Vijaychand Kevali Charitra

This Jain text, titled "Vijaychand Kevali Charitra" by Chandraprabh Mahattar and published by Jain Dharm Prasarak Sabha, is a devotional work in Prakrit (Magadhi language). It narrates the life and spiritual journey of Vijaychand Kevali, a revered Jain monk.

The book is structured around the Eight Types of Puja (Ashtaprakari Puja), with each type of offering serving as a theme for a narrated story or parable. These stories are designed to illustrate virtues and guide devotees towards spiritual realization.

Here's a breakdown of the content, based on the provided pages:

• Introduction and Purpose: The preface highlights that the work is presented in lyrical Prakrit verses. It aims to provide a devotional and instructive narrative, particularly for those who may not have access to Sanskrit texts. The stories focus on the principles of Jainism and the path to spiritual enlightenment.

• The Eight Stories: The book details eight stories, each linked to a specific offering in the Ashtaprakari Puja:

  1. Gandh Puja (Sandalwood Paste): The story of King Jaysur and Jayasuhita.
  2. Dhoop Puja (Incense): The tale of Vinaydhar.
  3. Dravya Puja (Offerings/Money): The story of the Karyugal (likely referring to a couple or pair engaged in virtuous deeds).
  4. Pushpa Puja (Flowers): The story of the merchant's daughter, Lilavati.
  5. Deep Puja (Lamp): The story of Jinmati and Dhanshri.
  6. Naivedya Puja (Food Offering): The story of Halipurush.
  7. Phala Puja (Fruit Offering): The story of Purnata and the Keer couple.
  8. Jala Puja (Water Offering): The story of a Brahmin's daughter.

• The Author and Composition: The text mentions that the original work was composed by Shri Chandraprabh Mahattar, a disciple of Shri Amrit Dev Suri from the Vijay Vansh, in the year Samvat 1127. It contains approximately 1063 verses (gathas).

• Publishing and Support: The publication was made possible through the inspiration of Muni Shri Hansvijayji Maharaj and the support of the Sangh from Burhanpur. The text acknowledges the efforts made to ensure the accuracy and purity of the original Prakrit text, including consulting multiple manuscripts and scholars. The introduction also mentions the use of high-quality art paper for the publication.

• Content of the Stories (Initial Pages):

  • The text begins with verses praising the Tirthankaras, particularly Lord Mahavir.
  • It introduces King Riudamna of Ratnagar and his wife, who have a son named Vijaychand. Vijaychand has two wives, Mayan Sundari and Kamalshri.
  • Vijaychand, after listening to a discourse on the transient nature of existence from a Guru, decides to renounce the world and embraces the Jain path.
  • His journey involves rigorous penance for twelve years, enduring hardships. He achieves Kevala Gyan (omniscience) on Mount Tungiri.
  • The text describes celestial beings celebrating his enlightenment.
  • Vijaychand, now a Kevali, preaches Dharma. His brother Harishchandra also embraces the path.
  • The core principles of Jain Dharma, such as non-violence (ahimsa) and the five great vows, are highlighted.
  • The importance of worshipping the Tirthankaras through the eightfold puja is emphasized.

• Detailed Narrative of Gandhpujan Story (Jaysur Raja): The narrative then delves into the first story associated with Gandhpujan, focusing on King Jaysur.

  • King Jaysur, renowned for his virtue, has a son born from a celestial dream.
  • The story involves a significant event where the king believes his son might be in danger, leading to a focus on the purity of actions and the results of karma.
  • The story of Mayavali is also intertwined, highlighting themes of consequences for actions and the path to spiritual understanding.
  • The story of the parrot (Kir) and its role in devotion and understanding is also mentioned.
  • The narrative explains the concept of karma and its impact on one's life.
  • The story emphasizes the importance of devotion and the power of the Jinas (Tirthankaras).
  • The consequences of actions, both good and bad, are illustrated through the characters' journeys.
  • The story of Dhanshri and her devotion is presented, showcasing the benefits of spiritual practice.

• Subsequent Stories (Briefly Mentioned or Started): The subsequent pages begin to introduce the stories for Dhoop Puja (Vinaydhar), Adat Puja (Kir Yugal, Lilavati), and so on, indicating the progressive unfolding of the eight narratives.

In essence, the "Vijaychand Kevali Charitra" is a didactic and devotional work that uses the framework of the eight types of Jain worship to illustrate fundamental principles of Jain philosophy, karma, devotion, and the path to liberation through the life and teachings of Vijaychand Kevali and the parables associated with his spiritual journey.