Tirthankar 05 Sumtinath Bhagwan Parichay - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Tirthankar 05 Sumtinath Bhagwan Parichay" by Muni Shri Dipratnasagarji, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Tirthankar 05 Sumtinath Bhagwan Parichay Author: Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar Publisher: Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar Content: This book is the fifth in a series presenting the lives and characteristics of the Tirthankaras (spiritual conquerors) of the current era in Bharat Kshetra. It details the life of the fifth Tirthankara, Lord Sumatinath, through 185 specific points or "dwaras."

Introduction and Scope (Page 3): The book aims to provide comprehensive information about Lord Sumatinath, covering 185 aspects of his life. It also mentions that information about the other 23 Tirthankaras of this era is also included within these 185 points.

Reference Literature (Page 3): The compiler, Muni Shri Dipratnasagarji, has drawn information from various significant Jain scriptures and texts. These include:

"Saptatishatsthan Prashn" by Somtibhasuri
"Aavashyak Niryukti"
"Aavashyak Vritti"
"Pravachan Saroddhar"
"Tirthodvalika"
"Trishashthishalaka Purush Charitra"
"Chaturvinsati Mahapurush Charitra"
"Samavaya Sutra"
Agam Kathanuyog (Agama narrative traditions)

Historical Context (Page 3): The idea for this book began around 2001, but the author's extensive work on Agam scriptures delayed its completion. After publishing 561 other books, he found time to compile this work. While "Saptatishatsthan Prashn" serves as a foundational text, the author has also incorporated points from other scriptures and omitted some, indicating a selective and comprehensive approach.

Discrepancies in Scriptural Accounts (Page 4): The author acknowledges that not all numerical data presented are universally consistent across all Jain scriptures. He highlights variations found in texts regarding:

Number of Gandharas (chief disciples): For example, Bhagwan Ajit's Gandharas are cited as 95 in some texts and 90 in the Samavaya Sutra. Similarly, Bhagwan Sambhav's Gandharas are listed as 102 in one source and 95 in another.
Total Number of Gandharas: Different scriptures mention 1452, 1448, and 1434 as the total number of Gandharas.
Numbers of Shramanas (monks), Shramanis (nuns), etc.: Variations exist in counts of specific classes of disciples, such as the number of Manahparyavagyanis (monks with telepathic knowledge) or Shravikas (female lay followers).
Life Events of Tirthankaras: Even details like the diksha (initiation) and Kevalgyan (omniscience) days of Bhagwan Mallinath have scriptural variations, which the author notes he has recorded in his "Agam Kathanuyog."

Key Information about Lord Sumatinath (Selected Points from pages 5-17):

The book then proceeds to detail various aspects of Lord Sumatinath's life, answering the 185 "dwaras." Here are some highlights:

