Tirthankar 22 Neminath Bhagwan Parichay - Book Summary

This document is a Jain text titled "Tirthankar 22: Neminath Bhagwan Parichay" (Introduction to Tirthankar Neminath, the 22nd). It has been compiled by Muni Shri Deepratnasagar. The book aims to provide comprehensive information about Tirthankar Neminath in 185 "dwaras" (sections or points of inquiry).

Here's a summary of the key information presented in the provided pages:

Introduction and Scope:

The book is part of a series introducing Tirthankaras.
It focuses on the 22nd Tirthankar of the current time cycle in the Bharat Kshetra.
The information is presented across 185 distinct points or questions.
The author acknowledges that while "Saptatishat Sthan Pra" is a primary source, other Jain scriptures like "Aavashyak Niryukti," "Tirthodralik Panho," and "Pravachan Saroddhar" have also been consulted.
The author mentions that the preparation of this book began around 2001 but was delayed due to other scriptural work.

Importance of Jain Scriptures and Variant Readings:

The author highlights that the numbers and details provided in Jain scriptures can sometimes have variant readings (pathaantar).
Examples are given, such as differences in the number of Gandharas (disciples who compiled the teachings) for different Tirthankaras (Ajitnath, Sambhavnath, Suvidhinath) across various scriptures.
Similar variations are noted for the number of Shravikas (female devotees) and Sadhvis (female ascetics).
The author states that these variations have been noted in his other work, "Aagam Kathanuyog."

Key Information about Tirthankar Neminath (based on the provided pages):

