Bappabhattasuri Ane Aamraja Part 01

The provided text is the first part of a book titled "Bappabhattasuri Ane Aamraja" (Bappabhattasuri and King Aamraja), authored by Manilal Nyalchand Shah and published by Jin Gun Aradhana Trust. It is dedicated for private and personal use only.

Key themes and content based on the provided pages:

• Purpose of the Book: The preface (Page #4-5) highlights the author's objective: to reawaken a sense of pride and duty in the Jain community, which the author feels has become too focused on material acquisition and forgotten its rich ancient heritage. The book aims to present inspiring ancient Jain sentiments, noble character traits, and life ideals to guide those who have lost their way, by showcasing them through engaging historical narratives.

• Historical Setting: The novel is set in the 9th century Vikram Samvat (around the early 800s CE), a period following a time of darkness in Gujarat, ushering in an era of peace.

• Main Characters: The central figures are Bappabhattaji (also referred to as Bappabhatti, Bapbhattaji, Appabhatt) and King Aamraja (also referred to as Aamraja).

• Narrative Style: The book is written in a novelistic style, aiming to be engaging and emotionally resonant. The author notes that the story is significant enough to be divided into two parts, with the first part intended to create anticipation for the second.

• Key Events and Themes Introduced (Volume 1):

  • Bappabhattaji's Early Life: His childhood brilliance, his initiation (diksha) at the age of eight, and his meeting with Aamraja.
  • Aamraja's Journey: His arrival in Modhera, the historical significance of Modhera.
  • Spiritual and Intellectual Prowess: The scholarship of Siddhasen Suri, Bappabhattaji's extraordinary powers, the blessing of Goddess Saraswati.
  • Bappabhattaji's Recognition: The honor bestowed upon Bappabhattaji by Aamraja after Aamraja secured the throne of Kanauj, including his appointment as the royal guru.
  • Religious Context: The book will also touch upon the efforts of figures like Kumaril Bhatt and Shankara­charya, Shankara­charya's ambitions, his refutation of other religions, and his origins. The narrative aims to maintain historical accuracy while presenting these events.
  • Inter-religious Competition: The book intends to portray the rivalry between different religious traditions of that era.
  • Sources for Shankara­charya's Biography: The author specifically mentions drawing information for Shankara­charya's story from "Agnan Timir Bhaskar," "Na Tattvadash," and "Tattvanirnay Prasad," crediting the vast scholarship and historical research of Shrimad Vijayayanandsurishwarji. The author also contrasts this with the potentially biased accounts provided by Shankara­charya's disciples like Anandgiri.

• Author's Mission: The author emphasizes the importance of historical reading for the Jain community to understand their past and culture, and expresses a hope that this work will foster a love for literature and curiosity about ancient Aryan culture. The book is printed from the "knowledge fund" and is intended as a gift to monks, nuns, and libraries, not for commercial ownership by householders.

• Table of Contents (Page #9-11): The initial chapters of Volume 1 include:

  • Chapter 1: Rajkumar (The Prince)
  • Chapter 2: Modhera Gaamaa (In Modhera Village)
  • Chapter 3: Siddhsen Suri
  • Chapter 4: Bhutkalna Smarane (Memories of the Past)
  • Chapter 5: Pita ane Putri (Father and Daughter)
  • Chapter 6: Itihas Parichay (Historical Introduction)
  • Chapter 7: Kanojraj Yashovarma
  • Chapter 8: Kamalā
  • Chapter 9: Vidhino Vidhan (The Law of Destiny)
  • Chapter 10: Purva Parichay (Previous Acquaintance)
  • Chapter 11: Jain Itihasni Sankal (Chain of Jain History)
  • Chapter 12: Baal Tej (Childhood Brilliance)
  • Chapter 13: Kasoti (The Test)
  • Chapter 14: Diksha (Initiation)
  • Chapter 15: Bhakti (Devotion)
  • Chapter 16: Rajyabhishek (Coronation)
  • Chapter 17: Rajman (Royal Respect)
  • Chapter 18: Kumarilbhatt

• Content Snippets from Early Chapters:

  • Chapter 1: Introduces a young, foreign-looking traveler, filled with melancholy yet appreciating nature's beauty, who is struggling with hunger and lack of resources. He encounters a young mendicant (Appabhatt, later revealed as Appabhatt Muni) and they engage in a philosophical discussion about worldly happiness and renunciation. The traveler, despite his hardships, reveals himself to be a poet.
  • Chapter 2: The young mendicant (Appabhatt Muni), a newly initiated disciple named Bappabhatt, had sought shelter from the rain at a temple. He meets the traveler, who is identified as Aamraja, the prince of Kanauj. Aamraja reveals his lineage and the conflict with his father, King Yashovarma, over financial matters and differing views on governance. Aamraja expresses his disinterest in the throne and his desire for spiritual seeking, which is met with guidance from Guru Siddhasen Suri.
  • Chapter 3: Siddhasen Suri, a learned scholar of his time, facilitates Aamraja's stay and education. The narrative details the extensive arts and sciences Aamraja begins to study, alongside Bappabhatt. Their bond of friendship deepens. Aamraja expresses gratitude to Siddhasen Suri and even contemplates giving his kingdom to Bappabhatt, who declines, being a renunciate. The chapter touches on the importance of dharma in kingship and the historical context of figures like Gurjareśvara Vanraj.
  • Chapter 4: Discusses the origins and influence of Jainism, tracing its lineage back to Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankar, and the four Vedas in ancient times. It delves into the evolution and eventual decline of Jain practices and the rise of other religious systems, attributing this to the passage of time and changing societal influences.
  • Chapter 5: Introduces a father and daughter hunting in the forest, who encounter a tiger. They are saved by a mysterious arrow shot by a young man. This young man is later revealed to be Aamraja, and the narrative implies a potential connection or destiny with the daughter, Kamala.
  • Chapter 7: Details the reign of Yashovarma, the king of Kanauj, highlighting his indulgence in pleasures and his subservience to a new queen who manipulates him. This leads to the banishment of his principal queen, Suyasha, who is pregnant.
  • Chapter 8: Focuses on the tragic story of Suyasha, who is forced to live in exile in the forest, gives birth to a son (implied to be Aamraja), and is later found by Siddhasen Suri.
  • Chapter 9: Mentions the concept of destiny and the human tendency to make mistakes. It highlights Aamraja's eventual return to his mother and the king's regret.
  • Chapter 12: Describes Aamraja's exceptional intelligence and early inclination towards spirituality, which impresses Siddhasen Suri. It also touches upon the prevailing religious landscape with the rise of Buddhism and the refutations by Jain monks.

In essence, Volume 1 of "Bappabhattasuri Ane Aamraja" sets the stage by introducing the main characters, establishing the historical and religious backdrop of 9th-century India, and weaving a narrative that intertwines the lives of a prince and a spiritual aspirant, exploring themes of dharma, destiny, renunciation, and the quest for spiritual truth within the context of Jain philosophy. It also begins to explore the historical shifts in religious influence in ancient India.