Bhagvana Parshwanath Diwakar Chitrakatha 055 056

This document is a summary of the Jain text "Bhagavan Parshwanath Diwakar Chitrakatha 055 056" by Shreechand Surana, published by Mahavir Seva Trust Mumbai.

The book focuses on Bhagavan Parshva Nath, the 23rd Tirthankar of Jainism, highlighting his popularity and miraculous influence. It mentions his historical existence, birth in Varanasi about 3000 years ago, and the numerous temples, prayers, and devotional songs dedicated to him. The text also notes that even non-Jains worship him, and it is believed that figures like Buddha, Gorakhnath, and Siddhanath were influenced by or worshipped him.

A significant theme throughout the book is the virtue of forgiveness. The narrative recounts nine earlier births of Bhagavan Parshva Nath to illustrate this principle and its consequences.

The book details several past lives:

• Kamath and Marubhuti: This is a foundational story where Vishvabhuti, a priest, renounces worldly life. His elder son, Kamath, becomes corrupt and commits adultery with his younger brother Marubhuti's wife. When Marubhuti exposes him, Kamath is exiled. Marubhuti, consumed by guilt, seeks his brother's forgiveness, but Kamath, still enraged, kills Marubhuti.

  • Marubhuti is reborn as an elephant, then a prince named Kiranveg, and later as a god.
  • Kamath is reborn as a serpent, then an infernal being, then a terrifying poisonous snake, and finally as an Asur god named Meghamali.

• Kiranveg and the Serpent: Prince Kiranveg (Marubhuti's rebirth) becomes an ascetic and attains great powers. The serpent (Kamath's rebirth) attacks him but is unable to harm him due to his spiritual discipline. Kiranveg dies with equanimity and is reborn as a god. The serpent dies in a forest fire and goes to hell.

• Vajranaabh and Kurang Bheel: Prince Vajranaabh (Marubhuti's rebirth) becomes a king and later an ascetic. The Bheel (Kamath's rebirth) attacks him, but the ascetic endures the pain with equanimity and is reborn as a god. The Bheel dies in a forest fire and goes to hell.

• Suvarnabahu Chakravarti: This is the rebirth of Vajranaabh (Marubhuti). He becomes a powerful emperor, conquers six continents, and later renounces the world to become an ascetic. His ascetic practices earn him the karma for becoming a Tirthankar.

• Birth of Parshva Nath: Suvarnabahu (as a god) descends into the womb of Vamadevi, wife of King Ashvasen of Varanasi. The birth is marked by auspicious dreams and divine events, including anointment by the gods. The child is named Parshva Kumar due to a snake (naag) sign on his foot and a snake that touched his mother during pregnancy.

• Parshva Kumar's Early Life and Marriage: Parshva Kumar demonstrates immense knowledge and valor. He rescues Princess Prabhavati from the Yavan king of Kalinga without bloodshed, impressing everyone with his compassion and might. He eventually marries Prabhavati at his parents' request.

• Kamath's Final Rebirths and Parshva's Renunciation: Kamath's soul goes through further rebirths, including a poor Brahmin, an ascetic performing violent penance, and finally the Asur Meghamali. Parshva Kumar, witnessing Kamath's misguided penance and the suffering of a snake, realizes the need to correct religious misconceptions. He renounces the world, performs extensive charity, and becomes an ascetic.

• Attainment of Keval-Jnana and Teachings: Parshva Nath attains omniscience (Keval-jnana) in the Ashramapad garden. He delivers his first sermon, outlining the four-fold path (non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, non-possession) and emphasizing vows, transgressions, and charitable activities. He establishes the four-fold religious order of ascetics and lay followers.

• Later Life and Nirvana: Bhagavan Parshva Nath wanders for many years, spreading his teachings. He attains nirvana at Sammetashikhar after a century of life, spending thirty years as a householder and seventy as an ascetic.

• Legacy and Influence: The book highlights the continued reverence for Bhagavan Parshva Nath even during Bhagavan Mahavir's time, with references to his disciples and the influence of his teachings on Buddhism. It also mentions the "206 Vridhha Kumarikas" (old spinsters) who were initiated into his order and achieved divine status.

The book concludes with a brief informational section about Tirthankar Parshva Nath, including details of his lineage, lifespan, key disciples, and symbols. It also touches upon the transmission of Jain teachings through prominent acharyas after Parshva Nath's nirvana and the significant meeting between Arya Keshi Shraman (from Parshva Nath's lineage) and Indrabhuti Gautam (Bhagavan Mahavir's chief disciple).

In essence, the book "Bhagavan Parshva Nath Diwakar Chitrakatha" is a comprehensive illustrated account of the life, past lives, teachings, and enduring legacy of Bhagavan Parshva Nath, with a strong emphasis on the Jain principles of forgiveness, non-violence, and spiritual discipline.