Ahimsa Ki Vijay

This book, "Ahimsa Ki Vijay" (The Victory of Non-Violence), translated by Pratham Ganini 105 Aryika Ratna Vidushi Samyagjnana Shiromani Siddhanta Visharad Dharma Pramavika Shri Vijayamasi Mataji, with editorial management by Nathulal Jain "Tonkbala" and editing by Mahendrakumar Jain "Badjatiya," published by Shri Digambar Jain Vijaya Granth Prakashan Samiti, is a narrative that explores the triumph of ahimsa (non-violence) over violence and religious superstition.

The book highlights India as a land of diverse religions, where the path of ahimsa and violence both claim their followers. It addresses the confusion faced by devotees in discerning the true path and the welfare-promoting religion. The narrative aims to guide the simple and the wise towards the righteous path by exposing the deceitful practices of self-serving priests who ensnare innocent people in a web of religious deception, leading them astray in both this world and the next. The book also depicts how wealth-blinded kings, devoid of wisdom, can stray from the right path, abandoning true religion due to attachment to their offspring and succumbing to superstition, consequently leading their subjects away from righteous conduct.

A significant portion of the text focuses on the story of King Padmanabha, the manipulative priest Manikdev, and his disciple Narsingh. Padmanabha, after losing several children, becomes desperate for offspring. Influenced by Manikdev, a devotee of the goddess Kali, he abandons Jain principles and begins animal sacrifice to appease Kali. His daughter Mrigavati is born, reinforcing his belief in Kali's power. This leads to the establishment of a Kali temple and the perpetuation of animal sacrifice, turning the kingdom of Mallipur into a center of violence.

The narrative then introduces Acharya Amar Kirti, a powerful and influential Jain muni, whose presence in Mallipur during Chaturmas challenges the established violent practices. His teachings on ahimsa deeply impact the people, including Mrigavati and Prince Mahendra from the neighboring kingdom of Champa. Prince Mahendra, inspired by the acharya's teachings and Mrigavati's plight, vows to help stop the animal sacrifices.

Manikdev, fearing the exposure of his fraudulent practices and the decline of his influence, uses deceit and manipulation. He incites the king by claiming Kali's displeasure due to the acharya's presence and the people's inclination towards ahimsa. He orchestrates incidents, including the alleged prophesies of disaster and the framing of the acharya's disciples, to maintain his hold.

The climax involves the acharya's vow of a fast until the animal sacrifices are stopped and the brave acts of eight young disciples, including Prince Mahendra, who defy the king's orders and preach ahimsa, facing imprisonment and hardship. Mrigavati, deeply affected by the teachings of ahimsa and the plight of the prisoners, secretly tries to aid Prince Mahendra.

The story culminates in the revelation of Manikdev's deception by his own disciple Narsingh, who, after hearing Acharya Amar Kirti's teachings, experiences a change of heart. Narsingh confesses that the goddess's "voice" was his own, orchestrated through a hidden chamber. This revelation exposes the fraudulent nature of the Kali worship and the sacrifices.

The book concludes with King Padmanabha renouncing violence, embracing ahimsa, and acknowledging the true teachings of Jainism. The victory of ahimsa is depicted through the transformation of the people's hearts, the end of animal sacrifices, and the triumph of truth and compassion over superstition and deceit. The narrative emphasizes the power of ahimsa, love, forgiveness, and wisdom in overcoming darkness and establishing righteousness.