Vasupujya Charitam

The provided Jain text, "Vasupujya Charitam," authored by Shri Vardhamanasuri and published by Shri Jain Dharm Prasarak Sabha, is a biographical work detailing the life of the twelfth Tirthankara, Vasupujya. The introduction highlights the work's rich emotional content, the author's poetic brilliance, and its value for Sanskrit scholars. It comprises four cantos, all in the Anushtup meter, with a total of 5474 verses, including the Prashasti (epilogue).

The text was initially planned for publication by Shri Gyanmasarak Mandal but remained incomplete. The Jain Dharm Prasarak Sabha undertook its completion with the encouragement of Vakil Keshavlal Premchand. The delay in its publication was attributed to the press's sluggishness and the need to send the manuscript to distant locations. Special thanks are extended to Dr. Ambrogio Ballini for preparing a copy and to Dr. Hermann Jacobi for reviewing the proofs. Vakil Keshavlal Premchand is also acknowledged for his efforts in connecting the narrative threads and ensuring the work's completion. The introduction concludes with a recommendation that reading the Charitam thoroughly can provide significant enlightenment. The publication date is given as Vaishakh Samvat 1966 (Bhavnagar).

Author and Lineage: The Prashasti reveals that the author, Vardhamanasuri, belonged to the Nagendragachchha. His spiritual lineage is detailed, starting from Virasuri and tracing down through several prominent gurus, including Devendracharya and ending with Vardhamanasuri.

Origin and Composition: The origin of the poem is attributed to Devachandra, grandson of Vadhu of the Shri Gallaka family. Devachandra, along with his three brothers, Ambada, Jalliana, and Prahladana, played significant roles in religious activities. Ahladana, in particular, showed great religious zeal, commissioning temples, consecrating images of Tirthankaras, and copying manuscripts. In Anhilvad Pattan, he founded a temple for Vasupujya and inspired his teacher, Vardhamana, to write this life. The work was completed in Samvat 1299 (A.D. 1243). The author apparently intended to honor his pupil, Ahladana, by incorporating the word "Ahlada" in the final stanza of each canto.

Subject Matter and Structure: The Vasupujya Charita narrates the life of the twelfth Tirthankara. The first two cantos focus on the previous existences of Vasupujya, specifically the exploits of King Padmottara. The last two cantos describe Vasupujya's birth, life, and spiritual journey. Interwoven throughout the narrative are nineteen Kathas (stories) designed to illustrate fundamental Jain doctrines.

Style and Language: The poem is primarily written in Sloka meter, with the exception of the final stanzas of each canto, which are in Vasantatilaka meter. The style is fluent, rich in poetic conceits, and employs various forms of alliteration, which were popular among Jain authors and readers. The language is generally correct and consistent with other Jain Kavyas of the same period.

Kathas and Doctrines Illustrated: The text contains nineteen Kathas that expound various Jain principles:

1. Punya (Merit): Illustrated by the story of King Punyadhya.
2. Bhogavirati (Restraint from nocturnal eating): Exemplified by the tale of Hamsa and Kesava.
3. Dana (Liberality): Narrated through Ratisara.
4. Shila (Moral Restraints): Demonstrated by Sanatkumara and Sringarasundari.
5. Tapas (Austerities): Shown through Samvara.
6. Bhavana (Meditations): Described in the story of Chandrodara.
7. Samyaktva (True Faith): Illustrated by Vikrama.
8. Ahimsa (Vow not to kill): Narrated through Shura and Chandra.
9. Satya (Sincerity): Exemplified by King Hamsa of Rajapuri.
10. Asteya (Vow not to steal): Through the story of Lakshmikunja.
11. Brahmacharya (Vow of Chastity): Illustrated by Nagila.
12. Parigrahapramana (Vow of Limitation in Possession): Narrated through Vidyapati.
13. Digvrata (Vow of Directions): Shown by the Simha merchant.
14. Bhogopabhogavrata (Vow of Continence in Enjoyment of Food etc.): Described by the Dharma child.
15. Anarthadandavirativrata (Vow to refrain from unnecessary injury): Exemplified by the Surasena and Mahasena princes.
16. Samayika (Vow with regard to time): Narrated through the Kesarin prince.
17. Desavakasika (Vow of drawing closer or restricting actions daily): Illustrated by the pious minister Sumitra.
18. Paushadha (Vow of Fasting): Shown by the Mitrananda minister.
19. Atithisamvibhaga (Vow of giving food and shelter to Ascetics): Narrated through Sumitra.

