Sirikummaputtachariyam

This document is a Hindi translation of the Jain text "Sirikummaputtachariyam" (शिरकुणापुतचारियों) by Anantahans, translated by Dr. Jinendra Jain and published by Jain Adhyayan evam Siddhant Shodh Samsthan, Jabalpur.

Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided pages:

Overall Purpose:

The book presents "Sirikummaputtachariyam," a Jain religious narrative, in its original Prakrit text, with a Hindi translation and word meanings. The core message emphasizes the importance of Bhavashuddhi (purity of intention/mind) as the most crucial aspect of the four types of religious practices: Daan (charity), Tap (penance), Sheel (virtue), and Bhav (intention/mind). The narrative illustrates how through such purity of mind, even while remaining a householder, one can attain Kevalgyan (omniscience) and ultimately Moksha (liberation).

Key Themes and Content:

• The Story of Kurmaputra (कूर्मापुत्र): The central character is Kurmaputra, who attains Kevalgyan while living as a householder. The text highlights that true spiritual progress is not dependent on external asceticism alone but on inner purity and devotion.
• The Importance of Bhavashuddhi: The book repeatedly stresses that among Daana, Tapa, Sheela, and Bhava, Bhava is supreme. It is described as the boat that ferries one across the ocean of existence, the path to heaven and liberation, and a wish-fulfilling jewel.
• Past Lives and Karma: The narrative delves into the past lives of the characters, explaining how their actions in previous births influence their present circumstances. This includes the story of Durdlabh Kumar (दुर्लभकुमार), who was taken to the netherworld by a Yakshini named Bhadramukhi (भद्रमुखी) due to past-life affection. His parents, upon learning of his plight and their own detached spiritual journey, also took up asceticism.
• Lessons from Parables:
  • The Gem Merchant: A parable of a merchant who obtains a wish-fulfilling jewel (Chintamani) but loses it through carelessness serves as a cautionary tale. It emphasizes that the rare human birth, like the lost jewel, can be wasted through negligence and attachment to worldly pleasures.
  • The text also references other stories like that of Bharata Chakravarti, Ilaputra, and Ashadhbhuti, who attained Kevalgyan in householder life through purity of mind.
• The Role of Asceticism and Jain Principles: The book showcases the efficacy of the Jain path, including the strict adherence to vows and the practice of penance. The story of Durdlabh Kumar's parents takingdiksha (initiation) and leading austere lives illustrates this.
• The Nature of the Text:
  • It is identified as a Kathak Granth (कथाग्रन्थ) or Akhyayika (आख्यायिका), a narrative rather than a purely biographical character sketch.
  • It is classified as a Divya-Manusha Katha (दिव्य-मानुष कथा), involving both divine and human characters.
  • It is specifically categorized as a Nirvedajanani Dharma Katha (निर्वेदजननी धर्मकथा) – a religious story that inspires detachment from worldly affairs.
• Language and Style: The text is written in Maharashtri Prakrit, with influences from Sanskrit. The author, Anantahans, is noted for his eloquent and simple style, making the narrative engaging and accessible. The language employs unique wordplay and repetition for aesthetic effect.
• Authorship and Time Period: The authorship is attributed to Anantahans, a disciple of Jinamāṇikya, who was himself a disciple of Hemavimala Suri of the Tapagacch sect. The text is estimated to have been composed around the early 16th century, with the oldest manuscript dating back to 1538 CE. Its origin is likely in Gujarat.
• Structure of the Book: The published version includes a dedication, editorial notes (Prakashkiya, Bhumika), a detailed table of contents, the introduction (Prastavana) discussing the author, time, place, summary, and linguistic aspects, the core text with original Prakrit verses and Hindi translation, a glossary (Shabdarth), and appendices (Parishisht) containing a verse index, character narratives, additional verses, and details about karma-kshay (the shedding of karmas).

In essence, "Sirikummaputtachariyam" serves as a profound Jain narrative that champions the internal spiritual discipline of pure intention as the ultimate path to enlightenment, demonstrating this through the life and attainment of Kurmaputra.