Hari Vikram Charitra

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Title: Hari Vikram Charitra (The Life of Hari Vikram) Author: Bhagubhai F. Karbhari Publisher: Jain Patra Office, Mumbai Origin: Based on a Sanskrit original, translated into Marathi by R.R. Vasudev Narhar Upadhye, and then translated into Gujarati by Bhagubhai Fatehchand Karbhari.

Overview: The "Hari Vikram Charitra" is a Jain text that chronicles the life of Hari Vikram, the son of King Ajitvikram. It highlights his virtuous character, his adherence to Jain principles, and his role in protecting and spreading the Jain faith. The book is presented as an inspirational narrative, aiming to guide readers towards righteous living and strengthen their devotion to Jainism.

Key Themes and Narrative Elements:

• Royal Lineage and Virtuous Character: The story begins with the description of Ayodhya, a prosperous city ruled by King Ajitvikram. Ajitvikram is portrayed as a just and valiant king, who prioritizes valor and righteousness. His queen, Kamalsri, is described as virtuous and beloved.
• Hari Vikram's Birth and Upbringing: Hari Vikram is born as the son of Ajitvikram and Kamalsri. He is depicted as an exceptional child, surpassing even the sun and moon in brilliance and possessing profound qualities like seriousness, courage, skill in arts, and humility. He is shown to be devoted to his father and respectful to the virtuous.
• Jain Principles and Royal Duties: Hari Vikram's life is intertwined with Jain teachings. He is shown to embrace the Jain dharma, protect it, and face challenges in its propagation. The narrative emphasizes his commitment to righteousness and his ability to uphold moral and ethical values even in his royal capacity.
• Wisdom and Counsel: The text includes instances where Hari Vikram receives wise counsel from elders and ministers. A significant scene involves the wise minister Mohodadhi advising Hari Vikram about the dangers of pride, the fleeting nature of wealth, and the importance of controlling one's senses and desires. Hari Vikram's respectful reception of this advice highlights his wisdom and open-mindedness.
• The King's Test and the Supernatural: In a notable episode, King Ajitvikram, wanting to test his son's courage and character, confronts Hari Vikram disguised as an antagonist. This encounter leads to a display of Hari Vikram's strength, wisdom, and compassion, further solidifying his royal suitability. The narrative also touches upon supernatural elements, such as encountering divine beings and celestial music, suggesting a deeper spiritual dimension to Hari Vikram's journey.
• The Pursuit of the Mysterious Music: Driven by an irresistible melody, Hari Vikram embarks on a journey that leads him to encounter various extraordinary events and beings. He demonstrates remarkable valor by defeating demons, protecting a maiden from an elephant, and engaging in combat with powerful entities.
• Encounter with Divine Beings and Religious Devotion: Hari Vikram's journey involves interactions with celestial beings, including Gandharvas and Vidyadharas. He is shown to visit temples and offer prayers to Jinendra, demonstrating his profound devotion. The text also emphasizes the importance of respecting gurus and adhering to their teachings.
• The Story of Bhimsen and Jayasundari: The narrative weaves in sub-plots, such as the story of Bhimsen, who is granted boons by deities, and the tale of Jayasundari, who is abducted and later reunited with her lover. These stories often serve to illustrate the consequences of actions and the importance of righteous conduct.
• The Influence of Past Karma and Reincarnation: The text alludes to the concept of reincarnation and the impact of past actions (karma) on present lives. The characters' destinies are often linked to their deeds in previous existences, reinforcing the Jain principle of karmic retribution.
• The Path to Liberation: The ultimate goal presented is spiritual liberation. The characters, through their adherence to Jain principles, austerity, and devotion, strive to attain moksha (liberation). The teachings of the Jain monks and the exemplification of virtuous conduct by Hari Vikram and others serve as a guide towards this ultimate aim.
• The Role of Renunciation and Asceticism: The text highlights the path of renunciation and asceticism as a means to achieve spiritual purification and liberation. Several characters, including King Ajitvikram and his wife, eventually embrace a life of austerity, demonstrating the Jain emphasis on detachment from worldly pleasures.
• The Importance of Good Conduct and Righteousness: Throughout the narrative, the emphasis is consistently placed on the importance of righteous conduct, compassion, honesty, and devotion to the Tirthankaras and Jain principles. These virtues are portrayed as the key to both worldly success and spiritual attainment.

Publisher's Introduction and Mission: The publisher, Shri Jain Gyan Prasarak Mandal, expresses its commitment to spreading Jain knowledge by publishing affordable books. They highlight their four-year endeavor in publishing useful and even previously unpublished Jain works. They encourage readers to support their mission and procure books from their branches in Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

Overall Message: "Hari Vikram Charitra" serves as a moral and spiritual compass for its readers. It aims to inspire individuals to lead lives of virtue, devotion, and righteousness, drawing parallels between the life of Hari Vikram and the path to spiritual upliftment within the Jain tradition. The text emphasizes the power of good deeds, the consequences of actions, and the ultimate goal of achieving liberation from the cycle of birth and death.