Name: Neminath
Position in the current time cycle: 22nd Tirthankar
Previous Lives (Previous to obtaining Samyakva and thereafter): The text lists nine significant previous lives, including Dhana-raja, Saudharma Dev, Chitragati Vidyadhar, Mahendra Dev, Aparajita Dev, a deity in Aaran Devlok, King Supratishtha (Shankharaj), Aparajita Dev, and finally Neminath.
Previous Dwelling Places: Jambu Island, Jambu Bharat region, south of Meru mountain, in the city of Rajagriha.
Previous Life as a King: Mandlik King Supratishtha.
Cause for Binding Tirthankar Karma: The text lists 20 reasons for binding the Tirthankar karma, including affection for Arihants, Siddhas, the teachings (Pravachan), elders, learned monks, ascetics, continuous use of knowledge, faultless vision, humility, essential duties, faultless vows, meditation, renunciation, serving the needy, acquiring unprecedented knowledge, devotion to scriptures, and glorifying the teachings.
Previous Knowledge: Possessed the eleven Angas (parts of scripture).
Heavenly Abode before Incarnation: Aparajita Anuttar Vimana.
Lifespan in that Heaven: 33 Sagaropama (a very long duration in Jain cosmology).
Incarnation (Chyavan) Details:
- Classical Month/Day: Kartik Vad 12
- Gujarati Month/Day: Aso Vad 12
- Nakshatra (Constellation): Chitra
- Rashi (Zodiac Sign): Kanya (Virgo)
- Time: Mid-night
Mother's Dreams during Pregnancy: The mother saw 14 auspicious dreams, including an elephant, a bull, a lion, Lakshmi, a garland of flowers, the moon, the sun, a flag, a full pitcher, a lotus pond, the ocean of milk, a divine vehicle, a heap of jewels, and a extinguished fire. The text notes that the sequence of dreams is generally consistent for Tirthankaras, with Rishabhdev's mother seeing a bull as the first dream.
Interpretation of Dreams: Done by the father and a dream interpreter.
Pregnancy: The pregnancy was not interrupted ("Garbha Sanharan" did not occur). The mother's physical form did not change due to the pregnancy being concealed.
Mother's Name: Shiva Devi
Conception Vow: Not made during conception.
Gestation Period: 9 months and 8 days.
Birth Nakshatra: Chitra
Birth Month/Day: Shravan Sud 5 (Classical and Gujarati)
Birth Rashi: Kanya (Virgo)
Birth Time: Mid-night
Time Period of Birth: Towards the end of the fourth era.
Remaining Time in Fourth Era at Birth: 85,000 years and 89 days.
Birth Location: Saurpur city, Kushavart country.
Divine Maidens at Birth: 56 Dik-Kumarias (direction maidens) descended from various realms (lower, upper, and intermediate directions) to prepare the birth chamber, purify the ground, shower fragrant water and flowers, hold mirrors, wave fans, offer chowries, hold kalashas, and light lamps.
Coronation Site: Atopalapambal Shila, south of Pandukvan.
Indras at Birth: 64 Indras (from Kalpa heavens, Jyotishka heavens, Bhuvanapati heavens, and Vyantara heavens) attended.
Actions of Indras at Birth: They created a reflection of the Prabhu, placed him in a cradle, bathed him with 1008 pitchers, anointed him with special sandalwood paste, performed worship with flowers, dressed him in divine garments, adorned him with ornaments, sprinkled nectar on his thumb, placed him with his mother, and showered 32 crore gold coins, making proclamations.
Parents: Mother: Shiva Devi; Father: King Samudravijay.
Lineage: Purush, Harivansh.
Family Name/Gotra: Gautam.
Symbol (Lanchhan): Shankh (Conch shell).
Meaning of Name: "Nemi" refers to the chakra (wheel) that cuts the tree of sin.
Special Meaning of Name: Named "Arishtanemi" after seeing the Ratan Chakra (jeweled wheel) when he was in the womb, signifying the removal of misfortune.
Physical Characteristics: No divine hood (Phana) on the head. Possesses 1008 excellent physical marks.
Body Structure (Sanghyan): Vajra-rishabh-naraj (most perfect).
Body Posture (Sansthan): Samachatursra (perfectly square).
Knowledge in Householder Life: Mati, Shruta, and Avadhi Gyan.
Clan (Gan): Rakshas.
Maternal/Paternal Lineage: Mahish (maternal), Harivansh (paternal).
Complexion (Varna): Shyam (dark blue/black).
Appearance (Roop): Supremely radiant. Even a gathering of all gods cannot match the splendor of his thumb.
Strength (Bal): Infinite strength (far greater than Vasudeva and Chakravarti).
Height: 10 Dhanush (using Utsetha Angul), 120 Angul (using Atma Angul), 2 Angul 20 Ansh (using Pramana Angul).
Diet: Nectar from the thumb of Indra in childhood, later specialized foods.
Marriage: Unmarried.
Sensual Pleasures: Did not partake in them.
Princehood: Lived as a prince for 300 years.
Reign: Did not rule as a king.
Enlightenment: Self-enlightened (Swayambuddha).
Invitation to Renunciation: Lokantik Devas (celestial beings from the Lokantika realms) arrived to announce the time for his renunciation.
Charity (Varshidaan): 1 Crore 8 Lakh gold coins daily; 388 Crore 80 Lakh gold coins annually. He distributed charity from sunrise to noon.
Renunciation Date: Shravan Sud 6 (Classical and Gujarati).
Renunciation Nakshatra: Chitra.
Renunciation Rashi: Kanya (Virgo).
Renunciation Time: Early part of the day.
Tapasya at Renunciation: Chhath Bhakta (fasting for six days).
Age at Renunciation: Early youth, without experiencing royalty.
Palace: Dwaravati.
