations by Bhadrabahu, foretelling a period of decline for Jainism in the North.
Samrat Kail Kharevel: This chapter describes the reign of Emperor Kail Kharevel of Kalinga. It highlights his military conquests, his patronage of Jainism, his construction of Jain monasteries and caves, and his significant contribution to Jain history through the inscription in the Hathigumpha cave.
Shri Kundakundacharya: This chapter elaborates on the life and teachings of Kundakundacharya, a revered Jain Acharya. It discusses his association with Tamil literature, his influential works like the "Prabhritraya," and his significant role in the propagation and preservation of Jain principles.
Acharya Umaswami: This chapter focuses on Acharya Umaswami, the author of the "Tattvartha Sutra." It discusses his dual acceptance by both Digambar and Shvetambar traditions, his scholarly contributions, and the importance of his seminal work.
Swami Samantabhadra: This chapter details the life of Swami Samantabhadra, a prominent Jain scholar and theologian. It highlights his intellectual prowess, his debates with other religious sects, his philosophical contributions, and his notable literary works.
Shri Nemicandra Acharya and Vir Shiromani Chamundaraya: This chapter discusses the profound relationship between Acharya Nemicandra and Chamundaraya, a powerful minister and warrior. It details Chamundaraya's significant contributions to Jainism, including the commissioning of the colossal Gommateshwara statue.
Shrimad Bhattarakalank Dev: This chapter focuses on Bhattarakalank Dev, a renowned Jain logician and philosopher. It highlights his intellectual battles against other religious schools, his significant literary contributions, and his role in strengthening Jainism.

Key Themes and Contributions:

Chronological Narrative: The book attempts to present Jain history in a roughly chronological order, tracing the lineage of Tirthankaras and influential figures.
Biographical Accounts: Each chapter provides biographical sketches of important personalities, highlighting their birth, key life events, spiritual journeys, and ultimate liberation or celestial status.
Emphasis on Renunciation and Dharma: A recurring theme is the Jain emphasis on renunciation (vairagya), asceticism, and the pursuit of dharma as the path to liberation.
Miraculous Events and Divine Intervention: The narratives often include accounts of divine intervention, miracles, and celestial beings playing a role in the lives of Tirthankaras and other significant figures.
Philosophical and Ethical Teachings: The book implicitly or explicitly conveys Jain philosophical principles, ethical conduct, and the importance of virtues like non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness, and self-control.
Historical Context: The book attempts to place Jain figures and events within a broader historical context, mentioning rulers, empires, and prevailing socio-religious conditions.
Literary and Scholarly Contributions: The text acknowledges the literary and scholarly achievements of Jain Acharyas, such as the authorship of important philosophical and historical texts.
Preservation of Jain Heritage: The publication of this book itself is an effort to preserve and disseminate Jain heritage for future generations.

Publisher's Note (Page 5):

The publisher expresses gratitude for the potential for more such commemorative publications if the Jain community understands the importance of "Shastradan" (donation of scriptures). They draw a parallel to the Swetambar community, where significant donations are made, suggesting a need for a shift in the direction of donations within the Digambar Jain community from self-aggrandizement to scholarly pursuits.

In essence, "Prachin Jain Itihas Part 03" serves as a valuable resource for understanding the lives of key figures in Jainism, their spiritual journeys, and the historical development of Jainism in ancient India.