Veerjinindachariu

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Veerjinindachariu," based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Veerjinindachariu (वीरजिनिनदाचरिउ) Author: Pushpadant (पुष्पदन्त) Publisher: Bharatiya Gyanpith (भारतीय ज्ञानपीठ) Edited/Translated by: Dr. Hiralal Jain (डॉ. हीरालाल जैन)

This text, published by Bharatiya Gyanpith as part of their Apabhramsha Granthmala (अ.पभ्रंश ग्रंथांक १३), is a rendering of the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankar of Jainism, compiled from the Mahapurana by the esteemed Mahakavi Pushpadant. The publication commemorates the 2500th Nirvana Mahotsav of Lord Mahavir.

Summary of the Introduction (Prastavana - प्रस्तावना):

The introduction lays the groundwork for understanding Lord Mahavir within the broader context of Jain tradition and history.

• The Tirthankar Tradition: It emphasizes that Lord Mahavir was not the first or the last Tirthankar. The tradition of Tirthankaras is anadi (beginningless) and continues eternally. Each Tirthankar's teachings adapt to their era while maintaining the core essence of the Dharma. Rishabhanatha (Lord Adinath), the first Tirthankar, is considered the progenitor, and his lineage is traced through his son Bharat, after whom India is named Bharatavarsha. This lineage is connected to Mahavir's previous births, highlighting a spiritual continuity.
• Mahavir's Previous Births: The text mentions that Mahavir's spirit, in a previous birth as Marichi, was the son of Bharat. Marichi, after renouncing a life of violence, took monastic vows under Adinath but fell from his path. However, this spiritual seed led him to eventually become Lord Mahavir. This establishes a connection between the first and the last Tirthankaras.
• Mahavir and the New Tradition: Lord Mahavir's teachings also initiated a new tradition. His disciple, King Shrenika Bimbisara, despite his past deeds leading him to hell, laid the foundation for a future lineage of Tirthankaras. Shrenika is destined to become the first Tirthankar of the next cycle, named Mahapadma. Thus, Mahavir is historically the last Tirthankar of the current era and the founder of a new tradition.
• Mahavir's Life, Birth, and Childhood: Mahavir was born into a Kshatriya royal family. His father was Siddhartha and his mother was Priyakarini (also known as Trishala Devi). Trishala was the daughter or sister of Chetak, the king of Vaishali. Mahavir's childhood was spent in royal upbringing and education. An anecdote highlights his bravery when he calmed a ferocious serpent, earning him the titles of Mahavir and Viranatha.
• Mahavir's Renunciation and Austerity: At the age of thirty, Mahavir renounced worldly life. He left his home, took up residence in the Kundalpur forest, and renounced all his possessions, clothes, and even pulled out his own hair, undertaking a three-day fast. He then wandered the country, subsisting on alms collected in villages and towns, and meditating in forests. His core principles, the five Mahavratas (great vows), were: non-violence (ahimsa), non-stealing (asteya), truthfulness (satya), celibacy (brahmacharya), and non-possession (aparigraha). He also patiently endured physical hardships like hunger, thirst, heat, cold, and insects, known as parishaha.
• Kevala Jnana (Omniscience): After twelve years of rigorous austerity, while meditating by the Rijukula river near the village of Jambhaka, Mahavir attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience). This meant he gained complete and perfect knowledge of the universe, its life, and its principles, including the six Dravyas (substances) and seven Tattvas (realities).
  • Six Dravyas: Jiva (soul), Pudgala (matter), Dharma (medium of motion), Adharma (medium of rest), Akasha (space), and Kala (time).
  • Seven Tattvas: Jiva, Ajiva (non-soul), Asrava (influx of karma), Bandha (bondage of karma), Samvara (cessation of karma), Nirjara (shedding of karma), and Moksha (liberation).
  • This comprehensive understanding of creation, psychology, ethics, and the ultimate goal of life is what constitutes Kevala Jnana.
• Mahavir's Teachings (Dharma Deshana): After attaining Kevala Jnana, Mahavir established his preaching assembly (samavasarana) on Vipulachal mountain in Rajagriha, the capital of Magadha. He expounded the above-mentioned principles and preached the Anuvratas (lesser vows) for householders and Mahavratas for ascetics to achieve a blissful life.
• Literature Based on Mahavir's Teachings: Mahavir's teachings were compiled by his eleven principal disciples (Gandharas) into twelve Angas (scriptures). These Angas cover various aspects of Jain philosophy, ethics, monastic discipline, and cosmology. The introduction provides a brief description of each of the twelve Angas, including Acharya-angas, Sutra-angas, Sthana-angas, Samavaya-angas, Vyakhyaprajna-pti, Nyayadharma-katha, Upasaka-adhyayana, Antakrit-dash, Anuttara-upapatika-dash, Prashna-vyakarana, Vipaka-sutra, and Drishtivada. The importance of Karmapravada within Drishtivada is highlighted as the foundation of Jain karma theory. The text also touches upon the Anga-bahya literature and the Shvetambara tradition's compilation of 45 Agamas.
• Mahavir's Nirvana Period: The introduction discusses the debate surrounding Mahavir's Nirvana date, presenting various scholarly opinions and historical timelines, ultimately favoring a traditional Jain chronology.
• Mahavir's Birthplace: Based on scriptural evidence and archaeological findings, the introduction firmly establishes Kundalpur, located in the region of Videha (modern-day Vaishali in Bihar), as Mahavir's birthplace. It addresses and refutes alternative claims about birthplaces.
• Mahavir's Tapas-Kalyanaka Kshetra: The place where Mahavir began his ascetic practices is identified as Nanda-Shandavana (known as Nay-Sandavana in Prakrit), near his birthplace Vaishali.
• Mahavir's Kevala Jnana Kshetra: Lord Mahavir attained Kevala Jnana near the Rijukula river, by the Jambhika village, under a Sal tree.
• Mahavir's Deshana Sthal: His first sermon after attaining Kevala Jnana was delivered on Vipulachal mountain in Rajagriha, marking the beginning of his public preaching.
• Mahavir's Nirvana Kshetra: Lord Mahavir attained Nirvana in the city of Pava, in a grove near several lakes. The introduction discusses the historical identification of Pava and its likely location in present-day Uttar Pradesh, near Kushinagar.
• Mahavir's Contemporaries: The text details key historical figures contemporary to Mahavir, including:
  • King Chetak of Vaishali: Mahavir's maternal grandfather, his family, and the lineage of his daughters.
  • King Shrenika Bimbisara of Magadha: His deep connection with Mahavir, his conversion to Jainism, his past karma, and his future destiny as a Tirthankar. The text also mentions his sons Abhayakumara and Varishsena, and his wife Chellana.
  • King Shataneeka and Udayana of Kaushambi, and King Chandpradyota of Ujjain: Their relationships and contemporary events are briefly touched upon.
• Development of Mahavir's Life-Story Literature: The introduction traces the evolution of literature on Mahavir's life, from the lost Angas and Puranas in Prakrit and Apabhramsha to Sanskrit works like Mahapurana by Jinasena and Gunabhadra, and Hemachandra's Trishashti-shalaka-purusha-charitra. It also highlights the rich Apabhramsha literature, particularly Pushpadant's Mahapurana.
• The Present Compilation: The summary of the introduction concludes by explaining the nature of the current compilation, which is derived from Pushpadant's Mahapurana, specifically from the last eight cantos (Sandhis 95-102). These have been condensed and reorganized into twelve Sandhis to present a clear narrative of Mahavir's life, his disciples, and contemporary figures, making the text accessible to readers. The editor, Dr. Hiralal Jain, has made efforts to clarify compound words and revise the text for better readability.

