Trishashti Shalaka Purush Charitrasya Gadyatmaka Saroddhar Part 05

The provided Jain text is the fifth part of the Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Charitra (Lives of the Sixty-three Great Persons), specifically a prose summary (Gadyatmaka Saroddhar) of the eighth and ninth chapters (Parva). The work is authored by Acharya Shri Vijay Shubhankarsuri and edited by Muni Dharmakirtivijay. It is published by the Kalikal Sarvagya Shri Hemchandracharya Navam Janmashatabdi Smruti Sanskar Shikshannidhi in Ahmedabad.

This volume focuses on the lives and deeds of significant figures in Jainism, particularly the lineage of the 22nd Tirthankara, Neminath, and the prominent figures associated with him, such as Krishna and Balrama.

Key Contents and Themes:

• Volume 5 Summary: This specific volume is identified as the fifth in a series and covers the eighth and ninth chapters of the Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Charitra.

• Authorship and Publication: The work is attributed to Acharya Shri Vijay Shubhankarsuri and edited by Muni Dharmakirtivijay, with the publisher being a commemorative trust for the 9th birth centenary of Acharya Hemchandracharya in Ahmedabad.

• Content of the Eighth Chapter (Shri Arishtanemi Jina Charitra):

  • First Chapter: Details the birth and early life of Dhan, son of King Vikramadhan of Achalpur. It recounts his marriage to Dhanavati and his eventual adoption of the Jain faith. It also covers the lives of other characters like Dhano, Dhanvati, Chitragati, Sumitra, Bhadra, and the birth of Aparajita. The chapter describes the virtue and deeds of these individuals, highlighting their spiritual progress.
  • Second Chapter: Focuses on the lineage of Yadu, including the births of Ugrasen, Vasudev, Kunti, and Madri. It delves into the past lives and narratives of Vasudev, Kansa, and their relationships, mentioning events like Kansa's reign, his confrontations, and various marriages and events involving characters like Shyama, Vijayasen, Gandharvasen, Charudatta, Sulasa, and the stories of Neelayash.
  • Third Chapter: Continues the narrative, detailing the marriages of Vasudev with various princesses like Padmashri, Rohini, Kankavati, and others. It also includes the stories of Vasudev's lineage and his interactions with celestial beings and historical figures. It prominently features the story of Nala and Davadanti, their trials, and eventual reunion, as well as the lives and stories of characters like Kuber, Veermathi, Dhusari, Dhanya, and Davadanti.
  • Fourth Chapter: Continues the story of Vasudev's marriages, including his union with Padmashri, Rohini, and others. It also describes the birth of Balrama and Krishna, their divine parentage, and their interactions with King Kansa. The narrative covers Krishna's exploits, his childhood adventures, his battles, and his eventual victory over Kansa, leading to the restoration of Ugrasen to the throne. The chapter also mentions Krishna's marriages, the birth of his sons, and his eventual departure from worldly life.
  • Fifth Chapter: Continues the chronicles of Krishna, detailing his marriages with Satyabhama, Jambavati, Lakshmana, Sushima, Gauri, and Padmavati. It narrates the story of Pradyumna, Krishna's son, his abduction, and his eventual reunion with his mother. The chapter also touches upon the lineage of the Kauravas and Pandavas and their related stories.
  • Sixth Chapter: Focuses on the further exploits of Krishna and his descendants, including the marriages of Pradyumna and Shamb. It describes the conflicts and battles, including the war with Jar Sandha, and the eventual triumph of Krishna and Balrama. It also details the birth and life of Arishtanemi (Neminath), the 22nd Tirthankara, his family, his wedding preparations, his renunciation, and his attainment of Kevala Jnana (omniscience).
  • Seventh Chapter: Continues the narrative of Neminath's life, his renunciation, and his teachings. It also covers the stories of Krishna's final moments and his departure from the world, as well as the subsequent events involving Balrama and the end of the Yadu dynasty.
  • Eighth Chapter: This chapter details the past lives and events leading up to the birth of the 22nd Tirthankara, Neminath, and his divine father Vasudev (Krishna). It includes the story of Dhan, his lineage, and his eventual rebirth as Neminath. The chapter also delves into the lives of characters like Anangasingh, Ratnavati, Sumitra, Padm, Chitragati, and their spiritual journeys. It describes the birth of Aparajita, his marriages, and his renunciation.
  • Ninth Chapter: This chapter continues the narrative, focusing on the lives of figures like Balarama, Krishna, and their interactions. It details the birth of Krishna, his childhood exploits, his battles against demons, and his eventual victory over Kansa. The chapter also highlights the marriages of Krishna and the events leading to the establishment of Dwaraka. It also covers the narratives of other important figures.

• Content of the Ninth Chapter (Shri Brahmaddatta Chakri - Shri Parshvanatha Charitra):

  • First Chapter: Narrates the story of Brahmaddatta, a righteous and virtuous prince, and his virtuous deeds. It also introduces the story of Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara, and the events leading up to his birth and spiritual journey. The chapter emphasizes themes of righteousness, renunciation, and the pursuit of spiritual liberation.
  • Second Chapter: Details the past lives and karma that shaped the characters in the narrative, particularly focusing on the lineage and deeds of figures connected to Parshvanatha. It includes stories of past lives that illustrate the concepts of karma and its consequences.
  • Third Chapter: Continues the narrative of Parshvanatha's life, his spiritual practices, his attainment of Kevala Jnana, and his teachings. It also describes the lives and spiritual journeys of his disciples and other significant individuals. The chapter emphasizes the importance of renunciation, virtue, and the path to spiritual enlightenment.
  • Fourth Chapter: This chapter likely continues the narrative of Parshvanatha or introduces other significant figures and their stories, further elaborating on Jain principles and the path to liberation. It mentions the story of Sagardatta, his encounters, and his spiritual journey. It also highlights the lives of Bandhudatta and Priyadarshana, and their devotion to the Jain path.

Overall Significance:

The Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Charitra is a monumental work in Jain literature, detailing the lives of the most important figures in Jain tradition. This prose summary makes these complex and extensive narratives accessible. The covered chapters, eighth and ninth, continue the grand epic, tracing the lives of divine figures, heroes, and Tirthankaras, emphasizing their virtuous actions, spiritual journeys, and the principles of Jainism. The text highlights themes of karma, renunciation, devotion, and the path to salvation. The publication of this summary by a prestigious Jain institution underscores its importance in preserving and propagating Jain knowledge.