Chandanbala

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

The book "Chandanbala" is a Jain illustrated story aiming to impart moral and spiritual lessons to readers of all ages, from eight to eighty. Published by Acharya Dharmshrut Granthmala, it is presented as a valuable source of knowledge, education, and character building, drawing from the sacred narratives of Jainism.

The story begins with an editorial highlighting the dual nature of beauty. While beauty is universally appreciated, it can become a source of downfall for men due to lust. The editorial introduces Chandanbala as an example of true beauty, whose inner strength and chastity transform the challenges posed by her external beauty.

The narrative unfolds with the story of Princess Chandanbala, the daughter of King Chetaka. Her extraordinary beauty was renowned far and wide. She is depicted as intelligent and devoted, studying scriptures, particularly the life of Lord Mahavir. Her friends tease her, suggesting she might become a nun, but Chandanbala enjoys her royal life, including visits to the royal gardens.

During one such outing, a Vidhyadhar (a celestial being) from the sky is captivated by Chandanbala's beauty and attempts to abduct her. Chandanbala, along with her terrified companions, tries to escape. The Vidhyadhar, who identifies himself as the king of Vidhyadhars, tells Chandanbala to wait while he arranges for her accommodation in the city, planning to return later. Fearing his return, Chandanbala flees into the dense forest.

Lost and exhausted, Chandanbala wanders through the forest, suffering from hunger and thirst. She eventually arrives at the city of Kaushambi. A kind elderly woman takes her in, offering food and shelter. However, this woman reveals herself to be a courtesan, intending to sell Chandanbala into prostitution. The courtesan warns Chandanbala that if she does not comply with her demands for dancing and singing, she will be sold in the "market of beauty." Chandanbala, resolute in her virtue, refuses to engage in immoral activities, declaring that a woman's character is her true beauty, even if it means death.

The next day, Chandanbala is put up for sale. Amidst the bidding, a wealthy merchant named Vrishabhdas sees her. Recognizing her purity and distress, he decides to rescue her. He outbids everyone, offering a staggering five thousand gold coins, and frees Chandanbala from the courtesan's clutches.

Vrishabhdas takes Chandanbala to his home, where his wife, upon seeing the beautiful young woman, mistakes her for a new maidservant. Vrishabhdas clarifies that Chandanbala is like a daughter to him. Chandanbala's life begins to improve, filled with comfort and respect.

One day, while Vrishabhdas is performing his morning rituals, he asks Chandanbala to wash his feet. As she does so, her beautiful long hair falls into his lap. Vrishabhdas, impressed by her hair, gently tosses it over her shoulder, remarking on its beauty. A maidservant witnesses this interaction and, filled with jealousy, later tells Vrishabhdas's wife that Vrishabhdas is attracted to Chandanbala.

Driven by suspicion, the wife begins to fear that Vrishabhdas might marry Chandanbala. She decides to remove Chandanbala from the household. When Vrishabhdas leaves for a business trip, his wife summons Chandanbala, cuts off her hair, and accuses her of trying to ensnare her husband. She then throws Chandanbala into a dungeon, providing her only with a pot of food and water.

When Vrishabhdas returns, he finds the house unusually quiet and is concerned about Chandanbala. His wife claims she doesn't know where Chandanbala is. Vrishabhdas interrogates an old maidservant, who, fearing his wrath, reveals Chandanbala's location in the dungeon.

Vrishabhdas is shocked and dismayed to find Chandanbala chained and imprisoned. He immediately calls a blacksmith to break her chains. Meanwhile, Lord Mahavir, on his pilgrimage for alms, is passing by. Chandanbala, seeing him, eagerly prepares to offer him pure food and water from her meager provisions.

Lord Mahavir stops at the dungeon door, looks at Chandanbala, and begins to ascend the stairs. Chandanbala, filled with hope, offers her food. Lord Mahavir accepts her offering, and as he does, Chandanbala's chains break, and her hair reappears. The onlookers are astonished. Vrishabhdas returns and is overjoyed to see Chandanbala freed and in the presence of Lord Mahavir.

The story concludes with the message that true refuge lies in the feet of the Tirthankara Mahavir. It highlights that the atrocities against women, including their exploitation and sale, continue to persist, and the compassion and non-violence of Lord Mahavir are essential needs of the present day. The book aims to spread these teachings and promote the ideals of virtue and protection of women.