Abhaykumar Chopai

The Jain text "Abhaykumar Chopai" (or Abhaykumar Chaupai) is a narrative poem authored by Kirtisundargani. The publisher is ZZ_Anusandhan. The text is written in Rajasthani language and comprises 12 "dhal" (sections or cantos), totaling 266 "gatha" (verses). The author, Kirtisundargani, a disciple of Dharmavardhan Upadhyay, composed this work in 1759 Vikram Samvat in the village of Jaitaranpur, under the guidance of Jinachandrasuri.

The text is described as previously unpublished. It follows the lineage of the Kharatargachha sect, tracing its origins through prominent scholars like Vimalkirtigani, Vijayharshgani, and Dharmavardhan Upadhyay. The works of these earlier figures are briefly listed, highlighting their contributions to Jain literature.

The "Chopai" concludes with a prashasti (a concluding benediction or statement) that mentions the names Sadhukirti and Sadhusundar, further elaborating on their lineage and literary contributions.

Content Summary of the Abhaykumar Chopai:

The Abhaykumar Chopai narrates the story of Prince Abhaykumar, son of King Shrenik, and his spiritual journey alongside four other muni-brothers: Shivmuni, Suvratmuni, Dhanmuni, and Jonakmuni. The central theme revolves around the concept of fear (bhay) and the overcoming of worldly attachments.

The narrative unfolds as follows:

• First Canto: King Shrenik questions Lord Mahavir about his future destiny. Lord Mahavir predicts that Shrenik will go to the first hell but can be saved by offering charity through Kapila's daughter and by not killing the Kalasaukarik pig. The canto also mentions the future first Tirthankar.
• Second Canto: To test King Shrenik's samkit (right faith), a celestial being appears in the guise of a pregnant nun. Shrenik still pays his respects. The celestial being then reveals itself and gifts the king two spheres and a necklace, which he distributes to Chellana Devi and Sunanda Devi.
• Third Canto: Prince Abhaykumar is tasked by King Shrenik to find Chellana Devi's lost necklace within seven days, with a penalty for failure. Despite searching, the necklace isn't found. On the seventh day, Abhaykumar observes Paushadh (a vow of fasting and religious observance). He then sees the lost necklace adorning the neck of his Guru, Sthitsuriji. This sight causes Shivmuni, who is serving the Guru, to utter the word "Bhay" (fear).
• Fourth Canto: At Abhaykumar's insistence, Shivmuni recounts his past life story, involving two brothers named Shiv and Shivdatt. The tale highlights the dangers of wealth and the adoption of the ascetic path with deep conviction.
• Fifth and Sixth Cantos: Suvratmuni, serving the Guru in the second watch of the night, also becomes frightened upon seeing the necklace and exclaims "Mahabhay" (great fear). He narrates his own life story, emphasizing the deceitful character of a woman.
• Seventh Canto: Dhanmuni, upon seeing the necklace on the Guru, utters "Atibhay" (extreme fear). He shares his life story, ultimately renouncing the world after experiencing untrustworthy and reprehensible behavior from women.
• Eighth and Ninth Cantos: Jonakmuni, serving in the fourth watch, becomes agitated upon seeing the necklace and speaks of "Bhayatibhay" (fear upon fear). He reveals his wife Shrimati's misconduct.
• Tenth Canto: After his Paushadh, Abhaykumar goes to venerate Sthitsuriji. He reflects that the necklace was found due to the merit of his Paushadh. He happily returns the necklace to King Shrenik.
• Eleventh Canto: King Shrenik initially refuses Abhaykumar's request for permission to take diksha (initiation). He tells Abhaykumar that he will grant permission when he says, "Go, don't show your face." One day, during intensely cold weather, the King remembers the munis meditating in the kayotsarga (a standing meditative posture). Chellana Devi, during the night, wonders about their state. This sparks suspicion in King Shrenik, who, in a fit of anger, orders Abhaykumar to burn down the inner chambers of the palace.
• Twelfth Canto: Abhaykumar takes diksha, followed by Sunanda. The text concludes with the prashasti. It also references the availability of the text "Manipati Rajarshi" composed by Muni Jamboo in 1005 Vikram Samvat, which also contains the stories of these five munis.

The text is presented as a source of spiritual guidance and discouragement of worldly attachments, illustrating the consequences of actions and the importance of renunciation. The language is poetic, employing Rajasthani dialect and traditional verse forms. The inclusion of the stories of the four muni-brothers serves to illustrate the potential for fear and attachment to arise even in a spiritual context, and how through reflection and past-life experiences, they can be overcome.