Ambad Katha Na Antar Pravaho

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ambad Katha na Antar Pravaho" by Somabhai Parekh, based on the provided pages:

The article "Ambad Katha na Antar Pravaho" (Inner Currents of the Ambad Story) by Somabhai Parekh delves into the significant but often overlooked story of Ambada Vidyadhar. Parekh laments the lack of scholarly attention and critical editions for important Jain works, including the "Ambda Charitra" by Muniratan Suri, similar to the situation with the "Trishashthishalaka Purush Charitra" by Acharya Hemachandra.

Parekh highlights the historical development and influences on the Ambada narrative. He notes that the external structure (morphology) of Ambada's story was significantly influenced by earlier compendiums like Gunadhya's "Brihatkatha," Shridh-sena Gani Vachak's "Vasudev-Hindi," Budhaswami's "Brihatkatha Shlokasangraha," Somadeva's "Kathasaritsagara," Kshemendra's "Brihatkatha Manjari," and Acharya Hemachandra's "Trishashthishalaka Purush Charitra" and "Parishishtaparva."

Crucially, Parekh emphasizes that after the 13th century, the Ambada story profoundly influenced Vikram-centric tale cycles such as "Simhasanabattrishi" (Thirty-two Tales of the Throne), "Vetalapanchishi" (Twenty-five Tales of the Vetal), and "Panchadandachhatra" (The Five-Rod Umbrella). He points out the structural similarities, planning, narrative components, and cultural traditions shared between Ambada's story and these Vikram tales.

Key similarities highlighted include:

• Framing Narrative: Like "Brihatkatha" and other collections, the Ambada story, as well as the Vikram tale cycles, features a main narrative that binds the entire collection together, with sub-stories branching out from it. Each sub-story has its own individuality while contributing to the overall structure.
• Heroic Characters: Both Ambada and Vikram are depicted as heroic figures who overcome numerous obstacles and adversies through their valor and efforts. Despite being fictional, their inner personalities make them seem lifelike and relatable, evoking admiration and respect.

Parekh extensively discusses the connections with specific Vikram tales:

• Simhasanabattrishi: Professor K.K. Thaker is quoted stating that the "Ambada Vidyadhar Ras" is foundational to the "Simhasanabattrishi" tradition. It narrates the story of who the thirty-two dolls on the throne were and how they became attached to it. These dolls are identified as Ambada Vidyadhar's thirty-two queens. The story details Ambada's transformation from a poor Kshatriya to a great king and master of magical sciences, and how he married each of his thirty-two queens.
• Panchadandachhatra: Parekh finds a stronger resemblance between Ambada's story and the "Panchadandachhatra" cycle. He quotes Muniratan Suri's "Ambada Charitra," which mentions "Panchadandachhatra" and the seven commands of Gorakh Yogini. In "Panchadandachhatra," Damani uses a magical rod to erect a wall of vajra that Vikram cannot break. He is told to follow her five commands. Similarly, Ambada approaches Gorakh Yogini seeking wealth and Siddhis, and she presents him with seven commands. The first command involves Ambada obtaining a fruit, leading him to meet Bhadravali, a practitioner of magical sciences, and her daughter Chandravati. Ambada wins Chandravati in a game of dice and learns four magical sciences from her. This mirrors Vikram's interactions in the "Panchadandachhatra" tales.
• Seven Commands of Gorakh Yogini: Parekh meticulously details the seven commands given to Ambada by Gorakh Yogini and their parallels in the Vikram stories:
  1. Eastward journey for a fruit: Ambada meets Bhadravali and wins Chandravati, gaining magical sciences.
  2. Obtaining the "Andhari" garment from Kamalakanchan: Ambada encounters Gunavati, who possesses an impenetrable magical bodice given by the sun. This story is linked to "Udhanda" in "Panchadand."
  3. Bringing the Ratnamala from King Somachandra's daughter Chandravyaash in Sinhala island: This is seen as a precursor to "Abhayadand" or "Ratnamanjari" in "Panchadand."
  4. Acquiring the "Navlakhi Makdi" from merchant Bohida's daughter Rupini: Ambada gains the "Siddhikari" Vidya, transforms the king, and marries the princess.
  5. Bringing the "Ravichandra" lamp from minister Buddhisagar's daughter in Devka: Ambada cures the king and minister and receives the lamp, the princess, and the minister's daughter.
  6. Acquiring the "Sarvarthashankar" wand from Vipra Someshwar's daughter Chandrakanta in Kurmakodi: This involves Ambada battling a cunning yogi, rescuing a princess, and obtaining magical staffs (red and white kambas). He then encounters Chandrakanta and her friends, manipulates them with his magic, and eventually marries Chandrakanta and her friends after securing the wand and half the kingdom. This is strongly linked to the "Vishapahar Dand" story in "Panchadand."
  7. Bringing the "Mahamukut" of King Chandeshwar of Sopara: Ambada seduces the princess, fights the king's soldiers, and ultimately marries the princess, receiving the crown.

Parekh concludes by stating that Ambada's story was widely influenced by Vikram tales like "Simhasanabattrishi," "Vetalapanchishi," and "Panchadandachhatra," while its own plot elements developed under the influence of compendiums like "Brihatkatha" and "Kathasaritsagara." The central motif in all these narratives is magical knowledge. Ambada, as "Vidyadhar" (Holder of Magical Sciences), acquired numerous Siddhis and magical powers. The characters like Ambada and Vikram, who are adept in magical sciences, serve as the connecting threads in their respective story cycles. The popular character of Vikram is seen as an evolution of characters like Naravahanadatta from "Brihatkatha" and Vasudeva from "Vasudev-Hindi." Acharya Hemachandra's portrayal of Chakravarthis like Bharata also contributed to the shaping of Vikram's character.

In essence, the article establishes Ambada Vidyadhar as a crucial link in the continuum of Indian narrative literature, highlighting his heroic journey through adversities and his acquisition of magical powers, which continue to captivate readers' hearts, imaginations, and curiosity.