Summary of the Main Text (Sandhis 1-12):

The text then proceeds to narrate the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir in a structured manner through twelve Sandhis.

Sandhi 1: Mahavir's Conception, Birth, and Asceticism

• Begins with auspicious invocations and a pledge to compose the epic.
• Describes the divine conception and birth of Mahavir to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala in Kundalpur, situated in the beautiful region of Videha (Pushkalavati country).
• Details the divine Abhishek performed by deities and the auspicious dreams of Queen Trishala, signifying Mahavir's divine nature.
• Highlights Mahavir's regal upbringing, childhood pastimes, and a test of his bravery.
• Narrates his renunciation at age thirty and his first act of hair-plucking (Kesha-lochana) and the beginning of his ascetic life.

Sandhi 2: Attainment of Kevala Jnana (Omniscience)

• Describes Mahavir's alms-seeking in Kula-grama and his encounters with King Rudra of Ujjain.
• Details the episode of Chandana, a devout princess, who offered Mahavir pure food, which was miraculously transformed into nectar-like sustenance.
• Narrates the attainment of Kevala Jnana by Mahavir under a Sal tree near the Rijukula river, after twelve years of austerity.
• Lists the eleven Gandharas (chief disciples), including Indrabhuti Gautama, and describes their omniscience and discipleship.
• Mentions Mahavir's arrival at Vipulachal mountain in Rajagriha with his assembly and his first sermon.

Sandhi 3: Mahavir's Nirvana

• Describes Mahavir's arrival at Pavapuri and his stay in a grove with many lakes.
• Recounts his Nirvana after two days of intense meditation (Shukla Dhyana) on the fourteenth night of the dark fortnight of Kartik, under the Swati constellation.
• Details the liberation of Mahavir and the attainment of Nirvana by a thousand of his disciples.
• Mentions the subsequent omniscience of Indrabhuti Gautama and the succession of disciples in the Jain tradition.
• The poet Pushpadanta concludes by offering his devotion and seeking blessings for the welfare of the world.

Sandhi 4: Jambu Swami's Renunciation

• King Shrenika asks Gautam Gandhara about the last Kevala Jnani.
• Gautam describes the future Kevala Jnani, Jambu Swami, and his destined birth.
• It narrates Jambu Swami's marriage, his adherence to Jain principles despite family pressures, and a celestial event during his wedding.
• A significant episode occurs when a thief, Vidyuchor, attempts to steal from Jambu Swami's home. Through a series of dialogues and illustrative stories (vṛttāntas), Jambu Swami explains the futility of worldly attachments and the path of righteousness.
• The thief, Vidyuchor, is eventually converted, and both Jambu Swami and the thief's companions take monastic vows.
• Jambu Swami attains Kevala Jnana and becomes the last Kevali.

