Tirthankar 10 Shitalnath Bhagwan Parichay

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Tirthankar 10 Shitalnath Bhagwan Parichay" by Munishri Dipratnasagar, based on the provided pages:

Overall Purpose and Structure:

This booklet, titled "Tirthankar - 10 Shitalnath Parichay," is part of a series aiming to provide comprehensive information about each Tirthankar. This particular volume focuses on the tenth Tirthankar of the current Chovisi (cycle of twenty-four Tirthankars) in the Bharat Kshetra, Bhagwan Shitalnath. The information is presented in 185 distinct points or "dwaras" (doors/topics).

Author and Sources:

The compiler of this work is Munishri Dipratnasagar, who holds multiple academic qualifications including M.Com., M.Ed., and Ph.D. He has also achieved the title of Rutamtsa.

The information presented is based on various ancient Jain scriptures and texts, including:

• "Saptatishathan Pra" by Somtibhasuri (considered the foundational text for this compilation)
• "Aavashyak" Niryukti
• "Aavashyak" Vritti
• Pravachan Saroddhar
• Tirthoddhar Abhiyan
• "Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Charitra"
• "Vadpanna Mahapurusha Parichaya"
• 'Samavaya' Chaturtha-Jhasutra
• Agam-Kathānuyog

Historical Context and Development:

The idea to compile this booklet originated around 2001. However, due to extensive work on Agam Shastras, it was delayed. After publishing his 561st book, Munishri Dipratnasagar felt a bit lighter and was able to undertake this project. While "Saptatishathan Pra" is the primary source, the author has not solely relied on it. He has also incorporated information from other texts like Aavashyak Niryukti and Tirthoddhar Prayatna, and has also omitted some points from the primary source to ensure comprehensiveness and accuracy.

Addressing Variations in Scriptural Texts (Pāthāntara-Ullekh):

A crucial point highlighted by the author is the existence of variations in numerical data across different Jain scriptures. For instance, the number of Ganadharas (chief disciples of a Tirthankar) can differ between texts (e.g., 95 vs. 90 for Bhagwan Ajitnath). Similarly, the number of Shravikas (female devotees) and other followers can also vary. The author acknowledges these discrepancies and mentions that such variations are noted in his "Agam Kathānuyog." This demonstrates a commitment to scholarly rigor and transparency.

Key Information about Bhagwan Shitalnath (as presented in the initial pages):

The booklet then proceeds to detail various aspects of Bhagwan Shitalnath's life and teachings, structured as follows:

