Tirthankar Vandana

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Tirthankar Vandana" by Harishbhadravijay, based on the provided pages:

Overall Purpose:

The book "Tirthankar Vandana" is a collection of prayers, praises, and detailed biographical and enumerative information about the Tirthankaras (Jain spiritual leaders) and other significant figures in Jainism. Its aim is to facilitate devotion, reverence, and spiritual understanding among its readers.

Key Content and Structure:

The text is structured to guide the reader through various forms of veneration and to provide essential knowledge about the Tirthankaras. Here's a breakdown of the key sections:

• Introduction and Philosophy (Pages 3-4):

  • The book begins with a quotation from Acharya Hemchandracharya, emphasizing the worship of Arihants (Tirthankaras) in all forms (name, symbol, substance, and feeling) across all places and times, purifying the three worlds.
  • It highlights the immense compassion of Tirthankara-Arihant Bhagwants and states that devotion through any of the four stages (name, symbol, substance, feeling) or through physical means leads to spiritual liberation and fulfillment.
  • A profound statement from the Siddha script suggests that a single respectful salutation to a Tirthankara can ferry a soul across the ocean of worldly existence. This is attributed to the devotee internalizing the divine qualities of the Tirthankara.

• Scope of the Book (Page 4):

  • The book contains venerations (Vandana) and praises (Stavana) structured around specific "bols" (points or categories).
  • It includes:
    • Veneration of Arihant Paramatmas from the time of achieving Right Faith (Samyaktva) to their liberation (Moksha), covering 153 points.
    • Praise of the 11 Ganadharas (chief disciples) of Lord Mahavir Swami, covering 20 points.
    • Praise of 20 Viryamana (living) Tirthankaras in Mahavideh, covering 9 points.
    • Praise of 39 auspicious beings (including 12 Chakravartis and others), covering 12 points.
    • Praise of the future Tirthankaras of the next era, covering 3 points.
    • Finally, it includes "worth knowing" information about six great souls.
  • The compiler mentions drawing information from various Jain scriptures and texts like Saptatishisthan Prakaran, Kalpasutra, Jain Tattva Prakash, Diwalo Kalpa, and Mand Jinanu Anu. They also acknowledge potential errors due to printing or textual variations and seek forgiveness and suggestions for correction.
  • Specific details like the date of a "Kalyanak" (auspicious event) in the Marwadi tradition are mentioned as being provided, and readers are advised to note any symbols indicating missing information.

• Acknowledgement and Gratitude (Page 5):

  • The publishers express deep gratitude to Muni Harishbhadra Vijayji for his guidance and experience.
  • Thanks are also extended to Pt. Nanalal Ghelabhai and an anonymous helper for their support in reviving ancient literature.
  • The second edition is mentioned in relation to the communal worship of Tirthankaras through various methods (e.g., Sahasra Kuti, 170 Tirthankaras, Maun Agiyaras, Kalyanak Tapa).

• Specialties of Tirthankaras (Page 6):

  • This section details the unique characteristics of Tirthankaras.
  • Physical and Spiritual Attributes: They possess a perfect physique (Samchatursra Sansthan), are worshipped in all three worlds, and are free from passions (Raga-Dvesha). They achieve Kevalgyan (omniscience) after the destruction of destructive karmas. They have 108 auspicious signs, 35 qualities of speech, and are adorned with eight Pratiharyas (special divine manifestations).
  • Kalyanaks: Tirthankaras experience five auspicious events (Kalyanaks) – Conception, Birth, Renunciation, Enlightenment, and Nirvana – celebrated by deities.
  • Divine Manifestations: After attaining Kevalgyan, they walk on nine golden lotuses. Their presence brings relief even to beings in hell momentarily during their Kalyanaks. They are the embodiment of auspiciousness and refuge in the world.
  • Karmic Achievements: They bind the Tirthankara name-karma by performing the Vrishsthanak Tap.
  • Divine Services: Their birth Abhishek is performed by 64 Indras on Mount Meru. Their bodies are pure and fragrant. Their bodily secretions (like sweat, breath, food intake) are imperceptible and are attended to by millions of Indras. They are reservoirs of infinite virtues.
  • Knowledge: They are born with three types of knowledge and attain the fourth (Manahparyav Gyan) immediately after initiation.
  • Charity: They perform Varshidan (offering wealth) for a year before renunciation.