Identity: Fifth Tirthankara of the current era in Bharat Kshetra.
Past Lives: He had three significant past lives leading to his Tirthankar status.
- Previous Births: He was King Purushsingh, and a celestial being in the Vijayantha Vimana (heavenly abode).
- Location of Previous Birth: In the Pushkalavati Vijay of the Purva Mahavideh region on Dhātaki Khand island, in the city of Pundrikini, where he was known as Atibal.
- Guru in Previous Life: Simandhar Bhagwan.
- Cause of Tirthankar Karma: Devotion to Arhats, Siddhas, the Jain doctrine, gurus, learned monks, ascetics, continuous spiritual application, perfect observance of faith and vows, equanimity in penance, charity, meditation, service, acquiring unprecedented knowledge, devotion to scriptures, and propagation of the faith.
- Scriptural Knowledge in Past Life: Eleven Angas.
- Heavenly Abode in Past Life: Jayanta.
- Celestial Life Span: 33 Sagaropam (an immeasurable period of time).
Descent and Birth:
- Chyavan (Descent): Shravan Sud 2 (August), under the Magha constellation, in the Leo zodiac sign, at midnight.
- Mother: Mangaladevi.
- Father: Megharaja.
- Conception: 9 months and 6 days. No specific vows were taken in the womb.
- Dreams of Mother: Mother Mangaladevi dreamt of 14 auspicious signs (elephant, bull, lion, Lakshmi, flower garland, moon, sun, flag, full pitcher, lotus pond, ocean of milk, celestial abode, pile of jewels, fire without smoke). The interpretation was done by the father and astrologers.
- Birth: Vaishakh Sud 8 (April/May), under the Magha constellation, in the Leo zodiac sign, at midnight. This occurred in the latter half of the fourth era of the current time cycle.
- Age at Birth: 42,000 years, 6 months, and 8.5 months remained in the fourth era.
- City of Birth: Ayodhya.
Birth Ceremony:
- Divine Procession: 56 Dikumaris (celestial maidens) descend to prepare the birthplace, purify the ground, shower fragrant water and flowers. Celestial beings from different directions bring mirrors, fans, whisks, urns, and lamps.
- Indra's Arrival: 64 Indras (kings of heavens) arrive. This includes 10 Indras from 12 Kalpas (heavenly regions), Indras of Jyotishka (celestial bodies), 20 Bhavanpati Indras (chiefs of infernal abodes), and 32 Vyantara Indras (chiefs of intermediate celestial beings).
- Ceremonial Bath: The Indras perform an abhishika (consecration) with 1008 pots of water. They anoint him with sandalwood, offer flowers, dress him, and adorn him. The gods also shower gold coins and make proclamations.
Family and Lineage:
- Gotra: Kashyapa.
- Vansh (Dynasty): Ikshvaku.
- Lanchhan (Symbol): Heron (Kroanch).
- Meaning of Name: "Sumati" means good mind or wisdom. It signifies the good understanding bestowed upon his mother during pregnancy, or his own inherent good wisdom.
Physical Characteristics:
- Aura: No divine aura (Phana).
- Body Features: Possessed 1008 auspicious marks, considered excellent.
- Build: Uniformly balanced (Samachaturasra).
- Strength: Infinite strength, far surpassing Chakravartis (universal monarchs) and Vasudevas.
- Height: 300 Dhanusha (an ancient unit of measurement) using Urddhvāngula and 120 Angulas using Atmāngula.
- Complexion: Golden (Kanchana).
- Radiance: Exceptionally radiant, with even all gods assembled unable to match the brilliance of his toenail.
Pre-Renunciation Life:
- Knowledge as Householder: Possessed Mati (sense knowledge), Shruta (scriptural knowledge), and Avadhi (clairvoyant knowledge).
- Diet: Initially nourished by nectar placed on his thumb by Indra, and later by traditional food.
- Marriage: Was married.
- Sensual Enjoyment: Engaged in sensual pleasures only with his wife.
- Princehood: Lived as a prince for 10 lakh Purva (an ancient unit of time).
- Reign: Ruled for 29 lakh Purva, 12 Purvanga.
- Status: Was a Mandlik Raja (regional king), not a Chakravarti.
Renunciation (Diksha):
- Path to Enlightenment: Self-enlightened (SvayamBuddha).
- Timing of Renunciation: Prompted by Lokantika Devas (celestial beings residing in the highest heavens) who inform him of the opportune time for renunciation.
- Donation during Renunciation: Gave daily donations of 1 crore and 8 lakh gold coins.
- Diksha Date: Vaishakh Sud 9 (April/May), under the Magha constellation, in the Leo zodiac sign, during the forenoon.
- Penance at Diksha: Undertook no specific penance at the moment of renunciation.
- Age at Diksha: In his later years, after enjoying his kingdom.
- Palanquin: The palanquin used was named Abhayankara.
- Companions: 1000 men renounced with him.
- Place of Renunciation: Ayodhya city.
- Forest of Renunciation: Sahasramra forest.
- Tree of Renunciation: Ashoka tree.
- Hair Plucking (Loch): Performed five handfuls of hair plucking.
