Shraman Bhagvana Mahavira Part 5

This Jain text, "Shraman Bhagvan Mahavira Part 5: Sthaviravali" by Muni Ratnaprabhvijay and D. P. Thaker, is Volume V, Part I of a larger series on the life and teachings of Lord Mahavira. Published by Parimal Publications in Delhi, India, the book focuses on the "Sthaviravali," which is a serial description of esteemed and learned Jain ascetics.

The text categorizes these venerable ascetics, or Sthaviras, into three types:

1. Vaya Sthavira: Ascetics aged sixty years or more.
2. Pravrajya Sthavira: Ascetics whose consecration (initiation into asceticism) has been for twenty years or more.
3. Shruta Sthavira: Ascetics possessing complete knowledge of the sacred Jain scriptures, specifically the Thanaanga, Samavayaanga, and other sutras of the Dvadasangi.

The Sthaviravali contains descriptions of the life incidents of:

• The Ganadhars (chief disciples) of Tirthankaras.
• The Pattadharas (Pontiffs who succeeded them as heads of the Jaina Church).
• The Yugapradhans (highly learned and respected sages of the age) who have served the Jain religion.

Specifically, this volume focuses on:

• The eleven Ganadhars of Shraman Bhagavan Mahavira.
• Thirty Pattadharas who succeeded Ganadhara Mahārāja Sudharmā Swāmī in regular order.
• Fifteen Yuga-pradhans who rendered valuable service to the Jaina religion.

The book details the sources of information for these accounts, which include various Prakrit and Sanskrit texts like the Kappa Sutta Thérāvali, Nandi Sūtra Pațṭāvali, and numerous Pațțāvalis and Gurvāvalis.

The text then proceeds to provide detailed biographies of the eleven Ganadhars of Bhagavan Mahavira, starting with Ganadhara Mahārāja Indrabhūti Gautama. It recounts his birth, family background, extensive knowledge of various branches of learning (including the fourteen varieties of knowledge), his initiation, and the composition of the Twelve Angas and Fourteen Purvas. It also elaborates on the philosophical concepts of Utpada, Vyaya, and Dhrauvya (production, destruction, and permanence) as explained by him. The narrative of Gautama's intellectual prowess and his encounter with Mahavira is detailed, highlighting his initial arrogance and eventual enlightenment.

The text further introduces Ganadhara Agnibhūti, Ganadhara Vayubhūti, Ganadhara Vyakta, Ganadhara Sudharma Swami, Ganadhara Mandita, Ganadhara Mauryaputra, Ganadhara Akampita, Ganadhara Acalabhrata, Ganadhara Métārya, and Ganadhara Prabhāsa, providing information about their lineage, birth, education, doubts, initiation, and achievements, including the attainment of Kevala Jnana (perfect knowledge) and Moksa (liberation).

Throughout the text, the intricate details of Jain philosophy, the lives of disciples, the concept of Labdhis (supernatural acquisitions), and the historical context of the Jain tradition are presented, offering a comprehensive look at the early lineage of ascetics and their profound contributions to Jainism. The book also includes chronological tables and lists of these prominent figures.