Punarlagna Nishedh Ane Sprushyasprushya Vivek - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Punarlagna Nishedh Ane Sprushyasprushya Vivek" (Prohibition of Remarriage and Discrimination between Touchable and Untouchable) authored by Lakshmishankar Narottamdas Vaidyaraj and Chunilal Chotamlal Bohra, published by Sanatan Dharm Pravartak Mandal, Bhavnagar.

This book is a polemical work deeply rooted in traditional Sanatan Vedic Dharma, written in Gujarati, and published in 1909. It vehemently argues against the concept of remarriage (especially for widows) and defends the principles of untouchability (sprushyasprushya vivek). The authors present their arguments by citing ancient scriptures, Smritis, and the teachings of revered Rishis and Munis.

Core Arguments and Themes:

1. Prohibition of Remarriage (Punarlagna Nishedh):

Sacredness of Marriage: The book asserts that marriage, according to Vedic Dharma, is a sacred union that binds a woman to her husband for eternity, even after his death. The Vedic mantras and rituals performed during marriage signify a permanent bond, making remarriage a violation of this sacred covenant.
Wife as a "Gift" (Daan): The text emphasizes the concept of kanya daan (giving away the daughter), where the father gives his daughter to the groom. Once given, the daughter becomes the property of the groom, and her father loses the right to "gift" her again, even if she becomes a widow. Similarly, the woman, as a "gifted" item, cannot independently remarry.
Critique of "Reforms": The authors strongly condemn the social reformers of their time who advocated for widow remarriage, viewing them as misguided individuals influenced by Western thought and a desire to dismantle traditional dharma for personal convenience. They liken these reformers to the ancient Charvaka sect, who rejected religious principles and advocated for sensual gratification.
Refutation of Arguments for Remarriage:
- Widow's Suffering: While acknowledging the potential suffering of widows, the authors argue that remarriage is not the solution. Instead, they advocate for maintaining chastity and devotion to the deceased husband, citing scriptures that promise spiritual rewards for such adherence.
- Equality with Men: The argument that women should have the same right as men to remarry is refuted. The authors contend that men remarry out of worldly desire and the need for progeny, while women's primary duty is devotion and maintaining the sanctity of the marital bond.
- Misinterpretation of Mantras: The text dedicates significant space to debunking the interpretations of Vedic mantras by figures like Swami Dayanand Saraswati, who allegedly used them to justify remarriage and niyoga (levirate marriage). The authors meticulously re-interpret these mantras according to traditional understanding, asserting that they do not sanction remarriage.
- Consequences of Remarriage: Remarriage is portrayed as leading to societal degeneration, moral corruption, and the dilution of dharma.
Emphasis on Widow's Dharma: The book champions the practice of brahmacharya (celibacy) for widows as a path to spiritual merit and a higher afterlife. It quotes scriptures that praise widows who remain chaste and devoted.

2. Discrimination between Touchable and Untouchable (Sprushyasprushya Vivek):

Scriptural Basis for Caste and Purity: The authors argue that the concepts of touchability and untouchability (and by extension, the caste system) are divinely ordained and based on scriptures. They present these distinctions as essential for maintaining spiritual purity and societal order.
Karma and Rebirth: The text links one's social status and perceived "untouchability" to past karmas (actions) in previous lives. Individuals born into lower castes or perceived as "untouchable" are seen as experiencing the consequences of their past misdeeds.
Purity and Pollution: The core of the argument for untouchability lies in the concept of shuddhi (purity) and ashuddhi (impurity). Certain occupations, lifestyles, and perceived behaviors are deemed impure and contaminating, necessitating physical distance from those considered pure.
Quoting Scriptures for Justification: The authors heavily rely on Smritis, Puranas, and other traditional texts to provide scriptural justification for these distinctions. They cite passages that prescribe specific distances to be maintained from various castes and individuals in different states of impurity (e.g., menstruation, childbirth, death pollution).
Refutation of "Modern" Notions of Equality: The book strongly criticizes the reformers who advocate for the removal of untouchability. They dismiss these ideas as a misguided influence of Western thought and a threat to the established religious and social order.
The Role of Rishis and Munis: The authors present the ancient Rishis and Munis as the upholders of dharma who established these rules for the ultimate welfare of humanity. Their wisdom is considered sacrosanct and beyond questioning by contemporary individuals.
Consequences of Violating Purity Rules: Touching an "untouchable" person is described as a polluting act requiring ritual purification, such as bathing and performing specific penances. They cite the idea that sin can be transmitted through physical contact, speech, and even proximity.
The Argument from Ayruveda: The authors draw parallels with Ayurvedic principles of contagion, suggesting that just as diseases can spread through contact, so can spiritual impurity.
Misuse of Scriptures by Reformers: They accuse reformers like Mahatma Gandhi of misinterpreting and misusing scriptures to promote their own agendas. They specifically address arguments about the equality of all souls and the universality of dharma, deeming them as attempts to undermine the Vedic order.
The "Greater Good" Argument: The authors also implicitly argue that maintaining these social distinctions is for the spiritual well-being of society as a whole, even if it appears harsh from a superficial perspective.

Critique of Mahatma Gandhi and Reformist Movements:

A significant portion of the book is dedicated to directly refuting the ideas of Mahatma Gandhi and his followers regarding social reform, particularly concerning untouchability. The authors engage in a detailed critique of Gandhi's interpretation of Hinduism, his advocacy for inter-caste dining, and his efforts to challenge the scriptural basis of untouchability. They accuse him of:

Misinterpreting Scriptures: They claim Gandhi misinterprets Vedic mantras and other scriptures to support his reformist agenda.
Promoting Adharma: They view his efforts as a direct assault on Sanatan Dharma, promoting adharma (unrighteousness).
Emotional Appeals over Reason: Gandhi's arguments are characterized as emotional appeals lacking scriptural backing.
Undermining Dharma for Political Gain: They suggest that his reformist zeal is driven by a desire for political power rather than genuine spiritual concern.
Describing Rishis as "Satanic": The authors express outrage at the perceived implication that the ancient Rishis who established the rules of purity were "Satanic" for their practices.

Overall Tone and Purpose:

The book is written with a strong sense of conviction and a zealous desire to defend and preserve what the authors perceive as the unadulterated truth of Sanatan Vedic Dharma. The tone is often polemical and confrontational, aimed at debunking opposing viewpoints and reinforcing traditional beliefs. The primary purpose is to educate and persuade the Hindu populace to remain steadfast in their adherence to ancient scriptures and reject what they see as dangerous modern "reforms" that threaten the very fabric of their religion and society.

In essence, "Punarlagna Nishedh Ane Sprushyasprushya Vivek" is a passionate defense of traditional Hindu social and religious norms, strongly advocating for the sanctity of the marital bond (even in widowhood) and the scriptural basis for caste distinctions and practices of untouchability.