• Name: Shitalnath
• Position in the Current Chovisi: Tenth Tirthankar
• Past Lives leading to Tirthankar status: Three lives (Padmottar Raja, Prāṇat Deva, and then Shitalnath)
• Previous Birth Location: Pushkarvar Dwip, Pushkarvar Kshetra, Uttara Videh region, south of the Sīta River, in Vatsa region, in the city of Susīmā.
• Name in a previous life: Padma, where he was a Mandalika Raja (feudal king) and his Guru was Astadhā.
• Causes for binding Tirthankar Nama Karma (20 points): These include qualities like Vatsalata (compassion/affection) towards Arihants, Siddhas, Pravachan (teachings), Gurus, Sthaviras (elders), Bahushrutas (learned ones), Tapasvis (ascetics), continuous application of knowledge, non-erroneous conduct (Darshan), humility (Vinaya), adherence to duties (Aavashyak), flawless vows (Sheel), flawless conduct (Vrata), momentary equanimity (Samadhi), equanimity in penance, equanimity in renunciation, equanimity in service (Vaiyavachch), acquiring unprecedented knowledge, devotion to scripture (Shrut Bhakti), and glorification of the teachings (Pravachan Prabhāvanā).
• Scripture (Shrut) in a previous life: Eleven Angas (major divisions of Jain scripture).
• Heavenly Abode in a previous life: Prāṇat Devalok.
• Lifespan in that heavenly abode: 2 Sagaropam.
• Chyavan (Descent from Heaven) Details:
  • Date: Vaishakh Vad 6 (Shastriya), Chaitra Vad 6 (Gujarati)
  • Nakshatra: Purvashadha
  • Rashi: Dhan
  • Time: Midnight
• Conception:
  • Mother's Dream: 14 dreams, including Elephant, Bull, Lion, Lakshmi, Garland, Moon, Flag, Full Pot, Lotus Pond, Ocean of Milk, Divine Palace, Pile of Jewels, and smokeless fire. (Note: The first dream of the bull was seen by the mother of Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankar).
  • Dream Interpretation: By the father and dream-interpreting priests.
  • Garbha Samharana (Conception Protection): This did not occur for Bhagwan Shitalnath.
  • Mother's Appearance: The mother's stomach did not change shape due to the hidden nature of the fetus.
  • Mother's Name: Nandā.
  • Abhigraha (Vow in the womb): None taken.
• Garbha Sthiti (Gestation Period): 9 months and 4 days.
• Birth Details:
  • Nakshatra: Purvashadha
  • Date: Maha Vad 8 (Shastriya), Posh Vad 8 (Gujarati)
  • Rashi: Dhan
  • Time: Midnight
  • Era: Latter half of the fourth era.
  • Remaining time in the era at birth: 4200 years, 1 lakh Purva, 3 years, and 8.5 months were remaining.
  • Birthplace: Bhillapur city in the Malaya country.
• Divine Manifestations at Birth:
  • Dik-kumaris (Directional Maidens): 56 Dik-kumaris arrive from various realms (lower worlds, upper worlds, eastern, western, northern, southern, central) to perform purification, adornment, and auspicious rituals.
  • Abhisheka (Anointment): Performed on the Atipandukambalashila in Pandukvan.
  • Indras: 64 Indras arrive and perform various functions like creating a reflection of the Lord, placing the Lord in their laps, bathing Him with 1008 pots, anointing with sandalwood, performing Anga Puja (worship of the body parts), dressing Him, adorning Him with jewelry, and sprinkling nectar on His feet to place Him back with His mother. They also shower 32 crore gold coins and make announcements.
• Parentage:
  • Mother: Nandārāṇī
  • Father: Dṛḍharatha Rājā
• Varna (Color/Class): Purusha (Human)
• Parent's Destination: Sunakumār Devalok
• Other Names: Information unavailable.
• Gotra: Kāyap
• Vansh (Lineage): Ikshvāku
• Lanchhan (Symbol): Shrivatsa (an auspicious mark)
• Meaning of Name: "Shital" (cool) because he removed the heat/affliction of the world, and also because the touch of his mother's hand soothed his father's fever.
• Physical Characteristics:
  • Phana (Hood): No Phana.
  • Body Marks: Possesses 1008 auspicious marks.
  • Sanghayana (Body Structure): Anuttara Vajṛṣabhānārāja.
  • Sansthāna (Body Form): Anuttara Samachaturasra (perfectly square).