Manuscripts Used: The present edition is based on four manuscripts:

• A: A modern, fairly correct manuscript dated Samvat 1916.
• B: An old and good manuscript, though it frequently omits verses. Its appearance suggests it's 300-400 years old.
• C: A bad manuscript written by an ignorant scribe, containing an interlineary Gujarati translation. Dated Samvat 1859, Shaku 1721.
• D: A carefully written manuscript, appearing older than C, with no omissions.

All manuscripts were kindly lent by Vakil Keshavlal Premchand B.A., L.L.B. of Ahmedabad.

Acknowledgement of Assistance: Dr. Ambrogio Ballini, the editor, expresses his gratitude to his teacher, Professor Dr. Hermann Jacobi of Bonn, for revising the manuscript and reading the proofs.

Summary of the First Canto (Sarga I): The first canto introduces the setting of Jambu continent and its various regions like Uttar Kuru, Ketaka Khanda, Pushkaravardhwaka, and the eastern Videha region, specifically the kingdom of Mangalavati and its capital Ratnapura. It then narrates the story of King Padmottara, who was born in Ratnapura. The text details his reign, his righteous rule, his ministers, and his military campaigns. A significant event described is the acquisition of a unique elephant. The narrative also touches upon the king's pursuit of virtue and the teachings he received from a sage. The story of the king's devotion and adherence to Dharma is emphasized, leading to his spiritual progress. The first canto also includes the story of Hamsa and Kesava, illustrating the vow of restraint from eating at night.

Summary of the Second Canto (Sarga II): The second canto continues to elaborate on Jain doctrines through various narratives. It includes stories like Ratisara illustrating liberality, Sanatkumara and Sringarasundari on moral restraints, Samvara on austerities, Chandrodara on meditations, Vikrama on true faith, and Surachandra on Ahimsa. It delves into the importance of ethical conduct and the consequences of actions, further reinforcing Jain philosophical teachings. The canto highlights the cyclical nature of existence and the importance of right conduct for liberation. It also features the story of Su-Bandhu and the consequences of greed and attachment, as well as the tale of Vasana, who became King Vasupujya in his next life. The narrative emphasizes the doctrines of Dana (charity), Shila (virtue), and Tapas (austerities).

Summary of the Third Canto (Sarga III): The third canto focuses on the celestial beings and their reverence for the Tirthankara, Vasupujya. It details the grand procession and celebrations held by the gods and celestial beings during the Tirthankara's conception and birth. The divine reception, the offering of celestial gifts, and the auspicious atmosphere are vividly described. The canto emphasizes the divine nature of the Tirthankara and the reverence accorded to him by the entire cosmos. It also touches upon the Tirthankara's spiritual powers and the edifying discourses delivered by him, further highlighting the importance of Dharma and virtue in Jainism.

Summary of the Fourth Canto (Sarga IV): The fourth canto continues to illustrate Jain principles through various stories. It includes narratives on Samyaktva (true faith) through the story of Vikrama, Ahimsa (non-violence) through Surachandra, Satya (truthfulness) through Hamsa, Asteya (non-stealing) through Lakshmikunja, Brahmacharya (celibacy) through Nagila, and Parigraha (non-possession) through Vidyapati. The Kathas emphasize ethical conduct, the importance of vows, and the path to spiritual liberation. The stories often depict the consequences of actions, both virtuous and erroneous, in a way that educates and guides the reader towards righteous living and spiritual enlightenment. The canto also touches upon various vows like Digvrata, Bhogopabhogavrata, Anarthadandavirativrata, Samayika, Desavakasika, Paushadha, and Atithisamvibhaga, showcasing the practical application of Jain ethics in daily life.

In essence, "Vasupujya Charitam" serves as a comprehensive guide to the life and teachings of Vasupujya, enriched with illustrative stories that encapsulate the ethical and philosophical tenets of Jainism.