Abhaykumar Charitra

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Abhaykumar Charitra" by Sumtishekharvijay, based on the provided pages.

Book Title: Abhaykumar CharEtra (The Chronicle of Abhaykumar) Author: Sumtishekharvijay (The translator and presenter of this edition) Original Author: Shri Chandratilak Upadhyayji Publisher: Shri Govardhan Nagar – Veena Nagar Shvetamber Murtipujak Tapgachh Jain Sangh, Mumbai.

Overall Purpose: The book "Abhaykumar Charitra" is a narrative extolling the life and virtues of Abhaykumar, the son of King Shrenik and Queen Nanda. It is a religious text within Jainism, emphasizing the principles of Jainism like detachment from worldly pleasures, intelligence, righteousness, and spiritual progress. The text aims to guide readers towards liberation (moksha) by illustrating the exemplary life of Abhaykumar, who renounced worldly pursuits despite having the opportunity for material prosperity.

Key Themes and Content:

• Introduction and Dedication: The book begins with prayers and salutations to various Tirthankaras, Acharyas, and spiritual lineage, highlighting the importance of their teachings. It is dedicated to the spiritual lineage of prominent Jain monks.
• The Life of Abhaykumar: The narrative focuses on Abhaykumar, a virtuous and intelligent son of King Shrenik of Magadh. Despite his royal upbringing and intellectual prowess (possessing four types of intelligence: Utpattiki, Venayiki, Karmiki, and Parinamiki), Abhaykumar was deeply rooted in Jain principles from childhood. He was not swayed by worldly pleasures. He renounced his kingdom and embraced the path of pravrajya (asceticism) under Lord Mahavir, becoming one of his disciples.
• Spiritual Journey and Attainment: The text details Abhaykumar's spiritual journey after initiation. He attained profound knowledge, studied the eleven angas (scriptural texts), and ultimately achieved the status of an Ahainder (a high celestial being) in the Anuttara Vimana. The narrative foretSells his future liberation after rebirth in Mahavideha Kshetra.
• Narrative Structure: The book is divided into twelve Sargas (cantos or chapters), each covering specific events and teachings in Abhaykumar's life and related narratives. These include:
  • King Shrenik's trials, Nanda's marriage, Shrenik's coronation, Abhaykumar's birth and meeting his father.
  • Nanda's entry into Rajagriha, Abhaykumar's marriage, Sulsa's sons, Chelana's abduction, and the past lives of Shrenik and Kunik.
  • Fulfilling Dharini's desires, Meghakumar's birth, Lord Mahavir's arrival, Shrenik's acceptance of samyaktva (right faith), Abhay's acceptance of shravak dharma (lay follower's vows), Meghakumar's initiation, and his past life.
  • Construction of a pillar palace for Chelana, stealing of mangoes, Shrenik's acquisition of knowledge, the story of Duhgandha, capturing and initiation of the thief Rohiney.
  • The enlightenment of Adrakumar, the origin of Dadhrankadeva, the gain of necklaces and golems, and the enlightenment of Tulsana.
  • Chelana donating necklaces and Nanda donating golems, Brahma-datta receiving blessings, and the description of the sage Metarya.
  • Repairing and subsequent theft of a divine necklace, followed by four related stories leading to its recovery.
  • The siege of Rajagriha, the breakdown of Chand-Prota, Abhaykumar's abduction, receiving four boons, liberation from bondage, and fulfillment of vows.
  • Krutipunya's birth, Nandisena and Senchana's origin, Abhaykumar's use of intelligence, Krutpunya's acquisition of wealth and progeny, Lord Mahavir's arrival, Krutpunya's past life, and acceptance of vows.
  • The story of the woodcutter, the price of meat, obtaining knowledge from a Vidyadhar, the Krishna and Shukla prasada event, and the test of the religious and irreligious.
  • Lord Mahavir's arrival in Rajagriha, stories about the fruits of salutations, the character and vows of King Udāyan, and Abhaykumar's aspiration for vows.
  • Abhaykumar's initiation, Nanda's vows and attainment of salvation, Abhaykumar's teachings, and his journey to Savartha Siddha.
• Literary Style and Translation: The original text is a mahakavya (great epic poem) composed in Sanskrit by Shri Chandratilak Upadhyayji. This edition is a Gujarati translation. The translator, Muni Shri Sumtishekhar Vijayji, states that he has utilized the translation by Motichand Odhavji, which was previously unavailable. The primary goal of the translation is to make the text accessible to Gujarati readers who may not be proficient in Sanskrit, enabling them to contemplate the teachings of the Tirthankaras and attain liberation.
• Publisher's Note: The book is published by Shri Govardhan Nagar – Veena Nagar Shvetamber Murtipujak Tapgachh Jain Sangh. It is printed using funds from the "Gyan Khata" (Knowledge Fund), and users are encouraged to pay the appropriate price for its use or ownership.
• Key Characters and Stories (as evident from chapter summaries): The narrative features prominent figures like King Shrenik, Queen Nanda, Abhaykumar, Lord Mahavir, King Prasenjit, Queen Dharini, Meghakumar, Sulsa, Chelana, Adrakumar, and others. The stories highlight their virtuous deeds, spiritual practices, and eventual liberation. The narrative structure involves complex plots, divine interventions, moral lessons, and the consequences of actions (karma).

Overall Message: The "Abhaykumar Charitra" serves as an inspirational guide for Jains, illustrating the path of renunciation, spiritual discipline, and the importance of right conduct and faith. It emphasizes that true happiness and liberation are achieved not through worldly possessions but through spiritual endeavors and adherence to Jain principles. The detailed descriptions and narratives aim to instill these values in the hearts of the readers.