Shantinath Mahakavyam Part 03

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shantinath Mahakavyam Part 03," based on the provided information:

Title: Shantinath Mahakavyam Part 03 (Śāntinātha Mahākāvyam Part 03) Author: Vijaydarshansuri (Śrī Vijaydarśanasūrīśvara) - Commentator, original author is Muni Bhadra Suri (Śrī Muni Bhadra Sūri). Publisher: Nemidarshan Gyanshala, Palitana (Saurashtra). Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/004314/1

Summary of the Content (Based on provided pages):

This volume, the third part of the Shantinath Mahakavyam, covers Chapters 14 through 19 of the original Sanskrit epic poem composed by Muni Bhadra Suri. It includes the "Prabodhini" commentary by Acharya Vijaydarshansuri and a Gujarati translation.

Key Information from the Pages:

• Original Author: Muni Bhadra Suri (Śrī Muni Bhadra Sūri).
• Commentator (Vrittikara): Acharya Vijaydarshansuri (Śrī Vijaydarśanasūrīśvara), who is described as a disciple of Acharya Vijay Nemisurishwarji Maharaj and a scholar of Jain jurisprudence and literature.
• Gujarati Translator: Upadhyay Priyankara Vijayji Ganivar (Upādhyāy Śrī Priyaṅkaravijayji Gaṇivar).
• Content: This volume contains six chapters, from the 14th to the 19th canto of the Mahakavya.
• Purpose: The commentary aims to make the Sanskrit knowledge accessible to those who do not understand Sanskrit, through a simple and easily understandable Gujarati translation.
• Praise for the Original Work: The text describes Muni Bhadra Suri's work as a great epic that removes inner restlessness and contains descriptions of twelve rebirths, along with didactic and miraculous stories that are found nowhere else. It is considered superior to other Jain and non-Jain epics.
• Shantinath Bhagavan: The text highlights Shantinath, the 16th Tirthankara, who achieved the titles of Chakravarti and Tirthankara in a single lifetime, as a great and noble figure. His life story is described as being filled with sweetness in every particle.
• Key Life Events of Shantinath Bhagavan (mentioned in page 6):
  1. Descent from Sarvartha Siddha Vimana (Ascension: Shravan Vad 7)
  2. Birth in Hastinapur, Kuru country (Vaisakh Vad 13)
  3. Initiation with one thousand men in Tejnagari (Vaisakh Vad 14)
  4. Omniscience in Hastinapur (Poush Sud 8)
  5. Nirvana during contemplation at Samet Shikhar (Vaisakh Vad 13)
  • Golden colored body
  • Mark of a deer
  • Lifespan of ten lakh years
  • Community of 20,000,062 monks and 61,600 nuns.
  • Yaksha: Garud; Yakshini: Nirvani; Queen: Indushena; King: Bindushan. The description of the twelve rebirths is mentioned as detailed.
• Acknowledgements and Sponsorship: The pages list numerous individuals and Jain sanghs (communities) who financially supported the publication of this work, indicating a community effort in disseminating this important text.
• Occasion Mentioned (Page 4): The text references the conferring of Acharya pada (highest monastic rank) on Upadhyay Priyankarvijayji Ganivarya and Upadhyay Shubhankarvijayji Ganivar in Pune in Samvat 2024, along with other auspicious events and ceremonies.
• Publication History: The text mentions that the printing work was completed in Mumbai in Samvat 2025, with the intention of finishing the remaining work with the blessings of the Shasan Devta.

Overall Focus:

The Shantinath Mahakavyam, as presented in this volume, is a detailed and elaborate narrative of the life and teachings of Lord Shantinath, the 16th Tirthankara. The commentary and translation aim to make this profound spiritual account accessible to a wider audience, emphasizing its role in removing spiritual unrest and offering guidance for a virtuous life. The extensive list of donors highlights the devotional commitment of the Jain community in preserving and promoting their religious literature.