Chitrasen Padmavati Charitram

This Jain text, titled "Chitrasen Padmavati Charitram," authored by Rajvallabh Gani and published by Vishvaprabhashreeji, is a devotional narrative focused on the importance of Shila (virtue, chastity, good conduct). The text emphasizes that Shila is the true treasure of the world, the destroyer of sins, and an eternal adornment for humanity. It highlights that even wealth, generosity, and politeness are incomplete without Shila, comparing a life devoid of it to a lifeless body. The narrative draws upon historical examples where individuals endured hardship and even sacrificed their lives for the sake of protecting their Shila.

The book is presented as a translation from Sanskrit to Gujarati by Sadhvi Shri Kirtiprabhshriji Maharaj, a disciple of Sadhvi Shri Chandrakalashriji Maharaj. It is dedicated to the memory of Pujya Shri Vimalashriji Maharajsaheb and inspired by the teachings of Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuriji Maharaj.

The narrative, which includes numerous verses in Sanskrit with Gujarati translations, tells the story of Prince Chitrasen and Princess Padmavati.

Key Themes and Narrative Elements:

• The Power of Shila: The text repeatedly stresses the immense power of virtue. It states that a virtuous person possesses the strength to transform natural elements – fire becoming water, mountains becoming flat, oceans becoming small puddles, and venomous snakes becoming harmless. Shila is presented as a source of infinite spiritual happiness, contrasting it with fleeting material pleasures.
• Indriya Vijaya (Victory over Senses): The text identifies those who conquer their senses as Shilvan (virtuous). It highlights the difficulty of conquering internal senses compared to external enemies, using the example of Vasudev. It asserts that only by conquering the senses can one become a victor of the world.
• The Story of Chitrasen and Padmavati:
  • Prince Chitrasen, known for his virtues, faces exile from his kingdom due to a misunderstanding and the king's anger.
  • Princess Padmavati, renowned for her beauty and virtue, is betrothed to Prince Chitrasen. However, she is later shown to be prejudiced against men due to past life events, as revealed through a magical painting that depicts the story of swans and a forest fire.
  • Prince Chitrasen, after overcoming various challenges, including a deceptive yaksha and a supernatural being (the 'Nari' depicted in the painting), eventually wins Padmavati's hand. The narrative involves elements of past lives, karmic consequences, and divine intervention.
• Previous Lives and Karma: The text delves into the concept of past lives and how actions in previous births influence current lives. The aversion of Padmavati towards men and the challenges faced by Chitrasen are explained through their past karmic connections. The story of the swan couple and the forest fire, and the tragic fate of the hen swan, is a significant illustration of karmic imprints.
• The Role of Spiritual Guides: The narrative features the guidance and teachings of saints and ascetics who provide moral and spiritual direction to the characters, aiding them in understanding their karma and path to liberation.
• The Importance of Devotion and Dharma: The text showcases the importance of devotion to the Jin (Tirthankaras) and adherence to Jain principles like truth, non-violence, and righteousness. The characters' virtuous actions and their pursuit of spiritual knowledge lead them towards a better life and eventual liberation.
• Social and Financial Support: The publication of this book was made possible through the financial contributions of various individuals and community groups, as listed in the later pages, underscoring the community's support for religious literature.

In essence, "Chitrasen Padmavati Charitram" is a moral and spiritual allegory that uses the engaging story of Prince Chitrasen and Princess Padmavati to illustrate the profound significance of Shila and the inexorable nature of karma, ultimately advocating for a life of virtue, detachment, and spiritual pursuit.