Vardhaman Charitam - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vardhaman Charitam" by Asaga, based on the provided pages:

Title: Vardhaman Charitam (also known as Mahavir Charitra, Sanmati Charitra, or Mahapurana) Author: Asaga Kavi Publisher: Chunilal V Shah, published by Jain Samskriti Samraksaka Sangha, Sholapur. Publication Context: This edition was published in 1974 (Vikrama Samvat 2030 / Vira Nirvana Samvat 2500) to commemorate the 2500th Nirvana anniversary of Bhagavan Mahavir. Language: The original work is in Sanskrit, and this edition includes a Hindi translation, introduction, and critical analysis.

Overview of the Work:

Subject Matter: The "Vardhaman Charitam" is a prabandha (narrative poem) that chronicles the life story of Bhagavan Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. It is considered one of the earliest, if not the earliest, independent poetic biographies of Mahavir.
Structure: The work is divided into 18 cantos (sargas). While the last two cantos focus on Mahavir's final life as Tirthankara, the preceding sixteen cantos detail his previous 37 births, starting from Pururava and ending with Viranatha. This narrative structure aims to illustrate the Jain doctrines of Karma and the transmigration of the soul through its various births.
Literary Style: Asaga's work is a Sanskrit Kavya (poem), characterized by classical Sanskrit poetic elements. It utilizes various meters (chandas), employs figures of speech (alamkaras), and follows the conventions of a Mahakavya (epic poem). The author demonstrates a deep understanding of Sanskrit literature and Jaina philosophy, drawing inspiration from earlier poets like Kalidasa and Jinasena, and philosophical works of Kundakunda and Pujyapada. The language is described as flowing and rich, adhering to the Panchali style.
Purpose: Asaga states his purpose for composing the work was "for the enlightenment of myself and others" (para-svaprati-bodhana-artham). The poem is intended to convey moral and religious lessons, reinforcing the Karma doctrine and guiding the reader towards spiritual upliftment.

Key Biographical Details about Asaga:

Authorship: The work is attributed to the poet Asaga.
Parentage: Asaga's parents were Patumati (father) and Vaireti (mother), who were devout Jains and patrons of monks.
Education: Asaga was a disciple of Acarya Naganandi and was also encouraged by Acarya Aryanandi. He also completed the work under the guidance or presence of Muni Bhavakirti.
Works: Besides "Vardhaman Charitam," Asaga is known to have composed "Shantinath Purana." He mentions composing eight works in total, embodying Jinagamas (Jina's teachings), suggesting he wrote in languages like Kannada as well, though these works have not yet been discovered.
Location and Time: Asaga flourished in the Telugu-Karnātaka region. His literary activity is placed in the middle of the 8th century A.D., with the "Vardhaman Charitam" possibly composed in 853 A.D. (Vikram Samvat 910), as indicated by the concluding verses. This dating is supported by references from later Kannada poets like Ponna (c. 973 A.D.) and Durgasimha (1031 A.D.) who mention Asaga.

Narrative Content (as per the summary of the story):

The narrative begins with the king of Shvetapatra, Nandi Vardhan, and his queen Viravati, whose virtuous son Nandan is introduced. Nandan, after encountering Muni Shrutasagara, renounces worldly pleasures. After Nandi Vardhan takes diksha, Nandan ascends the throne and has a son named Nand. The story then delves into Nandan's previous lives (bhavas) as narrated by Muni Prosthil. These include lives as:

Lion: On Varaha mountain, where he encounters Muni Amitakirti and Amaraprabha who preach to him.
Pururava: A hunter who encounters Muni Sagarasena, hears the dharma, and becomes a celestial being in Saudharma heaven.
Marichi: Son of Bharata (eldest son of the first Tirthankara Rishabhanatha), who takes diksha but falters and becomes a celestial being. This lineage continues through several more celestial births.
Vishvanandi: Son of King Vishvabhuti and Jayini of Rajagriha. His uncle Vishakhbhuti takes diksha. His cousin Vishakhnandi covets his garden. Vishvanandi becomes a celestial being in Mahendrakalpa.
Ashagriva: Son of King Mayurkantha and Queen Kanakamala of Alaka, who achieves the Pratinarayana status. He clashes with Trivishta.
Vijay and Trivishta: Sons of King Prajapati of Podanpur. Vijay becomes a Balabhadra and Trivishta a Narayan. Trivishta defeats Ashagriva.
Celestial Being (Haridhwaja): After a hellish existence, Trivishta's soul is reborn as Haridhwaja in Saudharma heaven.
Kanakadhwaj: Son of King Kanakabaha and Queen Kanakamala of Hemapur. He takes diksha and becomes a celestial being in Kapishtha heaven.
Harishena: Son of King Vajrasena and Queen Sushila of Ujjain. He becomes a celestial being in Mahashukra heaven.
Piyamitra: Son of King Dhananjaya and Queen Prabhavati in Kachha. He becomes a Chakravarti but renounces the world, and then becomes a celestial being in Sahasrar heaven.
Nandan: King of Shvetapatra (a rebirth of the celestial being). He renounces the world and performs severe penance, destined to become the last Tirthankara.
Siddhartha and Priyakarini: Parents of the 24th Tirthankara. Priyakarini (also known as Trishala) has auspicious dreams.
Mahavir: The final birth as the 24th Tirthankara, detailing his birth, diksha, omniscience (Kevala Jnana), sermons, and Nirvana at Pava Puri.

Key Doctrinal and Literary Aspects Highlighted:

Karma Siddhanta: The numerous previous births of Mahavir serve as a powerful illustration of the Jain doctrine of Karma, emphasizing individual responsibility for actions.
Tattvas and Padarthas: The text explains key Jain principles like the seven Tattvas and nine Padarthas.
Samavasarana: A detailed description of the divine assembly (Samavasarana) organized by Kubera is provided, following the pattern set by Jinasena in his Mahapurana.
Literary Merit: The General Editor, A.N. Upadhye, praises Asaga's mastery of Sanskrit literature, his use of various poetic embellishments, and his ability to weave spiritual teachings into a captivating narrative.
Puranic Themes in a Poetic Framework: Asaga transforms traditional Puranic themes into a sophisticated Sanskrit Kavya, complete with descriptions of seasons, cities, battles, marriages, and divine episodes.

Significance:

The "Vardhaman Charitam" by Asaga is a seminal work in Jain literature, offering a comprehensive and artistically rendered biography of Bhagavan Mahavir. This edition, enriched with Hindi translation and critical insights, makes the life and teachings of the Tirthankara accessible to a wider audience, especially during the significant 2500th Nirvana anniversary.