Shasana Chatustrinshika - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shasana Chatustrinshika" by Anantkirti, as presented in the provided text:

Book Title: Shasana Chatustrinshika (शासन-चतुस्विंशिका) Author: Mahapramanik Chudamani Shri Madankirti (महाप्रामाणिकचूडामणि श्री मदनकीर्ति) Publisher: Veer Seva Mandir Trust Editor and Translator: Nyayacharya Pt. Darbarilal Jain Kothiya, Shastri

Overall Purpose and Content:

The "Shasana Chatustrinshika" is a concise yet beautiful and original work attributed to the renowned scholar Muni Madankirti, who lived in the 13th century Vikram Samvat. The text comprises 36 verses (padyas) that briefly and symbolically describe the history of 26 Jain pilgrimage sites, including 8 Siddha Tirthas (places of liberation) and 18 Atishaya Tirthas (places with miraculous manifestations). Through these verses, the text extols the glory and victory of the Digambara Jaina tradition, highlighting its significance and the miraculous powers associated with the Jaina idols at these sites.

The work is considered valuable for its historical information concerning Jain pilgrimage sites and its antiquity, predating other significant works on the topic like the "Prabhavakcharitra" (VS 1334), "Prabandhachintamani" (VS 1361), and "Vividh Tirtha Kalpa" (VS 1386).

Structure of the Text (as per the table of contents):

Editorial (Sampadakiy): Discusses the manuscript, its discovery, and the process of its editing and publication.
Preface (Prastavana): Introduces the "Shasana Chatustrinshika" and its author, Muni Madankirti, providing detailed historical and chronological analysis.
Table of Contents (Vishay Suchi): Lists the 26 Tirthas and their associated verses.
Shasana Chatustrinshika: The main body of the work, containing the 36 verses.
Verse Index (Shasana Chatustrinshika ka Padhanukram): An alphabetical listing of the first words of each verse.
Appendix (Parishisht): Provides a brief historical introduction to the 8 Siddha Tirthas and 18 Atishaya Tirthas mentioned in the text.
Special Name List (Shasana Chatustrinshika ki Vishesh Naam Suchi): A list of key names and places mentioned in the text.

Key Aspects of Muni Madankirti and his Work:

Author's Identity: Muni Madankirti was a prominent Digambara scholar, disciple of Vishal kirti. He was honored with the title 'Mahapramanik Chudamani' (Supreme Authority Jewel) for his victory over various philosophers from all directions. Rajshekhar Suri, a Shvetambara scholar, mentions him in his "Prabandh Kosh" (VS 1405).
Chronological Placement: Based on references in the works of Pandit Ashadharji (VS 1285) and Rajshekhar Suri, Madankirti is placed around VS 1285.
Literary Style: The "Shasana Chatustrinshika" consists of 36 verses. The first verse, composed using the initial letters of the following 34 verses, is in the Anushtup meter. The last verse (35th) is a eulogy in the Malini meter, containing the author's self-description. The remaining 34 verses are in the Shardulvikridita meter, celebrating the Digambara Jaina tradition.
Themes: The verses highlight the glory, influence, and miracles of the Digambara Jaina faith, emphasizing its core principles like non-violence (ahimsa), non-possession (aparigraha), and the theory of syadvada.
Personal Life (as suggested by the text): The introductory verse and the final verse hint at a past personal struggle or fall from grace, followed by repentance and a return to a rigorous ascetic life. This suggests Madankirti may have experienced some personal challenges but ultimately recommitted himself to the Jaina path.

The 26 Mentioned Tirthas and their Significance:

The text describes 26 sacred places, detailing miraculous attributes of the Jaina idols located there. These sites are presented as evidence of the power and influence of the Digambara Jaina tradition. Some notable examples include:

Siddha Tirthas (8):
- Kailasa: Mentioned for a brilliant golden idol of Rishabhanatha, worshipped by gods.
- Podanpur: Site of Bahubali's liberation, with a large and miraculous idol.
- Sammeta Shikhar: Where 20 Tirthankaras attained liberation.
- Pavapur: The site of Mahavira's nirvana.
- Girnar (Ujayanta): Where Neminatha attained liberation.
- Champapur: The birthplace and nirvana place of Vasupujya.
- Vipulagiri: Associated with Mahavira's sermons.
- Vindhyagiri: A site of liberation for many ascetics.
Atishaya Tirthas (18):
- Shripur: Famous for the idol of Parshvanatha that floats in the sky.
- Hulagiri/Holagiri: Associated with Shankha-jin (Parshvanatha) and a miraculous event involving a merchant.
- Dhara: Known for the idol of Parshvanatha, associated with serpent king Dharanendra.
- Brihatpur: Famous for a 57-hand high stone idol of Brihaddeva (Adinatha).
- Jainpur (Jainbidri): Home to the South Gommateshvara idol, built by an assembly of 500 people and worshipped by gods.
- Eastern direction Parshva-jineshvara: Visible only to the pure-hearted.
- Shanti-jineshvara (by Vishwasen): An idol miraculously emerged from the ocean.
- Northern direction Jinavistara: Described as being called "Param Ishvara" by Yogis, "Kapil" by Sankhyas, etc., acknowledging its greatness.
- Sammeta Shikhar's Amritvapi: Water from which is considered miraculous.
- Chandraprabha at the Western Sea Coast: Idol whose ablution water cures leprosy.
- Chhaya-Parshva Prabhu: Idol whose shadow is miraculous.
- Adi-jineshvara at the Salt Sea: Idol whose shadow makes the sea water sweet.
- Vir Jin at Pavapur: Worshipped by animals, saves devotees from bad destinies.
- Neminatha at Girnar: Idol symbolizing liberation.
- Vasupujya at Champapur: Worshipped by gods with celestial drums and fragrant flowers.
- Munisuvrata Jin at Avarodhnagar/Prasharamya Nagar/Ashram: An idol found on a divine stone, worshipped by gods and humans.
- Malliji at Nagphani (Mewar): An idol found while plowing a field.
- Abhinandana Jin at Mangalpur (Malwa): An idol broken by invaders but miraculously rejoined.

Influence of Other Traditions:

The text also notes that various philosophical and religious traditions, such as Smritipathak, Vedantists, Vaisheshikas, Mayavadi, Yogis, Sankhyas, Charvakas, and Buddhists, have indirectly acknowledged or adopted aspects of the Digambara Jaina tradition, thus highlighting its profound influence.

Manuscript and Publication:

The primary manuscript used for this edition was reportedly ancient (400-500 years old) and in a dilapidated condition, with some parts illegible. The editor, Pt. Darbarilal Jain Kothiya, diligently worked to decipher the text, completing it with the help of contextual understanding and other scholarly resources. The publication aims to make this valuable work accessible to a wider audience.