Rushabh Charitra Varshitap Vidhi Mahatmya - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Rushabh Charitra Varshitap Vidhi Mahatmya" by Priyadarshanashreeji, publisher Mahavir Prakashan:

This book is a comprehensive guide and extolment of the Varshitap (Year-long Fasting) ritual, particularly as it relates to Lord Rishabhdev (Aadinath), the first Tirthankar. The author, Sadhvi Priyadarshanashreeji (Priydaji), aims to connect readers with the austerities of Lord Rishabhdev and inspire them to engage in this practice for spiritual liberation.

Core Message and Purpose:

Connecting with Rishabhdev's Austerity: The book emphasizes following the tradition of fasting and austerity initiated by Lord Rishabhdev.
Karmic Liberation: It highlights that performing Varshitap, along with other practices like Upavas (fasting), Ayambil (a specific type of fasting), and Ekasana (eating once a day), leads to the shedding of karmas (karm NIRJARA) and spiritual advancement.
Alternative Forms of Varshitap: For those who cannot undertake the rigorous fasting, the book suggests alternative methods like Vardhaman Samayik Varshitap, Vardhaman Mahamantra Varshitap, and Vardhaman Loggassa Varshitap, explaining the spiritual benefits of each (Samayik for renunciation, Namokar mantra for spiritual elevation, Loggassa for pure right faith).
Importance of the Body: It encourages the use of the body for spiritual practices before its life force diminishes, stressing that a human life is successful when it involves giving and sharing.

Key Content Sections:

Introduction and Invocation: The book begins with invocations to Lord Adinath and the Panch Paramesthis (five supreme beings in Jainism), setting a devotional tone.
Lord Rishabhdev's Biography (Rishabh Charitra): A significant portion of the book is dedicated to detailing the life story of Lord Rishabhdev, covering:
- Introduction: His identity as the first Tirthankar of the current era (Avasarpini Kal).
- Past Lives: A description of his thirteen previous lives that led to the attainment of Tirthankar status.
- Origin of Tirthankar Nama Karma: How he earned the Tirthankar name karma, notably through donating pure ghee to Acharya Dharmaghosh Muni.
- Descent and Conception: Details of his celestial birth, the 14 auspicious dreams of his mother Marudevi, and his lineage.
- Birth and Childhood: His birth time, physical characteristics (like the bull symbol), naming (Rishabh due to the bull dream), lineage (Ikshvaku dynasty), physical complexion, and the celestial Abhishek.
- Physical Attributes: Information on his Sanhanan (bone structure) and Sansthan (body structure).
- Family and Offspring: His wives (Sumangala, Sunanda) and children (Bharat, Bahubali, Brahmī, Sundari, and 49 other pairs of offspring).
- Reign and Innovations: His establishment of kingdoms, the introduction of various arts and sciences (72 for men, 64 for women), the classification of society into castes based on occupation (Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra), and his role as the first king and lawgiver.
- Renunciation (Diksha): The circumstances leading to his renunciation, the grand donation (Varshidan) he performed, the ascetic practices he undertook (Bele ka Tap), and the immediate attainment of Manahparyav Gnan (mind-reading knowledge).
- First Asceticism and Difficulties: The challenges he faced during his year-long (400 days) rigorous, mostly waterless, penance, where he received no pure food (Ahar) despite wandering through towns and villages. This section highlights the concept of "antaray karma" (obstacle karma).
- The First Alms (Parana): The significant event of his first pure alms being received from Shreyans Kumar (grandson of Bahubali), marking the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya. The book describes the immense joy and celestial blessings that accompanied this act.
- Omniscience (Keval Gyan): The attainment of Keval Gyan and his subsequent preaching.
- Disciples and Followers: Details about his first Ganadhar (chief disciple) Rishabhsena (Pundarik Swami), his first Aryika (chief nun) Brahmī, and other significant disciples and followers.
- Nirvana (Moksha): Information about his final meditative state, the council during his Nirvana, his devotees, the duration of his lifespan, and the location of his Nirvana (Ashtapad Parvat).
- Parental Salvation: The spiritual liberation of his parents, Marudevi and King Nabhiraaj.
- Symbolic Deities: The Yaksha (Gomukh) and Yakshini (Chakreshwari Devi) associated with him.
The Ritual of Varshitap:
- Significance: Explains that Varshitap is a highly revered practice in Jainism, also known as "Samsara Varsha Tap." It emphasizes the potency of this ritual, which remains vibrant even after countless years since Lord Rishabhdev performed it.
- Rules and Observances: Details the strict rules to be followed during Varshitap, including:
  - Daily recitation of Namokar Mantra and Loggassa Sutra.
  - Daily Samayik and Pratikraman (if possible).
  - Fasting (Upavas) or partial fasting (Ayambil, Ekasana) as per capacity.
  - Giving up Sanchit water (water stored for a long time).
  - Maintaining Brahmacharya (celibacy).
  - Giving up root vegetables (Jamikand).
  - Not bathing on fasting days.
  - Reading the Rishabh Charitra every month.
- Spiritual Fruits: Highlights that adherence to these rules, according to one's capacity, leads to mental peace and the ultimate goal of Moksha.
- Merit of Varshitap: The book explains that while Lord Rishabhdev himself underwent rigorous fasting, in this era (Kalyuga), even one day of fasting followed by one day of breaking the fast constitutes Varshitap. It's crucial to perform it with correct vidhi (method) for maximum benefit.
Praise and Prayers: The text includes hymns and prayers dedicated to Lord Rishabhdev, such as the "Shri Rishabhdev Stotra" by Yashovijay Suri and various devotional songs (bhajans and aartis) in different styles.
Philosophical Underpinnings:
- The Nature of Reality: Discussions on the impermanence of worldly life and the eternal nature of the soul.
- The Role of Austerity: Comparing austerity to a spiritual "bath" that cleanses the soul from the darkness of karma.
- The Importance of Knowledge and Conduct: Emphasizing that true knowledge (Atma Gnan) is essential for spiritual progress.
- Comparison with Other Traditions: Briefly mentions the presence of Rishabhdev in Vedic and Buddhist literature, drawing parallels and suggesting a common origin or influence.
Inspiration for Devotees: The book is replete with verses and stories intended to inspire readers to undertake Varshitap, highlighting the dedication of great souls and the profound spiritual rewards. It also includes messages of encouragement from contemporary spiritual leaders.

Overall Tone and Style:

The book is devotional, informative, and inspirational. It aims to provide both a historical and spiritual understanding of Lord Rishabhdev and the practice of Varshitap. The language is accessible, with lyrical descriptions and devotional songs to engage the reader.

Key Takeaway:

"Rushabh Charitra Varshitap Vidhi Mahatmya" serves as a guide and a source of inspiration for Jain devotees to engage in the sacred ritual of Varshitap, drawing strength and spiritual merit from the life and teachings of Lord Rishabhdev. It emphasizes the transformative power of austerity for achieving spiritual liberation.