Tirthankar 17 Kunthunath Bhagwan Parichay

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Tirthankar 17 Kunthunath Bhagwan Parichay" by Muni Shri Dipratnasagar:

This booklet, "Tirthankar 17 Kunthunath Bhagwan Parichay", compiled by Muni Shri Dipratnasagar, provides a detailed biographical account of the 17th Tirthankar, Bhagwan Kunthunath, presented through 185 "dwaras" (points or aspects). The work also incorporates information on the other 23 Tirthankars of the current time cycle (Chovisi) in Bharat Kshetra.

Sources and Methodology: The compilation relies on various sacred Jain scriptures, including:

• "Saptatishathasthan Pra" by Somitibh Suri (considered the foundational text).
• "Aavashyak" Niryukti and its commentary.
• "Pravachan Sarohar".
• "Tirthoddhaliik Payo".
• "Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Charitra".
• "Chatupannamaahaapurusha Chariya".
• "Samavaya" Chaturth Angasutra.
• Agam Kathanuyaog.

The author notes that while "Saptatishathasthan Pra" is the primary source, other scriptures were consulted to include additional aspects and sometimes to clarify or select from varying accounts.

Important Clarification on Variations (Pathantar-Ullekh): The author explicitly states that not all numerical data presented is considered eternally fixed. Variations in counts are found in different scriptures regarding figures like Ganadharas (disciples), Shramanas (monks), and Shramanis (nuns). Examples are provided:

• The number of Ganadharas for Bhagwan Ajit is 95 in the primary source but 90 in "Samavaya".
• For Bhagwan Sambhav, it's 102 in one text and 95 in another.
• For Bhagwan Suvidhi, there are three different accounts for Ganadharas (88, 84, 86).
• Total Ganadhara counts also vary significantly across different scriptures (1452, 1448, 1434).
• Similar discrepancies exist for the numbers of monks, nuns, and specific enlightened beings like Manahparyavagyanis and Avadhigyanis.
• Even details like the day of initiation and enlightenment for Bhagwan Mallinath have textual variations mentioned by commentators.

Key Life Events and Attributes of Bhagwan Kunthunath (Summarized from the presented "dwaras"):