• Detailed Data Tables (Pages 7-38):

  • The majority of the book consists of meticulously detailed tables providing comprehensive information about each of the 24 Tirthankaras, from Rishabhdev to Mahavir Swami. This data is organized into various "bols" (columns) and covers:
    • Names and Lineage: Tirthankara's name, father's name, mother's name, dynasty (Ikshvaku, etc.), clan.
    • Birth and Life Events: Birth city, birthplace, lifespan, reign period, period of asceticism, initiation day and time, initiation land, initiation city, time of Kevalgyan, Kevalgyan land, Kevalgyan Nakshtra, death Nakshtra, Nirvana city, and more.
    • Physical Attributes: Body height, complexion, emblem (Lanchhan), type of speech, knowledge, ascetics, discipline (Samyak), etc.
    • Kalyanaks: Details of the five Kalyanaks (Conception, Birth, Renunciation, Enlightenment, Nirvana) including the date, Nakshtra, and the place.
    • Spiritual and Social Contributions: Number of disciples (monks and nuns), followers, achievements, specific teachings, and the societal impact of their teachings.
    • Specific Events: Details about their vows, exceptional deeds, and the deities involved in their Kalyanak events.
    • Pioneering Achievements: Information about the first alms taken, the first sermon, and the initial followers.
    • Previous Lives: Details about their past lives, including their names and the celestial realms they resided in.

• Information about other significant figures (Pages 42-60):

  • Ganadharas: Details about the 11 Ganadharas of Lord Mahavir, including their names, lineage, and the questions they posed to the Lord.
  • Mahavideh Tirthankaras: A list of 20 Viryamana Tirthankaras currently residing and preaching in Mahavideh, along with their parentage, wives, emblems, and locations.
  • Chakravartis, Baldevs, Vasudevs, Prativaseudevs: Extensive lists and details about these important figures, their parentage, lineage, lifespan, physical attributes, and their ultimate destinations (heaven, hell, or moksha). This section highlights their worldly power and spiritual consequences.
  • Previous Lives and Fates: This section often details the past lives and subsequent births of these individuals, connecting their actions to their destinies.

• Cosmological and Ritualistic Information (Pages 68-77):

  • Mount Meru: A description of Mount Meru, its dimensions, layers, the four sacred forests, and the location of the Janmabhishek (birth consecration) performed by the Indras.
  • Samavasaran: The structure and arrangements within the Samavasaran (the divine assembly hall where Tirthankaras preach), including the placement of deities and celestial beings. It also describes the process of preaching and the manifestations of divine power.
  • Pratiharyas: The eight auspicious manifestations of a Tirthankara's divine presence.
  • Vardhan: Details about the divine offerings and donations made during the Tirthankaras' periods of charity.
  • Jain Festivals: A list of important Jain festivals and their significance.
  • Merits of Devotion: The cumulative spiritual merit gained from visiting Jain temples and performing devotional acts.

• General Knowledge about Tirthankaras and Jain Principles (Pages 39-41, 61-63, 69-70):

  • Unique Characteristics: Specific differences and similarities among Tirthankaras, such as their lineage, the number of vows taken by their followers, their ascetic practices, and the nature of their divine attire.
  • Past Lives and Birth Dreams: Details about the dreams of Tirthankara mothers and their interpretations, as well as the specific past lives that led to their Tirthankarship.
  • Cosmic Elements and Astrology: Information connecting specific Tirthankaras to celestial bodies (planets) and zodiac signs, suggesting astrological influences on their lives and the potential benefits of certain practices.
  • Tirthankara Powers: The immense power of Tirthankaras, described as being able to contain the strength of millions of beings within a single finger.
  • Hellish Realms: Descriptions of the different levels of hell and the qualities of light within them.

Overall Significance:

"Tirthankar Vandana" serves as a valuable resource for Jains seeking to deepen their understanding and devotion to the Tirthankaras. It meticulously compiles a vast amount of information, making it a comprehensive guide for spiritual study and practice. The book aims to inspire reverence and lead readers towards the path of liberation by detailing the lives and teachings of these supreme spiritual beings.