- Knowledge Gained at Diksha: Manahparyavagyan (telepathic knowledge).
- Divine Garments: Indra placed divine garments on his shoulders, which remained for one year (or a lifetime, according to another account).
- First Alms: Received first alms on the second day from Padmavati (possibly a lay follower). The donor attained liberation in their third life.
- Divine Occurrences at First Alms: Proclamations of "Aho Dan!" (Oh, what a donation!), celestial music, showers of gold coins, fragrant water and flowers, and showers of garments.
- Amount of Gold Coins: 12.5 crore gold coins.
Post-Renunciation and Enlightenment:
- Meditation: Engaged in Tapa (penance).
- Area of Wandering: Aryabhumi (pure lands).
- Period as Kshmastha (unenlightened): 20 years.
- Kevalgyan (Omniscience):
  - Date: Chaitra Sud 11 (March/April).
  - Constellation: Magha.
  - Zodiac: Leo.
  - Time: Forenoon.
  - Place: Ayodhya.
  - Forest: Sahasramra forest.
  - Tree: Priyangu tree.
  - Tree Height: 12 times the height of the Tirthankara (3600 Dhanusha).
  - Penance at Kevalgyan: Fasting for six days (Sashthabhakta).
- Atishayas (Divine Attributes): 4 at birth, 19 bestowed by gods, and 11 acquired upon destruction of karmas (total 34).
- Vani (Speech) Qualities: 35 auspicious qualities, including Sanskrit and clarity, described as needing further study in other texts.
- Pratiharyas (Celestial Embellishments): Ashoka tree, shower of five-colored flowers, divine sound, white chowries, throne, aura, divine drum sound, umbrellas.
The Jain Community (Sangh):
- Ganadharas: 100.
- Chief Ganadhara: Charamgani.
- Chief Sadhvi: Kashyapi.
- Shravaka (Male Lay Followers): 2,81,000.
- Shravika (Female Lay Followers): 5,16,000.
- Kevalis (Omniscient Beings): 13,000.
- Manahparyavagyanis: 10,450.
- Avadhigyanis: 11,000.
- Chaudhpurvis (Those who know 14 Purvas): 2,400.
- Vaikriyalaubhidharas (Possessing illusory powers): 18,400.
- Vadimutins (Debating Monks): 10,450 (or 10,650 by another account).
- Samanya Munis (Ordinary Monks): 2,54,200.
- Anuttaraupapātik Munis (Monks whose rebirth is not in lower realms): 3,20,000.
- Vows of Monks: Four Mahavratas (great vows).
- Vows of Laymen: Twelve vows.
- Charitra (Conduct/Stages of Faith): Three types: Samayika, Sukshma Samparaya, and Yathakhyata.
- Tattvas (Principles): Nine principles (Jiva, Ajiva, etc.) or three (Deva, Guru, Dharma).
- Samayika: Four types: Samyaktva, Shruta, Deshvirati, Sarvavirati.
- Pratikraman (Confession/Repentance): Two types: Ritra (night) and Devasika (day).
- Acceptance of Night Meals: Considered an Uttara-Guna (secondary virtue).
End of Life and Liberation (Moksha):
- Total Lifespan: 40 lakh Purva.
- Duration of Asceticism: 1 lakh Purva minus 12 Purvanga.
- Suffering: Endured all physical and mental hardships (Sita adi Parishaha) with equanimity.
- Moksha Location: Sammeta Mountain.
- Posture at Moksha: Kayotsarga (standing meditation).
- Height at Moksha: 200 Dhanusha.
- Penance at Moksha: Month-long fast (Masakshaman).
- Number of Liberated Souls: 1000.
- Era at Moksha: Latter half of the fourth era, 42,000 years remaining.
- Time of Moksha: 1 lakh crore Sagaropam and 89 Paksha (half-months).
- Post-Death Rites: Cremation (Agni Sanskar), no burial or other rituals.
- Moksha Date: Chaitra Sud 9 (March/April), under the Punarvasu constellation, in the Cancer zodiac sign, during the forenoon.
- Land of Yugantakritya: Fourth era.
- Land of Paryayantakritya: Number of men.
Historical Context of Tirthankaras:
- Intervals: There was a gap of 90,000 crore Sagaropam between the nirvana of Bhagwan Ajit and Bhagwan Sambhav.
- Notable Events: No significant miracles or historical events (like the birth of Chakravartis or Vasudevas) are noted within his Tirth (religious order).
Abhishek Details (Page 17): The book concludes by listing the 250 types of celestial beings and individuals who participate in the abhishika (consecration ceremony) of a Tirthankara at birth, with a calculation of the total number of pots used.

Contact Information: The book provides contact details for Muni Shri Dipratnasagarji Maharaj Saheb.

Author's Credentials: Muni Shri Dipratnasagarji is presented as an accomplished scholar and prolific writer, having published 585 books, 5 DVDs, and presented 11 instruments in 5 languages over 32 years.

In essence, "Tirthankar 05 Sumtinath Bhagwan Parichay" is a meticulously compiled biographical and theological account of the fifth Tirthankara, Lord Sumatinath, offering detailed insights into his past lives, birth, childhood, renunciation, spiritual achievements, and the community established under his guidance, all based on authoritative Jain scriptures.