Chellana Mahasati Charitram

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Chellana Mahasati Charitram" by Shubhshil Gani, based on the provided pages:

The text, published in 1929 by Pandit Shravak Hiralal Hansraj of Jamnagar, narrates the life story and exemplary conduct of Chellana Mahasati.

The Beginning of the Tale:

The story begins with King Chetaka, a devout follower of Jainism, ruling the prosperous city of Vaishali with justice and ensuring the happiness of his subjects. He had seven daughters, whose births were preceded by auspicious dreams. The first six daughters, Prabhavati, Padmavati, Mrigavati, Shiva, Jyeshtha, and Sujyeshtha, were married to various kings in different kingdoms. The seventh daughter, Chellana, along with her sister Sujyeshtha, remained unmarried and resided in the royal palace. Both sisters were exceptionally beautiful, skilled in all arts, and deeply devoted to their Dharma.

The Influence of a Heretic Teacher and the Plot Against Sujyeshtha:

One day, an old, heretical teacher (Tapasi) arrived at the palace and began preaching about a different religious path, praising its practices. However, Sujyeshtha, with her strong faith in Jainism, rejected the teacher's teachings. Enraged by this rejection and the denunciation of Jainism, the Tapasi was expelled from the palace by the two sisters.

The Tapasi, seeking revenge, decided to cause trouble for Sujyeshtha. She commissioned a painter to create a portrait of Sujyeshtha. She then traveled to Rajagriha and presented this portrait to King Shrenika, who was captivated by the beauty depicted. Upon learning that the woman in the portrait was Sujyeshtha, the unmarried daughter of King Chetaka, Shrenika was smitten and expressed his desire to marry her.

Abhayakumar's Clever Plan:

King Shrenika sent a messenger to King Chetaka to seek Sujyeshtha's hand, but Chetaka refused. Shrenika became deeply distressed by this rejection. His son, Abhayakumar, sensing his father's sorrow, vowed to fulfill his father's wish. Abhayakumar, using his intelligence, disguised himself as a merchant and traveled to Vaishali. He set up a shop near the royal palace, selling fragrant items and beautiful mirrors, which attracted the attention of the palace maids.

Abhayakumar displayed the portrait of Sujyeshtha in his shop. One day, a maidservant of Sujyeshtha, while shopping, saw the portrait and was intrigued. She inquired about the person in the picture, and Abhayakumar revealed it was King Shrenika. The maid then informed Sujyeshtha about the portrait and its owner.

Driven by curiosity, Sujyeshtha sent her maid to fetch the portrait. Upon seeing the portrait, Sujyeshtha was deeply enamored with Shrenika's appearance and decided she wanted to marry him. She instructed her maid to inform Abhayakumar that she wished to marry Shrenika and asked him to help fulfill her desire.

The Deception and the Union:

Abhayakumar, seizing this opportunity, agreed to help. He arranged for a secret tunnel to be dug into the palace. He then informed Shrenika to come to the tunnel on a specific day. Sujyeshtha, under the guise of seeking her betrothal, entered the tunnel to meet Shrenika.

However, at the last moment, Sujyeshtha remembered a jewel casket she had left behind and went back to retrieve it. Meanwhile, Chellana, her sister, who was deeply attached to Sujyeshtha, accompanied her into the tunnel. When Sujyeshtha went back, Chellana, mistaking her for Sujyeshtha, entered Shrenika's chariot.

Sujyeshtha, upon returning to find the chariot gone, was heartbroken. King Chetaka, upon learning of Chellana's abduction, dispatched his general, Varangi, to rescue her. Varangi fought with Shrenika's guards in the tunnel, resulting in the death of 32 of Shrenika's sons (from Sulasa). Shrenika managed to escape with Chellana to Rajagriha.

Sujyeshtha, unable to achieve her desire and saddened by Chellana's fate, renounced worldly life and took diksha (initiation) from Chandanarya.

Chellana's Devotion and the Test of Faith:

Upon arriving in Rajagriha, Shrenika asked for Sujyeshtha, but Chellana presented herself instead, stating she was Sujyeshtha's younger sister and had come to fulfill the intended union. Shrenika, finding solace in Chellana's presence and her virtues, accepted her. He was further saddened by the news of his sons' deaths but found joy in Chellana's company.

Chellana, as Queen, lived a life of devotion and piety, constantly engaged in prayer and meditation. Her unwavering adherence to Jain principles earned her the respect of even Lord Mahavir.

One day, while traveling to meet Lord Mahavir, Chellana overheard a conversation that seemed to cast doubt on her chastity. When she mentioned her concern about a Jain monk exposed to the cold in her dream, Shrenika, upon hearing this, questioned her fidelity. Lord Mahavir, however, clarified that Chellana's words were an expression of compassion and not a sign of infidelity. Reassured, Shrenika held Chellana in even higher esteem.

The Ultimate Liberation:

After a long period of devoted religious practice and observance of vows, Chellana attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience) and eventually attained Moksha (liberation). Her sister, Sujyeshtha, also led a life of pure conduct, attained Kevala Jnana, and achieved liberation.

The book concludes by stating that the narrative of Chellana Mahasati was originally composed by Shubhshil Gani and was revised and published by Pandit Shravak Hiralal Hansraj for the benefit of all.