Awakening Of Karkandu Diwakar Chitrakatha 023

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Book Title: Awakening of Karkandu (from Diwakar Chitrakatha Vol. 23) Author(s): Pankajmuni, Shreechand Surana Publisher: Mahavir Seva Trust Mumbai

This comic book tells the inspiring story of Karkandu, a Pratyek-buddha, a unique term in Jainism referring to an individual who achieves spiritual consciousness and detachment from passions through a significant life event. Karkandu was the mighty king of Kalinga and the son of King Dadhivahan of Champa and Queen Padmavati. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, he was raised by Matang, a caretaker of a cremation ground.

Early Life and Social Upliftment: Despite his humble upbringing, Karkandu possessed inborn virtues that led him to become a great ruler. A significant achievement of his was the social upliftment of the chandal clans, whom he transformed into Brahmins by educating them. This act emphasizes that true social change comes from instilling values and virtues, not just religious conversion.

The Incident of the Bull and Spiritual Awakening: Karkandu's life is presented as a testament to courageously embracing good conduct. His spiritual awakening is triggered by observing a weak and aged bull. This sight leads him to contemplate the ephemeral nature of human life and the inevitable effects of old age, weakness, and dependence. He realizes that the body and its faculties are temporary and that true strength lies in preparing the soul for the inevitable.

Key Events and Developments:

• Parentage and Separation: The story begins with Queen Padmavati's unusual desire to rule as king for a day, which King Dadhivahan indulges. During an outing, an elephant goes mad, causing the royal couple to be separated and Queen Padmavati to be left alone in a forest. She finds refuge with a hermit who guides her to Dantpur.
• Renunciation and Birth of Karkandu: In Dantpur, Queen Padmavati, now a devout nun, seeks initiation into Jain asceticism. She gives birth to Karkandu and, following her vows, leaves him under a tree near the cremation ground.
• Discovery and Upbringing: Yamdand, the cremation ground watchman, finds the infant Karkandu, treats him as a divine gift, and raises him with his wife.
• The Bamboo Prophecy: While guarding the cremation ground, Karkandu overhears a sage mentioning a bamboo sprout that, when it reaches three inches, will lead to kingship for whoever possesses it.
• Conflict and Acquisition of the Bamboo: Karkandu intercepts a Brahmin youth who attempts to steal the three-inch bamboo sprout. This leads to a dispute that goes to the city judge, who, impressed by Karkandu's courage and sense of justice, awards him the bamboo.
• Rise to Kingship: Fearing for Karkandu's safety due to Brahmin backlash, his adoptive father relocates them. In Kanchanpur, Karkandu is recognized as the rightful king by a divine horse and the prime minister, as the throne of Kalinga was vacant.
• Challenging Casteism: Upon becoming king, Karkandu faces prejudice from the Brahmins due to his chandal lineage. He boldly confronts their casteist attitudes and initiates a social reform by having Brahmins and chandals dine together and undergo a purification ritual, effectively turning the chandals into Brahmins through righteous conduct.
• Reunion with Parents and Spiritual Path: Karkandu's reign is marked by his administrative acumen. The story culminates in the revelation that King Dadhivahan is Karkandu's biological father, leading to their reunion and the end of a war between Anga and Kalinga. King Dadhivahan then abdicates his throne and renounces the worldly life to pursue spiritual practices, while Karkandu is crowned King of Anga and Kalinga.
• The True Awakening: As King, Karkandu dotes on cows and calves. One day, he observes a beloved young bull he had doted on becoming old, weak, and losing its youthful vigor. This profound realization about the nature of aging and the impermanence of physical attributes solidifies his spiritual awakening. He understands that true strength and invincibility lie in spiritual discipline and austerities, which can overcome the afflictions of old age and death.

The Message: The story of Karkandu teaches valuable lessons:

• Patience and Courage: These are crucial assets in times of trouble.
• Self-Belief: Faith in one's own capabilities leads to fearlessness.
• Greatness in Attitude and Action: True worth is determined by conduct, not birth.
• Timeliness of Spiritual Pursuits: Spiritual practices and austerities should be undertaken before age and physical infirmities set in.

The book concludes with a Jain scripture verse quoting King Karkandu's contemplation upon seeing the aged bull, emphasizing his ultimate decision to embrace the spiritual path. The text also includes information about other Diwakar Chitrakatha titles and subscription details for the series.