Saptatishat Sthana Prakaranam Part 1

The provided text is the first part of the "Saptatishat Sthana Prakaranam" by Shri Somatilak Suri, with a Sanskrit commentary and Gujarati translation by Acharya Shrimad Rhiddhisagar Suri. It was published by Shrimad Buddhisagar Suri Jain Gyanmandir in V.S. 1990 / V.S. 2460.

This book is a detailed exposition of the life and significant events of the 24 Tirthankaras in Jainism. It meticulously describes various "Sthanas" (stages or aspects) related to each Tirthankara, covering a vast array of information.

Here's a summary of the key aspects covered in the provided pages:

1. Introduction and Provenance:

• The book is dedicated to Shri Sukh Sagarji, the spiritual guru of the translator.
• It acknowledges the profound contribution of Jain Acharyas in preserving and disseminating knowledge through their writings in Prakrit and Sanskrit.
• The "Saptatishat Sthana Prakaranam" itself was compiled by Acharya Shrimad Sammati Tilak Suri at the request of Hemchandra, son of the renowned Sanghapati Shrestivar Ratnachandra, in V.S. 1387.
• The text highlights the extensive knowledge of Acharya Somatilak Suri, who drew from the vast ocean of Jain Agamas.
• It mentions other works by Acharya Somatilak Suri, including "Brihat Navya Kshetra Samas," commentaries on "Shraddh Jita Kalpa," and various stotras.
• The life and contributions of Acharya Somatilak Suri are briefly touched upon, noting his reputation and influence.
• The text clarifies the lineage of Acharyas, mentioning Acharya Dhamma Ghosha Suri and Acharya Somprabha Suri as gurus of Somatilak Suri.
• The current translation and Sanskrit commentary are attributed to Acharya Shrimad Rhiddhisagar Suri, a disciple of Acharya Buddhisagar Suri.
• The book includes a list of places where it can be obtained.
• A brief biography of Acharya Buddhisagar Suri is provided, detailing his birth, initiation, and passing.

2. Content and Structure of "Saptatishat Sthana Prakaranam": The core of the book is the detailed enumeration of 170 "Sthanas" (stages or aspects) related to the 24 Tirthankaras. The text systematically covers these aspects, which can be broadly categorized as follows:

• Previous Lives (Purvabhava):

  • Number of previous lives for each Tirthankara.
  • The continent (Dwipa), region (Kshetra), direction, specific region within a continent (Vijaya), city, name, kingdom, guru, and scripture studied in previous lives.
  • The causes (hetu) for attaining Tirthankara status.
  • The heavenly realms from which they descended and their lifespan in those realms.

• Tirthankara Incarnations:

