Devki Shatputra Ras - Book Summary

This Jain text, "Devki Shatputra Ras" by Shravak Bhimsinh Manek, is a narrative in Gujarati that recounts the story of Devaki and her six sons. It is presented as a "Ras," a type of devotional song or ballad common in Jain literature.

Here's a comprehensive summary:

Overall Theme:

The "Devki Shatputra Ras" emphasizes the Jain principles of renunciation, detachment from worldly possessions, and the pursuit of spiritual liberation. It highlights how even in the face of immense wealth, comfort, and familial ties, the allure of spiritual practice and the path to Moksha can be irresistible. The story is framed around Devaki's sons who achieve spiritual enlightenment.

Key Narrative Points:

The Setting and Devotion to Neminath: The Ras begins by referencing Lord Neminath's sermon, emphasizing his role in guiding souls towards liberation. The narrative quickly shifts to the characters and their spiritual journey.
The Six Sons and their Renunciation: The central theme revolves around Devaki's six sons. The text details how, after hearing Lord Neminath's teachings and experiencing the impermanence of life and worldly pleasures, they become overcome with renunciation (Vairagya). Despite having a loving mother and a prosperous life, they choose the path of asceticism.
The Sons' Ascetic Practices: The Ras describes the sons as great ascetics, diligently performing penance and adhering to the principles of Jain conduct, particularly iriyāsamiti (careful movement to avoid harm to living beings). They are depicted as beautiful and virtuous, like celestial beings.
Devaki's Devotion and Observation: Devaki, their mother, is portrayed as a devout follower. She is shown eagerly awaiting her sons for their alms rounds (gochari). Her joy and sense of fulfillment are evident when she sees them, considering their arrival a blessing.
The Repeated Alms Rounds: A significant part of the narrative focuses on the sons visiting Devaki's home for alms multiple times in a single day. This repetition initially puzzles Devaki. She wonders why they are returning so frequently and contemplates the reasons behind it, including whether they received adequate sustenance or if there's a deeper spiritual significance.
Devaki's Inquiry and the Sons' Explanation: Devaki, filled with both curiosity and pride, eventually questions her sons about their repeated visits. They explain that their renunciation was a result of hearing Lord Neminath's words, realizing the impermanence of the world, and understanding the emptiness of worldly pleasures. They recount their past lives of suffering and their current pursuit of liberation.
The Sons' Royal Background: The sons reveal their royal lineage, describing their opulent lifestyle with vast palaces, numerous wives (baterish, meaning thirty-two, is mentioned frequently in relation to wives and possessions), wealth, jewels, and servants. They contrast this former life of luxury with their current simple ascetic existence.
Devaki's Wonder and Pride: Devaki is astonished by their transformation and the reason for their renunciation. She feels immense pride in her sons for choosing such a noble path, considering them truly blessed and their mother fortunate for bearing such gems.
Krishna's Role and Intervention: The narrative then shifts to Krishna, Devaki's other son. Devaki is seen distraught and weeping, and Krishna comes to console her. Devaki expresses her sorrow and confusion about her other six sons.
The Explanation of the Six Sons' Identity: Krishna reveals the truth behind the six ascetics. They are not Devaki's biological sons from her current life but rather her sons from previous lives who were indeed killed by Kansa (as per the narrative in many Jain traditions, Devaki's six sons were killed by Kansa before Krishna's birth). The ascetics Devaki saw were actually divine beings or souls that had achieved a high spiritual state. The story explains how these spiritual beings took the form of her sons to guide her and to demonstrate the path of renunciation. It's revealed that Devaki's past sons were reborn as ascetics or divine beings.
Devaki's Realization and Devotion to Neminath: Upon understanding the true nature of the ascetics, Devaki's doubts are dispelled. She becomes even more devoted to Lord Neminath, recognizing the profound spiritual guidance he provides.
Gajsukumar's Story: The narrative then shifts to focus on Gajsukumar, another son of Devaki, who was destined for a glorious future. The story of his conception and birth is detailed, including a divine intervention by Harihargameshi Dev, who promised Devaki a son.
Gajsukumar's Renunciation: Gajsukumar, after witnessing the Jain Dharma and hearing the teachings of Lord Neminath, also experiences profound renunciation. He leaves his royal life and the prospect of marriage to become an ascetic.
Gajsukumar's Ordeal and Enlightenment: The Ras vividly describes Gajsukumar's severe penance and the torturous death he endures by being burned alive by Somil, who was angry about Gajsukumar's renunciation of his daughter. Despite the immense pain and suffering, Gajsukumar remains steadfast in his devotion and meditation, ultimately achieving Kevala Jnana (omniscience) and Moksha.
The Six Sons' Liberation: The text concludes by stating that all six of Devaki's sons, along with their mother Devaki and brother Krishna, eventually attain liberation.
Krishna's Role in Promoting Jainism: Krishna is depicted as actively promoting Jain Dharma and supporting the religious community. He also provides the resources for Gajsukumar's initiation and eventual liberation.

Literary Style and Significance:

Devotional Tone: The Ras is written in a devotional and narrative style, aiming to inspire faith and adherence to Jain principles.
Poetic Structure: It uses traditional Gujarati poetic meters like doha and various dhaals (stanzas sung in specific tunes), making it accessible and engaging for its audience.
Moral Instruction: The story serves as a moral guide, illustrating the consequences of worldly attachment and the rewards of spiritual pursuit. It emphasizes the path of vairagya (renunciation) as the surest way to overcome suffering and achieve liberation.

In essence, the "Devki Shatputra Ras" is a devotional narrative that celebrates the spiritual journey of Devaki's sons, highlighting their detachment from worldly life and their ultimate attainment of liberation through rigorous asceticism and devotion to Jain Tirthankaras. It underscores the Jain belief that true happiness and freedom lie in renunciation and spiritual progress.