Tirthankar 18 Aranath Bhagwan Parichay

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Tirthankar 18 Aranath Bhagwan Parichay" by Muni Shri Deepratnasagarji, based on the provided pages:

This book, titled "Tirthankar 18 Aranath Bhagwan Parichay," is part of a series dedicated to introducing the Tirthankaras of the current time cycle (Chovisi) in Bharat Kshetra. This specific volume focuses on the 18th Tirthankara, Bhagwan Aranatha. The compilation meticulously covers 185 distinct aspects or "doors" (dwaras) pertaining to Bhagwan Aranatha's life and teachings.

Authorship and Compilation: The book is compiled by Muni Shri Deepratnasagar, who holds advanced degrees (M.Com., M.Ed., Ph.D.) and is a learned scholar ('Shrutmuni'). The publisher is also attributed to Dipratnasagar and Deepratnasagar. The work is presented as a result of extensive research and study of various ancient Jain scriptures.

Source Material: The primary source for the information presented in the 185 "dwaras" is the "Saptatishath-sthan Prakaran" by Som-tinkasuri. However, the author emphasizes that they have not solely relied on this text. Other important scriptural references used include:

• "Aavashyak Niryukti"
• "Aavashyak Vritti"
• "Pravachan Saaroddhar"
• "Tirth-sthaniya Paygnos"
• "Trishashthi Shalaka Purusha Charitra"
• "Harivansha Purana"
• "Samvaya Sutra"
• Agam texts, particularly Kathayoga.

Historical Context and Creation: The idea to compile this book originated around 2001, but the author's extensive involvement in other scriptural works delayed its undertaking. The release of this book became feasible after the publication of the author's 561st book. The author notes that while "Saptatishath-sthan Prakaran" formed the foundation, other texts were consulted to include additional "dwaras" and some information from the foundational text was omitted for clarity or relevance.

Addressing Scriptural Variations (Pathantar-Ullekh): A crucial point highlighted by the author is the existence of variations in numbers and details across different Jain scriptures. For instance, the number of Ganadharas (chief disciples) for Bhagwan Ajitnath is cited as 95 in one text and 90 in the Samvaya Sutra. Similar discrepancies are noted for Bhagwan Sambhavnath and Bhagwan Suvidhi Nath regarding the number of Ganadharas. The total number of Ganadharas also varies across texts like "Pravachan Saaroddhar," "Aavashyak Niryukti," and "Tirth-sthaniya Paygnos." Likewise, numbers for Shravakas (male lay followers), Shravikas (female lay followers), and enlightened beings (like Manahparyavajnanis) also show variations. The author mentions that even details like the initiation day and attainment of omniscience for Bhagwan Mallinath have differing accounts within the Agamas, which are also noted by commentators. These variations are acknowledged and stated to be recorded in the author's "Agam Kathayoga."

Key Information about Bhagwan Aranatha (Selected Highlights from the provided pages):

