Abhaysomsundar Krut Vikram Chauboli Chaupai

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Abhaysomsundar krut Vikram Chauboli Chaupai" by Madanraj D Mehta, based on the provided pages:

Overview:

The "Abhaysomsundar krut Vikram Chauboli Chaupai" is a significant Jain literary work authored by Vachnacharya Abhayasomsundar. The text, written in a mixed Rajasthani-Gujarati language, recounts the inspiring story of King Vikramaditya, a renowned figure in Indian literature and folklore celebrated for his compassion, justice, generosity, and valor. The author chose Vikramaditya as his subject due to the king's universal appeal and his ability to bridge social and cultural divides.

Context and Discovery:

The research paper by Dr. Madanraj D. Mehta highlights the discovery of this chaupai within a gutka (a collection of Jain texts) dated between Vikram Samvat 1757 and 1779. The chaupai itself was composed by Abhayasomsundar on Ashadh Krishna 10, Vikram Samvat 1724. The author emphasizes the importance of Vikramaditya in Jain literature, referencing the efforts of scholars like Mohanlal Dalichand Desai and Agarchand Nahata who documented numerous works by Jain authors on Vikramaditya.

Narrative of the Chaupai:

The chaupai begins with the invocation of Goddess Saraswati, seeking her blessings for the composition. The poet expresses his humble endeavor in narrating the tale of Vikram, acknowledging his own limitations but also highlighting Vikram's unique ability to "deceive" and overcome the evils of the Kali Yuga.

The central narrative revolves around King Vikramaditya's encounter with a talking pair of parrots. The female parrot praises women, while the male parrot criticizes them, citing examples like the story of Nala and Damayanti. This conversation sparks Vikram's curiosity about the virtuous and independent queen Leelavati, who rules the kingdom of Kanakpur in the south. Leelavati, it is said, does not interact with or acknowledge the importance of men.

Driven by curiosity and perhaps a touch of longing, Vikram decides to visit Kanakpur. The journey is described as long and arduous, with the poet offering observations about the importance of belonging and not being an outsider. On his way, Vikram stops at a house where he learns from a prajapati (a potter or craftsman) that Leelavati visits the Chamuṇḍā temple on the night of Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi to dance. The prajapati advises Vikram that if he can obtain Leelavati's kanchuki (a type of bodice or inner garment), he might be able to win her.

Vikram successfully reaches the temple and witnesses Leelavati's dance in the darkness. He stealthily takes her kanchuki. After the dance, Leelavati, unaware her garment is missing, leaves for her palace. When she discovers the kanchuki is gone, her companions try to locate it, eventually realizing it's with Vikram. They humbly request its return. Vikram agrees to return it only if they facilitate a meeting between him and Leelavati. With the help of her companions and by presenting four riddles in the form of stories (assisted by Vetal), Vikram eventually wins Leelavati's affection, and they are united.

Key Themes and Literary Merit:

• Inspiration of Vikramaditya: The chaupai reinforces Vikramaditya's image as a virtuous and effective ruler, capable of overcoming challenges and inspiring devotion.
• The Nature of Women: The dialogue between the parrots presents contrasting views on women, highlighting a societal discussion about their perceived virtues and flaws.
• Perseverance and Strategy: Vikram's journey to win Leelavati showcases his determination and strategic thinking, using cunning and intellect rather than brute force.
• Folk Wisdom and Proverbs: The text incorporates numerous lokokti (proverbs) which add depth and interest to the narrative, reflecting the cultural richness of the time.
• Language and Style: The chaupai is noted for its vibrant use of a Rajasthani-Gujarati mixed language and its engaging poetic style, making it a valuable contribution to regional literature.

Compositional Details:

The text concludes with details about the manuscript's creation, mentioning the scribe and the guru, and reiterating the date of composition. It's evident that this work is not just a story but also a product of scholarly Jain tradition.

In essence, the "Abhaysomsundar krut Vikram Chauboli Chaupai" is a beautifully crafted Jain narrative that celebrates the legend of King Vikramaditya, weaving together themes of love, wisdom, and cultural understanding through a compelling story.