• Name: Kunthunath.
• Order in the current Chovisi: 17th Tirthankar.
• Past Lives leading to Tirthankar Namakarma: The text outlines previous lives, including being King Simhavahan and Dev Sarvarthasiddhi. It also lists the 20 specific actions/qualities that lead to the binding of Tirthankar Namakarma, such as affection for Arhats, Siddhas, teachings, gurus, ascetics, continuous knowledge, virtuous conduct, humility, penance, renunciation, service, scriptural devotion, and propagation of the faith.
• Previous Heavenly Abode: Sarvarthasiddhi, Anuttar Vimana, with a lifespan of 33 Sagaropam.
• Descent (Chyavan): Occurred from the Mahendra Devlok.
• Chyavan Month/Date (Classical): Shravan Vad 9.
• Chyavan Month/Date (Gujarati): Ashadh Vad 9.
• Chyavan Nakshatra: Krittika.
• Chyavan Rashi: Taurus (Vrishabh).
• Chyavan Time: Midnight.
• Mother's Dream: The text details the 14 dreams seen by the mother upon conception (including elephant, bull, lion, Lakshmi, flower garland, moon, sun, flag, full pitcher, lotus pond, ocean of milk, divine chariot, pile of jewels, and fire without smoke). It's noted that the first dream for Rishabhdev's mother was a bull.
• Conception: The pregnancy was not "samharan" (a miraculous event of conception or protection described in some Jain texts).
• Mother's Name: Devi.
• Father's Name: King Sur.
• Birth Location: Gajpur city in Kuru Desh.
• Birth Time: Towards the latter half of the fourth era (Chaturth Ardh).
• Birth Time Era: Approximately 66 lakh years, 89 days, and 84,000 years remaining in the fourth era, with a quarter of a Palyopam lifespan.
• Divine Reception at Birth: 64 Indras (including Indras from various heavenly realms) and 56 Dikumaris (directional maidens) arrived. The Dikumaris performed purification and auspicious rituals, while the Indras participated in the divine Abhishek, anointing, clothing, and adorning the infant Tirthankar, followed by a shower of gold coins and proclamations.
• Abhishek: Performed on the Pandukambal Shila south of Pandukavan by the Indras.
• Caste: Male.
• Gotra: Kashyap.
• Lineage: Ikshvaku.
• Symbol (Lanchhan): Goat (Bakara).
• Name Meaning: "Kunthu" relates to being in the earth (Pṛthvī), and his mother dreamt of a jeweled stupa while he was in her womb.
• Physical Attributes: Resplendent golden complexion, possesses 1008 auspicious marks, no divine hood (Phana).
• Samghatan: Anuttar Vajra Rushabhnaracha.
• Samsthan: Anuttar Samachaturasra.
• Knowledge in Householder Life: Mati, Shruta, Avadhi Gyan.
• Gana: Rakshasa.
• Yoni: Goat (Bakara).
• Strength: Infinite (greater than a Chakravarti).
• Height: 35 Dhanush (by Utsadhngul), 120 Angul (by Atmangul), 8 Angul 20ansh (by Pramanangul).
• Diet: Ambrosia in childhood, placed on his thumb by Indra.
• Marriage: Married.
• Sensual Enjoyment: With his own wives.
• Prince Life: 23,000 years.
• Reign: 23,000 years.
• Status: Chakravarti Raja.
• Enlightenment: Achieved through self-realization (Swayambuddha).
• Initiation (Diksha):
  • Occasion: Announced by Lokantik Devas from Brahmadev Lok.
  • Day/Date (Classical & Gujarati): Vaishakh Vad 5.
  • Nakshatra: Krittika.
  • Rashi: Taurus (Vrishabh).
  • Time: Latter part of the day.
  • Penance at Initiation: Chhath Bhakt (fasting for six days).
  • Age: Later life, after ruling.
  • Palanquin: Vijaya.
  • Companions: 1000 men.
  • Initiation City: Gajpur.
  • Initiation Forest: Sahasamra Van.
  • Initiation Tree: Ashoka tree.
  • Hair Plucking (Loch): Five handfuls.
• Knowledge upon Initiation: Manahparyav Gyan.
• Divine Garment (Devadyushya): Placed on his shoulder by Indra, remained for one year (or a lifetime, according to another view).
• First Meal (Pāranā): Paramanna (kheer) on the second day.
• First Alms Giver: Vyaghra Sinha.
• Five Divine Manifestations at First Alms: "Aho Dan" proclamation, divine music, gold coin shower, fragrant water/flower shower, and garment shower.
• Duration of Tapa (Austerities): 8 months.
• Wandering (Vihar): In Arya Bhumi.
• Duration as Chhadmastha (Minority Knowledge): 16 years.
• Kevelgyan (Omniscience):
  • Date (Classical & Gujarati): Chaitra Sud 3.
  • Nakshatra: Krittika.
  • Rashi: Taurus (Vrishabh).
  • Time: Early part of the day.
  • Location: Gajpur.
  • Forest: Sahasamra Van.
