Sthambhan Parshwanath Charitra

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sthambhan Parshwanath Charitra" by Manilal Nyalchand Shah, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Sthambhan Parshwanath Charitra Author: Manilal Nyalchand Shah Publisher: Jain Sasti Vanchanmala Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/035272/1

Overall Purpose: The book aims to narrate the history and significance of the Sthambhan Parshwanath idol and its connection to various historical and religious narratives within Jainism. It also serves as a tribute to revered individuals and highlights the importance of religious devotion and ethical conduct.

Key Sections and Themes:

1. Dedication and Tribute (Pages 3-10):

   • The book is dedicated to the memory of Late Mrs. Ratanbai, wife of Seth Karshibhai Vijpalbhai. Karshibhai, a successful businessman from Rangoon, sponsored the printing of the book in her memory.
   • The author praises Ratanbai for her virtues: deep religious devotion, simplicity, intellectual pursuits, and contentment, even amidst great wealth. She was a devout follower of Lord Parshwanath.
   • The text includes a brief biography of Ratanbai, highlighting her birth in 1936 (Vikram Samvat), marriage in 1949, and passing in 1983. It also introduces her husband, Seth Karshibhai, and his respected family background, known for their religious and business acumen.
   • The author expresses the intention to inspire readers to emulate the noble qualities of such individuals.

2. Introduction (Pages 11-12):

   • The introduction emphasizes the importance of history in human life, for both practical and moral/religious development.
   • The book promises to provide a detailed history of the Sthambhan Parshwanath idol, including its origin, the time of its creation, and the patron responsible.
   • The author intends to explain the reason for the name "Sthambhan Parshwanath," the miracles attributed to the idol, and the benefit derived by great personalities.
   • The text is compiled from various historical Jain texts like Prabhavak Charitra, Prabandh Chintamani, Jain Dharma no Prachin Itihas, etc.
   • The author hopes this "unprecedented literature" will be well-received by the Jain community and requests support for such endeavors.
   • The author expresses a wish for the influence of Sthambhan Parshwanath to inspire similar devotion in all individuals.

3. Table of Contents (Pages 13-16):

   • The book is divided into five main sections (Khanda) with numerous chapters detailing various narratives.
   • Khand 1: Focuses on the story of Ram and Lakshman, their encounter with Parshwanath, Ravana's history, and their journey to Lanka. This section seems to intertwine Hindu epics with Jain narratives.
   • Khand 2: Details the stories of Lord Krishna, his life in Dwarka, and his journey.
   • Khand 3: Narrates the story of Dhanapati Sarthavah, his sea journey, and encounters with Sthambhan Parshwanath.
   • Khand 4: Discusses various figures like Padmaliacharya, Nagarjun, and their interactions with Sthambhan Parshwanath, exploring concepts like the "Ras Siddhi."
   • Khand 5: Focuses on Bhakti (devotion) to Sthambhan Parshwanath, featuring characters like Abhaydev Suri, and concludes with the history and eventual fate of Sthambhanpur.

4. The Core Narrative - The Sthambhan Parshwanath Legend (Interwoven throughout):

   • Ram and Lakshman's Quest (Khand 1, Chapters 1-15): The narrative begins with Ram and Lakshman on the seashore, preparing to cross the ocean to Lanka to rescue Sita from Ravana. They are concerned about crossing the vast sea and seek divine intervention. They discover a magnificent temple resembling a divine chariot by the sea.
   • Discovery of Parshwanath: Ram and Lakshman enter the temple and are awe-struck by the idol of Lord Parshwanath, identifiable by the serpent's hood insignia. They decide to worship this idol for success in their mission.
   • The Miracle of the Sea: While Ram and Lakshman perform penance for seven months and nine days, the Nagraj (king of serpents) is disturbed by their devotion. He appears and offers to help. Ram requests the Nagraj to calm the ocean waters so they can build a bridge (paj) to Lanka. The Nagraj agrees, and the sea becomes still, allowing the construction of the bridge. This miraculous intervention is the reason the idol is called "Sthambhan Parshwanath" (the one who stopped or stabilized).
   • The Legend of the Idol's Origin: The idol was reportedly crafted by Ashadhi Shravak in the 16th Tirthankar's (Neminath) era. It was later worshipped by Lord Sudharma, then by the Patala king Dharanendra, who built the temple where Ram and Lakshman found it. It has been continuously worshipped by Nagas.
   • The War with Ravana: The book details the epic war between Ram's army and Ravana's forces, highlighting the bravery of characters like Hanuman, Sugriva, Nal, and Neel. It describes the challenges faced, including the ocean crossing and the eventual defeat of Ravana.
   • Krishna's Devotion to Sthambhan Parshwanath (Khand 2 onwards): The narrative shifts to Lord Krishna, who also discovers a temple of Parshwanath (later identified as Sthambhan Parshwanath) by the sea. He is deeply moved by the idol's power and beauty. The Nagraj explains the idol's history, including its origin and its association with Ram and Lakshman. Krishna, impressed by the idol's power to calm the ocean, takes it to Dwarka and builds a grand temple for it. The text highlights the continuous devotion of various figures, including Krishna, to this idol.
   • Krishna's Final Moments and Dwarka's Destruction: The book touches upon Krishna's destiny, foretold by Lord Neminath, leading to the destruction of Dwarka and the demise of the Yadava clan, partly due to the actions of Jarajikumar and the curse of Dwipayan Muni. Krishna's death is described as being caused by an arrow from Jara.
   • Balaram's Path to Renunciation: After Krishna's death, Balaram, overcome with grief, renounces the world and takes up severe penance, eventually achieving liberation.
   • Other Historical and Mythological Narratives: The subsequent sections delve into various other stories, including those of Padmaliacharya, Nagarjun, Shalivahan, and the historical context of Jainism through different Tirthankaras and their followers, tracing lineages and the evolution of traditions. It also includes philosophical discussions and explanations of Jain principles through these narratives.

5. Historical and Chronological Context:

   • The book makes references to the timelines of Tirthankaras, historical kings, and events within the Jain and Hindu traditions, attempting to place the narrative within a broader historical framework.

6. Themes:

   • Divine Intervention and Miracles: The story of Sthambhan Parshwanath highlights the miraculous powers of the idol, particularly its ability to calm the ocean and aid in overcoming obstacles.
   • Devotion and Penance: The text emphasizes the power of devotion and penance (tapasya) in achieving divine favor and overcoming challenges.
   • Karma and Destiny: The narratives implicitly suggest the role of karma in shaping individual destinies, as seen in the foretold events surrounding Krishna and Balaram.
   • Ethical Conduct and Virtue: The book implicitly promotes virtues like righteousness, adherence to vows, compassion, and detachment from worldly desires through the lives of the characters.
   • The Importance of Tirthankaras: The stories of Parshwanath and Neminath, and the reverence shown to them, underscores their central role in guiding souls towards liberation.

Overall Impression: "Sthambhan Parshwanath Charitra" is a compilation of stories that aim to illustrate the grandeur and significance of Lord Parshwanath, specifically the Sthambhan Parshwanath idol. It blends historical Jain accounts with elements from broader Indian mythology, particularly the Ramayana and Mahabharata narratives, to make the religious teachings more accessible and engaging. The dedication to Ratanbai and the biography of her family add a personal touch, grounding the narrative in real-life devotion. The detailed table of contents suggests a comprehensive exploration of various Jain traditions and historical figures connected to the central theme.