Tirthankar 09 Suvidhinath Bhagwan Parichay

This document is a Jain text titled "Tirthankar 09 Suvidhinath Bhagwan Parichay" (Introduction to the 9th Tirthankara, Lord Suvidhinath), compiled by Munishri Deepratnasagar (also referred to as Dipratnasagar). It is part of a series introducing the Tirthankaras of the current Chovisi (cycle of 24 Tirthankaras) in the Bharat Kshetra.

The book aims to present information about Lord Suvidhinath through 185 "dwaras" (doors or points of inquiry). It also mentions that information about the other 23 Tirthankaras is included within these 185 points.

The compilation draws from various Jain scriptures and texts, including:

• Saptatishathan Prakaran by Somtipuri
• Savac Niryukti
• Mava Vrutti
• Pravachan Sarodhar
• Tirthasthan Parigraha
• Trishashtishalaka Purusha Charitra
• Samaaya Sutra
• Agam Kathaniyog

The author notes that the idea for this book was conceived around 2001, but the extensive work on Agam Shastras delayed its commencement. This work became possible after the publication of his 561st book. He clarifies that while "Saptatishathan Prakaran" is the foundational text, he has also incorporated points from other scriptures like Avashyak Niryukti and Tirthodhalika, and omitted some points from the primary source where deemed necessary.

A significant aspect highlighted is the acknowledgment of variations and differing accounts (pathantar) in Jain scriptures. The author explicitly states that not all numerical data presented can be considered eternally fixed. He provides examples of discrepancies in the number of Ganadharas (chief disciples) for Tirthankaras Ajit and Sambhav, and mentions three different accounts for Lord Suvidhinath's Ganadharas. Similar variations are noted for the number of Shramanas (monks), Shramanis (nuns), and even events like their birth and enlightenment days. He states that he has documented these variations in his work "Agam Kathaniyog."

The subsequent pages (from page 5 onwards) detail specific information about Lord Suvidhinath, presented in a question-and-answer format (dwaras). Here's a glimpse of the topics covered through these points:

• Previous Lives: Mentions three previous lives, including King Padma, Anant Dev, and finally as Suvidhinath. Details his previous life's dwelling (Pushkarvar island, Mahavideh area), city (Pundarikini), and name (Mahapadma), and his status as a Mandlik King.
• Tirthankara Namakarma: Lists the 20 actions or virtues that lead to binding the Tirthankara Namakarma, such as devotion to Arhats, Siddhas, the religious doctrine, elders, learned individuals, ascetics, continuous concentration on knowledge, adherence to vows and principles, charity, and promoting the faith.
• Descent and Conception: Mentions his descent from Anant Dev, his lifespan in heaven, the date and constellation of his descent, and the 14 auspicious dreams his mother, Ramadevi, had (though notes that the common sequence of dreams is listed, referencing the first dream of Rishabhdev's mother). It also clarifies that there was no "garbha sanharan" (confinement of the fetus) for Lord Suvidhinath and that his mother's womb did not alter its shape.
• Birth Details: Specifies his birth constellation (Moola), the era of his birth (latter half of the fourth era), the remaining duration of that era, and his birthplace (Kakandi city). It details the arrival and duties of Dik-Kumari (direction goddesses) and their actions during his birth, such as purifying the ground, showering scented water and flowers, holding mirrors, fanning, presenting lamps, and performing post-natal rituals.
• Royal Birth: Mentions the presence of 64 Indras at his birth and their specific activities, including creating a replica of the Lord, bathing him with holy water, applying sandalwood paste, worshipping him, adorning him with clothes and jewelry, and showering wealth.
• Parentage and Lineage: Names his mother as Ramadevi and his father as King Sugriv. States his lineage (Vansh) as Ikshvaku, his clan (Gotra) as Kasyapa, and his emblem (Lanchhan) as a Crocodile (Magar).
• Name Meaning: Explains the common meaning of his name "Suvidhinath" as one whose rituals are performed with proper discipline, and a special meaning related to his mother's spiritual upliftment due to his presence in the womb.
• Physical Characteristics: Details his height (100 dhanush by Utsadhangul, 120 anguls by Atmangul, 24 anguls by Pramanangul), complexion (white), strength (infinite), voice (35 qualities), and the eight Pratiharyas (divine attendants).
• Life in Household: Mentions his marital status (married), indulgence in worldly pleasures with his own wife, his life as a prince (50,000 years), and his reign (50,000 years, 28 purvanga). He was a Mandlik King, not a Chakravarti.
• Renunciation and Austerities: Describes how he attained enlightenment, mentioning the role of Lokantik Devas. Details the date, constellation, and time of his renunciation, and the fast he observed (sixth day fast). He took diksha in his later age.
• Post-Renunciation: Mentions the name of his palanquin (Suraprabha), the number of men who renounced with him (1000), his renunciation from Kakandipuri under the Sahasramra tree in the Sahasramra forest, and the five handfuls of hair he plucked. He gained Manahparyavagyan immediately after renunciation.
• First Alms and Ascetic Life: Specifies the nature of his first alms (rice pudding), when it occurred (second day), where it took place (Jetpur), and who was the first alms-giver (Pushya). It mentions the divine manifestations that occurred during his first alms.
• Enlightenment: States the date, constellation, and location of his omniscience (Kakandi, Sahasramra forest, under the Malli tree). The height of the enlightenment tree is mentioned as 12 times the Lord's body height.
• Doctrines and Followers: Covers his 34 types of Atishayas (extraordinary powers), his followers (Ganadharas, monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen), and specific numbers for these groups.
• Liberation: Details the date, constellation, and location of his liberation (Samet Parvat). Mentions his posture at liberation (kayotsarg), his size at liberation (66.67 dhanush), and the austerity he observed (mas-kshamana).
• Inter-Tirth Periods: Discusses the intervals between Tirthankaras and significant events that occurred during his dispensation, such as the worship of the uncontrolled.
• Absence of Rulers: States that no Chakravartis, Vasudevas, Baladevas, or Prativasudevas appeared during his era.
• Abhishekas: Provides details on the 250 types of consecrations performed at his birth, involving various celestial beings and their consorts, resulting in millions of ritualistic baths.

The document concludes with contact information for Munishri Deepratnasagarji Maharaj and his extensive work as a presenter of books and DVDs in multiple languages.