  • Tree: Tilak tree.
  • Height of Kevalgyan Tree: 12 times the body height (420 Dhanush).
  • Penance at Kevalgyan: Chhath Bhakt.
• Atishayas (Miraculous Attributes): 34 (4 from birth, 19 by gods, 11 from annihilation of Karma).
• Vani (Speech): Possesses 35 qualities of cultured speech.
• Pratiharyas (Divine Emblems): Ashok tree, flower showers, divine sound, white whisk, throne, halo, drumbeat, umbrella.
• Chetya Tree: 420 Dhanush (same as Kevalgyan tree).
• Freedom from 18 Imperfections: The text lists the 18 negative states and qualities (like obstacles to charity, loss, energy, enjoyment, disgust, fear, ignorance, sleep, non-restraint, desire for pleasures, laughter, sorrow, hatred, delusion, attachment, lack of attachment) that Tirthankars are free from.
• First Sermon (Samavasaran): In the first Samavasaran.
• Period of Ministry: Until Bhagwan Arhanath.
• Continuity of Teaching: No break in his lineage of teaching.
• First Ganadhar: Shab.
• First Sadhvi: Damini.
• First Shravak & Shravika: Information not available.
• Chief Devotees: King Kuber.
• Yaksha & Yakshini: Gandharva and Ayyata.
• Number of Ganadharas: 35.
• Number of Sadhus: 60,000.
• Number of Sadhvis: 60,600.
• Number of Shravakas: 179,000.
• Number of Shravikas: 381,000.
• Number of Kevalis: 2200 (or 3200 by another account).
• Number of Manahparyavagyanis: 40.
• Number of Avadhigyanis: 2500.
• Number of Chaturdaspurvis: 670.
• Number of Vaikriyalabdhidharas: 5100.
• Number of Vadimunis: 2000.
• Number of Common Munis: 43,155.
• Number of Anuttaropapatika Munis: Information not available.
• Number of Prakirnaka compositions: 50,000.
• Vows of Sadhus: Four Mahavratas.
• Vows of Shravakas: Twelve Vratas.
• Charitras (Conduct): Three - Samayik, Sukshma Sampray, Yathakhyat.
• Tattvas (Principles): Nine principles (Jiva etc.) or three (Dev, Guru, Dharma).
• Samayikas: Four - Samyaktva, Shruta, Deshvirati, Sarvavirati.
• Pratikramana (Confession/Repentance): Two - Rai, Devasi.
• Ratri-bhojan (Night Eating): Falls under the "Uttar Gun" (higher vow).
• Stith-Kalpa (Fixed Conduct): Shyyatar, 4 Vratas, Jyeshtha, Kritikarma.
• Astith-Kalpa (Non-fixed Conduct): Achelkya, Dishik etc. (6 types).
• Adherence to Sadhu Conduct: Easy to understand and follow.
• Shad-avashyak (Six Essential Duties): Performed when the cause arises.
• Nature of Disciples: Straightforward and wise.
• Dharma (Teachings): Two types - Anagar (homeless ascetics) and Agar (householders), or Shruta Charitra.
• Sadhu Attire: Any color, any size.
• Householder Period: 71,250 years.
• Kevelgyan Period: 23,750 years minus 16 years.
• Total Initiation Period: 23,750 years.
• Total Lifespan: 95,000 years.
• Endurance: Endured all hardships (like cold, heat etc.) properly.
• Destination after Death: Moksha (Liberation), attained eternal and unobstructed bliss.
• Final Rites: Cremation (not burial).
• Moksha Date (Classical): Vaishakh Vad 1.
• Moksha Date (Gujarati): Chaitra Vad 1.
• Moksha Nakshatra: Krittika.
• Moksha Rashi: Taurus (Vrishabh).
• Moksha Time: Early part of the night.
• Moksha Location: Samet Shikhar (Pareshnath Hill).
• Posture at Moksha: Kayotsarg (standing in meditation).
• Height in Moksha: 23.33 Dhanush.
• Penance at Moksha: Mas-kshamana (month-long fast).
• Companions in Moksha: 1000 (thousand).
• Era at Moksha: Mid-part of the fourth era (Chaturth Ardha), with 65 lakh, 84 thousand, and 89 days remaining in the fourth era, and a quarter of a Palyopam lifespan.
• Yugantakrut Bhumi: Up to a countable number of men.
• Paryayantakrut Bhumi: One day onwards.
• Time Spent in Previous Lives: For countless eons.
• Period of Discontinuity: After countless eons.
• Interval between Tirthankars: 1000 crore years minus a quarter of a Palyopam before Bhagwan Arhanath.
• Unique Events in His Teaching: None mentioned.
• Chakravartis in His Time: Bhagwan Kunthunath himself was a Chakravarti.
• Vashudevas, Baladevas, Prativashudevas: None mentioned in his era.
• Abhishek at Birth: A detailed list of 250 types of divine beings performing 1 crore 60 lakh (16 million) Abhishek with 64,000 pitchers.

The book concludes with contact information for Muni Shri Dipratnasagarji Maharaj. The author is a prolific writer, having published 585 books in 32 years across 5 languages.