Trishashti Shalaka Purush Charitrasya Gadyatmaka Saroddhar Part 02 - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Charitrasya Gadyatmaka Saroddhar Part 02," authored by Shubhankarsuri and Dharmkirtivijay, and published by Kalikal Sarvagya Shri Hemchandracharya Navam Janmashatabdi Smruti Sanskar Shikshannidhi, Ahmedabad. The catalog link provided is https://jainqq.org/explore/009892/1. This is a prose summary of the second and third parvas (chapters/sections) of the text.

Overall Context:

This work is a prose summary (gadyatmaka saroddhar) of the monumental Jain text Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Charitra by the revered Acharya Hemchandracharya. The summary focuses on the lives and deeds of the Shalaka Purushas (distinguished individuals in Jain tradition) as described in the second and third parvas. The publisher's note highlights the establishment of the trust in commemoration of the 9th birth centenary of Acharya Hemchandracharya and its aim to publish ancient Jain texts, honor scholars, and publish research journals. The summary itself is a simplified and accessible version of the original epic poem, making the complex narratives easier to understand.

Summary of the Second Parva (Parva 02):

The Second Parva covers the lives and events related to Ajitaswami and Sagara Chakravarti.

Chapter 1: Life of Vimalavahana (Previous life of Ajitaswami)
- It begins with King Vimalavahana of Vatsa city, who was virtuous and just.
- During his reign, he contemplated the impermanence of life and the cyclical nature of existence (samsara). He reflected on the fleetingness of youth, the dependency of childhood, the misuse of adult life, and the decline in old age.
- He encountered Acharya Arindama, a great sage, and his discourses further deepened Vimalavahana's detachment.
- Acharya Arindama explained his own profound detachment, stemming from observing the transformation of a beautiful garden into a thorny, desolate place, symbolizing the changes in the world and human life.
- Vimalavahana, inspired, decided to renounce the world. He called his ministers, announced his intention to abdicate, and instructed them to prepare his son for kingship.
- He then proceeded to the park with the Acharya, performed the vows of renunciation (diksha) by plucking his hair, and embraced a life of austerity and strict adherence to Jain principles (Pancha Samitis and Triguptis).
- He endured various hardships (parishahas) with equanimity, practiced deep meditation, and eventually attained liberation (moksha), being reborn as a celestial being in the Anuttara Vimana for a long lifespan.
Chapter 2: Birth of Ajitaswami and Sagara Chakravarti
- It describes the kingdom of Vinita ruled by King Jitashtru and his virtuous queen Vijayā.
- The soul of Vimalavahana descended into Vijayā's womb, marking the conception of Ajitaswami, the second Tirthankara.
- During this time, celestial beings (devas) performed auspicious ceremonies, and the city was enhanced with divine embellishments. Queen Vijayā saw auspicious dreams, including the descent of a white elephant, symbolizing the birth of a Tirthankara.
- Simultaneously, King Jitashtru's brother, Sumitra, and his wife, Vaijayanti, also conceived. Vaijayanti also experienced similar auspicious dreams, foretelling the birth of a Chakravarti (universal emperor).
- The text details the dreams seen by the queens and their interpretations by auspicious scholars, confirming the divine births. It also explains the celestial preparations for the arrival of these great souls.
- The chapter describes the actual births of Ajitaswami and Sagara (the Chakravarti). Ajitaswami was born with divine radiance, causing immense joy and auspicious phenomena throughout the universe. Sagara was also born with great fortune.
- The celestial Indra performed the birth ceremonies (janma kalyanaka) for both, bringing them to Mount Meru for their divine bathing and adornment.
- King Jitashtru then performed the naming ceremony for his son, Ajitaswami, and Sumitra named his son Sagara. The chapter highlights the virtuous qualities and destiny of both.
Chapter 3: Childhood and Renunciation of Ajitaswami and Sagara
- It describes the upbringing of Ajitaswami and Sagara. Ajitaswami, due to his innate divine knowledge (tri-jnana), naturally possessed all arts and sciences. Sagara, though initially tutored, also quickly mastered various subjects.
- Both princes grew up, embodying exceptional physical and intellectual qualities.
- King Jitashtru, recalling the virtuous lineage of his ancestors who attained liberation after ruling, decided to renounce the world with his brother Sumitra. He sought their sons' permission to abdicate.
- Ajitaswami, recognizing his destiny as a Tirthankara, accepted the responsibility of rule, while Sagara, who was to become a Chakravarti, also prepared for his future role.
