Bharat Bahubali - Book Summary

This document is a Jain children's book, part of the "Jain Bal Granthavali" series, specifically the second series, volume 4, titled "Bharat Bahubali." The author is Jaybhikkhu (as editor, and Nagkumar Makati as the writer of the story). It was published by Gurjar Granthratna Karyalay in Ahmedabad.

The book tells the story of Bharat and Bahubali, two brothers and princes of Ayodhya, sons of Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankar.

Here's a summary of the content:

Introduction to Ayodhya and Rishabhdev: The story begins by describing Ayodhya, a city ruled by King Rishabhdev. He taught his people everything from cooking and eating to living and moral conduct, even teaching them about Dharma before renouncing his worldly possessions to become a sage.
The Brothers and Their Kingdoms: Rishabhdev had 100 sons. Bharat was the eldest and inherited the throne of Ayodhya. Bahubali, the second eldest, was given the kingdom of Taxashila. The other brothers were given other territories. Bharat's reign in Ayodhya was prosperous and just, with no suffering or injustice among the people.
Bharat's Ambition for Chakravartin: Bharat, desiring to become a "Chakravartin" (universal emperor) and spread righteousness, decided to conquer other lands and kings. He assembled a large army with elephants, horses, and skilled soldiers and set out. He conquered many lands, defeated powerful kings, and after conquering six continents, he returned.
The Challenge of Bahubali: Bharat realized that the only one he hadn't conquered was his powerful younger brother, Bahubali. Bahubali was described as immensely strong, fierce like a lion and tiger, with arms like Yama (the god of death). Even enemies feared his name. Bharat felt a dilemma: he was afraid of losing if he fought his brother, and even if he won, people would criticize him for taking his younger brother's kingdom.
The Diplomatic Mission: Bharat called his prime minister for advice. The prime minister suggested sending an envoy to Bahubali, asking him to obey his elder brother. However, Bahubali refused, stating he followed their father Rishabhdev's command and would not become a servant to anyone else. He also said they were content with what their father had given them and had no desire for conflict.
Escalation to Conflict: The envoy conveyed Bharat's message that he had conquered six continents and that Bahubali should obey or prepare for battle. Bahubali became enraged and declared that they would give their bodies but not their self-respect. He challenged Bharat to fight. The envoy returned, scared, advising Bharat to abandon the idea of fighting, but Bharat, proud of his victories, was undeterred and ordered his army to march towards Taxashila.
The Armies Gather: Both armies met, a vast multitude of people. Bahubali, however, suggested that instead of unnecessary bloodshed of their soldiers, the two brothers should fight each other to resolve their dispute. Bharat agreed.
The Duels:
- Visual Combat (Drishtiyuddh): They began with a contest of staring without blinking. Both endured for a long time, but eventually, Bharat's eyes watered and closed, and Bahubali won. Bharat felt ashamed.
- Roar Combat (Nad): They then engaged in a contest of roaring. Bharat roared like a great cloud, but Bahubali let out a fierce cry that shook the earth. Bharat lost again.
- Mace Combat: Enraged, Bharat lost control and attacked Bahubali with a mace, hitting him hard and causing him to sink to his knees. Bahubali, unyielding, struck Bharat with his mace, causing Bharat to fall and see stars.
- The Chakravyuha (Discus Weapon): Bharat, further enraged and humiliated, grabbed his "Chakra" (discus weapon) to strike Bahubali. However, according to the rules of combat, only weapons equally held by both sides could be used. Bharat broke this rule. The Chakra circled Bahubali but did not harm him.
Bahubali's Renunciation: Bahubali, holding up a fist to strike Bharat, had a sudden realization. He questioned his actions in his greed for power and kingdom, regretting his fight with his own brother. He decided to follow their father's path, renounce all possessions, and become an ascetic. He pulled out his hair, becoming a monk, and left barefoot and bareheaded.
Bharat's Admiration and Bahubali's Meditation: Bharat was left in awe of Bahubali's decision, recognizing his brother's greatness. He asked Bahubali to accept the throne and release him. Bahubali simply stated that Bharat, as the ruler of six continents, had a duty to protect his subjects and then departed. Bharat tried to persuade him, but Bahubali was resolute. Bharat returned to Ayodhya, and Bahubali began severe penance.
Bahubali's Penance and the Realization of Pride: Bahubali meditated for a long time, his body wasting away, covered in vines and grass. Despite his severe penance, he did not attain true knowledge. Lord Rishabhdev realized that Bahubali had renounced everything but his pride. True knowledge, he understood, comes only to the humble.
The Intervention of Brahmī and Sundarī: Rishabhdev sent his two sage disciples, Brahmī and Sundarī (who were also Bahubali's sisters), to guide Bahubali. They found him in deep meditation. Brahmī told him to dismount from the "elephant" of pride, promising him whatever he desired. Bahubali pondered this, realizing that the "elephant" referred to his pride. He understood that his sisters wouldn't lie. He decided to go to his brothers, seek their forgiveness, and embrace their path.
Bahubali's Enlightenment and Bharat's Rule: As Bahubali made this decision, he attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience). Meanwhile, King Bharat ruled his kingdom justly, caring for his people and following divine commands. The land became known as Bharatbhumi in his honor. Bharat was a great philanthropist, building charitable institutions, feeding the poor, and providing them with clothes and cattle. His reign was marked by prosperity, justice, and magnificent palaces, including a famous mirror palace that glittered with glass.
Bharat's Self-Reflection and Enlightenment: One day, while admiring himself in a mirror, Bharat noticed his plain finger without a ring. He removed all his ornaments and was shocked to see how diminished his appearance became. He realized his beauty was superficial and derived from external adornments, not true inner beauty. This realization led him to deep thought and detachment. He then also attained Kevala Jnana.

The book concludes by stating that both Bharat and Bahubali, though once as hard as vajra (diamond), became as soft as lotus petals. They were great heroes who became Maha-viras (great heroes), and the world needs such heroes.