  • Knowledge in Householder Life: Mati, Shruta, Avadhi Jnana (knowledge through mind, scripture, clairvoyance).
  • Gan (Clan): Manav.
  • Yoni (Species): Nakul.
  • Varna (Complexion): Pita (Golden).
  • Roop (Beauty): Exquisite and radiant, surpassing even the combined beauty of all deities.
  • Bal (Strength): Infinite strength (far exceeding that of a Chakravarti or Vasudeva).
  • Height: 90 Dhanush (by Ut-sangula), 120 Angula (by Atma-angula), 21 Angula and 30 Ansha (by Pramana-angula).
  • Āhāra (Food): Nectar at infancy (placed by Indra on his finger), and special food items like cooked rice later.
  • Marriage: Married.
  • Sensual Enjoyment: With his own wife.
  • Princehood: 25,000 Purva.
  • Reign: 50,000 Purva.
  • Status: Mandalika Raja (not a Chakravarti).
  • Path to Enlightenment: Self-enlightened (Swayambuddha).
  • Initiation Announcement: Lokantika Devatas (from Brahmaloka) announce the auspicious time for initiation.
  • Vardhanidan (Charitable Donation): 1 crore 8 lakh gold coins daily, 388 crore 80 lakh annually. Donated from sunrise to noon.
  • Initiation Date: Maha Vad 12 (Shastriya), Posh Vad 12 (Gujarati).
  • Initiation Nakshatra: Purvashadha.
  • Initiation Rashi: Dhan.
  • Initiation Time: Forenoon.
  • Initiation Penance: Fasting of six days.
  • Initiation Age: In his later years, after enjoying his kingdom.
  • Palanquin Name at Initiation: Shuklaprabha.
  • Number of Initiates: 1000 men.
  • Initiation Gati: Departed with the Tirthankar Lingham (divine attributes), not in any other guise.
  • City of Initiation: Bhaddilpur.
  • Forest of Initiation: Sahasram Van.
  • Tree at Initiation: Ashoka Tree.
  • Number of Hair Plucks: Five handfuls.
  • Knowledge at Initiation: Manahparyavjnana (knowledge of others' minds).
  • Divine Garment: Placed on his shoulders by Indra. Remained for one year or his entire life, according to different accounts.
  • First Sustenance (Parana): Paramanna (sweet rice pudding).
  • When: The next day.
  • Where: Rishthapur.
  • First Alms Giver: Punarvasu.
  • Destiny of Alms Giver: Achieved Moksha in that life or the third life.
  • Divine Manifestations at First Alms: Announcements of glory, divine music, rain of gold coins, fragrant water and flower shower, and shower of clothes.
  • Amount of Gold Coin Shower: 12.5 crore.
  • Exalted Penance in his teaching: Eight months.
  • Vihara Bhumi (Area of Wandering): Arya Bhumi.
  • Keval Jnana (Omniscience) Period: 3 months while in the Chhadmastha state.
  • Keval Jnana Date: Posh Vad 14 (Shastriya), Magshar Vad 14 (Gujarati).
  • Keval Jnana Nakshatra: Purvashadha.
  • Keval Jnana Rashi: Dhan.
  • Keval Jnana Time: Forenoon.
  • Keval Jnana Place: Bhaddilpur.
  • Keval Jnana Forest: Sahasram Van.
  • Keval Jnana Tree: Pilankhu.
  • Keval Jnana Tree Height: 12 times the height of the Bhagwan (approx. 1080 Dhanush).
  • Penance at Keval Jnana: Fasting of six days.
  • Atishayas (Supernatural Attributes): 4 from birth, 19 manifested after the destruction of Karmas during Chhadmastha state, totaling 33 Atishayas.
  • Qualities of Speech: 35 qualities of pure Sanskrit speech (details to be found in other texts).
  • Pratiharyas (Divine Decorations): Ashoka Tree, shower of five types of flowers, divine sound, white fly-whisk, lion throne, halo, drumbeat, umbrella and parasol.
  • Chaitya Vriksha (Primary Pratiharaya): (Referencing the height of the Ashoka tree: 90 x 12 = 1080 Dhanush).
  • 18 Imperfections Avoided: Defects related to Dana (charity), Labh (profit), Virya (energy), Bhog (enjoyment), Upabhog (using things), Jugupsa (disgust), Bhaya (fear), Ajnan (ignorance), Nidra (sleep), Avirati (non-restraint), Kama-bhoga-ichchha (desire for sensual pleasures), Hasa (laughter), Shoka (sorrow), Dvesha (hatred), Mithyatva (false belief), Raga (attachment), Arati (displeasure), Rati (pleasure).
  • Start of the Tirth (Religious Order): Up to Shreyansanath in the first Samavasarana.
