Trishashti Shalaka Purush Charitra Part 2

Here's a comprehensive summary of Trishashti Shalaka Purush Charitra Part 2, focusing on the content related to Lord Ajitanatha and Emperor Sagara, based on the provided Hindi text:

This book, Trishashti Shalaka Purush Charitra Part 2, published by Prakrit Bharti Academy, Jaipur, and the Shri Jain Shvetambar Nakoda Parshvanath Tirth, Mewanagar, presents the lives of the second Tirthankara, Bhagwan Ajitanatha, and the second Chakravarti, Sagara. The translation is by Ganesh Lalwani, with a Hindi adaptation by Rajkumari Bengani.

Introduction and Context:

The Trishashti Shalaka Purush Charitra is a monumental work by the revered Acharya Hemachandra, detailing the lives of the 63 "Shalaka Purushas" (great personalities) who appear in each half-cycle of time in Jain cosmology. These 63 individuals include 24 Tirthankaras, 12 Chakravartis, 9 Vasudevas, 9 Pratīvasudevas, and 9 Baladevas. Acharya Hemachandra's work is divided into 10 "Paryayas" (sections), chronicling the lives from Lord Rishabhadeva to Lord Mahavira. This particular volume focuses on the second "Paryaya," which is further divided into six "Sargas" (chapters).

The preface highlights the significance of Acharya Hemachandra as a polymath and a prominent Jain Acharya who influenced Chalukyan rulers, promoting non-violence and universal harmony. The text is described as a "Mahakavya" (epic poem) that follows classical literary rules, with an original Sanskrit text of 36,000 verses. The creation of this work was inspired by the request of King Kumarpala, a descendant of the Chalukya dynasty, who sought to understand the lives of these great souls. The approximate completion time is placed around Vikram Samvat 1220.

Summary of the Chapters (Sargas):

First Sarga: Ajitanatha's First and Second Lives

• Introduction: The chapter begins with prayers to Lord Ajitanatha and introduces the account of his past lives as a prelude to his Tirthankara existence.
• First Life: The narrative shifts to the land of Vatsa in the Videha region, a prosperous country adorned with beautiful villages, cities, lakes, and gardens. The capital city, Susima, is described as a gem-studded marvel, a testament to wealth and prosperity. King Vimalavahana rules this city with justice and virtue.
• Vimalavahana's Renunciation: King Vimalavahana, after deep contemplation on the transient nature of life, the suffering in the cycle of birth and death, and the futility of worldly attachments, experiences detachment. He reflects on the impermanence of youth, wealth, and life itself, likening them to fleeting phenomena. He witnesses the change in an elegant garden from beauty to decay, which further solidifies his resolve. He realizes that true happiness lies in detachment from worldly possessions and sensory pleasures.
• Encounter with Arindama: While contemplating in a garden, King Vimalavahana encounters the sage Arindama, surrounded by his disciples. The sage's presence inspires the king. The king humbly approaches Arindama and, after receiving blessings, inquires about the cause of his detachment.
• Arindama's Discourse: Sage Arindama explains that worldly activities lead to attachment and suffering. He recounts his own experience of witnessing a beautiful garden decay, which led him to renounce the world. He advises the king that only through the path of detachment and spiritual practice can one achieve liberation.
• King's Decision: Inspired by the sage's words, King Vimalavahana decides to renounce the world. He instructs his ministers to prepare for his son's coronation and then departs to take initiation from the sage, embarking on the path of renunciation.
• Ascent to Heaven: After living a life of severe penance and detachment, Vimalavahana attains the status of a divine being in the Vijay Anuattar Vimana for 33 sagaropam years.

Second Sarga: Ajitanatha's Third Life and the Births of Sagara Chakravarti

• Lineage and City: The narrative moves to the Bharata region of Jambu continent, to the city of Vinita. After the passing of Lord Rishabhadeva, the Ikshvaku dynasty continued to rule. King Jitrashatru, a virtuous ruler, reigns in this era.
• Queen Vijaya and Dreams: King Jitrashatru's queen is Vijaya, described as a paragon of beauty and virtue. On the 13th day of Vaishakha Shukla, as Lord Ajitanatha descends into her womb, Queen Vijaya experiences fourteen auspicious dreams:
  1. An elephant (Airavata)
  2. A bull
  3. A lion
  4. Goddess Lakshmi being anointed by elephants
  5. Two flower garlands
  6. A full moon
  7. The sun
  8. A jeweled flag
  9. A full pitcher
  10. A lotus pond
  11. The ocean
  12. A celestial chariot (Vimana)
  13. A heap of jewels
  14. Fire without smoke
• Divine Intervention: Upon witnessing these dreams, Indra's throne trembles. He understands that a Tirthankara has entered the womb of Queen Vijaya. He descends to Vinita with other celestial beings to celebrate the event and perform the birth rituals. Indra commands Kubera to replenish the city's wealth, just as he did for Lord Rishabhadeva's reign.
• Sagara's Conception: On the same night, Sumitra Vijaya's wife, Vaijayanti, also dreams of the fourteen auspicious signs, indicating the conception of Chakravarti Sagara.
• Interpretation of Dreams: King Jitrashatru interprets Vijaya's dreams as foretelling the birth of a virtuous son, the second Tirthankara, Ajitanatha. He also infers from Vaijayanti's dreams that she will give birth to the Chakravarti, Sagara. The auspicious dreams are interpreted by learned scholars as indicators of the future greatness of the children. The celestial beings rejoice at these auspicious events.
• The Births: The chapter culminates with the description of the births of Ajitanatha and Sagara, highlighting the divine celebrations and the auspicious circumstances surrounding their arrivals.

