Vardhaman Mahavira

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vardhaman Mahavir" by Ganesh Lalwani, based on the provided pages:

The book, "Vardhaman Mahavir," authored by Ganesh Lalwani and published by Karusha Prakashani, is dedicated to providing a comprehensive life story of Lord Mahavir, the 24th and last Tirthankara in Jainism. The author expresses a long-held desire to present Mahavir's life in Bengali, lamenting the lack of such detailed accounts compared to the knowledge available about Lord Buddha and Buddhism.

Key themes and content covered in the provided pages:

• Historical and Geographical Context: The book emphasizes that Jainism is an ancient religion in Bengal, predating the spread of Buddhism there. Lord Mahavir is said to have visited and preached in Bengal, leaving behind place names like "Bardhaman," "Birbhum," "Manbhum," and "Singhbhum," suggesting a significant Jain presence in these regions historically. The text also mentions the "Sarak" community as descendants of ancient Jains. The spread of Jainism across Bengal is highlighted, with specific mention of four branches linked to regions like Tamralipta (Tamluk), Kotivarsha (Dinajpur), Pundravardhana (Mahasthangarh), and Kharvata. It is also noted that Bhadrabahu, a significant figure in Jainism, was from Bengal and the birthplace of Kotivarsha.

• Inspiration and Publication: Ganesh Lalwani shares his journey in writing this book. An earlier partial work on Mahavir's life (covering his pre-ascetic life) was published in the journal 'Himadri.' Encouraged by a letter from the renowned linguist Dr. Suniti Kumar Chatterjee, who praised his book 'Atimukta' and urged him to write a 'Mahavir Charit,' Lalwani was motivated to complete this work. He expresses gratitude to Tulsi Das and Bamacharan Mukhopadhyay for their role in publishing the book.

• The Life of Vardhaman Mahavir (Early Life - Purvaashram):

  • Birth and Family: The narrative begins with the birth of Vardhaman in Kshatriya Kundapur. His father was Siddhartha, a Kasyapa Gotra Jnatakshatriya, referred to as a "King" by his people. His mother was Trishala, sister of Chetaka, the king of Vaishali. Vaishali is described as a prosperous city under Jain rulers. Siddhartha himself was a follower of Parshvanatha's teachings.
  • Devananda's Dreams: The text details the dreams of Devananda, the wife of Rishabhadatta, a Brahmin from Brahmin Kundapur. She dreams of various auspicious symbols like an elephant, bull, lion, Lakshmi, garlands, moon, sun, flag, pot, lake, ocean, celestial beings, jewels, and a smokeless fire. These dreams are interpreted as foreshadowing the birth of a great soul.
  • The Transference of the Embryo: Devananda dreams again, seeing the light from her womb transferring to Trishala. This event is explained through divine intervention by Indra, who, after learning that the Tirthankara embryo was in a Brahmin's womb instead of a Kshatriya's, transfers the embryo from Devananda to Trishala.
  • Trishala's Dreams and Siddhartha's Interpretation: Trishala also experiences auspicious dreams similar to Devananda's. Siddhartha interprets these dreams as indicators of immense wealth, prosperity, and the birth of a virtuous son.
  • Vardhaman's Childhood and Divine Manifestations: The text describes Vardhaman's divine nature even in infancy. The brightness of his presence is likened to the midday sun, though without heat. There are instances of his extraordinary strength, such as causing the Meru mountain to tremble with a slight pressure from his toe. His childhood is marked by exceptional beauty, character, and a profound meditative nature, drawing admiration from all.
  • Testing Mahavir's Strength: A celestial being, disbelieving Indra's praise of Mahavir's strength, tests him. Mahavir easily overcomes the challenges, demonstrating immense power and resilience. This section highlights the concept of self-conquest as true heroism.
  • Education: Despite his divine nature, Vardhaman is sent to school. His innate wisdom is so profound that he surpasses his teachers, even impressing a visiting Brahmin scholar with his understanding of scriptures. This underscores that his divine knowledge was inherent.
  • Marriage: As Vardhaman grows, his parents, particularly Trishala, wish for him to marry. They arrange his marriage to Yashoda, the beautiful daughter of King Samavira. Vardhaman agrees, not out of desire, but out of obedience to his mother's wishes.
  • Daughter's Birth: Vardhaman and Yashoda have a daughter named Priyadarshana.
  • Renunciation (Pravrajya): After 28 years of worldly life, despite his marriage and child, Vardhaman realizes the time for his renunciation has come. He relinquishes all his worldly possessions and, after a procession, departs for his spiritual quest. His elder brother, Nandivardhana, expresses concern but ultimately consents to his path.
  • The Process of Renunciation: The text details the rituals of his renunciation, including shedding his ornaments and cutting his hair. He undertakes severe austerities, embraces vows of austerity and non-possession, and begins his journey of spiritual exploration.
  • Early Ascetic Life: The initial years of his ascetic life are marked by immense hardship and suffering, including harsh weather, lack of food, and persecution from people and animals. The text details his experiences in the Rarh region, facing abuse, stones, and even physical violence from the locals, yet he endures it all with equanimity.
  • Encounter with Shulapani Yaksha: A significant event described is his encounter with the Shulapani Yaksha at Asthik village (formerly Vardhamanpur). The Yaksha, who had become a deity after a betrayal by villagers, tests Mahavir's resolve. Mahavir's unwavering meditation and non-violence (ahimsa) pacify the Yaksha, demonstrating the power of spiritual discipline.
  • The Significance of Dreams and Omens: The text frequently refers to dreams and omens as precursors to significant events in Mahavir's life, reinforcing the idea of a divinely ordained destiny.
  • The Great Vows: Throughout his ascetic journey, Mahavir adheres strictly to his vows, particularly non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy (Brahmacharya), and non-possession (Aparigraha).

The book appears to be a biographical narrative, starting from Mahavir's conception and early life, covering his marriage, family, childhood prowess, education, renunciation, and the arduous journey of his asceticism. It delves into his spiritual discipline, encounters with divine and earthly beings, and his commitment to his vows in the face of extreme adversity. The narrative highlights his inherent divine qualities, his profound wisdom, and his eventual attainment of omniscience and liberation.