Sandhi 5: Chandana's Asceticism

• Queen Chellana inquires about Chandana's spiritual journey.
• The narrative describes King Chetak of Vaishali, his many children, including Chandana.
• It recounts Chandana's abduction by the Vidyadhara Manorveg, her subsequent abandonment, and her finding refuge with a Bhil tribe.
• Later, she is given to a wealthy merchant, Dhanadatta, and his wife, Subhadra, who ill-treats her.
• During Mahavir's visit to Kaushambi, Chandana offers him alms, which leads to her liberation from her hardships. She is eventually reunited with her family and takes monastic vows, becoming a prominent Āryikā (nun).

Sandhi 6: Chilatputra's Endurances

• This Sandhi narrates the story of Chilatputra, who was born to King Uprenika and his queen Tilakavati.
• It describes how King Uprenika was kidnapped by a Kirat chief and later rescued by his son Chilatputra.
• Chilatputra's rise to power, his unjust rule, and subsequent expulsion.
• His encounters with a Muni, enduring hardships and eventually achieving liberation.

Sandhi 7: Shrenika's Ascension to the Throne

• This Sandhi details the circumstances leading to Shrenika's accession to the throne of Magadha.
• It describes King Uprenika's abdication and Shrenika's exile due to a conspiracy against him.
• Shrenika's successful return and his defeat of Chilatputra, leading to his coronation as king.

Sandhi 8: Shrenika's Spiritual Awakening and Tirthankar Karma

• King Shrenika's pursuit of hunting leads him to encounter Muni Yashodhara.
• Shrenika witnesses miraculous events that subdue his arrogance and inspire his spiritual transformation.
• He becomes a devout follower of the Jain faith and attains right faith (Samyaktva).
• The text reveals that his devotion and spiritual progress have earned him the Tirthankar-forming karma (Tirthankar Nam-karma), destined for a future birth as Mahapadma.
• Gautam Gandhara informs Shrenika about his future death and subsequent births.

Sandhi 9: Shrenika's Faith Tested

• A celestial being (Deva) tests Shrenika's faith by impersonating a fisherman and catching fish, causing public criticism of the Jain faith.
• Shrenika's clever response, using the example of royal decrees and the respect shown to the King's signature, reaffirms the importance of faith in the Dharma, regardless of the perceived flaws in its practitioners.
• The Deva, impressed by Shrenika's unwavering faith, blesses him and departs.

Sandhi 10: Shrenika's Son Varishsena's Yoga Sadhana

• This Sandhi describes the virtuous life of Varishsena, Shrenika's son from Queen Chellana.
• It narrates the story of the thief Vidyuchor, who, driven by desire for a jewel from Queen Chellana, tries to manipulate Varishsena into abandoning his spiritual path.
• Through illustrative tales, Varishsena highlights the transient nature of worldly pleasures and the importance of seeking spiritual liberation.
• The episode also describes how Varishsena, while meditating in a cemetery, was protected by divine forces from the thief's attacks, and how the thief and others were ultimately drawn to the Jain path.

Sandhi 11: Shrenika's Son Gajakumara's Renunciation

• The story of Gajakumara, Shrenika's son from Queen Dhanashri, is told.
• Gajakumara's birth and upbringing, and his subsequent renunciation after hearing Mahavir's sermon.
• His ascetic practices, including enduring extreme penances like Atapan Yoga (standing under the sun).
• An episode where a minister, Buddha Das, misleads the king into believing Gajakumara is suffering from illness, leading to a cruel test.
• Gajakumara's steadfastness under severe trials results in his liberation and attainment of a heavenly existence. The minister and the king later embrace Jainism.

Sandhi 12: The Tirthankar's Sermon

• This Sandhi details Lord Mahavir's discourse on the fundamental principles of Jainism.
• He explains the nature of life (Jiva) and non-life (Ajiva), their dualistic existence, and the cycle of reincarnation.
• The sermon elaborates on the various types of life forms based on their senses, lifespan, body types, senses, passions (kashayas), knowledge (jnana), conduct (charitra), and existence in different realms.
• It outlines the fourteen spiritual stages (Gunahthana) of spiritual development and the nature of karma, its influx (asrava), bondage (bandha), cessation (samvara), and shedding (nirjara), leading to liberation (moksha).
• The sermon also describes the nature of the liberated souls (Siddhas) as pure, blissful, and eternal beings, free from all worldly afflictions.
• It concludes with the description of the six fundamental substances (Dravyas) of the universe.

Overall Significance:

"Veerjinindachariu" offers a poetic and devotional narrative of Lord Mahavir's life, drawing heavily from Pushpadant's classical Apabhramsha epic, Mahapurana. It not only recounts Mahavir's journey but also integrates philosophical teachings and the historical context of Jainism, making it a valuable source for understanding this significant Tirthankar and the Jain tradition. The introduction by Dr. Hiralal Jain provides scholarly depth and historical analysis, enriching the reader's appreciation of the text.