Vasudev Hindi Me Varnit Sadhwiya

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vasudev Hindi me Varnit Sadhwiya" by Ranjan Suridev:

This article, "Sadhvis Described in Vasudevahindi," written by Vidyavachaspati Dr. Shri Ranjan Suridev, highlights the significant and welfare-oriented roles of Jain nuns (Sadhvis or Shramanis) in ancient Indian society, as depicted in the Prakrit epic "Vasudevahindi." The author emphasizes that these nuns were instrumental in elevating Indian folk life through their knowledge, austerity, religious teachings, sermons, and guidance to those on the wrong path.

The "Vasudevahindi," composed by Acharya Sanghadasgani (dating from the 3rd-4th century CE), dedicates significant attention to the benevolent life and activities of nuns. The text specifically discusses fourteen prominent Aryas (nuns), whose lives and spiritual journeys are briefly outlined:

1. Ajitasena: Born from noble parentage in the city of Vitashoka in Pushkar Island, she was the daughter of King Ratnadhwaj and Queen Hemamalini. After receiving spiritual teachings from Arya Ajitasena, she embraced asceticism with the desire for good fortune, attained death, and was reborn as a divine being in the Saudharmakalpa.
2. Kanakmala: A reborn divine being from the Saudharmakalpa, she was born as the daughter of King Nihathashatru and Queen Ratnamala in Mathura. She renounced worldly life and attained liberation through austerity under the guidance of a spiritual teacher.
3. Kantkarya: Formerly known as Vasudatta, she was the daughter of a wealthy householder in Ujjain. After enduring severe hardships due to her free conduct, she renounced the world and embraced asceticism under the guidance of Sadhvi Suvrata.
4. Ganavati: A highly learned nun, Arya Ganavati was proficient in all eleven Angas (sections of Jain scriptures). She imparted spiritual knowledge and initiation to Yashodhara, the queen of King Suryavarta.
5. Jindatta: The four daughters of King Harivahana of Saketa – Shyama, Nanda, Nandini, and Nandamati – all took vows under the guidance of Sadhvi Jindatta.
6. Priyadarshana: A renowned nun of Gajpur, she guided Sudarshana, the daughter of Yuvaraj Ajitasena, to renunciation. Priyadarshana was known for her radiant spiritual presence.
7. Brahmilarya: A noblewoman from the Pushpaketu city, she was instrumental in educating and initiating the daughters of King Pushpadanta and Queen Pushpachula, Vimalabha and Suprabha, who later became respected nuns.
8. Rakshita: A prominent disciple of the 17th Tirthankara, Kunthunath, Arya Rakshita was a leading figure among his sixty thousand female disciples.
9. Vipulamati: This nun resided in the Himalayas. Kankamala and Vasantasena, the daughters-in-law of King Sahasrayudha, embraced asceticism under her guidance and became revered nuns through their austerities.
10. Vimalabha and Suprabha: These were the daughters of King Pushpadanta and Queen Pushpachula. They received initiation from Sadhvi Brahmilarya and later became renowned, learned nuns.
11. Suvrata: The article mentions Sadhvi Suvrata in four different contexts, highlighting her spiritual guidance and initiation of individuals like Vasudatta and Sumati, the daughter of King Baladeva.
12. Sthitarya: Queen Prabhankara, wife of King Nalinketu, renounced her worldly life and took vows from Arya Sthita after witnessing the transient nature of worldly possessions.
13. Hrimati: The mother of Queen Ramkrishna, Arya Hrimati was a respected nun. She provided profound spiritual counsel to her widowed daughter, emphasizing the impermanence of life and the importance of religious devotion. Her teachings inspired her daughter to renounce the world and become a nun.

The article concludes by emphasizing the significant and invaluable contribution of Jain nuns to the social and cultural fabric of their time. It highlights their dedication to spiritual pursuits, their wisdom, and their role in guiding individuals towards righteousness and liberation. The text also touches upon the ephemeral nature of worldly life and the importance of embracing austerity and spiritual practices for the ultimate well-being of the soul.