Bhaktamar Katha - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bhaktamar Katha" by Udaylal Kasliwal, based on the provided pages and catalog link:

Book Title: Bhaktamar Katha (भक्तामर कथा) Author: Late Pt. Udaylal Kasliwal (स्व० पं० उदयलालजी काशलीवाल) Publisher: Jain Sahitya Prasarak Karyalay, Bombay (जैन साहित्य प्रसारक कार्यालय, बम्बई) Language: Hindi (with Sanskrit original stanzas of the Bhaktamar Stotra) Original Author of Bhaktamar Stotra: Acharya Manatunga (आचार्य मानतुंग)

Overview:

"Bhaktamar Katha" is a detailed narrative that explains the significance and efficacy of the "Bhaktamar Stotra," a highly revered Jain hymn composed by Acharya Manatunga. The book is presented as a Hindi translation and elaboration of a Sanskrit version of the story, originally attributed to Brahmachari Rayamalla. The publisher, Jain Sahitya Prasarak Karyalay, highlights this as their fourth edition.

Key Themes and Content:

The Bhaktamar Stotra: The book begins by explaining the name "Bhaktamar." While the stotra praises all Tirthankaras, its opening lines, "Bhaktamar-pranata-mauli..." led to its widespread recognition as the "Bhaktamar Stotra." It is described as a beautiful, devotion-filled composition that deeply touches the heart and is highly esteemed not only within the Jain community but also by scholars.
Mantra Shastra: The text emphasizes that the Bhaktamar Stotra is also recognized as a "Mantra Shastra" (science of mantras). It is believed that each verse contains powerful mantras. The book acknowledges the complexity of mantra practice, noting that it requires immense mental and physical strength, purity of thought, and unwavering concentration. It warns that improper or incomplete practice can be detrimental.
Historical Context and Origins: The preface mentions that the book aims to present a Hindi adaptation of Rayamalla's work because the originally intended translation of Shubhachandra's Bhaktamar Katha was not available. The author of the stotra, Acharya Manatunga, is portrayed as a virtuous muni who faced persecution.
The Legend of Acharya Manatunga and King Bhoj: A significant portion of the "Katha" section (storytelling) recounts the famous incident involving Acharya Manatunga and King Bhoj of Dharanagari.
- Pagan Pride: King Bhoj was influenced by learned scholars like Kalidasa and others, who were proud of their knowledge, particularly in mantra shastra. They belittled Jain ascetics, calling them frauds.
- Demonstration of Power: To prove their superiority, these scholars showcased their miraculous abilities, such as reattaching a severed limb (Kalidasa) or curing diseases through rituals.
- The Challenge: The scholars challenged the Jain ascetics to display similar powers.
- Manatunga's Imprisonment: King Bhoj, influenced by this display, had Acharya Manatunga imprisoned in chains.
- The Bhaktamar's Power: While imprisoned, Acharya Manatunga composed the Bhaktamar Stotra. As he recited each verse, his chains and the prison doors miraculously broke open.
- The King's Realization: Acharya Manatunga appeared in the royal court, still chained by his hands, and challenged the scholars to break his bonds. When they failed, he broke them himself by reciting the final verse of the Bhaktamar.
- Conversion and Influence: Witnessing this divine power, King Bhoj and many scholars were convinced of the superiority of Jainism and embraced the faith, leading to a significant spread of Dharma (Dharma Prabhavna).
Illustrative Stories (Katha): The book then presents numerous captivating stories of individuals who attained various benefits through the diligent recitation and adoration of specific verses or the entire Bhaktamar Stotra. These stories serve as testaments to the stotra's power and the virtues of Jain practices. Examples include:
- Hemdatt's Story: A merchant who was freed from prison by the goddess Chakreshwari after reciting the stotra.
- Sumati's Story: A poor merchant who became wealthy through the stotra's power.
- Sudhan's Story: A merchant who overcame obstacles and converted an opponent to Jainism with the stotra's help.
- Keshavdatt's Story: A merchant who was protected from various dangers (lion, thieves, robbers) and overcame difficulties through the stotra.
- Kamdi's Story: A poor merchant who received wealth from a divine being after practicing the stotra.
- Subuddhi's Story: A minister who used the stotra to expose a fraudulent ascetic.
- Dahi's Story: A devout follower who received divine blessings.
- Mahipal's Story: A king who was freed from a demonic possession.
- Kelipriya's Story: A prince who was shown the consequences of atheism and vice.
- Achhand's Story: A minister who received divine aid and defeated enemies.
- Lokpal's Story: A king who was aided by the stotra's mantra during a military campaign.
- Namraj's Story: A king whose predicted future events came true due to the stotra.
- Jivanandi Muni's Story: Muni Jivanandi used the stotra to convert Shaivites to Jainism by demonstrating the supremacy of Jinism.
- Matisagar Muni's Story: Muni Matisagar won a philosophical debate and converted Buddhist monks and the king.
- Rupkundala's Story: A princess who was cured of a severe illness and transformed by the stotra after insulting a muni.
- Jaisen's Story: A queen who was cured of a skin disease.
- Bhimsen's Story: A king who regained his beauty through the stotra.
- Kamalata's Story: A princess who was cured of a debilitating illness and converted to Jainism.
- Jindas's Story: A poor man who became wealthy and minister through the stotra.
- Somraj's Story: A prince who became king and regained prosperity.
- Devraj's Story: A merchant who converted a lion to Jainism.
- Lakshmidhar's Story: A merchant who survived a forest fire with the stotra's help.
- Dridhavrata's Story: A devoted wife who was protected from her husband's treacherous plans by the stotra.
- Gunvarma's Story: A prince who was protected from his brother's attack and later became king through the stotra.
- Maheb Seth's Story: A merchant who was aided by a goddess during a sea voyage.
- Kalavati's Story: A princess who was cured of a serious illness.
- Randhir's Story: A prince who was freed from imprisonment by the stotra.
Mantra and Yantra Section: A substantial portion of the book is dedicated to presenting "Riddhi, Mantra aur Sadhanvidhi" (Mantras, Rituals, and their Methods). It provides specific mantras and their associated rituals, accompanied by diagrams (Yantras) for various purposes, including:
- Protection from evil influences, enemies, and dangers.
- Gaining wealth and prosperity.
- Acquiring knowledge and skills.
- Curing illnesses.
- Controlling others (vashikaran).
- Victory in battles and legal matters.
- Protection during travel and from natural calamities.
Author's Dedication and Intent: Udaylal Kasliwal expresses his hope that the Jain community will appreciate his effort. He also emphasizes the importance of following the correct procedures and purity in mantra practice, citing the dictum of Bhagwan Samantabhadra. He acknowledges contributions from others, notably Pt. Giridhar Sharma of Jhalrapatan for his poetic rendering of the Bhaktamar.

Significance:

"Bhaktamar Katha" serves as a guide and inspirational text for Jains, offering not only the sacred verses of the Bhaktamar Stotra but also the stories and practical applications of its mantras. It underscores the belief in the stotra's miraculous powers and its ability to bring about spiritual and material well-being when practiced with devotion and adherence to prescribed methods. The book aims to deepen the faith of its readers and promote the spread of Jain principles.