Veer Nirvan Parva Dipawali

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text in English:

The text, titled "Veer Nirvan Parva Dipawali" by Darbarilal Kothiya, explores the deep connection between the Jain festival of Veer Nirvana and the widely celebrated Indian festival of Diwali.

The author begins by highlighting the spiritual and ethical nature of Indian festivals, emphasizing that they are often associated with great souls who have contributed significantly to the world. While acknowledging the existence of secular and social festivals that provide amusement and sensory gratification, the author distinguishes them from moral and religious festivals. These latter festivals, the text argues, are crucial for awakening conscience, fostering spirituality, and guiding individuals towards a righteous path, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling life. However, the author laments that often during these religious occasions, people tend to engage in activities that cater to sensory pleasures rather than spiritual introspection, seeking to enjoy worldly comforts while simultaneously adhering to religious principles. This is illustrated by a quote from the "Pahad Doha" and a similar sentiment from a Hindi poet, both stating the impossibility of pursuing both sensory gratification and spiritual liberation simultaneously. The text asserts that true progress and liberation are achieved by embodying the messages and life stories of the great souls associated with these festivals.

The core of the text focuses on the "Veer Nirvana" festival, which commemorates the liberation (Nirvana) of the last Tirthankara, Lord Mahavir. According to Jain tradition, Lord Mahavir attained Nirvana on the night of Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi and the early morning of Amavasya (the new moon day), under the Swati constellation, in Pavapuri. This event is celebrated as the Veer Nirvana festival.

The author cites scriptural evidence to support this timing. Acharya Yativrishabha (5th century CE) in his "Tiloypannatti" (4-1208) states that Lord Viranatha became Siddha (liberated) alone from Pavapuri in the early morning of Kartik Krishna 14, during the Swati nakshatra. Similarly, Acharya Virasena (839 CE) in his commentary "Dhavala" on the "Shatkhandagama" quotes an ancient verse confirming that Lord Viranatha achieved Nirvana in the last part of the night of Kartik Krishna 14, in Pavapuri, under the Swati nakshatra, destroying the remaining karmic impurities.

The text addresses a potential discrepancy regarding whether Nirvana occurred on Chaturdashi or Amavasya. It clarifies that Acharya Virasena, in his commentary, uses the term "Rattie" (night) and interprets it with the epithet "Pachchhimabhage" (in the last part), reconciling the accounts. This indicates that Nirvana happened in the last part of the night of Chaturdashi, which is the dawn of Amavasya. The author emphasizes that the actual Nirvana puja was performed by all the celestial beings on Amavasya, as mentioned by the Dhavalakara.

Further corroboration comes from Acharya Gunabhadra in "Uttarapurana," who states that Lord Mahavir's Nirvana occurred at the end of the night of Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi. Jinasena, in his "Harivamshapurana," also describes Lord Mahavir reaching Pavapuri and attaining Nirvana in the early morning of Amavasya, during the night of Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi, under the Swati nakshatra, after destroying the un-bound karma. Acharya Pujyapada-Devanandi (5th century CE) in his "Nirvanabhakti" also mentions the liberation in the city of Pava, in the early morning of Kartik Krishna, under the Swati tree, by shedding karmic dust.

Based on these scriptural proofs, the text concludes that Lord Mahavir attained Nirvana on the night of Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi and the early morning of Amavasya, when there was still some darkness. This period became the occasion for the Veer Nirvana festival.

The text details the circumstances surrounding the Nirvana. The general public was aware of the event beforehand and gathered in large numbers, including heads of eighteen republics, dignitaries, celestial beings, and common people. All eleven Ganadharas, monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen were present. News of the Nirvana spread rapidly. Even the chief disciple of Lord Buddha informed him about the Nirvana of "Nigganthanataputta (Mahavir)" in Pavapuri.

The occasion of the early morning also necessitated the lighting of lamps to dispel the darkness. Thousands of lamps made of precious stones and ghee were lit. "Harivamshapurana" explicitly states that Pavapuri was illuminated on all sides, and the sky itself appeared radiant with light. The text further quotes "Harivamshapurana" stating that following this, the people, to commemorate Lord Mahavir's attainment of Nirvana, established a sacred public festival named "Veepavali" (Diwali). Thus, the public began celebrating this Nirvana festival in India with great reverence and devotion, giving rise to the name Diwali.

The author asserts that based on his research, this is the earliest known mention of Diwali being directly linked to Lord Mahavir's Nirvana. Since the Nirvana occurred on the night of Kartik Krishna 14 and the dawn of Amavasya, the festival was extended to include a few days around this period for grander celebrations. This is why Diwali is celebrated from Kartik Krishna Trayodashi to Kartik Shukla Dwitiya. The decorations and paintings on the walls and doors of houses during this period are believed to be representations of Lord Mahavir's assembly hall, the Samavsarana. The installation of Ganesh and the worship of Lakshmi are seen as symbolic of Lord Mahavir's chief Ganadhara, Gautam Indrabhuti, becoming his successor and attaining Kevala Gyana (omniscience). The author suggests that many other practices observed by the public during Diwali also have a clear connection to Lord Mahavir, and further investigation into these connections could reveal the complete truth.

In conclusion, the text unequivocally states that the Veer Nirvana festival and Diwali are closely related, or that Diwali is a transformed form of the Veer Nirvana celebration.