Hemchandracharya Diwakar Chitrakatha 040 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Hemchandracharya Diwakar Chitrakatha 040":

This comic book, part of the "Diwakar Chitrakatha" series, focuses on the life and teachings of Acharya Hemachandrasuri, revered as "Kalikal Sarvajna" (The Omniscient of the Kali Yuga). The text highlights his significant contributions to Jainism, literature, and society, particularly his influence on Gujarat's history and culture.

Key Themes and Events:

Introduction to Hemachandrasuri: The book introduces Hemachandrasuri as a highly influential and accomplished Jain acharya after Lord Mahavir. He is described as a repository of vast knowledge, excelling in grammar, lexicography, logic, poetry, prosody, yoga, and history. His profound scholarship enriched the literary heritage of Saraswati (the goddess of knowledge).
Influence on Kings: A major aspect of his life was his ability to inspire and convert prominent rulers of Gujarat, namely King Siddharaj and King Kumarpal, into followers of Jainism. This brought great glory to the Jain tradition and initiated a period of religious, social, and political awakening in Gujarat. King Kumarpal bestowed upon him the title "Kalikal Sarvajna" in recognition of his extraordinary wisdom. King Siddharaj respected him for his scholarship, statesmanship, detachment, religious tolerance, generosity, and unifying approach.
Contribution to Ahimsa: Acharya Hemachandrasuri's role in spreading the message of Ahimsa (non-violence) throughout Western India is considered unparalleled. His influence on art, literature, and culture was so profound that it would continue to resonate for centuries.
Early Life and Renunciation (Pages 3-8):
- The narrative begins with the birth prophecy of Hemachandrasuri (then named Changdev) to a wealthy couple, Chachig Seth and Pahini Devi, who dreamed of receiving a divine gem.
- Pahini Devi's dream and her subsequent meeting with Acharya Devachandrasuri are depicted. The acharya interprets the dream as a sign of a gem-like son and asks for permission to accept the child as a disciple.
- Changdev, from a young age, displays remarkable intelligence and devotion, showing a keen interest in learning and spiritual pursuits. He expresses a desire to renounce worldly comforts for spiritual knowledge.
- With his parents' consent, Changdev is placed under the tutelage of Acharya Devachandrasuri. He accompanies the acharya on his travels.
- During a visit to Khambhat, the powerful minister Udayan notices Changdev's exceptional talent.
- Changdev receives initiation (Deeksha) at the age of nine and is named Munisomchandra.
Quest for Knowledge and Divine Grace (Pages 8-10):
- Munisomchandra, while discussing the immense knowledge of Ganadhar Gautam Swami, expresses a desire to attain similar profound knowledge.
- He wishes to travel to Kashmir to worship Saraswati Devi, the goddess of knowledge.
- Acharya Devachandrasuri advises him that the power of Saraswati can be attained through worship.
- Munisomchandra meditates at a Jain temple near Khambhat, and Goddess Saraswati appears, granting him the boon of being "Siddha Saraswat" (master of all knowledge).
Demonstration of Divine Power (Pages 10-13):
- Munisomchandra, along with his companion Munivirchandra, goes for alms in Nagpur. They encounter a wealthy merchant, Dhanad, and his family, who are impoverished and consuming a thin gruel.
- Munisomchandra observes that the merchant has a hidden hoard of gold and silver coins, indicating his wealth is merely concealed.
- When questioned, Dhanad reveals that his gold and silver coins had turned to coal due to his past karma.
- However, by the grace of Munisomchandra's divine sight, the coal transforms back into gold and silver coins.
- Dhanad, realizing the power of virtue and the acharya's disciple, uses the wealth to build a temple for Lord Mahavir.
Journey to Gaud Desh and a Mystic Encounter (Pages 12-15):
- Munisomchandra requests permission to travel to Gaud Desh, where great scholars and ascetics reside. Acharya Devachandrasuri grants his permission, sensing a special purpose.
- In Gaud Desh, Munisomchandra and his companion Devendrasuri encounter a mysterious old man who claims to possess all knowledge and asks to be taken to Girnar.
- They are mysteriously transported to Girnar, the sacred mountain. The old man disappears.
