Chandana

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Chandana" by Niraj Jain, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Chandana (Novelette) Author: Niraj Jain Publisher: Bharatiya Jnanpith Series: Murti Devi Granthmala: Hindi Granthank 27 Edition: Second Edition, 2002 Price: Rs. 25

Overview: "Chandana" is a celebrated mythological novelette that highlights the dignity and supreme honor afforded to women within the liberal reign of Lord Mahavir. It is presented as the inspiring autobiography of a renowned female character from Jain mythology and Puranas. Chandana is revered as an ideal Shravika (devout laywoman) and an ideal Sadhvi (ascetic nun). Through her spiritual practice and character, she attained Aryika (nun) initiation in Lord Mahavir's fourfold community and, through her penance, achieved the highest title within the Aryika order, that of 'Ganini' (senior nun).

The book emphasizes that Chandana's life offers a sacred inspiration to remain steadfast in spiritual values even in the direst circumstances, suggesting that auspicious dawns often follow the darkest nights of sorrow.

Chandana's Life and Lineage: Chandana was born as the youngest princess in the esteemed lineage of King Chetak, the head of the Vaishali Republic. Raised with love and luxury, her life was marked by excellent education and moral upbringing. She was the seventh and youngest daughter of King Chetak and Queen Subhadra. Her sisters included Trishala (mother of Lord Mahavir), Mrigavati, Suparbha, Prabhavati, Chellana (queen of King Bimbisara of Magadha), and Jyesta (who became a nun before marriage). Chandana herself was a maternal aunt to Lord Mahavir.

The Narrative Style and Author's Intent: The author, Niraj Jain, is known for his work in Jain literature and has received popularity for "Gomatesh Gatha." He notes a recurring need to present Puranic tales in a modern literary style. Encouraged by the appreciation for his previous works, and inspired by Acharya Shri Vidyanandji Maharaj's directive during the 2600th birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, Niraj Jain decided to write "Chandana." He aimed to capture Chandana's inner turmoil and delicate feelings, alongside her strong resolve, using an autobiographical style ("Atma-kathy").

Chandana's Ordeal: The narrative recounts Chandana's abduction from a garden near Vaishali by a Vidyadhar (celestial being) named Vasantamitra from Vaitadhyagiri. Fearing his wife, Manovega, he abandoned Chandana in a dense forest.

In the forest, Chandana faced further ordeals:

1. Kidnapping and Abandonment: A Vidyadhar named Vasantamitra, infatuated by her beauty, abducted her. Fearing his wife's arrival, he abandoned her in a deep forest.
2. Encounter with Kalak Bhil: Chandana was found by Kalak, a Bhil (tribal person), who attempted to force himself upon her. When unsuccessful, he presented her as a gift to his chief, Singh Bhil.
3. Sale into Slavery: Singh Bhil, also unsuccessful in seducing her, took Chandana to Koshambi and sold her into slavery to a merchant named Vrishabhsen.
4. Abuse and Imprisonment: At Vrishabhsen's house, his wife Bhadra, consumed by jealousy and suspicion, subjected Chandana to severe torture. Her head was shaved, and she was imprisoned in a dark room, fed only coarse grains. Despite this, Chandana maintained her faith and accepted her suffering with equanimity.

The Miraculous Encounter with Lord Mahavir: After many days of fasting due to the inability to fulfill her vow of offering food, Chandana, in her captive state, resolved to offer food to Lord Mahavir when he appeared for alms in Koshambi. Through the power of her devotion, her chains broke, her hair regrew, and she was adorned as a beautiful maiden. Lord Mahavir accepted her offering, her simple earthen bowl transformed into a golden plate, and the food became delicious. A shower of flowers rained from the sky, acknowledging Chandana's devotion. Renouncing worldly attachments, Chandana expressed her desire to join the monastic order. Lord Mahavir granted her Aryika initiation, marking him as a "deliverer of the distressed."

Post-Initiation and Enlightenment: Through her spiritual practice, Chandana became the foremost among the Aryikas in the Samavasarana (preaching assembly) and became known as 'Ganini Aryika Mahasati Chandana'. At the end of her life, she attained salvation through Sallekhana (religious fasting leading to death) and was reborn in the Achyuta heaven.

Chandana's Narrative to Mrigavati: The bulk of the novelette details Chandana's story as she recounts it to her elder sister, Queen Mrigavati of Koshambi. This part of the narrative focuses on:

• The Psychological Impact of Trauma: Chandana vividly describes her feelings of fear, helplessness, and the philosophical reflections she had in the forest, contemplating the nature of existence and the duality of rise and fall.
• Resilience and Self-Awareness: In the forest, after her initial panic, Chandana finds inner strength. She reflects on the teachings of karma and detachment, understanding that suffering arises from attachment and that true freedom lies in understanding the nature of existence.
• The Encounter with the Bhils: She narrates her encounter with the Bhil couple, the man's lustful gaze, the woman's complex role (offering advice and protection, but ultimately taking her to Koshambi), and Chandana's unwavering resolve to protect her chastity. She uses her jewelry to buy time and ensure her safety, preparing herself for whatever fate awaited her.
• Arrival in Koshambi and Slavery: She describes being brought to Koshambi's slave market, witnessing the dehumanizing trade of humans, and her internal struggle between revealing her identity (and potentially bringing dishonor to her family) and remaining silent.
• The Cruelty of Bhadra Sethani: Chandana recounts the unjust treatment by Bhadra Sethani, who, driven by suspicion and jealousy towards her husband Vrishabhsen, shaves Chandana's head and imprisons her in a dark, damp cell. She compares her suffering to that of Sita and Anjana, finding solace in their stories of resilience.
• The Encounter with Lord Mahavir (again): While imprisoned, Chandana learns of Lord Mahavir's presence in Koshambi. Despite her confinement, she manages to prepare an offering. The events that follow are a testament to her devotion: her chains break, her appearance is restored, and she is able to offer food to Lord Mahavir, culminating in her liberation and subsequent initiation.

Themes and Messages:

• The Power of Devotion: Chandana's story underscores the immense power of unwavering devotion (Bhakti) to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
• Inner Strength and Resilience: The narrative emphasizes the importance of inner strength, courage, and equanimity in the face of adversity. Chandana's journey showcases her transformation from a sheltered princess to a spiritually empowered woman.
• Karma and its Consequences: The concept of Karma is central to the story, illustrating how past actions influence present circumstances and how accepting suffering with equanimity can mitigate its impact and lead to spiritual progress.
• The Dignity of Women: The book highlights the respect and honor women are entitled to, even in a patriarchal society, and how upholding one's principles can lead to eventual redemption.
• Spiritual Transformation: Chandana's life is a testament to spiritual transformation, moving from worldly attachments to renunciation and ultimately achieving a high spiritual status.
• Forgiveness and Compassion: In her final retelling, Chandana forgives all those who played a role in her suffering, recognizing them as mere instruments of her karma.

Conclusion: "Chandana" is a deeply inspiring narrative that weaves together historical and mythological elements with profound spiritual insights. It celebrates the indomitable spirit of a woman who, through her faith, strength, and devotion, triumphed over immense suffering and achieved spiritual enlightenment, leaving behind a legacy of courage and righteousness for generations to come.