The Life And The Life and Stories of Parcvanatha

This essay is based upon Cri Bhavadevasuri's Parcvanatha Caritra edited by Shravak Pandit Hargovinddas and Shravak Pandit Bechardas.

The doctrines ascribed to Parcva are fundamental in Jaina religion, and Parcva’s personality figures large in the Jaina legend and in Jaina consciousness. The life of Parcva, including his nine pre-births, as presented in Bhavadeva's work, is the first complete account of Parcvanatha published to the Western world. And his account of Parcva's life, along with the many stories woven into it adds to the chain of books a jewel of no mean price. (jacket)