Shasan Chatustrinshika Aur Madankirti

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Shasan Chatustrinshika aur Madankirti," authored by Darbarilal Kothiya:

This document is an introduction and detailed analysis of the Jain text "Shasan Chatustrinshika" (or "Shasan Chauntisi") and its author, Muni Madankirti.

1. Introduction to the Manuscript of Shasan Chatustrinshika:

• Scarcity: Only one known manuscript of "Shasan Chatustrinshika" exists in Jain literature.
• Acquisition: The manuscript was obtained through the grace of Pandit Nathuramji Premi. Despite efforts, no other copies could be found.
• Physical Description: The manuscript measures 10x6 inches with 1-inch margins. It contains five folios. Most folios have 18 lines with approximately 32 letters per line, while the last folio has 12 lines. Some annotations are present, aiding in understanding the text.
• Condition: The manuscript is very old (estimated 400-500 years) and in a fragile condition. Approximately 40-45 places have damaged or missing text due to pages sticking together, making reading difficult. Pandit Premi also noted the difficulty in reading due to faded letters in his work "Jain Sahitya aur Itihas."
• Preservation Efforts: The author and his colleagues worked diligently to decipher the damaged text, using context and other resources. They only encountered one place where the text was completely unreadable and marked it with dots. This difficulty is suggested as the reason the text had not been published before.
• Importance: The publication of this text is crucial for preserving a valuable Jain literary work and for understanding its author and his era. The author laments that many such important works might be lost or decayed due to negligence.

2. Overview of the Work (Shasan Chatustrinshika):

• Nature of the Work: "Shasan Chatustrinshika" is a short, beautiful, and original composition.
• Author: Muni Madankirti, a renowned scholar of the 13th century Vikram Samvat.
• Content: The work concisely describes the history and significance of 26 Jain pilgrimage sites – 8 Siddha-tirtha (places of liberation) and 18 Atishaya-tirtha (places with miraculous manifestations). Each site is covered in a single verse, often in a symbolic or suggestive manner.
• Purpose: The verses highlight the glories and miracles associated with Digambara Jain Jinabimbas (idols) at these sites, emphasizing the greatness and victorious nature of the Digambara Shasan (Jain religious tradition).
• Historical Significance: This work holds a significant place in the historical introduction of Jain Tirthas due to its antiquity. It is older than other important works on Jain Tirthas such as Chandaprabh Suri's "Prabhavakcharitra" (VS 1334), Merutunga Suri's "Prabandhachintamani" (VS 1361), Jinaprabha Suri's "Vividha Tirthakalpa" (VS 1389), and Rajashekhar Suri's "Prabandhakosha" (VS 1405).
• Structure: The work comprises 36 verses. The first unnumbered verse is an acrostic poem using the initial letters of the following 32 verses, written in Anushtubh meter. The 35th verse is a eulogy where Madankirti mentions his name and gives a brief autobiographical account, written in Malini meter. The remaining 34 verses deal with the subject matter and are written in Sardula-vikridita meter.
• Naming: Due to its focus on establishing the glory and victory of the Digambara Shasan, it is known by names like "Shasan Chatustrinshika" or "Shasan Chauntisi" in Digambara Jain literature.

3. Subject Matter of the Work:

• Theme: The work illustrates the inherent ability of the Digambara Shasan to triumph due to its core principles like Ahimsa (non-violence), Aparigraha (non-possession, leading to Nirgrantha or mendicant status), and Syadvada (non-absolutist logic).
• Manifestations: It details the profound influence and miraculous powers associated with Digambara Jinabimbas at various pilgrimage sites.
• Specific Sites Mentioned: The text lists 26 well-known miracles at the following sites: Kailasa's Rishabhadeva, Podanpur's Bahubali, Shripur's Parshvanatha, Hulagiri/Holagiri's Shankhajina, Dhara's Parshvanatha, Brihatpur's Brihaddav, Jainpur (Jainbidri)'s Dakshin Gommatadeva, Eastern Parshvanatha, Shanti-jin rescued from the sea by Vishvasena, Northern Jinabimbas, Sammeta Shikhar's twenty Tirthankaras, Pushpapura's Shri Pushpadanta, Nagadraha's Nagahradeshvara-jina, Sammeta Shikhar's Amritavapika, Western seashore's Shri Chandraprabha-jina, Chhaya-Parshvaprabhu, Shri Adijineshvara, Pavapur's Shri Veer-jina, Girnar's Shri Neminatha, Champapura's Shri Vasupujya, Narmada's washed Shri Shanti-jineshvara, Ashrama/Ashararmya's Shri Munisuvrata-jina, Vipulagiri's Jinabimba, Vindhyagiri's Jina-Chaityalayas, Nagphani village in Medapat (Mewar) country's Shri Malli-jineshvara, and Mangalpur in Malava country's Shri Abhinandana-jina.
• Influence of Other Traditions: The work also posits that the Digambara Shasan has been influenced or adopted in various aspects by other traditions such as Smritipathaka, Vedanti, Vaisheshika, Mayavi, Yoga, Sankhya, Charvaka, and Buddhist schools.
• Value for Research: The work serves as a valuable historical source for those interested in researching the history of Jain Tirthas. Each verse can be a subject of independent study.