Third Sarga: Childhood, Youth, Marriage, Renunciation, and Enlightenment

• Childhood and Youth: The chapter describes the childhood and youth of both Prince Ajita and Prince Sagara. Prince Ajita, from birth, possesses immense knowledge and wisdom. Prince Sagara excels in all arts and sciences, demonstrating exceptional strength and prowess. They are both described as incredibly beautiful and accomplished.
• Marriages: King Jitrashatru and Indra arrange the marriages of Ajitanatha with over 100 princess. Similarly, Sagara also gets married to numerous princesses.
• Lord Ajitanatha's Renunciation: King Jitrashatru and Indra approach Lord Ajitanatha and invite him to renounce the world and establish the Jain faith. Lord Ajitanatha, recognizing the time for his mission, agrees. He relinquishes his worldly attachments and embraces the path of asceticism.
• King Sagara's Coronation and Renunciation: King Sagara, after conquering the six continents with his divine wheel (Chakra Ratna), assumes the mantle of Chakravarti. However, the narrative then shifts to King Jitrashatru's decision to renounce along with his brother Sumitra. Lord Ajitanatha advises Sagara to ascend the throne while he himself will pursue spiritual liberation. Jitrashatru's renunciation and Ajitanatha's subsequent path to enlightenment are detailed.
• Lord Ajitanatha's Enlightenment and Ministry: The chapter outlines Lord Ajitanatha's ascetic practices, his attainment of Kevala Jnana (omniscience), his sermons (deshna), and the establishment of the Jain community.
• King Sagara's Reign: The chapter touches upon King Sagara's reign, his triumphs, and his eventual renunciation to follow Lord Ajitanatha.
• Lord Ajitanatha's Nirvana: The chapter concludes with Lord Ajitanatha's Nirvana and the subsequent celebrations.

Fourth Sarga: Sagara's Six-Continent Victory and Chakravarti-hood

• The Divine Wheel (Chakra Ratna): The emergence of the divine Chakra Ratna, a celestial disc, heralds Sagara's Chakravarti status. The Chakra Ratna is described as a powerful artifact that leads the way to conquest.
• The Digvijaya (Conquest of the Six Continents): Sagara, guided by the Chakra Ratna, embarks on a world-conquering campaign. He subdues numerous kings and territories, bringing the entire Bharata continent under his rule. The narrative details his military prowess, his strategic approach, and the submission of various rulers.
• The Chakravarti Title: Upon completing his conquest, Sagara is formally crowned as the Chakravarti, the sovereign ruler of the Bharata continent. The chapter elaborates on the grandeur of this coronation and the immense power and dominion he wields.
• Sagara's Rule: The chapter highlights Sagara's just and prosperous reign, emphasizing his adherence to righteousness and his benevolent rule over his vast empire.

Fifth Sarga: Dialogues between Sagara and Lord Ajitanatha, Sagara's Sons' Journey, and their Demise

• Discussions and Inquiries: The chapter features dialogues between Chakravarti Sagara and Lord Ajitanatha. Sagara seeks spiritual guidance and clarification on various aspects of Jain philosophy and ethics from the Tirthankara.
• The Curse and the Sons' Fate: The narrative then delves into the lineage of Sagara. It recounts the story of his 60,000 sons, who, due to their arrogance and disrespect towards Lord Ajitanatha's ascetic brother, are incinerated by the divine anger of Lord Ajitanatha or, as the text suggests, a celestial power. Their ashes are then said to have been purified by Bhagiratha's efforts to bring the Ganga river to the ocean.
• Asta Pada and the Demise: The journey of Sagara's sons to the Asta Pada mountain and their subsequent demise due to their actions are described. This section highlights the consequences of disrespect towards spiritual authority and the workings of karma.

Sixth Sarga: Indra's Intervention, Sagara's Grief, Bhagiratha's Role, and Final Liberation

• Indra's Appearance: Indra, the king of celestials, appears in Sagara's court disguised as a Brahmin. This is to offer solace and guidance to the grief-stricken king.
• Sagara's Grief and Counsel: Sagara is deeply affected by the loss of his sons. The disguised Indra offers spiritual counsel, advising him on the nature of karma, detachment, and the path to liberation. He helps Sagara understand the impermanence of life and the futility of worldly attachments.
• Bhagiratha and the Ganga: The chapter mentions Bhagiratha's role in bringing the sacred Ganga river down to the earth to purify the ashes of Sagara's sons and their subsequent liberation. This event is a significant episode in the Sagara dynasty's narrative.
• Sagara's Renunciation and Liberation: Finally, the chapter details King Sagara's ultimate renunciation and his path to liberation. He follows the teachings of Lord Ajitanatha, sheds his worldly ties, and attains Moksha.
• Lord Ajitanatha's Family and Nirvana: The chapter concludes with the final moments of Lord Ajitanatha's earthly existence, his Nirvana, and the celestial celebrations that follow.

Overall Themes:

The text emphasizes the Jain principles of non-violence (Ahimsa), detachment (Vairagya), karma, renunciation (Tyaga), and liberation (Moksha). It illustrates the consequences of actions and the importance of spiritual pursuit over worldly possessions and power. The lives of Lord Ajitanatha and Chakravarti Sagara serve as exemplary narratives of individuals who attained supreme spiritual realization after navigating the complexities of worldly life and karma. The detailed descriptions of cosmology, celestial beings, and Jain rituals add richness and depth to the narrative.