  • Tirth Vivchchhed (Period of Interruption): One-fourth of a Palyopam.
  • First Ganadhara: Nand.
  • First Sadhvi: Suyasha.
  • First Shravaka: Information unavailable.
  • First Shravika: Information unavailable.
  • Chief Devotee King: Simandhar.
  • Yaksha: Brahmayaksha.
  • Yakshini: Ashokā.
  • Gan (Disciples): Eighty-one.
  • Ganadharas: Eighty-one.
  • Sadhus: 1,00,000.
  • Sadhvis: 1,00,006.
  • Shravakas: 2,89,000.
  • Shravikas: 4,58,000.
  • Kevalins (Omniscient Disciples): 7,000.
  • Manahparyavajnanis: 7,500.
  • Avadhijnanis: 7,200.
  • Chaturdapoorvis (Scholars of 14 Purvas): 1,400.
  • Vaikriyatidharas (Possessors of Manifestation Powers): 12,000.
  • Vadimunis (Debating Monks): 5,800.
  • Samanya Munis (Ordinary Monks): 59,019.
  • Anuttaropapatika Munis (Monks attaining non-regressive births): Information unavailable.
  • Prakirnaka Compositions: 1,00,000.
  • Monk Vows: Four Mahavratas.
  • Lay Devotee Vows: Twelve Vows.
  • Charitras (Conduct): Three - Samayika, Sukshma Samparay, Yathakhyat.
  • Tattvas (Principles): Nine (Jiva etc.) or Three (Deva, Guru, Dharma).
  • Samayika: Four - Samyakva, Chuta, Desavirati, Sarvavirati.
  • Pratikramana (Confession/Repentance): Two - Rai, Devasi.
  • Ratri-bhojan (Night Eating): Falls under Uttara-guna.
  • Sthita-Kalpa (Permanent Vows/Practices): Shayyatar, 4 Vratas, Jyeshtha, Krutikarma.
  • Asthita-Kalpa (Temporary/Conditional Vows/Practices): Aavelkya, Dishika, etc. (6 types).
  • Monk Conduct Adherence: Easy to understand, easy to follow.
  • Shad-avashyaka (Six Essential Duties): Performed when the cause arises.
  • Monks' Nature: Simple and wise.
  • Propagated Dharma: Ungar (ascetic) + Agar (householder) or Shruta (scripture) + Charitra (conduct).
  • Monk's Garment Color: Any color.
  • Monk's Garment Size: As obtained.
  • Householder Life: 75,000 Purva.
  • Keval Jnana Period (after initiation): 25,000 Purva minus 3 months.
  • Total Initiation Period: 25,000 Purva.
  • Total Lifespan: 1,00,000 Purva.
  • Endurance of Hardships (Parishahs): Endured them properly.
  • Destination after Death: Moksha (Siddhagati), attaining eternal and unimpeded happiness.
  • Post-Death Rites: Cremation (not burial).
  • Moksha (Liberation) Date: Vaishakh Vad 2 (Shastriya), Chaitra Vad 2 (Gujarati).
  • Moksha Nakshatra: Purvashadha.
  • Moksha Rashi: Dhan.
  • Moksha Time: Forenoon.
  • Moksha Place: Samet Mountain.
  • Asana at Moksha: Kayotsarga (standing in meditation).
  • Avagahana (Height) in Moksha: 60 Dhanush.
  • Penance at Moksha: Maas-kshaman (fasting for a month).
  • Number of Liberated Disciples: 1000 men.
  • Era at Moksha: Mid-point of the fourth era.
  • Time of Moksha: 42,000 years, 1 crore Sagaropam and 89 Paksha, with the fourth era remaining.
  • Yugantakrita Bhumi: Up to countable men.
  • Paryayantakrita Bhumi: One day and so forth.
  • Time spent in previous Yugas: Innumerable years.
  • Interruption of previous Yugas: After innumerable years.
  • Time Interval between Tirthankars: After Bhagwan Shitalnath, Bhagwan Shreyansanath attained Nirvana after 100 Sagaropam, 66 lakh 26,000 years, and 1 crore Sagaropam.
  • Miracles during his Tirth: Birth of the Harivansh lineage.
  • Chakravartis in his Tirth: None.
  • Vasudevas in his Tirth: None.
  • Baladevas in his Tirth: None.
  • Prati-Vasudevas in his Tirth: None.
  • 250 Abhishekas at Birth: A detailed list of 250 types of divine beings and their retinue performing Abhishek, resulting in 1 crore 60 lakh potfuls of water.

Contact Information:

The booklet concludes with contact details for Munishri Dipratnasagarji Maharaj for further inquiries.

In essence, the booklet provides a meticulously detailed biographical and doctrinal account of Bhagwan Shitalnath, drawing from authoritative Jain scriptures and acknowledging textual variations, making it a valuable resource for those seeking knowledge about this Tirthankar.