4. Detailed Examination of Muni Madankirti:

• Time Period:

  • Rajshekhar Suri's Account: Rajashekhar Suri, a Shvetambara scholar who wrote "Prabandhakosha" (VS 1405), included a "Madankirti Prabandha." In it, he describes Madankirti as a highly accomplished disciple of the Digambara scholar Vishal-kirti. Madankirti earned the title "Mahapramanikchudamani" by defeating scholars in the East, West, and North. The account details his disobedience to his guru by traveling south, his intellectual prowess, his ability to compose 500 verses daily, and his involvement with the king Kuntibhoja of Vijayapura and his daughter Madanmanjari.
  • Implications from Rajashekhar: This confirms Madankirti as a historically famous scholar, a prominent disciple of Vishal-kirti, and that he predates Rajashekhar Suri (VS 1405). He was also a contemporary of Kuntibhoja.
  • Pandit Nathuramji Premi's Estimation: Based on the identification of Kuntibhoja with Bhojadeva mentioned by Somadeva in "Shabdarnava Chandrika" (completed in VS 1262 in Arjurika village while Vishal-kirti was being attended to), Premi estimates Madankirti's time to be around VS 1262.
  • Pandit Ashadharji's Mention: Pandit Ashadharji, in the preface to his "Jinyagyakalpa" (also known as "Pratishthasaroddhara," completed in VS 1285), refers to a "Madankirtiyatipati" who called him "Prajapunj." This places Madankirti as a contemporary or slightly earlier scholar than Ashadharji, and certainly renowned before VS 1285. He was considered a leader among Yati-patis (monastic leaders).
  • Historical Event Mentioned in Shasan Chatustrinshika: Madankirti mentions in verse 34 the destruction and subsequent miraculous restoration of the idol of Shri Abhinandana-jina in Mangalpur, Malava, by "Atatayi Mleccha" (oppressive invaders). Jinaprabha Suri also mentions this event in his "Vividha Tirthakalpa" (VS 1364-1389), stating it occurred a few years before the reign of Malava king Jayasimhadeva II (around VS 1290-1314). Pandit Ashadharji mentions "Mlecchapati Sahibud-din" attacking the region of Sapadalaksha, likely referring to Shahabuddin Ghori (who conquered Delhi in VS 1249). If Madankirti's account refers to this event, it suggests he composed the work between VS 1249 and VS 1263 or VS 1314.
  • Conclusion on Time: Considering Ashadharji's mention (VS 1285), Madankirti is definitively placed around VS 1285.

• Place, Guru Tradition, and Qualifications:

  • Guru: Disciple of Vadindra Vishal-kirti.
  • Location: Vishal-kirti studied the Nyaya Shastra with Pandit Ashadharji in Dhara, suggesting both Vishal-kirti and Madankirti resided there. Rajashekhar Suri also identified them with Ujjain. Therefore, Ujjain (Dhara) is considered their primary location.
  • Expertise: Highly skilled in debate and victorious in all directions, earning him the title "Mahapramanik-chudamani."
  • Poetic Ability: A prolific and rapid poet, capable of composing 500 verses in a day. He impressed the king Kuntibhoja with his poetic talent.
  • Status: Referred to as "Yatipati" by Pandit Ashadharji, indicating his respected position among monastic leaders.

• Personal Life and Repentance:

  • Alleged Affair: Rajashekhar Suri's account mentions an alleged romantic involvement with the king's daughter, Madanmanjari, possibly leading to a fall from his status.
  • Repentance: The first verse ("Yatpapavasadvaloyam...") and the 35th verse ("Iti hi Madankirtishchintayannatma Chitte...") of the "Shasan Chatustrinshika" suggest repentance for past actions. They indicate that he engaged in severe penance, controlled his senses and passions strictly, and harbored feelings of brotherhood towards all beings.
  • Final Stage: It is inferred that Madankirti, after repenting, re-established himself in the monastic path, living according to the Digambara tradition and sentiments. The "Shasan Chatustrinshika" itself seems to have been composed during this period of renewed spiritual discipline.
  • Demise: No information is available about the time, place, or circumstances of his death, but it is presumed he passed away as a monk.

• Rajashekhar Suri's Account Re-evaluation: The author suggests that Rajashekhar Suri might have embellished Madankirti's biography, a view also held by Pandit Premi, who suggests the account might have been exaggerated or distorted due to being written a century later, though containing some factual elements that warrant evaluation.

