Trishashti Shalaka Purush Charitra Part 01

The provided text is the first part of the "Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Charitra" (Lives of the Sixty-Three Illustrious Men), a significant Jain scripture, authored by Acharya Hemchandracharya and published by Arihant Prakashan. This summary focuses on the content of the first part, which covers the lives of the first two Salakapurushas (Jinas).

Book Title: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Charitra Part 01 Author(s): Jain Dharm Prasarak Sabha (Publisher), Acharya Hemchandracharya (Author of original Sanskrit text) Publisher: Arihant Prakashan, Ahmedabad Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/032704/1

Overall Summary:

This is the first volume of a Gujarati translation of Acharya Hemchandracharya's renowned Sanskrit work, the "Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Charitra." The book is published by Arihant Prakashan, with the support of Shri Jain Dharma Prasaraka Sabha, Bhavnagar. This volume focuses on the lives of the first two of the sixty-three Salakapurushas: Shri Rishabhdevji (Adinath) and Shri Bharat Chakravarti, followed by the lives of Shri Ajitnathji and Sagar Chakravarti.

The text begins with an extensive introduction that reflects on the importance of history, heroic figures, and living narratives for any culture and civilization. It addresses the modern tendency to dismiss religious texts as 'myths' and their central figures as mere figments of imagination, a view it contrasts with the profound significance and historical reality of these lives for Jainism. The introduction emphasizes the power of faith (Aastha) in overcoming intellectual skepticism and in perceiving truths beyond the empirical. It also distinguishes between "Buddhiwad" (intellectualism bordering on skepticism) and "Buddhinishtha" (steadfast faith grounded in intellect), advocating for the latter as the foundation of true scientific understanding. The "Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Charitra" is presented as a prime example of "Satsahitya" (virtuous literature) created for the welfare of humanity, stemming from Acharya Hemchandracharya's altruistic intentions.

The text then delves into the detailed accounts of the lives of the Shakaapurushas, structured into ten "Parvas" (sections or books). This volume specifically covers the first two of these sections.

Detailed Summary of the Content Covered:

Part 1 (Parva 1): Shri Adinathji and Bharat Chakravarti

This section is a comprehensive narrative of the life of the first Tirthankara, Bhagwan Rishabhdev (Adinath), and his eldest son, Bharat Chakravarti.

• Introduction and Mangalacharan (Benedictory Verses): The text starts with verses of praise for the Arihants and the first Tirthankaras, setting a devotional tone.
• Bhagwan Rishabhdev's Pre-Life (Poorva Bhav): The narrative begins by recounting Bhagwan Rishabhdev's previous thirteen lifetimes, highlighting key events and spiritual lessons learned. This includes the story of Dhanasarthavah, his charitable acts, his encounters with Acharya Dharmaghosh, and the lessons learned about true dharma, including the special emphasis on daan (charity) and abhayd an (fearlessness). It details the concepts of 'Sati' and the virtuous path taken by Dhanasarthavah, leading to his spiritual progress and eventual rebirths in favorable circumstances, including celestial life and the role of a Vidyadhar.
• The Birth of Bhagwan Rishabhdev: The text describes the auspicious birth of Bhagwan Rishabhdev, the celestial beings' involvement in celebrating it, the fourteen auspicious dreams of the mother Marudevi, and the subsequent naming of the child as Nabhiraja's grandson and Rishabh. It details the elaborate divine ceremonies, including the participation of various celestial kings and their attendants.
• Bhagwan Rishabhdev's Childhood and Youth: The narrative touches upon his virtuous upbringing, his mastery of arts and sciences, and his eventual marriage to Sunanda and Sumangala. It mentions his renunciation of worldly pleasures after becoming a father to his 100 sons and two daughters, leading to his spiritual path.
• Bhagwan Rishabhdev's Reign and First Preaching: The text describes his virtuous reign, the establishment of societal order, the creation of the first cities, and the invention of the initial industries. Crucially, it recounts his discourse on the four types of dharma (Daan, Sheel, Tap, Bhavana) and the principles of righteous conduct, knowledge, and right faith, explaining the true meaning of these concepts to his followers.
• Bharat Chakravarti's Digvijaya (Conquest of the Universe): The narrative then shifts to Bharat Chakravarti, describing his righteous military campaigns, his conquest of the six continents (Khandas), his establishment of Dharma Chakra, and his righteous administration. The text details his interactions with various rulers and celestial beings.
• The Conflict with Bahubali: A significant part of Bharat's life described is his conflict with his righteous brother, Bahubali, over the realm. The narrative portrays their eventual understanding and Bahubali's subsequent renunciation and attainment of Kevala Jnana (omniscience).
• Bharat Chakravarti's Renunciation and Liberation: After Bahubali's liberation, Bharat, despite his own immense power and righteousness, eventually witnesses the impermanence of worldly pleasures. He too takes diksha (ascetic vows) and, through rigorous penance and spiritual practices, attains liberation (Moksha).
• The Teachings and Nirvana: The text concludes the descriptions of their lives by mentioning Bhagwan Rishabhdev's ultimate nirvana (liberation) on Mount Ashtapad, and the subsequent ceremonies performed by Bharat Chakravarti. It also outlines the names and details of the lineage of subsequent Tirthankaras and Chakravartis, providing a historical framework.