- King Jitashtru, with great ceremony, abdicated and took initiation (diksha) under the guidance of the Acharya. He attained omniscience (kevalajnana) and eventually liberation.
- Ajitaswami, as the sovereign ruler, governed the kingdom with justice and compassion. His reign was marked by peace and prosperity, and people followed the righteous path. Despite his divine powers, he remained humble and did not exhibit pride.
- He contemplated the impermanence of worldly possessions and the fleeting nature of relationships, reinforcing his resolve towards spiritual pursuits.
- The chapter ends with Ajitaswami contemplating the cessation of his worldly life and the divine indication for him to initiate the spread of Jainism.
Chapter 4: Conquests of Sagara Chakravarti
- This chapter details the military conquests of Sagara Chakravarti.
- It describes the appearance of the divine Sudarshana Chakra, his celestial weapon.
- Sagara, after performing rituals and preparations, embarked on his digvijaya (world conquest). He subjugated various kings and regions, including those in Magadha, the southern coast, the western coast, and the Sindhu region.
- He encountered kings and chieftains who willingly submitted to his authority, offering tributes and allegiance.
- The narrative describes his campaigns against different peoples, including Kiratas and Yavanas, and his interactions with various rulers and deities.
- He also conquered the regions related to the Sindhu and Ganga rivers, including the formidable Tamisra cave.
- His conquests extended across the vast expanse of Bharat Kshetra.
- The chapter concludes with Sagara, having established his dominion over thirty-two thousand kingdoms and amassed immense wealth and power, returning to his capital, Ayodhya, in great splendor.
Chapter 5: Sagara's Sons and Their Demise
- This chapter focuses on Sagara's sons and their tragic end.
- Sagara had sixty thousand sons, born from different queens. They grew up and, feeling their father had conquered everything, desired to wander freely and enjoy the world.
- While roaming, they encountered a divine lion and a shrine dedicated to Rishabhadeva. Inspired by the sight, they performed rituals and worshipped the deities.
- Later, their wanderings led them to the foothills of Ashtapada mountain, where they found a shrine built by Bharata Chakravarti. They worshipped the images within.
- One of Sagara's sons, Janu, observed that the Ashtapada mountain, despite its sacred shrines, lacked water in its moat. Concerned about the preservation of the ancient sites, he decided to dig a moat to hold water.
- In the process of digging, they disturbed the subterranean kingdom of the Naga (serpent) king, Jalaprabha. Angered by the desecration of their homes, the Naga king unleashed a torrential flood from the Ganga river, which filled the moat.
- The floodwaters then inundated the Naga kingdom and even reached the areas where Sagara's sons were residing. The Naga king, enraged by this further transgression, unleashed his powerful venomous gaze upon Sagara's sons, causing them to be incinerated into ashes.
- The chapter describes the shock and grief of the remaining sons and the subsequent efforts of Bhagiratha (Sagara's grandson), guided by a sage, to bring the Ganga river to wash away the ashes of his ancestors, thus liberating them from their torment. This act is described as the origin of the name 'Bhagirathi' for the Ganga and highlights the consequences of karma.
Chapter 6: Bhagiratha's Mission, Sagara's Renunciation, and Ajitaswami's Renunciation
- The chapter begins with the aftermath of Sagara's sons' demise, detailing the devastation and the grief of the army and the people.
- A wise Brahmin appears and consoles the grieving king, advising him to overcome attachment and understand the nature of impermanence.
- King Sagara, deeply affected by the loss of his sons and the sage's wisdom, reflects on the illusory nature of worldly relationships and the inevitability of death.
- He then decides to renounce the world. Bhagiratha, his grandson, is crowned king.
- Following this, Ajitaswami, who had been ruling with great righteousness, also contemplates renunciation. He is advised by divine beings (lokantika devas) to fulfill his role as a Tirthankara and spread the true dharma.
- Ajitaswami, after performing his divine duties, including a grand annual donation, takes initiation (diksha) at Sahasramravana forest. His renunciation is marked by celestial ceremonies.
- He attains omniscience and begins his spiritual discourses, which lead many to follow the path of righteousness.
- The chapter also describes Sagara Chakravarti's final days, his deep devotion to Ajitaswami, and his own renunciation, attaining liberation along with many of his followers.
- It details the lifespan and activities of Ajitaswami, the second Tirthankara, and concludes with the passing of Sagara Chakravarti.

