Tirthankar 19 Mallinath Bhagwan Parichay

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Tirthankar 19 Mallinath Bhagwan Parichay" by Dipratnasagar and Deepratnasagar:

This book, "Tirthankar 19 Mallinath Bhagwan Parichay," is a compilation by Muni Shri Deepratnasagarji, presenting detailed information about the 19th Tirthankar, Bhagwan Mallinath, within the current era of the Bharat Kshetra. The text aims to cover 185 "dwaras" (points or aspects) related to Bhagwan Mallinath's life and teachings.

Key aspects covered in the book include:

• Introduction and Scope: The book is part of a series introducing Tirthankars. It includes information about other Tirthankars within its 185 points, providing a broader perspective.
• Source Literature: The information is primarily drawn from various Jain scriptures and commentaries, including "Saptatishatsthan Prakaran" by Somtimatsuri, "Aavashyak Niryukti" and its commentary, "Pravachan Saroddhar," "Tirthodhbhaabhipan," "Trishashthishalaka Purusha Charitra," "Vaddhamaan Mahapurusha Parichay," "Samvaya," and "Aagam-Kathaanuyoga."
• Historical Context of Compilation: The idea for this book began around 2001, but the author's extensive work on "Aagam Shastras" delayed its completion. This book is a result of the author's commitment after publishing 561 other books.
• Addressing Variations in Scriptures: The author acknowledges that there can be variations in numbers and details across different Jain scriptures (pathantara). For instance, the number of Ganadhars (chief disciples) for Bhagwan Ajitnath or Bhagwan Sambhavanath may differ between texts like "Samvaya Sutra" and "Tirthodrgalik." Similarly, the total number of Ganadhars or the number of Shat-Shradhavika (female disciples) can vary. The book notes that even details about Bhagwan Mallinath's initiation and omniscience days have scriptural variations.
• Details of Bhagwan Mallinath's Life: The book systematically presents information about Bhagwan Mallinath through numerous points (dwaras). Some of these key details include:
  • Previous Lives: Bhagwan Mallinath had three prior lives, obtaining true faith (Samyaktva) after the life of King Mahabal. His previous lives were as a deity in Vijayant and as Vaishravan.
  • Birth Details: His birth took place in Mithila city in Videh region. His parents were Queen Prabhavati and King Kumbha. His birth star was Ashwini, and the day was Margashirsha Sud 11.
  • Divine Manifestations at Birth: The text describes the arrival of 56 Dikumaris (celestial maidens) from different directions to attend to the newborn, performing purification rituals and showering him with fragrant water and flowers. It also details the arrival of 64 Indras who perform various ceremonies, including bathing, adorning, and offering divine praise.
  • Physical Attributes: Bhagwan Mallinath is described as having a Nil (green) complexion, possessing excellent form, immense strength, and a height of 25 Dhanush (a unit of measurement). He did not have a "phana" (hood of a serpent).
  • Renunciation and Asceticism: He renounced worldly life without enjoying princely or royal status, taking initiation at a young age. His initiation day was also Margashirsha Sud 11, under an Ashoka tree in Sahasravana. He undertook rigorous penance, including the "Attham Bhakta" fast.
  • Enlightenment: He attained Keval Gyan (omniscience) on Margashirsha Sud 11, under an Ashoka tree in Sahasravana, near Mithila.
  • Teachings and Disciples: The book details the number of his chief disciples (Ganadhars), Sadhus, Sadhvis, Shravaks, and Shravikas. It also mentions his primary devotee King Ajit, and the Yaksha and Yakshini associated with him.
  • Key Teachings: His teachings included the four major vows for monks and twelve vows for lay followers. He expounded on the principles of the Jain faith and the path to liberation.
  • Lifespan and Nirvana: Bhagwan Mallinath lived for 55,000 years, with his Keval Gyan period lasting 54,900 years. He attained Nirvana (Moksha) on Falgun Sud 12 from Samet Shikharji mountain.
  • Unique Aspects: It is noted that Bhagwan Mallinath's era did not witness the arrival of Chakravartis (universal emperors), Vasudevas, Baladevas, or Pratīvasudevas. A significant and unique aspect of his Tirth was that he was a female Tirthankar ("stri tirthankar thaya").
  • Abhishekas: The book provides a detailed list of 250 types of Abhishekas (consecration rituals) performed at his birth, involving various deities and celestial beings, culminating in millions of pitchers of holy water.

In essence, "Tirthankar 19 Mallinath Bhagwan Parichay" serves as a detailed biographical and informational guide to Bhagwan Mallinath, compiled from extensive Jain scriptural sources, offering a comprehensive understanding of his life, teachings, and significance within the Jain tradition.