- The Shasan Devi (guardian goddess) appears, explaining that their pure karma has brought them there. She bestows mantras and divine medicines upon them for propagating Jainism and protecting devotees. Munisomchandra internalizes this knowledge, while Devendrasuri forgets it later.
The Conferment of Acharya Title and the "Siddha Hema Shabdanushasan" (Pages 15-19):
- Upon their return, Acharya Devachandrasuri proclaims Munisomchandra as a shining light and honors him with the title of Acharya. He is henceforth known as Acharya Hemachandrasuri.
- King Jayasingh Siddharaj, having conquered Malwa and seeking to elevate Gujarat's literary and artistic standing, invites Acharya Hemachandrasuri to his court.
- Siddharaj challenges Gujarat to produce a grammatical work superior to King Bhoja's "Saraswatikanthabharana."
- Acharya Hemachandrasuri accepts the challenge and, with the support of the king who procures rare manuscripts from Kashmir, composes the monumental grammatical treatise "Siddha Hema Shabdanushasan".
- The grand public presentation of this vast work is described, highlighting its significance. The king decrees that it be studied throughout Gujarat and distributed to scholars across India and beyond.
Prophecy of Kumarpal's Reign and Siddharaj's Suspicion (Pages 20-22):
- King Siddharaj, childless, seeks guidance from Acharya Hemachandrasuri regarding his successor.
- The acharya, after deep meditation and propitiating Ambika Devi, reveals that Siddharaj will not have a son due to past karma. However, he prophesies that Tribhuvanpal's son, Kumarpal, will become the next king, known for his valor and religious devotion.
- Siddharaj, fearing Kumarpal, orders his arrest.
Kumarpal's Exile and Guidance (Pages 22-26):
- The text introduces the Chalukya dynasty and the lineage leading to Siddharaj and Kumarpal. Kumarpal is described as intelligent, brave, kind, and self-controlled.
- Fleeing arrest, Kumarpal, disguised, seeks refuge. He encounters Acharya Hemachandrasuri, who recognizes him and predicts his future reign.
- Kumarpal, disheartened by his current plight, expresses his difficulties to the acharya, who assures him of his destined kingship.
- Acharya Hemachandrasuri entrusts Kumarpal to the care of his minister, Udayan, who hides him.
- Siddharaj's spies search for Kumarpal, but he remains hidden, aided by Udayan. Eventually, Kumarpal is advised to leave the region.
Kumarpal's Accession to the Throne (Pages 26-27):
- Kumarpal returns to Patan and finds that King Siddharaj has died. The ministers unanimously declare Kumarpal the new king of Gujarat.
- Upon hearing of Acharya Hemachandrasuri's arrival in Patan, King Kumarpal, filled with gratitude, goes to pay his respects.
Kumarpal's Devotion and Reforms (Pages 27-34):
- Kumarpal expresses his immense gratitude to the acharya and vows to follow his teachings.
- Acharya Hemachandrasuri advises him to embrace Jainism and eradicate violence and vices from his kingdom.
- Kumarpal, influenced by the acharya's teachings, becomes a devout follower of Jainism. He constructs numerous magnificent temples, including the "Tribhuvanpal Chaitya" in Patan, dedicated to Lord Neminath.
- The acharya guides Kumarpal in undertaking spiritual vows, such as abstaining from meat and alcohol, to overcome obstacles.
- Kumarpal's pilgrimage to Somnath and his profound encounter with Lord Somnath (Mahadev) are described, where the acharya facilitates a dialogue between the king and the deity, clarifying the nature of true devotion and the highest form of worship. The acharya's verses emphasize that one who has conquered internal enemies like passion, anger, delusion, and afflictions is the true Mahadeva.
- Inspired by the acharya, Kumarpal resolves to permanently abstain from meat and alcohol and to eliminate these practices from his kingdom. He undertakes the construction of 32 temples and spearheads a unique public procession to discourage vices.
Legacy and Conclusion (Page 34):
- The book concludes by stating that under Acharya Hemachandrasuri's guidance, Kumarpal's reign saw the prosperity of Gujarat and the significant propagation of the Ahimsa dharma. The continuation of this narrative is promised in the next part.

In essence, "Hemachandracharya Diwakar Chitrakatha 040" is a vivid comic portrayal of the life of a pivotal figure in Jain history, showcasing his intellectual prowess, spiritual influence, and his crucial role in shaping the cultural and religious landscape of Gujarat. It highlights the power of knowledge, devotion, and righteous leadership in transforming individuals and societies.