Summary of the Third Parva (Parva 03):

The Third Parva covers the lives of Sambhavanatha, Abhinandananatha, Sumatinatha, Padmaprabha, Suparshvanatha, Chandraprabha, Suvidhinatha, and Shitalanatha – the Tirthankaras from the second to the eighth.

Chapter 1: Life of Sambhavanatha
- It begins with King Vipulavahana of Kshemavati in the Airavata region of Dhataki Khanda, who, after experiencing detachment, renounced the world and attained liberation.
- The soul of Vipulavahana then descended into Queen Siddhartha of Shravasti, ruled by King Ajita. This soul became Sambhavanatha, the third Tirthankara.
- The chapter describes the auspicious conception, dreams, and birth of Sambhavanatha, along with the divine ceremonies performed by celestial beings.
- King Ajita named his son Sambhavanatha, signifying his ability to bring forth peace and well-being.
- Sambhavanatha, after his youth and ruling the kingdom, renounced the world, attained omniscience, and preached the dharma.
- His reign and renunciation are described, along with the number of his followers.
- The chapter ends with his liberation.
Chapter 2: Life of Abhinandananatha
- This chapter details the life of Abhinandananatha, the fourth Tirthankara.
- It begins with King Mahabala of Ratnasanchaya, who renounced the world and became a celestial being.
- His soul descended into Queen Siddhartha of Ayodhya, ruled by King Samvara.
- The auspicious conception, dreams (including a lion), and birth of Abhinandananatha are described.
- King Samvara named him Abhinandananatha due to the joy he brought to the kingdom.
- After ruling, Abhinandananatha took initiation, attained omniscience, and preached the dharma, emphasizing detachment and the pursuit of liberation.
- The chapter concludes with his liberation and the number of his followers.
Chapter 3: Life of Sumatinatha
- This chapter narrates the story of Sumatinatha, the fifth Tirthankara.
- It starts with King Meghavahana of Kshema city in the Airavata region, who renounced the world and was reborn in a celestial realm.
- His soul descended into Queen Sumangala of the city of Vinita, ruled by King Dhara.
- The auspicious birth of Sumatinatha is described, including the divine reception and the naming ceremony. King Dhara named him Sumatinatha because of his inherent wisdom and good disposition.
- Sumatinatha, after a period of rule, renounced the world, attained omniscience, and preached the dharma, stressing the impermanence of worldly life and the importance of righteous actions.
- The chapter concludes with his liberation and details about his followers.
Chapter 4: Life of Padmaprabha
- This chapter focuses on Padmaprabha, the sixth Tirthankara.
- It begins with King Aprajita of Simhapuri in the Airavata region, who renounced the world and became a celestial being.
- His soul descended into Queen Susima of Kaushambi city, ruled by King Dharo.
- The auspicious conception, dreams (including a lotus), and birth of Padmaprabha are described.
- Queen Susima named him Padmaprabha due to his lotus-like beauty and auspicious signs.
- Padmaprabha, after ruling, took initiation, attained omniscience, and preached the dharma, emphasizing detachment from worldly pleasures and the pursuit of true happiness through spiritual practice.
- The chapter concludes with his liberation and the size of his spiritual assembly.
Chapter 5: Life of Suparshvanatha
- This chapter narrates the life of Suparshvanatha, the seventh Tirthankara.
- It begins with King Nandiṣena of Kṣema city in the Airavata region, who renounced the world and attained celestial status.
- His soul descended into Queen Prithvi of Varanasi, ruled by King Pratishtha.
- The auspicious conception, dreams (including a serpent), and birth of Suparshvanatha are described.
- King Pratishtha named him Suparshvanatha, signifying his auspicious presence and the well-being he brings.
- Suparshvanatha, after his reign, took initiation, attained omniscience, and preached the dharma, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between the self and the non-self, and the futility of attachment.
- The chapter concludes with his liberation and details about his followers.
Chapter 6: Life of Chandraprabha
- This chapter details the life of Chandraprabha, the eighth Tirthankara.
- It begins with King Padma of Ratnasanchaya in the Airavata region, who renounced the world and became a celestial being.
- His soul descended into Queen Lakshmana of Chandranagari city, ruled by King Mahasena.
- The auspicious conception, dreams (including the moon), and birth of Chandraprabha are described.
- King Mahasena named him Chandraprabha, due to his moon-like radiance and auspicious qualities.
- Chandraprabha, after his rule, took initiation, attained omniscience, and preached the dharma, emphasizing the impermanence of the physical body and the need for spiritual cultivation.
- The chapter concludes with his liberation and the size of his spiritual assembly.
Chapter 7: Life of Suvidhinatha
- This chapter narrates the life of Suvidhinatha, the ninth Tirthankara.
- It begins with King Mahapadma of Pundarikini city in the Airavata region, who renounced the world and became a celestial being.
- His soul descended into Queen Rama of Kakandi city, ruled by King Sugriva.
- The auspicious conception, dreams (including a lotus), and birth of Suvidhinatha are described.
- Queen Rama named him Suvidhinatha (also Pushpadanta) due to his auspicious qualities and the timely emergence of his teeth.
- Suvidhinatha, after his rule, took initiation, attained omniscience, and preached the dharma, stressing the importance of controlling the senses and avoiding actions that lead to suffering.
- The chapter concludes with his liberation and details about his followers. It also mentions the subsequent decline of the dharma and the rise of false beliefs due to the lack of proper guidance.
Chapter 8: Life of Shitalanatha
- This chapter describes the life of Shitalanatha, the tenth Tirthankara.
- It begins with King Padmottara of Susima city in the Airavata region, who renounced the world and attained celestial status.
- His soul descended into Queen Nanda of Bhadila city, ruled by King Dridharatha.
- The auspicious conception, dreams (including a Śrīvatsa symbol), and birth of Shitalanatha are described.
- King Dridharatha named him Shitalanatha because his presence brought coolness and relief to the king even when he was burning with fever.
- Shitalanatha, after his rule, took initiation, attained omniscience, and preached the dharma, emphasizing the importance of controlling desires and attachments, and the practice of detachment for achieving liberation.
- The chapter concludes with his liberation and the size of his spiritual assembly.