• Other Works: It is unknown if Madankirti wrote any other works besides "Shasan Chatustrinshika." The text mentioned by Rajashekhar concerning the ancestors of Kuntibhoja is presumed to be lost.

5. Introduction to the Tirthas Mentioned in Shasan Chatustrinshika:

The text provides brief introductions to the 26 mentioned Tirthas:

• 8 Siddha-Tirthas:

  1. Kailasgiri (Asthapada): Mentioned as the place of liberation for Lord Rishabhadeva and others. Its importance in Indian religions, especially Jainism, is highlighted.
  2. Podanpur: Discussed regarding its location, with scholars debating between Taxila and Bodhan in Nizamabad district. The connection to Bahubali, his liberation there, and the statue erected by Bharat is detailed.
  3. Sammeta Shikhar (Parshvanatha Hill): Described as the greatest Jain pilgrimage site, the "Tirtharaj," where 20 Tirthankaras (excluding Rishabhadeva, Vasupujya, Arishtanemi, and Mahavir) attained liberation.
  4. Pavapur: The site of Mahavir Swami's Nirvana. Its traditional location in Bihar and its significance are mentioned. A note is made about archaeological findings suggesting Pazaanagar (Fazil Nagar) near Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh as the Nirvana site.
  5. Girnar (Urjayanta Hill): Where the 22nd Tirthankara Arishtanemi attained liberation, along with numerous other ascetics. It is also mentioned that Pradyumna Kumar, Sambhukumar, and Aniruddha Kumar attained liberation here.
  6. Champapuri: The place of conception, birth, initiation, omniscience, and liberation of the 12th Tirthankara Vasupujya.
  7. Vipulagiri: Part of the five mountains near Rajgir, with significance for ascetics and Jainism. Lord Mahavir's Samavasarana also took place here.
  8. Vindhyagiri: Identified as Vindhyachal. The text discusses possibilities of its location in Madhya Pradesh or in Mysore district (Channarayapatna taluk), mentioning Devgarh near Jhansi as a potential site.

• 18 Atishaya-Tirthas:

  • Shripur-Parshvanatha: Highlighted for its miracles, with a legend involving Dashagriva's servants, a new idol created by Sumali, and its miraculous healing properties. The possibility of its location in Shirur (Dharwad district) or Sirpur (Vesing district) is discussed.
  • Hulagiri/Holagiri-Shankhajina: The story of a merchant whose wagon of conches became immobile until the appearance of Shankhajina is recounted. Various legends involving Krishna, Jara-sandha, and the conch are presented, along with theories about its location in Puligere (Lakshmeshwara).
  • Dhara-Parshvanatha: Mentioned briefly in verse 5, with no further descriptive details provided.
  • Brihatpur-Brihaddav: Identified with Bavani-ji, the 57-foot statue of Rishabhadeva (Adinath) known as Bavangaja, which is a famous pilgrimage site in Malava.
  • Dakshin Gommatadeva of Jainpur (Jainbidri): The colossal 57-foot statue of Bahubali erected by Chamundaraya in Jainbidri (Shravanabelagola) is described as a world-renowned marvel of sculpture.
  • Shanti-jin rescued by King Vishvasena: A miraculous idol of Shanti Jineshvara recovered from the sea by King Vishvasena, believed to alleviate minor troubles. Its appearance in Malavati (likely Malwa) is suggested.
  • Pushpapura-Pushpadanta: The miraculous idol of Pushpadanta emerging from underground at Pushpapura (ancient name for Patna) and worshipped by Vyantar devas is mentioned.
  • Nagadraha-Nagahradeshvara: A site where the idol of Shri Nagahradeshvara (Parshvanatha) was worshipped for its ability to cure diseases like leprosy. Nagadraha is likely the ancient name for Nagda.
  • Chandraprabha on the Western Seashore: Mentioned as having miraculous qualities, possibly located in Tilakpuri (near Sindh and Kutch).
  • Chhaya-Parshvaprabhu: Mentioned by Madankirti on Siddhashila and by Jinaprabha Suri and Shantivijay on Mahendra and Himalaya mountains, suggesting a possible location in those mountain ranges.
  • Ashrama-nagar-Munisuvrata-jina: The appearance of Munisuvrata Swami's idol on a rock in Ashrama (Asharamya) or Pratishthanpur (Paithan) on the Godavari river is described, noted for its widespread miraculous effects.
  • Malli-jineshvara of Nagphani village in Mewar: The story of a farmer finding an idol of Malli-jineshwara while plowing, leading to the establishment of a temple and the site becoming a holy place.
  • Abhinandana-jina of Mangalpur in Malava: The miraculous breaking and subsequent rejoining of Abhinandana-jina's idol by invaders is described, and its worship is noted in Prakrit Nirvana Kand and Apabhramsha Nirvana Bhakti.

The author concludes by stating that the search for the identity and location of some of the mentioned sites continues and hopes that enthusiasts will uncover more information.