Arjun Mali Chandan Malayagiri

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Arjun Mali Chandan Malayagiri," authored by Jaybhikkhu, in English:

This book, part of the "Jain Balgranthavali Shreni" (Jain Children's Literature Series), presents two distinct stories of spiritual transformation and devotion within the Jain tradition. The series, compiled and published by the Jaybhikkhu Sahitya Trust, aims to impart moral and ethical values through inspiring narratives.

Part 1: Arjun Mali (The Gardener Arjun)

The first story focuses on Arjun, a former gardener who transforms into a fearsome and violent individual known as Arjun Mali. The narrative begins by describing the challenging terrain of Vaibhar mountain, where few dare to venture. It is in this wild landscape that Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankar, is preaching.

The story highlights the unexpected news that two wealthy merchants of Rajagriha, Shalibhadra and Dhanna, have renounced their luxurious lives and become ascetics, joining Lord Mahavir. This news causes astonishment and excitement among the citizens who wish to witness this spiritual transformation and the presence of the Tirthankar.

Queen Sunanda expresses her desire to visit the area, but her guards and attendants warn her of the dangers, particularly mentioning Arjun Mali. They describe him as a man-eater, a terrifying figure with immense speed, impervious to weapons, and possessing a gaze that incapacitates anyone who looks upon him. His depredations require a daily sacrifice of six men and one woman, and if not met, he attacks villages.

The attendants explain Arjun's tragic origin. He was a handsome and kind gardener whose beautiful wife was violated by six men while he was performing an Aarti at a temple. This horrific event, witnessed by Arjun while he was bound, drove him to madness and a quest for revenge. After days of penance in the forest, his appearance changed dramatically: his skin turned black, his teeth protruded, his nails became sharp and poisonous, his skin hardened like a tortoise's shell, and wings grew on his feet. He then systematically hunted down and killed his wife's tormentors, consuming their flesh and blood, and thereafter continued his nightly attacks on seven people (six men and one beautiful woman).

Despite the warnings, a wealthy merchant named Sudarshan, moved by the opportunity to see Lord Mahavir, defies the fear and rushes towards the dangerous forest. He calls out to Arjun Mali, offering himself for the Lord's darshan (auspicious sight). Arjun Mali, intrigued by this selfless act, stops. He captures Sudarshan and, upon hearing his earnest desire to see Lord Mahavir, agrees to take him.

During their journey through the mountains, Lord Mahavir's compassionate voice calls out to Arjun. Sudarshan requests Arjun to allow him to see the Tirthankar, explaining that his Dharma (duty) requires it. Lord Mahavir's teachings about overcoming hatred with love resonate with Arjun, softening his hardened heart. As he approaches Lord Mahavir, he is overcome by a sense of peace and remorse. Upon touching Lord Mahavir's feet, Arjun experiences a profound transformation. His physical deformities vanish, his black complexion fades, and he becomes radiant. Overwhelmed, he feels a spiritual exhaustion. Lord Mahavir advises him to seek his soul and emulate Sudarshan's faith for true well-being. Arjun sits by Lord Mahavir, reflecting on his past actions.

The news of Arjun Mali's transformation spreads, and many people flock to see Lord Mahavir. Queen Chellana, the wife of King Shrenik, also prepares to visit. King Shrenik, initially skeptical of his wife's devotion to Buddhism, is intrigued by the tales of Lord Mahavir's compassion, especially his ability to pacify Arjun Mali. He decides to accompany Queen Chellana. Upon seeing Lord Mahavir, the King experiences a profound sense of peace and joy. That day, both Arjun Mali and King Shrenik embrace Lord Mahavir's teachings and take initiation (diksha). Arjun Mali, accepting the consequences of his past karma, eventually attains liberation (moksha).

Part 2: Chandan Malayagiri

This section tells the story of Raja Chandan and Rani Malayagiri, who are forced to flee their kingdom, Kusumapur, after it is conquered by an enemy. They escape with their two young sons, Sayar and Nir. Penniless and destitute, they arrive in Kusumapur and decide to work to survive, rather than beg. They find work with a wealthy merchant: Raja Chandan as a temple attendant, Rani Malayagiri as a dishwasher, and their sons as cattle herders. They build a humble hut outside the village and find contentment in their simple life together.

One day, a large caravan arrives, and Rani Malayagiri, with Raja Chandan's permission, decides to sell firewood in the market. The merchant in charge of the caravan is captivated by her sweet voice and her beauty. He beckons her to his tent, and after paying her handsomely for her firewood, he becomes infatuated. He sends his men away and attempts to seduce Rani Malayagiri, but she firmly rejects his advances, warning him that she would commit suicide if he forced himself upon her. The merchant, realizing he cannot easily coerce her, decides to use cunning.

When the merchant is ready to depart, he devises a plan to abduct Rani Malayagiri. He tricks her into his tent and abducts her. Alone and separated from her husband and children, Rani Malayagiri is filled with despair but resolves to endure her suffering, thinking of her family and trusting in divine intervention. The merchant tries to win her over with gifts and threats, but she remains steadfast in her chastity.

Meanwhile, Raja Chandan returns to find his wife missing. He searches for her extensively but to no avail. Determined to find her, he sets off with his two sons into a dense forest. They face hardships, including crossing a raging river. In a moment of extreme exhaustion, Raja Chandan, carrying his son Nir on his shoulders and instructing Sayar to climb a tree, is swept away by the strong current. His final words reflect on the capriciousness of fate. Sayar and Nir are left alone, their cries unheard in the wilderness.

A passing merchant finds the boys and takes them with him. They grow up learning various skills, including weaponry.

Raja Chandan, miraculously surviving the river, reaches a village. There, he is mistreated by a woman but refuses to compromise his virtue. He continues his journey and reaches the city of Champapuri. Coincidentally, the childless king of Champapuri dies, and the citizens decide to install a new king by letting an elephant, adorned with a ceremonial pot, choose. The elephant places the pot on Raja Chandan's head, and he is crowned king.

Despite his newfound prosperity, Raja Chandan remains deeply saddened by the separation from his wife and sons.

Years later, Sayar and Nir, now grown men, decide to leave the caravan and seek their fortune. They arrive in Champapuri and are appointed as Kotwals (city guards) due to their competence. Coincidentally, the same merchant who abducted Rani Malayagiri arrives in Champapuri with his caravan and seeks the king's protection. Raja Chandan assigns Sayar and Nir to guard the merchant's goods.

During their watch, Sayar and Nir recount their family's tragic story to the other guards. Rani Malayagiri, whose tent is nearby, overhears them and recognizes her sons. Overjoyed, she emerges and reveals herself to them. They promise to seek justice from the king. The next morning, they bring the merchant and Rani Malayagiri to the royal court. The merchant claims Malayagiri as his wife, but Sayar, Nir, and Malayagiri reveal the truth of their reunion. King Chandan, overwhelmed with joy, embraces his wife and sons, recognizing them after their long separation. The story concludes with their joyful reunion and the implication that they lived happily thereafter.

The book concludes with testimonials from several foreign dignitaries and scholars who praise the principles of Jainism, particularly its emphasis on Ahimsa (non-violence), self-control, and compassion. They highlight Lord Mahavir's teachings as a path to spiritual peace and liberation.