Champu Jivandhar

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Champu Jivandhar" by Harichandra, edited by T. S. Kuppuswami Sastri, based on the provided pages:

Title: Champu Jivandhar Author: Harichandra Mahakavi Editor: T. S. Kuppuswami Sastri Publisher: Shri Krishna Vilasa Press, Tanjore Year of Publication: 1905 Series: Sarasvativilasa Series No. IV

Overall Purpose:

The "Champu Jivandhar" is a Jain epic composed in the champū style, meaning it is a blend of prose and poetry. The work narrates the life story of Jivandhar, a significant figure in Jain tradition, detailing his birth, education, adventures, marriages, eventual renunciation, and attainment of liberation. The text emphasizes Jain philosophy, ethics, and the principles of the tīrthaṅkaras.

Key Themes and Narrative Elements:

The provided pages cover the initial chapters of the epic, setting the stage for Jivandhar's life. The summary below outlines the progression of the narrative as presented:

• Praise and Invocation (Pages 4-5): The text begins with traditional invocations praising various Jain tīrthaṅkaras (Mahavir, Shantinath, Vardhamana) and the Jain "jewel of three" (Ratnatraya: Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct). The author expresses reverence for the lineage of ācāryas and dedicates the work to the life story of Jivandhar. The initial prose describes the world and its continents, with a focus on Jambu Island and Bharatavarsha.

• The Kingdom of Hemangada and King Satyanbandhara (Pages 5-8): The narrative introduces the prosperous kingdom of Hemangada, renowned for its beauty and prosperity. It describes King Satyanbandhara, a ruler who, despite his noble qualities, falls prey to his minister's treachery and his own sensual desires. The minister, Kasthangara, usurps the throne. Satyanbandhara's queen, Vijaya, escapes the kingdom with the help of a flying machine, eventually giving birth to Jivandhar in a cemetery.

• Jivandhara's Birth and Early Life (Pages 8-16): Jivandhara is adopted by a merchant named Gandhotkata. The text details his upbringing and education under the guidance of Arya Nandacharya. Meanwhile, the usurper Kasthangara faces challenges in his rule. The narrative introduces the plight of Nandagopa, whose cattle are stolen, leading to a public proclamation of marriage to his daughter Govinda for the person who recovers them. Jivandhara, through his prowess, recovers the cattle and is to marry Govinda, but ultimately entrusts her to his companion Padmamukha.

• The Marriage to Gandharvadatta (Pages 36-46): The story shifts to the kingdom of Nityaloka, ruled by the Vidyadhara king Garudavega. His daughter, Gandharvadatta, is prophesied to marry a prince from Rajapuri. A merchant named Sridatta, after a shipwreck, is brought to Nityaloka and meets Gandharvadatta. He learns about the prophecy and takes Gandharvadatta to Rajapuri, presenting her as his daughter and announcing a marriage contest involving playing the vīṇā. Jivandhara, already having received his initial education, participates and excels, winning Gandharvadatta's hand. The text vividly describes Gandharvadatta's beauty and the marriage ceremony.

• Jivandhara's Subsequent Marriages and Political Events (Pages 46-96): The narrative then delves into Jivandhara's further adventures and marriages. This includes:

  • The Elephant Incident: Jivandhara encounters and tames a wild elephant, demonstrating his strength and skill.
  • The Encounter with Forest Dwellers and the Ascetics: He interacts with forest dwellers and advises ascetics on true spiritual practice, distinguishing it from mere outward penances.
  • The Journey to South India and the Encounter with the Vidyadhara King's Daughter: He travels to the southern region and meets a king whose kingdom is threatened. He also encounters a Vidyadhara king and his daughter, further illustrating his character and destiny.
  • The Jewel Maiden's Test and Marriage: He participates in a contest involving a jewel maiden and wins her hand, demonstrating his skill.
  • The Attack by Kasthangara and Jivandhara's Victory: The treacherous minister Kasthangara, still a threat, attacks Jivandhara. Jivandhara, with the help of powerful allies like the Yaksha Sudarshana and the Vidyadhara king Garuda-vega, defeats Kasthangara.
  • The Betrothal and Marriage to Kshemashri: Jivandhara is involved in the marriage of another prince to Kshemashri, and eventually marries her himself, highlighting his role in fulfilling destinies.
  • The Political Intrigue and Reunion with his Mother: The text describes the manipulations of Kasthangara and the king of Vidarbha. Jivandhara's mother, Vijaya, who had been living in the forest, is reunited with him.
  • The Conquest of Kingdoms and Further Marriages: Jivandhara embarks on further campaigns, conquering kingdoms and marrying princesses like Gunamala and Vimla, showcasing his valor and virtuous conduct.
  • The Struggle with Kasthangara's Allies: The narrative details Jivandhara's confrontations with the forces of Kasthangara and his allies, emphasizing his strategic brilliance and unwavering commitment to righteousness.

• Jivandhara's Renunciation and Liberation (Pages 141-156): Towards the end of the epic, Jivandhara, having achieved victory and established righteousness, witnesses the pursuit of worldly pleasures and the suffering it causes. He observes the vanity of material possessions and the transience of life. Influenced by his mother's decision to renounce the world and embrace the Jain path, and guided by the teachings of ascetics and ācāryas, Jivandhara himself takes the Jain vows of renunciation. He leads a life of austerity, meditation, and adherence to Jain principles. Ultimately, through his unwavering devotion to the tīrthaṅkaras and his practice of the three jewels, Jivandhara attains moksha (liberation), freed from the cycle of birth and death.

Literary Style:

The "Champu Jivandhar" is written in the champū style, characterized by its rich blend of elaborate prose and elegant poetry. The language is Sanskrit, with extensive use of complex compound words (samāsa), similes, and metaphors. The editor, T. S. Kuppuswami Sastri, is noted for his scholarly approach in preserving and presenting the text, ensuring accuracy in word division and punctuation. The style is often compared to that of Bana, a renowned Sanskrit prose writer.

Significance:

This work is significant for several reasons:

• Jain Epic: It is a substantial Jain epic that details the life of a revered figure, offering insights into Jain cosmology, history, and philosophy.
• Champū Style: It is an exemplary work in the champū genre, showcasing the masterful interplay of prose and poetry.
• Literary Value: It is recognized for its sophisticated Sanskrit prose and poetic embellishments, contributing to the richness of Sanskrit literature.
• Educational Value: It has been adopted as a textbook for university examinations, indicating its academic and literary merit.
• Jaina Scholarship: The editing and publication by T. S. Kuppuswami Sastri, a prominent native scholar, highlight the dedication of Indian scholars to preserving and promoting Jain literary heritage. The reviews by Dr. E. Hultzsch further attest to its scholarly importance and contribution to Oriental studies.