Bharatesh Vaibhav

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bharatesh Vaibhav" by Ratnakar Varni, based on the provided pages. The text is a detailed epic poem focusing on the life and glory of Bharat Chakravarti, the eldest son of the first Tirthankara, Lord Rishabhnath.

Overall Summary:

"Bharatesh Vaibhav" (The Glory of Bharatesh) is a significant work in Jain literature, composed in the Kannada language by the renowned poet Ratnakar Varni. The text describes the life, reign, and spiritual journey of Bharat Chakravarti, the first emperor of Bharatavarsha (India). The epic is divided into five "Kalyanas" (auspicious events or stages of life), named after the five stages of a Tirthankara's life: Moghavijaya, Vijaya, Yogavijaya, Mokshavijaya, and Akankitavijaya. The work is praised for its literary beauty, spiritual depth, and depiction of both worldly and spiritual aspects of life.

Key Aspects Covered in the Provided Text:

The provided text, spanning pages 1 through 439 of Volume 1 and 1 through 276 of Volume 2, offers an extensive introduction and summary of the epic, covering the following key areas:

1. Introduction to Kannada Jain Literature and Ratnakar Varni:

   • Kannada literature, particularly Jain literature, holds a high place in Indian literary history, known for its lyrical quality and artistic excellence.
   • Ratnakar Varni is highlighted as a prominent Jain poet who independently portrayed the life of Bharat Chakravarti. The work is also referred to as "Bharatesh Charite" but the poet himself named it "Bharatesh Vaibhav," fittingly describing the glorification of Bharat.
   • The text notes other names by which the work is known, like "Bharatesh Sangati" and "Annagala Parisevu," possibly due to its composition in the Sangatya meter and the poet's appellation as "Annagalu" (respected elder brother).

2. The Work's Structure and Content:

   • The epic is divided into five "Kalyanas": Moghavijaya, Vijaya, Yoga Vijaya, Moksha Vijaya, and Akanki tivijaya.
   • It comprises 80 sections (Sandhis) and 9960 verses (Shlokas), though 4 sections are currently unavailable.

3. The Poet, Ratnakar Varni:

   • Ratnakar Varni belonged to a Kshatriya lineage and mentions Shri Adhinath Swami as his father and Bakkitika as his initiation guru, with Parmatman (the Supreme Soul) as his ultimate spiritual guide.
   • He was highly proficient in poetry and philosophy from a young age, having studied various spiritual texts.
   • He was a court poet to King Bhairav and faced significant life events, including a royal scandal involving the princess, leading him to embrace spirituality.
   • There are differing accounts of his life, suggesting possible transitions between Jainism and Lingayatism due to various circumstances, but ultimately reaffirming his Jain faith. He is also noted to have received the title "Shringar Kavi" (Poet of Love/Beauty).
   • His other known works include "Ratnakar Shatak," "Aparajita Shatak," and "Triloka Shatak." The text suggests that "Bharatesh Vaibhav" itself might have earned him the title of "Shringar Kavi" due to its intricate portrayal of love and beauty.

4. Chronology:

   • Ratnakar Varni lived around Shalivahana Shaka 1479, corresponding to 1557 CE, making him a poet from about 450 years ago.

5. Literary and Spiritual Merits:

   • The poem is lauded for its captivating descriptions, ethical teachings, and ability to inspire virtue.
   • It blends devotion, romance, and philosophy, appealing to both the worldly and the spiritual.
   • Ratnakar Varni's mastery of language, poetic devices, and depiction of various sentiments (rasas), including Shringar (love) and Karuna (compassion), is emphasized.
   • His unique skill in describing sensory experiences and even abstract spiritual concepts is highlighted.

6. Narrative Summary (Katha Sar):

   • Bhogi Vijaya: Describes Bharat Chakravarti's righteous reign in Ayodhya, his enjoyment of worldly pleasures, and his daily routine of dharma, service, and yogic practices.
   • Digvijaya: Details Bharat's conquest of the six continents (Shatkhanda), his receiving tributes from kings, and his encounters with various rulers and celestial beings. It mentions the birth of 1200 of his sons who attained liberation in the same life.
   • Conflict with Bahubali: The summary notes a divergence from Puranic accounts, where Bharat's younger brother Bahubali initially challenges him. However, Ratnakar Varni portrays Bharat as winning through his wisdom and speech, leading Bahubali to renounce the world and attain liberation.
   • Yogavijaya: Bharat helps Bahubali achieve Kevala Jnana (omniscience) and describes the renunciation of his mother, Yashodwati Devi. It also mentions the inauguration of Kailash Parvat's Jin temples by Bharat.
   • Mokshavijaya: Bharat's sons, after studying and renouncing the world, attain initiation. Bharat himself experiences detachment upon learning of his father's (Lord Adinath) nirvana. He later observes his own aging, renounces the world, attains Kevala Jnana, and finally attains Moksha (liberation).
   • Arkikirti Vijaya: Bharat's son, Arkikirti, rules the kingdom and later renounces the world with his brother Adhiraj to attain liberation.

7. Character Portrayals:

   • Bharat Chakravarti: Portrayed as an ideal king, warrior, and yogi, embodying dharma, righteousness, and spiritual inclination. His adherence to Jain principles even amidst worldly grandeur is stressed.
   • Bahubali: Described as a powerful and noble brother who, despite initial conflict, ultimately chooses the spiritual path.
   • Other Characters: The summary briefly mentions ministers like Buddhisagar, generals like Jayaraj, celestial beings like Maghadhamar, and queens like Kusumaji and Subhadra Devi, highlighting their roles and contributions to the narrative.

8. Literary Techniques:

   • Rachana Chaturya (Compositional Skill): The poet's ability to elaborate on even mundane daily activities (like Bharat's routine in "Bhogi Vijaya") to fill 19 chapters showcases his skill.
   • Dialogue and Characterization: The narrative highlights how characters, particularly queens like Kusumaji speaking to her parrot, reveal their inner thoughts and feelings, adding depth to the story.
   • Use of Rasa: The text emphasizes the skillful blending of various sentiments like Shringar (love/beauty), Karuna (compassion), and Shanta (peace/spiritual detachment) throughout the epic.
   • Spiritual Integration: The narrative skillfully integrates Jain philosophy, particularly the path to liberation, the nature of the soul, and the impermanence of worldly life, within the life story of a legendary emperor.

In essence, "Bharatesh Vaibhav" is presented as a masterpiece that not only narrates the glorious life of Emperor Bharat but also serves as a guide to spiritual living, demonstrating how worldly achievements can be harmonized with the pursuit of ultimate liberation. The poet Ratnakar Varni is celebrated for his profound understanding of both the human heart and spiritual truths, weaving them into an unforgettable literary tapestry.