Prachin Jain Kathao Me Vihar Ki Jain Nariya - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Prachin Jain Kathao me Vihar ki Jain Nariya" by Dr. Ranjan Suridev:

The article, "Jain Women of Bihar in Ancient Jain Narratives," by Dr. Ranjan Suridev, explores the significant role and presence of Jain women in the historical and religious landscape of Bihar, a region deeply connected to Jainism.

Bihar as a Sacred Land: Bihar is presented as a historically renowned Jain pilgrimage site, being the birthplace, place of asceticism, teaching, and final liberation for Lord Mahavir, the 24th Jain Tirthankar. Furthermore, it holds the distinction of being the liberation land for twenty-one other Tirthankars. Several important Jain spiritual centers, such as Parasnath, Vaishali, Pavapuri, Rajgir, Mandar, Champapuri, Kamaldah, and Gunawa, are located within Bihar.

Patliputra's Jain Connection: The capital of Bihar, Patliputra, has a strong connection with Jain culture. Ancient Jain narratives reveal that the city's original name was Kusumapura, and its association with Jainism predates Lord Mahavir by thousands of years. The text recounts the naming of the city as Patliputra, originating from a prophesy about a Patal (Bignonia indica) tree that grew from a seed falling into the skull of a deceased individual found in the Ganga. King Udai then established a city around this Patal tree. Patliputra later became a central hub for the expansion and propagation of Jainism.

Prominent Jain Women of Bihar: The article highlights the contributions of Jain women alongside Jain scholars and rulers. Lord Mahavir's spiritual community included 36,000 Aryikas (nuns) and 300,000 Shravikas (laywomen followers), with a significant portion residing in Bihar.

Chandana: The most prominent among the Aryikas was Princess Chandana, the daughter of King Chetak. She was a lifelong celibate who, after being abducted by a Vidyadhar and suffering hardships, was found by a Bhil and later by a merchant named Vrishabhsena in Kaushambi. It was in Vrishabhsena's home that she offered alms to Lord Mahavir, which greatly enhanced her fame. After gaining her freedom, she took initiation from Lord Mahavir and became the head of the Aryika sangha.
Jyeshtha: Chandana's sister, Jyeshtha, also took initiation from Lord Mahavir.
Bhadra Kundalkesha: The daughter of the treasurer of Rajgir, Bhadra Kundalkesha, also served Jainism and society after taking initiation. Her discourses were so melodious that they captivated thousands.
Chelana and Sulasa: Among the three lakh Shravikas, Chelana and Sulasa are mentioned as prominent figures. Queen Chelana is lauded for guiding King Shrenik, a follower of another religion, towards the right path. The article emphasizes the active tradition of Jain Aryikas and Shravikas in Bihar.

Champapuri and its Women: The development of the famous Jain pilgrimage site, Champapuri (Champanagar), is detailed in the 'Aupapatika Sutra.' Champapuri was the site of Lord Vasupujya's conception, birth, asceticism, enlightenment, and liberation. Lord Mahavir spent three rainy seasons in Champanagar, possibly leading to the naming of the adjacent area as 'Nathnagar.' Champanagar was once the capital of Anga (ancient Magadha), and King Kaunik made it the capital instead of Rajgir. Princess Chandana (Chandanalata), the head of Lord Mahavir's Aryika sangha, was the princess of Champa.

The article then presents two notable women associated with Champapuri:

Queen Padmavati: The queen of King Dadhivahana of Champa. During her pregnancy, she was taken by an elephant into a dense forest. She survived a fall into a pond and eventually reached Dantapura, where she took initiation from an economist and began her penance. She later gave birth to a son, Karkandu, whom she left in the cremation ground with her ring. Karkandu later became the king of Kanchannagar. When Karkandu and his father, Dadhivahana, had a dispute, Aryika Padmavati intervened, revealed their relationship, and reunited them. Dadhivahana, inspired by her act, also renounced worldly life and became a Jain ascetic.
Queen Rohini: The beautiful daughter of King Magha and Queen Shrimati of Champanagari. It is mentioned that in her past life, she was an inauspicious girl who suffered greatly. By observing the 'Rohini Vrat,' she attained beauty, fragrance, and a noble family. She became the queen of King Ashoka. Later, King Ashoka renounced the world and took initiation in the presence of Lord Vasupujya, and Rohini took vows from Aryika Kamalashri. Through her penance, Rohini attained the sixteenth heaven.
Princess Nagashri: The daughter of King Chandravahana and Queen Lakshmati of Champapuri. Her father's priest, Nagasharma, was a follower of wrong beliefs. Nagashri, displeased with her father's beliefs, took the five vows (Panchanuvarata) from Acharya Suryamitra. When her father ordered her to return the vows, she questioned him, highlighting the punishments for wrongdoers. Impressed by her reasoning, Nagasharma not only allowed her to keep the vows but also became a vow-taker himself.

The article concludes by stating that Champapuri, with its spiritual and material prosperity, is a testament to the golden history of cities enlightened by the teachings of Jainism, illuminated by the lives of revered Jain women.

Mothers of Tirthankaras from Bihar: The article also remembers the fortunate mothers from Bihar who gave birth to Tirthankaras:

Jaya: Mother of the 12th Tirthankar, Vasupujya, from Champapuri.
Prajapati: Mother of the 19th Tirthankar, Malli Bhagavati, from Mithila.
Shyama: Mother of the 20th Tirthankar, Munisuvratnath, from Rajgir.
Vipula: Mother of the 21st Tirthankar, Naminath, from Mithila.
Trishala or Priyakarini: Mother of the 24th Tirthankar, Lord Mahavir, from Kundpur or Kundgram (Vaishali).

Women's Role in Ancient India and Jainism: The article emphasizes that Jain women held a distinct place in religious and social service. Ancient Indian women were knowledgeable, pious, and dutiful, rarely being labeled as "helpless." The Puranas are replete with examples of fearless, brave, and vigilant women who protected their society and chastity. Women naturally possess an exceptional capacity for service, and many women in narratives, while upholding their marital and domestic duties, also contributed significantly to the protection of kingdoms. They even participated in battles when necessary. The Vedic tradition also features great women like Maitreyi, Katyayani, Gargi, and Gautami, whose exemplary conduct and knowledge continue to inspire.

The period of Shraman (ascetic) culture saw an unprecedented upliftment of women, primarily due to Lord Mahavir's liberal approach towards them. This led many women to pursue self-discipline and spiritual practice, actively engaging in societal awakening. According to Acharya Jinsen's 'Adi Purana,' women's cooperation was integral to social, political, economic, religious, cultural, and literary spheres. In the Jain era, women were not merely instruments of pleasure but were provided with opportunities for independent growth and development. They effectively utilized their roles as daughters, wives, mothers, and widows, while also being dedicated to the welfare of others. The core mantra for Jain women, as stated by Acharya Jinsen, was: "True scholarship is that which leads to liberation from the cycle of existence." Jain women of that era were considered exemplary.

Editor's Note: The article includes a note from the editor stating that many events and facts mentioned in the article differ from those commonly known in the Shvetambara tradition and suggests that providing references would have been beneficial for the reader's knowledge. Readers with queries are invited to contact the author.