Tirthankar Charitra Part 3

Here's a comprehensive summary of "Tirthankar Charitra Part 3" by Ratanlal Doshi, based on the provided text:

This is the third and final volume of "Tirthankar Charitra," continuing the author's extensive work on the lives of significant figures in Jainism.

Content Overview:

This volume focuses on the lives of:

• 23rd Tirthankar: Bhagwan Parshwanathji
• 24th Tirthankar: Bhagwan Mahavir Swami
• The last Chakravarti (Emperor): Brahmaddatta

The author, Ratanlal Doshi, expresses his gratitude for completing this final part, acknowledging his physical limitations that initially raised doubts about its completion. He mentions undertaking this writing project independently, without assistants or editors, and acknowledges that despite his best efforts, errors might exist due to his limited resources and capabilities. He humbly requests readers to forgive any mistakes and to point them out.

Previous Volumes:

• Part 1 (1973): Covered the lives of the first 19 Tirthankaras, 8 Chakravartis, and 7 Baldevas, Vasudevas, and Prativasudevas.
• Part 2 (March 1976): Included the lives of the 20th (Munisuvrat Swami), 21st (Naminath Swami), and 22nd (Arishtanemi) Tirthankaras, along with 3 Chakravartis and two each of Baldeva, Vasudeva, and Prativasudeva.

Content of Part 3:

• Brahmaddatta Chakravarti Charitra:

  • The book begins with the story of Brahmaddatta, the last Chakravarti emperor of this era. His past lives are described, detailing his rebirths, including the lives of Chitra-Sambhutī, the story of Namuchī's betrayal, their renunciation and spiritual path, and the subsequent lives leading to his birth as the emperor. The narrative covers his reign, his eventual detachment from worldly pleasures, and the binding of Tirthankar Namkarm.
  • The summary highlights Brahmaddatta's previous lives as a monk, the betrayal by his disciple, and the impact of his actions and resolutions on his future births. It details his birth as a prince, his association with a deceptive minister (Namuchi), and the complex events of his life, including periods of hardship, repentance, and spiritual development. The narrative also touches upon the lives of his companions and antagonists in various lifetimes.

• Bhagwan Parshwanathji Charitra:

  • The text details the birth of Bhagwan Parshwanathji in Varanasi, his parents (King Ashwasen and Queen Vamadevi), and the auspicious dreams of his mother. It covers his princely life, his marriage to Princess Prabhavati, his renunciation of the world at the age of thirty, and the severe penances and austerities he undertook.
  • A significant part of his life described is the intense uparja (oppression/harassment) he faced from Kamatha, who was reborn as the ascetic (later the demon Kambu/Kamath). Kamatha's repeated attempts to obstruct Parshwanathji's spiritual progress are detailed, including the infamous incident where he attempted to flood the Sammed Shikhar mountain.
  • The narrative also covers the arrival of Dharanendra (a serpent king) who protected Parshwanathji from Kamatha's attacks, and Dharanendra's subsequent devotion.
  • Bhagwan Parshwanathji's sermons, the establishment of the four-fold Jain community (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen), and his eventual attainment of Keval Gyan and Nirvana are described.

• Bhagwan Mahavir Swami Charitra:

  • The life of the 24th Tirthankar, Lord Mahavir Swami, is extensively covered. It begins with his previous life as Nayasara, a devout householder, and his birth as the son of King Trishal and Queen Vasumati (Devananda in a previous life) in Kshatriyakund.
  • The text details his birth, the auspicious dreams of his mother, his name 'Vardhamana,' and his princely upbringing.
  • It highlights his marriage to Yashoda and the birth of their daughter Priyadarshana.
  • Crucially, it recounts his renunciation of the world at the age of thirty, his twelve years of severe penance and austerities, and the numerous uparja (oppressions/harassments) he faced from various sources, including:
    • Goshalaka Mankhaliputra: A significant portion is dedicated to Goshalaka's rivalry, his claims of omniscience, his flawed philosophy, and his attempts to challenge Mahavir Swami. The text details their interactions, Goshalaka's eventual downfall, and his separate path.
    • Tejo-leshya (supernatural heat emission): The text describes how Mahavir Swami's spiritual power neutralized the harmful effects of others' Tejo-leshya.
    • Other Upasargas: The summary mentions various types of hardships, including torment from beings, harsh conditions, and social persecution.
  • The narrative progresses to Mahavir Swami's attainment of Keval Gyan (omniscience) under the Shala tree, his subsequent sermons, the formation of the Jain Sangha, and his eventual Nirvana.
  • The text also includes details about his disciples, including the eleven Ganadharas (chief disciples) and prominent lay followers.

Author's Intent and Publisher:

The book is dedicated to society for its welfare, being the 57th publication in the "Akhil Bharatiya Sadhumargi Jain Sanskruti-Rakshak Sangh Sahitya Ratnamala" series. The publisher is the Akhil Bharatiya Sadhumargi Jain Sanskruti-Rakshak Sangh.

Overall Theme:

The book aims to provide detailed biographical accounts of these pivotal figures, emphasizing their lives, spiritual journeys, struggles, and ultimate liberation. It highlights their adherence to Jain principles like Ahimsa, Satya, Aparigraha, Brahmacharya, and their resilience in facing challenges, thus serving as an inspiration for spiritual aspirants.

This summary is based solely on the provided text fragments and the table of contents.