Jain Legend Vol 1

Author(s): Hastimal Maharaj, Shuganchand Jain, P S Surana
Publisher: Hastimal Maharaj Shugan C Jain P S Surana

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V abhan tha came at the end of the third epoch (k la) of the declining happiness time epoch and it was through him that the systematic religious tradition of listening ( rutadharma) and conduct (caritradharma) emerged. Hence in terms of place and time this is considered the period of origin of the Jain religion.
Naming this book
According to Jain religious texts, there were 24 T rthamkara (fordmakers), 12 cakravart s (world emperors), 9 Baladevas, 9 Vasudevas and 9 Prati Vasudevas; in all 63 illustrious persons existed. According to the law of nature stewardship of both popular and religious leaders is essential for the physical, emotional (mental) and intellectual preservation and advancement of human society. Whether in the complete cycle, or half-cycle, while punishment is used (as a means) to destroy bad deeds in human society, the religious leaders, T rthamkara establish pilgrimage centers / religious abodes, and reform people's hearts through sermons, creating in them an abhorrence for misdeeds. The order of punishment may destroy misdeeds but with the nectar of knowledge religious order does not merely silence misdeeds, but also prevents their outbreak. Religious leaders, T rthamkara reassure the man through his inner awakening that he is himself the creator of his joy and sorrow (pleasure and pain). This book introduces such T rthamkara on the basis of ancient texts and hence it has been named “Jain Dharma K Maulika Itih sa"
Basis / Source of History
Rationale of disposition of philosophical doctrine (D iv da), the twelfth limb of Jain canons is the foundation or basic religious text and source of compiling the history. The fourth exposition (anuyoga) among the five main parts of D iv da can be considered as prime source or origin of history of Jain religion. In the Pratham nuyoga (biographical exposition of illustrious Jains) the following are described-(1) previous births of T rthamkara (2) birth in heavens (3) life span / age (4) conception (5) birth (6) anointment / first holy bath (7) coronation (8) renunciation or initiation as monk (9) intense penance (10) origin of omniscience (11) first religious congregation / sermon (12) disciples (13) ga a and Ga adharas (14) creed congregation (15) boundaries of the four-fold
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