Tirthankar Bhagwan Mahavira

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Tirthankar Bhagwan Mahavira" by Virendra Prasad Jain, published by Shri Akhil Vishwa Jain Mission in 1965, based on the provided pages.

Overview:

The book is a poetic narrative dedicated to the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankar of Jainism. It aims to present his virtuous life and enlightening teachings in a modern Hindi poetic style, filling a perceived gap in Jain literature. The publisher, Shri Akhil Vishwa Jain Mission, emphasizes the importance of making Jain scriptures and the lives of its great personalities accessible to a wider audience through contemporary literature.

Key Themes and Content:

1. Author's Intent and Context:

   • Virendra Prasad Jain expresses his deep devotion to Lord Mahavir and acknowledges the difficulty of adequately describing the Tirthankar's qualities, likening his attempt to showing a lamp to the sun.
   • He clarifies that Lord Mahavir is not the founder of Jainism but a reviver and restorer of an ancient religion, re-establishing it during his time according to the needs of the era.
   • The author mentions the inspiration from other great Jain literary works and the perceived need for modern, accessible literature on Jain philosophy and history.
   • He critiques a previous Jain work on Lord Mahavir for an inappropriate primary rasa (emotional tone) and for presenting principles contrary to Jain tenets.
   • The author highlights his preference for depicting Lord Mahavir as a Brahmachari (celibate), influenced by his father's writings.
   • The book is presented as the third installment in the "Modern Jain Poetry Series" by the publishing mission.

2. Lord Mahavir's Life Narrative (Poetic Portrayal):

   • The book is structured into several Sargas (chapters), each covering different phases of Lord Mahavir's life.
   • Purvabhas (Prelude/Foreshadowing): This section likely describes the auspicious signs and dreams experienced by Queen Trishala, foreshadowing the birth of a great soul. It depicts the serene atmosphere of Kundagrama and the virtuous reign of King Siddhartha. The poetic language emphasizes the divine nature of the impending birth.
   • Janma Mahotsav (Birth Celebration): This chapter details the auspicious birth of Lord Mahavir, the joyous celebrations in Kundagrama, and the divine interventions, including the adoration by celestial beings and the symbolic bathing of the infant. It also touches upon the immense prosperity that accompanied his birth.
   • Shishu Vay (Childhood): This section portrays the infant Mahavir's divine nature, his early signs of intelligence, innocence, and serenity. It describes his interactions with his mother, Trishala, and father, Siddhartha, highlighting his innate wisdom and the affectionate care he received. It also hints at his extraordinary destiny through anecdotes of his childhood.
   • Kishor Vay (Adolescence): This phase focuses on Mahavir's growing wisdom, courage, and detachment even in his youth. It depicts his leadership among his peers, his intellectual prowess, and his inherent aversion to violence and worldly pleasures. Notable incidents include his encounter with gods and his heroic taming of a wild elephant, which earned him the epithet "Mahavir" (Great Hero). His rejection of marriage proposals and his inclination towards renunciation become evident.
   • Tarunai evam Virag (Youth and Renunciation): This chapter delves into Lord Mahavir's youthful years, his increasing detachment from worldly life, and his contemplation of the transient nature of existence. It emphasizes his deep philosophical insights and his growing awareness of suffering in the world. The poet highlights his spiritual inclination over material desires and his resolve to seek the truth. His parents' attempts to arrange his marriage are depicted, but Mahavir's unwavering spiritual quest leads him to eventually renounce worldly life.
   • Abhinnishkraman evam Tap (Renunciation and Austerities): This section describes Lord Mahavir's momentous decision to leave his princely life, his final farewell to his parents, and his embracing of asceticism. It details his years of rigorous penance, enduring extreme hardships, external inflictions (upargas), and intense meditation. The narrative emphasizes his perseverance, equanimity, and unwavering commitment to spiritual liberation, illustrating his mastery over his senses and passions.
   • Kevalgnan evam Dharmopadesh (Omniscience and Religious Discourse): This is a crucial part of the narrative, describing the attainment of Kevalgnan (omniscience) by Lord Mahavir. It details the divine Samavasarana (celestial assembly) created by Indra for his sermons. The text explains the structure of the Samavasarana and the diverse audience present, including humans, gods, and animals. It highlights the essence of his teachings, focusing on Ahimsa (non-violence), Aparigraha (non-possession), Anekantavada (multiplicity of viewpoints), and Syadvada (conditional predication). The conversion of prominent figures like Gautam Swami to his teachings is mentioned, marking the establishment of the fourfold Jain Sangha.
   • Nirvana evam Vandana (Liberation and Salutations): This concluding section recounts Lord Mahavir's final discourse and his attainment of Nirvana (Moksha or liberation) at Pawapuri. It describes the immense grief and reverence of his followers and the celestial beings. The poem concludes with expressions of devotion and salutations to the Tirthankar, recognizing him as the ultimate ideal for spiritual upliftment.

3. Literary Style and Reception:

   • The book is written in Hindi poetry, employing a rich vocabulary and evocative imagery to bring the divine life of Lord Mahavir to life.
   • Numerous commendations and endorsements from prominent scholars, poets, and religious figures are included, praising the author's skill, the book's clarity, devotional depth, and its contribution to Jain literature. These testimonials underscore the book's perceived value in educating and inspiring readers about Jainism.
   • The publisher notes that the second edition was published due to the popularity and demand of the first edition.

Significance:

"Tirthankar Bhagwan Mahavira" serves as an important literary work in modern Jainism, aiming to:

• Promote understanding: To make the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir accessible and engaging for a contemporary Hindi-speaking audience.
• Inspire devotion: To foster spiritual devotion and a deeper appreciation for Jain philosophy.
• Preserve tradition: To contribute to the Jain literary heritage by presenting sacred narratives in a popular format.
• Emphasize Jain principles: To highlight the core values of Jainism, such as non-violence, detachment, and spiritual quest, through the example of Lord Mahavir's life.

In essence, the book is a tribute to Lord Mahavir, woven with poetic grace and devotional fervor, aiming to illuminate his path for the spiritual betterment of readers.