Part 2 (Parva 2): Shri Ajitnathji and Sagar Chakravarti

This section covers the lives of the second Tirthankara, Bhagwan Ajitnath, and his contemporary, Sagar Chakravarti.

• Bhagwan Ajitnath's Pre-Life (Poorva Bhav): Similar to the first Tirthankara, the text begins by recounting Bhagwan Ajitnath's previous births, detailing the spiritual journey that led him to become a Tirthankara. This includes the story of King Vimalavahan and his renunciation, his virtuous practices, and his eventual celestial birth.
• The Birth of Bhagwan Ajitnath: The narrative describes the auspicious birth of the second Tirthankara, the dreams of his mother, the celestial celebrations, and his naming.
• Bhagwan Ajitnath's Youth and Renunciation: The text touches upon his childhood, his education, and his life as a prince. It describes his eventual realization of the impermanence of worldly life and his decision to take diksha, renouncing his kingdom and worldly possessions.
• Sagar Chakravarti's Life: The narrative then focuses on the life of Sagar Chakravarti, a great emperor. It describes his righteous reign, his conquests, his vast kingdom, and his eventual spiritual path. The text may also touch upon his relationship or interactions with Bhagwan Ajitnath.
• The Teachings and Nirvana: Similar to the first section, this part would conclude with the eventual nirvana of Bhagwan Ajitnath and the significant events related to Sagar Chakravarti's life and potential spiritual journey.

Key Themes and Characteristics:

• Chronological Narrative: The "Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Charitra" follows a chronological order, detailing the lives of these great souls from their pre-natal stages to their final liberation.
• Emphasis on Virtue and Spirituality: The text highlights the virtuous deeds, spiritual practices, and profound teachings of the Salakapurushas, serving as role models for followers.
• Intertwined Divine and Royal Lives: The lives of Tirthankaras are often intertwined with those of Chakravartis, Vasudevas, Baladevas, and Prat-vasudevas, showing the interplay of spiritual and political leadership in the grand cosmic drama.
• Detailed Descriptions: The narrative provides rich, often poetic, descriptions of celestial palaces, celestial ceremonies, royal courts, battles, and spiritual experiences, making the lives vivid and engaging.
• Moral and Ethical Instruction: Implicitly and explicitly, the text conveys moral and ethical lessons about righteousness, detachment, compassion, and the ultimate goal of spiritual liberation.
• Gujarati Language and Cultural Context: The translation into Gujarati makes these profound teachings accessible to a wider audience, preserving and enriching the cultural heritage associated with Jainism in Gujarat.

In essence, this first part of the "Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Charitra" serves as an foundational introduction to the lineage of Jain spiritual and temporal leaders, emphasizing their extraordinary lives, their virtuous conduct, and their ultimate contributions to the path of liberation.