Devki Putra Charitram - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Devki Putra Charitram" by Shubhvardhan Gani, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Devki Putra Charitram (The Biography of Devki's Son) Author: Shubhvardhan Gani Publisher: Shravak Hiralal Hansraj Language: Primarily Gujarati with Sanskrit verses.

Overall Summary:

"Devki Putra Charitram" recounts the spiritual journey and past lives of the six sons of Devki and Vasudev, who are central figures in Jain tradition. The narrative focuses on their renunciation, their connection to Lord Neminath, and a specific event involving one of Devki's sons, Gajsukumar, demonstrating the principles of Jainism, particularly detachment, asceticism, and the karmic consequences of actions.

Key Characters and Setting:

Devki: The mother of the protagonists, a devout follower of Jain principles.
Vasudev: The father.
Six Sons (Devki Putra): The central figures of the story, who are reborn as the six sons of a wealthy merchant, Punag, and his wife, Sulsala, in the city of Bhaddilpur.
Lord Neminath: The 22nd Jain Tirthankar, whose teachings and presence are crucial to the story.
Shri Krishna (Hari): Devki's son from a later life, who plays a role in connecting the characters.
Gajsukumar: One of Devki's sons, who becomes a prominent ascetic in the story.
Somil Bhatta: A Brahmin who wronged his daughter, leading to a karmic encounter with Gajsukumar.
Bhaddilpur: The initial city where the sons are born to Punag and Sulsala.
Dwarka: The city where Devki resides, and where many of the events unfold.
Girnar Mountain: The location where Lord Neminath is preaching.

Narrative Arc:

The Six Sons of Punag and Sulsala: The story begins in Bhaddilpur, with the prosperous merchant Punag and his virtuous wife Sulsala. They have six noble sons who are characterized by their good qualities and receive excellent education. After reaching youth, each son marries 32 princesses and enjoys immense wealth.
Renunciation and Spiritual Awakening: When Lord Neminath arrives in their city and delivers a sermon, the six brothers are deeply moved by his teachings. They develop a strong sense of renunciation (vairagya) and, after obtaining their parents' permission, take initiation (diksha) into the ascetic order under Lord Neminath. They take a strict vow of six-day fasts (shashtha-upavasa).
Devki's Doubt and the Revelation: Later, while Lord Neminath is preaching in Girnar, Krishna (Devki's son in his current life) visits the assembly. Devki, who is feeling sorrowful for not having raised any of her sons personally (due to circumstances related to Kansa's actions in a previous birth and the exchange of babies), visits the same assembly. She observes the six monks and is struck by their resemblance to her son Krishna. Her doubt about their identity prompts her to question Lord Neminath.
The Past Life Explanation: Lord Neminath reveals that Devki's six sons were indeed the six brothers who took diksha. He explains their past life connection to Sulsala and Punag, and how, due to past karmic actions and divine intervention (by the deity Harinegameshi), their true identities were concealed at birth. The babies that Devki thought were hers were swapped with Sulsala's, and Devki raised some of Kansa's victims while Sulsala's children were raised by Punag and Sulsala.
Krishna's Intervention and Gajsukumar's Asceticism: After understanding this revelation, Devki feels a mix of joy and sadness, particularly about not having personally nurtured her sons. Krishna, witnessing his mother's distress, vows to find a way to bring her joy. He undertakes austerities to please Harinegameshi, the deity who facilitated the exchange. Harinegameshi appears and promises Krishna a younger brother.
Gajsukumar's Birth and Youth: Subsequently, Devki conceives and gives birth to a son, who is named Gajsukumar. He grows up to be accomplished and beloved by his parents.
Gajsukumar's Renunciation: During Lord Neminath's discourse at Revata mountain, Krishna arranges for his brother Gajsukumar to marry Somashri, the daughter of the learned Brahmin Somil. However, Gajsukumar, having been influenced by the teachings and his own previous lives, is not interested in worldly pleasures. He respectfully seeks permission from his parents and Krishna to take diksha. Despite their pleas, he remains resolute.
The Incident with Somil Bhatta: After his diksha, Gajsukumar goes to the cremation grounds for ascetic practice (kayotsarg). Somil Bhatta, enraged that Gajsukumar had supposedly rejected his daughter and, in his anger, covers Gajsukumar's head with wet clay and burning coals. Gajsukumar, with unwavering equanimity, endures this torment, meditating on the impermanence of life and the harshness of hellish existence.
Gajsukumar's Liberation: Through his steadfast meditation and the destruction of his karmic impurities, Gajsukumar attains Kevala Jnana (omniscience) and achieves liberation (moksha). The celestial beings celebrate his attainment.
Krishna's Encounter and Understanding: Krishna, on his way to meet Lord Neminath, encounters a suffering man burdened with bricks. Krishna helps him and learns about his plight. Later, Krishna asks Lord Neminath about Gajsukumar's whereabouts. The Tirthankar explains Gajsukumar's spiritual practice and his encounter with Somil Bhatta, emphasizing that Somil's actions, though seemingly harmful, indirectly aided Gajsukumar in expiating his karma and attaining liberation faster. Krishna is initially upset by Somil's actions but accepts Lord Neminath's explanation that the perceived "enemy" in this instance actually facilitated the spiritual progress of his brother.

Key Themes and Teachings:

Past Lives and Karma: The story powerfully illustrates the Jain concept that present circumstances are a result of past actions and that individuals reincarnate across various forms of life.
Renunciation (Vairagya) and Detachment: The narrative emphasizes the importance of detaching from worldly pleasures, possessions, and relationships for spiritual liberation.
Asceticism and Austerity: The rigorous vows and practices undertaken by Gajsukumar highlight the path of asceticism as a means to purify the soul.
Equanimity and Forgiveness: Gajsukumar's calm acceptance of suffering caused by Somil Bhatta demonstrates the virtues of forgiveness and equanimity in the face of adversity.
The Role of Tirthankaras: Lord Neminath's teachings serve as the catalyst for spiritual awakening and provide guidance and explanations for complex karmic events.
The Impermanence of Life: The text frequently reminds readers of the fleeting nature of youth, wealth, and life itself, urging a focus on spiritual pursuits.
The Ultimate Goal of Moksha: The ultimate aim of all the characters' spiritual journeys is liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

This summary encapsulates the core narrative and spiritual lessons presented in the "Devki Putra Charitram."