Veer Vihar Mimansa

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Veer Vihar Mimansa" by Vijayendrasuri:

The book "Veer Vihar Mimansa" (An Inquiry into the Travels of Lord Mahavir) by Acharya Vijayendrasuri, published by Yashovijay Jain Granthmala, critically examines the traditional belief that the 24th Tirthankar, Lord Mahavir, traveled extensively in Gujarat, Kathiawad, and Marwar during his ascetic phase (Chhadmasthavastha). The author expresses his profound respect for Jainism as a universal religion and its literature, particularly the lives of the Tirthankars.

Core Argument and Motivation:

Acharya Vijayendrasuri, after meticulously studying the travels of Lord Mahavir, especially the last Tirthankar, has come to believe that several places associated with Lord Mahavir's journeys during his ascetic period are based on legends and not on factual evidence. This realization prompted him to write this essay to provide the public with accurate information about Lord Mahavir's actual places of travel and to offer guidance regarding prevailing views on places like Brahmalwada.

Critique of Traditional Beliefs and Associated Locations:

The book systematically analyzes various claims linking Lord Mahavir's travels to specific locations in Gujarat, Kathiawad, and Marwar. The author challenges these beliefs by scrutinizing the geographical distances, historical accounts, and interpretations of ancient Jain texts and inscriptions.

Key points of contention and analysis include:

• Brahmalwada: The author addresses the belief that Brahmalwada is a significant Tirth (holy place) and that Lord Mahavir visited it, possibly experiencing hardships there. He questions the basis of these claims, suggesting that while Brahmalwada is a Tirth, its glory might have been amplified by adding legends. He points out the proximity of Brahmalwada to places like Shirahi and Sajjan Road, all within the Abu region.
• Identifying Brahmangaon with Brahmalwada: Some believe that Brahmangaon in eastern India, mentioned in relation to Lord Mahavir's travels, is the same as Brahmalwada in Marwar. The author refutes this, highlighting the vast geographical distance and stating that Brahmangaon was located between Rajagriha and Champa Puri, which is inconsistent with Brahmalwada's location.
• "Jivit Swami's Temple" at Sungsthala (Mugthala): The claim that a temple known as "Jivit Swami's Temple" at Sungsthala signifies Lord Mahavir's presence in the Abu region is challenged. The author argues that the term "Jivit Swami" has been used for temples and idols of various Tirthankars built during their lifetimes and even after their Nirvana. He provides numerous examples from inscriptions dating from centuries after the Tirthankars' lifetimes to support his argument that the presence of such a temple does not necessarily mean Lord Mahavir visited that specific place during his lifetime.
• Kilepasarga and Chandrakeshiya Naga Upasarga: The author refutes the idea that Lord Mahavir experienced the 'kilepasarga' (an ordeal involving nails) at Nadiya or its vicinity and the 'Chandrakeshiya Naga upasarga' at Brahmalwada or its vicinity. He argues that these events occurred near Chhamani and a Kanakhal ashram, both located in eastern India, not in the Abu region.
• Chhamani and Kanakhal Ashrama: The author clarifies that Chhamani was in eastern India and not a place called Sani in Abu. Similarly, the Kanakhal ashram was a well-known hermitage in eastern India, which Lord Mahavir visited on his way to Shravasti, and not the Kanakhal Tirth on Abu. He cites textual evidence to establish the location of these sites near Shravasti in eastern India.
• Asthikagram and Wadhavan: The belief that Asthikagram (where Lord Mahavir performed his first Chaturmas) and Wadhavan in Kathiawad are the same place, and that Lord Mahavir faced the Sulapani Yaksha there, is also questioned.
• Ladh Desha (Country of Ladh): The author disputes the notion that Ladh Desha is a part of Gujarat and that Lord Mahavir traveled there between his fourth and fifth Chaturmas. He provides historical and geographical evidence to establish that Ladh Desha was located in Bengal and was considered an "anarya" (non-Aryan) land during Lord Mahavir's time. He argues that traveling to Ladh and Marwar would involve an immense distance, making it improbable. He also clarifies the distinct identities of Ladh and Lat countries.

Methodology and Evidence:

Acharya Vijayendrasuri relies on:

• Critical textual analysis: He meticulously examines Jain Agamas and their commentaries (churnis).
• Inscriptions and epigraphy: He analyzes ancient inscriptions and their dates to challenge claims of antiquity and direct association with Lord Mahavir.
• Geographical and historical data: He uses geographical information and historical records to question the plausibility of the proposed travel routes and locations.

Conclusion and Author's Appeal:

The author concludes that the prevailing beliefs about Lord Mahavir's extensive travels in Gujarat, Kathiawad, and Marwar, especially regarding specific locations like Brahmalwada, are based on legends and unsubstantiated claims. He asserts that Lord Mahavir's travels and the sites of his hardships were primarily in eastern India.

He expresses his desire for the public to accept the true facts about Lord Mahavir's travels and hopes that his essay will contribute to a clearer understanding of this important aspect of Jain history. He also indicates his intention to elaborate further on this topic in future writings.

In essence, "Veer Vihar Mimansa" is a scholarly work that attempts to separate historical fact from legend in the narrative of Lord Mahavir's ascetic life, urging readers to rely on critical analysis and authentic evidence rather than popular beliefs and interpretations.