  • Chyavan (Descent): Month, fortnight, date, constellation, zodiac sign, time of descent, parentage (mother and father's names), migration of parents.
  • Birth: Time of birth, country and city of birth, mother's and father's names, their destiny after death, the number of guardian goddesses (Dik Kumaris), their duties, the number of Indras present, and their actions.
  • Physical Characteristics: Gotra (lineage), family lineage, names (common and specific), characteristic signs (Lanchhana), number of hoods (Phani), bodily features, knowledge of household life, complexion, strength, and stature (expressed in Angulas).
  • Life Stages: Time spent in childhood (Kuar), time spent as a king, time spent as a Chakravarti (universal emperor).
  • Renunciation (Diksha): Time of renunciation, month, fortnight, date, constellation, zodiac sign, place of renunciation (forests), the specific tree under which renunciation occurred, the number of followers (Parivara), and the time of renunciation.
  • Ascetic Practices (Tapas): Types of austerities observed, duration of vows, the specific month, fortnight, and date of observing vows, constellations and zodiac signs during vows.
  • Achieving Kevala Jnana (Omniscience): Time of achieving Kevala Jnana (month, fortnight, date, constellation, zodiac sign), location of omniscience attainment (forests), the tree under which it was attained, and the specific ascetics involved.
  • Austerities during Kevala Jnana: The specific austerities practiced during the period of omniscience.
  • Speech and Attributes: The 35 qualities of speech, 8 great auspicious symbols (Mahapratihaarya), the origin and continuity of the Tirth (religious order), the time of its establishment, and the time of its decline (Ucchheda).
  • Disciples and Followers: Number of Ganadharas (chief disciples), number of disciples (Muni), number of female ascetics (Sadhvi), number of lay followers (Shravaka and Shravika), number of omniscient beings (Kevali).
  • Other Knowledge Categories: Number of beings with Manahparyaya Jnana (mind-reading knowledge), Avadhi Jnana (clairvoyance), the Fourteen Purvas (ancient scriptures), and those who achieved omniscience through various paths.
  • Devas and Their Roles: The number and names of Lokantik Devas, their lifespan, and their role in Tirthankara's birth and omniscience.
  • Auspicious Events: The specific constellations and zodiac signs during Chyavan, Janma, Diksha, and Kevala Jnana. The time of these events (day/night).
  • Dreams of Mothers: The 14 dreams experienced by the mothers of Tirthankaras before their birth and their interpretation.
  • Duration of Gestation: The period each Tirthankara spent in the womb.
  • Diet and Marriage: The type of food consumed and whether marriage occurred.
  • Miracles and Auspicious Occurrences: Miracles associated with each Tirthankara's life, including those performed by deities, kings, and during auspicious events.
  • Tirth's Decline: The time when the Jain order (Tirth) established by each Tirthankara experienced a decline.
  • Inter-Tirthankara Periods: The time gaps between the Tirthankaras, including periods of ascetics, kings, and the continuation of their lineage.
  • Previous Lives of Tirthankaras: Detailed accounts of the previous births of each Tirthankara, often highlighting the actions that led to their Tirthankara status.
  • Cities of Birth: The specific cities associated with each Tirthankara's birth.
  • Names of Tirthankaras: A comprehensive list of the 24 Tirthankaras.
  • Reasons for Names: Explanations for the specific names of each Tirthankara, often linked to events in their previous lives or significant occurrences during their conception.
  • Emblems (Lanchhana): The distinctive symbols associated with each Tirthankara.
  • Serpent Hoods (Phana): The number of serpent hoods associated with certain Tirthankaras (Parshvanatha and Suparshvanatha).
  • Body Attributes: Information about the complexion, height, and strength of the Tirthankaras.
  • Kings and Heroes: Names of important kings, heroes (Baldeva, Vasudeva, Prativāsudeva), and divine beings (Yakshas, Yakshinis, Devis) associated with each Tirthankara's reign and Tirth.
  • The "Shalaka Purusha": Identification of the 24 Tirthankaras, 12 Chakravartis, 9 Vasudevas, 9 Prativāsudevas, and 9 Baladevas who are considered exceptional individuals.
  • Austerities and Asceticism: Details about the rigorous austerities practiced by Tirthankaras, including fasting, vow-taking, and periods of intense penance.
  • Kevala Jnana and Nirvana: The time, place, constellation, and zodiac sign associated with the attainment of omniscience and liberation.
  • Life Span: The total lifespan of each Tirthankara and their lifespan in previous lives.
  • The Three Jewels (Tattva Traya): Mention of Right Faith (Samyak Darshan), Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnana), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra) as essential for liberation.
  • The Seven Tattvas: The fundamental principles of Jain philosophy (Jiva, Ajiva, Punya, Papa, Asrava, Samvara, Nirjara, Bandha, Moksha).
  • Vows and Conduct: Detailed descriptions of the vows taken by monks (Mahavrata) and lay followers (Anuvrata), including their number and specifics.
  • Types of Asceticism: Explanations of various forms of ascetic practices.
  • The Sixfold Conduct (Sad-vidha Achara): Mention of various conduct principles followed by ascetics.
  • The Teachings of Tirthankaras: The nature and extent of the teachings imparted by each Tirthankara.
  • The Jain Order: The formation of the monastic community (Sangha), including monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen.
  • The Teachings of the Ganadharas: The role and contributions of the chief disciples of the Tirthankaras.
  • Other Ascetic Traditions: Mentions of different schools of thought and their practices.

3. Translator's Commentary and Discrepancies:

• The translator, Rhiddhisagar Suri, makes specific observations and corrections regarding certain details in the original text, particularly concerning the constellations and zodiac signs of the Tirthankaras' Chyavan and other significant events. He often refers to other authoritative Jain scriptures like "Acharanga," "Sthananga," and "Kalpa Sutra" to support his points and resolve discrepancies.
• He also discusses variations in the recorded names of kings or specific details in different texts, acknowledging that definitive conclusions are sometimes difficult without further corroboration.

4. Structure and Purpose: The book is structured to systematically present factual information about each Tirthankara, making it a valuable reference for students and scholars of Jainism. The detailed breakdown of 170 "Sthanas" for each of the 24 Tirthankaras covers an immense amount of historical, biographical, and philosophical data within Jain tradition. The translation aims to make this complex information accessible to a wider audience.

In essence, "Saptatishat Sthana Prakaranam Part 1" is a monumental work that aims to systematically catalogue and explain the significant life events and associated details of all the Tirthankaras, providing a comprehensive biographical and cosmological framework within Jainism.