Companions at Renunciation: 1000 men.
Attire at Renunciation: Left in the Tirthankar-specific divine attire, not in ordinary or ascetic clothing.
City of Renunciation: Dwaravati.
Forest of Renunciation: Sahasramra Van.
Tree of Renunciation: Ashok tree.
Maneuvers (Loch): Performed by five handfuls of hair.
Knowledge Acquired at Renunciation: Manahparyav Gyan (mind-reading knowledge).
Divine Garment (Deva-dushya): Placed on his shoulders by Indra, and it remained for one year or lifetime according to other traditions.
First Meal (Parana): Paramanna (kheer) on the second day in Dwaravati.
First Alms-giver: Vardatta.
Divine Manifestations at First Alms: The proclamation "Ahodaan," divine musical instruments, showering of gold coins, fragrant water and flowers, and showering of garments.
Amount of Gold Coins Showered: Twelve and a half crore.
Penance in His Dispensation: Eight months.
Area of Preaching (Vihar Bhumi): Both Arya (civilized) and Anarya (uncivilized) lands.
Period as Kevalin (with unbroken knowledge): 54 days.
Kevelgyan Date: Aso Vad Amas (Classical), Bhadrava Vad Amas (Gujarati).
Kevelgyan Nakshatra: Chitra.
Kevelgyan Rashi: Kanya (Virgo).
Kevelgyan Time: Early part of the day.
Place of Kevelgyan: Ujjayant.
Forest of Kevelgyan: Sahasramra Van.
Tree of Kevelgyan: Vetasa tree.
Height of Kevelgyan Tree: 12 times the height of the Prabhu (120 Dhanush).
Tapasya at Kevelgyan: Ashtam Bhakta (fasting for eight days).
Subtle Powers (Atishays): 4 from birth, 19 bestowed by gods, 11 arise after the destruction of Karmas.
Qualities of Speech: 35 qualities, including cultured and pure speech.
Eight Auspicious Signs (Pratiharyas): Ashok tree, shower of Panch-Pashpa flowers, divine sound, white chowries, lion throne, halo, kettle drum sound, and umbrellas.
Chaitya Tree: The Ashok tree (120 Dhanush high).
Freedom from 18 Defects: The text lists 18 defects that Tirthankaras are free from, including obstructions to charity, gain, energy, enjoyment, consumption, disgust, fear, ignorance, sleep, lack of restraint, desire for sensual pleasures, laughter, sorrow, hatred, wrong faith, attachment, and displeasure.
Start of the Tirth: During the first Samavasarana (preaching assembly).
Duration of Tirth: Until the time of Tirthankar Parshvanath.
No Break in Tirth: There was no interruption in his lineage of Tirthankara.
Key Disciples and Followers:
- First Gandhara: Vardatta
- First Sadhvi: Yakshdatta (Yakshini)
- First Shravak: Nand
- First Shravika: Mahasuvrata
- Chief Devotee King: Krishna
- Yaksh: Gomeda
- Yakshini: Amba (Ambika)
- Gana (Disciples): 11
- Gandharas: 11
- Sadhus: 18,000
- Sadhvis: 40,000
- Shravakas: 1,69,000
- Shravikas: 3,36,000
- Kevalis (those with omniscience): 1500
- Manahparyav Gyanis: 1000
- Avadhi Gyanis: 1500
- Chaudhpurvis (Masters of 14 Purvas): 400
- Vaikriyallyabdhidharas (possessing transformational powers): 1500
- Vadimuniyos (eloquent ascetics): 800
- General Munis: 11,289
- Anuttaropapatika Munis (ascetics born in highest heavens): 1600
- Prakirnaka compositions: 18,000
Vows: Four Mahavratas for Sadhus, twelve vows for Shravakas.
Types of Conduct (Charitra): Samayika, Sukshma Samparay, Yathakhyat (three types).
Number of Principles: Nine (Jiva, etc.) or Three (Deva, Guru, Dharma).
Samayika: Four (Samyakva, Shruta, Deshvirati, Sarvavirati).
Pratikraman: Two types (Rai, Devasik).
Night Food: Falls under Uttar Guna.
Monastic Conduct: Shyayatar, 4 vows, Jyeshtha, Kritikarma, Achelak, Auddeshik etc. (six types).
Ascetic Nature: Straightforward and wise, causing ease of understanding and practice.
Religious Principles: Anagar (ascetic) + Agar (householder) or Shruta + Charitra.
Ascetic Garments: Can be of any color, obtained as available and of variable size.
Householder Period: 300 years.
Kevalgyan Period: 700 years minus 54 days.
Total Lifespan: 1000 years.
Endurance of Hardships: Endured hardships like cold, heat, etc., with equanimity.
Final Destination: Moksha (liberation), achieving eternal and undisturbed happiness.
Last Rites: Cremation (not burial etc.).
Liberation Date: Ashadh Sud 8 (Classical and Gujarati).
Liberation Nakshatra: Chitra.
Liberation Rashi: Tula (Libra).
Liberation Time: Early part of the night.
Place of Liberation: Girnar (Ujjayant).
Posture at Liberation: Paryankasana.
Height at Liberation: 6.67 Dhanush.
Tapasya at Liberation: Masakshaman (fasting for a month).
Companions at Liberation: 536.
Era at Liberation: End of the fourth era.
Time of Liberation from Fourth Era: 84,000 years and 89 days remaining in the fourth era.
Inter-Tirthankar Periods: It is noted that Tirthankar Parshvanath attained Nirvana 83,750 years after Neminath.
Notable Events in the Tirth: Krishna Vasudeva's journey to Apsrakanka; the occurrence of Chakravarti Brahmadaatt; Krishna Vasudeva; Balabhadra; Jarashandha as Prativasudeva.
Abhishekas at Birth: A detailed list of 250 types of abhishekas performed at birth, involving various celestial beings and their consorts, totaling 1 crore 60 lakh pitchers.

This detailed summary covers the significant points presented in the provided pages of "Tirthankar 22: Neminath Bhagwan Parichay," offering a glimpse into the life and teachings of this important Jain Tirthankar.