• Identity: Bhagwan Aranatha is the 18th Tirthankara of the current Chovisi.
• Previous Lives: He had three significant past lives contributing to his Tirthankara-nama karma: Dhanapati, a celestial being in the ninth Traivayaka heaven, and then as Aranatha himself.
• Tirthankara Nama Karma: The Tirthankara-nama karma was acquired through the worship of Arihants, Siddhas, the Jain doctrine (Pravachan), Gurus, senior monks (Sthaviras), highly learned monks (Bahushruta), ascetics, continuous contemplation, unwavering faith (Darshan), humility (Vinaya), adherence to daily duties (Aavashyak), pure conduct (Niraticar Sheel), vows (Niraticar Vrata), meditative absorption (Samadhi), charity, austerity, selfless service (Vaiyaavachch), acquiring profound knowledge, devotion to scriptures, and propagation of the doctrine.
• Pre-Heavenly Life: He resided in the Sarvarthasiddhi (Anuttara Viman) heaven, with a lifespan of 33 sagaropama.
• Descent (Chyavan): The descent to the earthly realm occurred on the 2nd day of the bright fortnight of the month of Phalguna (Fagan Sud 2) under the Revati constellation and the Pisces (Meen) zodiac sign, in the middle of the night.
• Maternal Conception: His mother, Queen Devi, saw 14 auspicious dreams upon his conception, including an elephant, bull, lion, Lakshmi, flower garland, moon, sun, flag, full pot, lotus pond, ocean of milk, celestial vehicle, and a heap of jewels. The interpretation of these dreams was done by his father, King Sudarshana, and dream interpreters.
• Birth: Bhagwan Aranatha was born in the city of Gajpur, in Kuru country. The birth took place towards the end of the fourth era (Chaturtha Ara).
• Birth Time: The birth occurred during the night. The year is specified as one thousand crore, 66 lakh, 68 thousand years and 89 pakshas remaining in the fourth era.
• Celestial Reception: Upon his birth, 56 directional Kumari goddesses performed purificatory rituals and created a divine atmosphere. Subsequently, 64 Indras (celestial kings) from various realms (Klap, Jyotish, Bhavanapati, and Vyantara) arrived and performed an abhishaka (ritualistic bathing) with 1008 pitchers.
• Parents: His mother was Queen Devi, and his father was King Sudarshana. Both ascended to Mahendra Devlok (a heaven).
• Physical Attributes: He belongs to the male gender and the Kashyap gotra. His lineage is Ikshvaku. His emblem is Nandhyavarta. His name "Aranatha" signifies one who is the cause of increased prosperity (Vanshadi-ni vriddhikarta) or one who is without (Ara) attachment to worldly desires. He did not have a hood (phana) over his head, unlike some Tirthankaras. His physical form was perfect, with 1008 auspicious marks, and possessed the Vajrarishabh-narach Samghata (bone structure) and Samachaturasra Samsthan (body posture).
• Abilities in Householder Life: During his time as a householder, he possessed Mati (sense perception), Shruta (scriptural knowledge), and Avadhi Gyana (clairvoyant knowledge).
• Height: His height was 30 Dhanush (approximately 270 feet) using Utsehadhangula and 7 Angul using Pramanangula.
• Diet: His sustenance was provided by the celestial ambrosia placed on his thumb by Indra in childhood, and later by special grains.
• Royal Life: He was a Chakravarti (universal emperor) and ruled for 21,000 years.
• Renunciation: He renounced the world at the age of 21,000 years. His initiation took place in the Saan-samra forest under an Ashoka tree. 1000 men accompanied him in renunciation. Upon initiation, he attained Manahparyavajana (mind-reading knowledge). His first alms were received on the second day from Aparajita.
• Omniscience (Kevalgyana): He attained Kevalgyana on the 12th day of the bright fortnight of the month of Kartik (Kartik Sud 12) under an Ashoka tree in the Sahasramra forest in Gajpur, during the day. He remained in the state of Chudamasti (having attained omniscience but not yet preached) for 3 years.
• Attributes: Bhagwan Aranatha possessed 34 special attributes (Atishayas), including 4 from birth, 19 bestowed by celestial beings, and 11 arising from the destruction of karmas. His speech had 35 qualities. He was adorned with the eight Pra-tiharyas (celestial attendants).
• Spiritual Followers: His Ganadharas numbered 50,000, with Kumbha being the chief. He had 60,000 Sadhvis (female ascetics) and 372,000 Shravikas. His male lay followers numbered 184,000.
• Duration of Teachings: His teachings continued until the time of Bhagwan Mallinatha. There was no disruption in his spiritual lineage (tirtha-vicched).
• Liberation (Moksha): Bhagwan Aranatha attained liberation on the 10th day of the dark fortnight of the month of Margashirsha (Magsar Sud 10), under the Revati constellation and Pisces zodiac, during the latter part of the night, from the summit of Mount Samet. His height at liberation was 20 Dhanush. He was accompanied by 1000 ascetics at the time of his liberation. His death occurred at the end of the fourth era, similar to his birth.

The book concludes with contact information for Muni Shri Deepratnasagarji, including his address, mobile number, and website, and highlights his extensive literary contributions over 32 years.