Pushpachulika Aur Vrushnidasha - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Pushpachulika aur Vrushnidasha" by Hemprabhashreeji, based on the provided PDF pages:

The document discusses two Ang Bahya (external to the main Angas) Upanga Sutras of Jain Agamas: Pushpachulika and Vrushnidasha. Both are categorized under Dharmakathanuyoga (the branch of scripture that explains Dharma through narratives and stories).

Introduction to Jain Agamas: The text begins by explaining the structure of Jain Agamas, originating from the teachings of Lord Mahavir. The Agamas are divided into Anga Pravishta (the twelve main Angas) and Anga Bahya (external Angas). Currently, only eleven Angas are available, as the twelfth, Drishtivada, is believed to have been lost. The Anga Bahya category includes twelve Upangas.

Pushpachulika and Vrushnidasha's Place: Pushpachulika and Vrushnidasha are identified as the last two Upangas and are included within the Niryavalika Shruta Skandha. It is mentioned that these five Upangas (Niryavalika or Kalpika, Kalpavataṁśikā, Puṣṇikā, Pushpachulika, and Vṛṣṇidaśā or Vāhidaśā) were originally known collectively as Niryavalika, but were later distinguished when a connection was established between each Upanga and an Anga. While Upangas are related to the Angas, their subject matter and exposition differ, and they are not considered mere complements.

Classification of Agamas by Aryarakshit Suri: The text highlights the classification of Agamas into four Anuyogas:

Charaṇa Karaṇānuvoga: Deals with elements supporting the practice of asceticism.
Dharmakathānuvoga: Explains aspects of Dharma through narratives. (Pushpachulika and Vrushnidasha belong here).
Gaṇitānuvoga: Discusses various celestial bodies and astrology.
Dravyanuvoga: Analyzes the six substances (dravyas).

Summary of Pushpachulika:

Historical Significance: Pushpachulika holds significant historical importance.
Content: It consists of ten chapters that narrate, in a story format, the lives of ten female ascetics (Shramanis) who were initiated during the era of Lord Parshvanath. The central theme inspiring these stories is pure Shramanachara (ascetic conduct).
Narrative Structure: The text explains that Aryavrata Sudharma Swami, a chief disciple of Lord Mahavir, responds to the inquisitive questions of his disciple Jamboo. Aryavrata Sudharma then narrates the stories of Pushpachulika's ten studies in a narrative style, as expounded by Lord Mahavir.
Example Story (First Chapter): The first chapter describes Sridevi, a celestial being from the first heaven (Saudharmakalpa), who visits Lord Mahavir in Rajagriha. After the discourse, Lord Mahavir reveals to Gautam Swami that Sridevi was formerly a daughter named Bhuta in Rajagriha. Bhuta appeared prematurely aged, hindering her marriage. Upon hearing Lord Parshvanath's teachings, she took initiation from Arya Pushpachulika. Later, Bhuta became overly focused on physical hygiene (body purification), which was against the strict ascetic code. Arya Pushpachulika advised her against this, emphasizing the importance of ascetic conduct and the need for repentance. However, Bhuta disregarded the advice, lived independently, performed austerities, and eventually died without true repentance. Consequently, she was reborn as Sridevi in Saudharmakalpa. After her lifespan there, she will be reborn in Mahavideha, from where she will attain liberation.
Other Chapters: The remaining nine chapters similarly describe other celestial beings (Hridevi, Dhritidevi, Kirtidevi, Buddhidevi, Lakshmidevi, Iladevi, Suradevi, Rasadevi, Gandhaddei), all of whom resided in Saudharmakalpa. Like Bhuta, they were all initiated by Arya Pushpachulika during Lord Parshvanath's time and were also excessively focused on bodily purity. They too will eventually descend from the heavens, be born in Mahavideha, and attain liberation.
Significance of Deities: These celestial beings are believed to be the presiding deities of virtues like Shri, Hri, Dhriti, Kirti, Buddhi, and Lakshmi.
Key Insight: The text emphasizes that during Lord Parshvanath's era, ascetics were generally straightforward and might have worn fine, colored clothes, but any laxity in ascetic conduct, especially regarding excessive bodily purification, was not tolerated. The name "Pushpachulika" is likely derived from Arya Pushpachulika, under whom all these celestial beings attained spiritual knowledge.

Summary of Vrushnidasha:

Final Upanga: This is the last Upanga Sutra.
Content: It describes twelve princes of the Vrushni lineage in twelve chapters. According to Nandi Churni, its original name was Andhaka Vrushnidasha, with the word "Andhaka" later becoming lost. The name is attributed to the lineage.
Narrative Structure: Similar to Pushpachulika, Aryavrata Sudharma Swami explains the lives of these twelve princes in response to Jamboo's questions.
The Twelve Princes: These are Nishadhakumara, Maatalikumara, Vahakumara, Vaheakumara, Pragatyakumara, Jyotikumara, Dasharathakumara, Dridharathakumara, Mahadhanukumara, Sapadhanukumara, Dashadhanukumara, and Shatadhanukumara.
Example Story (First Chapter - Nishadhakumara): The first chapter details Nishadhakumara, son of Baldev and Revati, who ruled in Dwarka. He married fifty excellent princesses. During the visit of Arhant Arishtanemi to Dwarka, Nishadhakumara went to pay homage. Arhant Arishtanemi's chief disciple, Vardatt anagar, curious about Nishadhakumara's divine beauty, inquired. Arhant Arishtanemi explained that Nishadhakumara was formerly Virangada, son of King Mahabal and Queen Padmavati of Rohitaka city. Virangada married thirty-two princesses and enjoyed worldly pleasures. Upon hearing Acharya Siddharth's discourse, he awakened spiritually, took initiation from his parents' permission, performed austerities, studied the eleven Angas for 45 years, and eventually died after a two-month fast, being reborn as a god in the fifth heaven (Brahmaloka). After his divine lifespan there, he was reborn as Nishadhakumara, possessing his current form and divine opulence. Upon hearing this, Vardatt anagar became curious about Nishadhakumara's future. Lord Arishtanemi revealed that Nishadhakumara would be initiated by him, practice asceticism for nine years, and then, after fasting, would be reborn as a celestial being in the Sarvarthasiddhi Vimana, from where he would eventually descend to Mahavideha and attain liberation.
Key Insight: The first chapter of Vrushnidasha mentions five of Nishadhakumara's lives: Virangada (human), a Brahmaloka dweller (deity), Nishadhakumara (human), a Sarvarthasiddha deity (deity), and finally, a prince in Mahavideha from whom he will attain Moksha. The remaining eleven chapters follow a similar pattern for other princes, though their previous births are not explicitly named. All these princes are destined for liberation.
Comparison: Pushpachulika narrates the lives of female ascetics from Lord Parshvanath's era, while Vrushnidasha describes ascetics initiated during the time of Arhant Arishtanemi. This demonstrates the broad and inclusive vision of Lord Mahavir's teachings and highlights the importance of the history of female ascetics.

In essence, both Pushpachulika and Vrushnidasha are narrative scriptures within Jainism that provide insights into the past lives, ascetic practices, and ultimate spiritual journeys of individuals, offering moral and spiritual guidance through historical and mythological accounts.