Key Themes and Elements:

Tirthankara Biographies: The core of the parva is the biographical accounts of the Tirthankaras, detailing their births, lives, virtues, renunciations, omniscience, teachings, and eventual liberation.
Karma and Rebirth: The text consistently emphasizes the law of karma and the cyclical nature of birth and death (samsara). The previous lives of the Tirthankaras and the consequences of their actions are frequently mentioned.
Detachment and Renunciation: A central theme is the importance of detachment from worldly pleasures, possessions, and relationships, leading to renunciation (diksha) as the path to liberation.
Austerity and Spiritual Discipline: The rigorous practices of monks and ascetics, including fasting, meditation, and adherence to vows, are highlighted as crucial for spiritual progress.
The Role of Sages and Acharyas: Wise sages and Acharyas play a significant role in guiding the kings and princes towards spiritual enlightenment.
Divine Intervention and Support: Celestial beings (devas) are often depicted as supporting the Tirthankaras and their followers, performing auspicious ceremonies and providing divine assistance.
Moral and Ethical Teachings: The narratives embed moral and ethical principles, promoting virtues like compassion, truthfulness, non-violence, and detachment.
Cosmology: The text also provides brief descriptions of the Jain cosmology, including the structure of the universe, celestial realms, and geographical divisions.
Prose Summary: The style is a prose summary, making the complex epic accessible to a wider audience, as intended by the publisher.

This summary provides a detailed overview of the second and third parvas, capturing the essence of the lives of the Tirthankaras and the spiritual journey described in this Jain text.