Jain Kumarsambhava Mahakavya - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Kumarsambhava Mahakavya" by Jayshekharsuri, based on the provided pages which include the title page, publisher details, introduction, table of contents, and a significant portion of the "Prastavana" (Introduction) detailing the first eleven cantos.

Book Title: Jain Kumarsambhava Mahakavya Author: Shri Jayashekhar Suri Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy, Jaipur & Shri Arya-Jay-Kalyan Kendra Trust, Mumbai Translator: Dr. Rameshchand Jain Editor: Dr. Ashok Kumar Jain Publication Year: 2003

Overall Nature of the Work:

Inspiration: The "Jain Kumarsambhava Mahakavya" is inspired by Kalidasa's renowned Sanskrit epic, "Kumarasambhava."
Key Distinction: While Kalidasa's work primarily emphasizes "Shringara Rasa" (the erotic sentiment), Jayashekhar Suri's poem, composed in the 14th century, focuses on "Vairagya Rasa" (the sentiment of detachment or renunciation), diverting the sentiment of love towards detachment.
Ethical and Aesthetic Blend: The Mahakavya is described as not only aesthetically pleasing ("Rasavadi") but also thoroughly ethical ("Naitik"). It portrays the divine character of Rishabhadeva alongside descriptions of youthful playful activities.
Theme: As the title suggests, the epic deals with the "possibility of the birth of a prince" ("Kumar ke janma ki sambhavana"). Similar to how Kalidasa's "Kumarasambhava" narrates the marital life of Shiva as a prelude to Kartikeya's birth, Jayashekhar Suri recounts the marital life of Rishabhadeva as the basis for the birth of Bharata.
Scope: The narrative in "Jain Kumarsambhava" concludes with the "possibility" (sambhavana) of the prince's birth, unlike Kalidasa's work which describes the birth itself.

Author and His Acumen:

Shri Jayashekhar Suri was a profound scholar of poetry, literature, and philosophy.
His critical prowess is evident, and while the debate continues on how closely his poetic style (in terms of linguistic beauty and ornamentation) approached Kalidasa's, his literary innovation of shifting from sensuality to detachment is a significant contribution to Jain tradition's literary treasury.
His disciple, Shri Dharmashekharagani, wrote a commentary ("Tika") on this work, which reveals Jayashekhar Suri's mastery of grammar, lexicon, rasa, alankara, and chanda (prosody).

Translator and Publication Efforts:

The Hindi translation is based on the Sanskrit commentary by Shri Dharmashekharagani.
Dr. Rameshchand Jain, a recognized scholar in Jain philosophy and a Reader and Head of the Sanskrit Department at Vardhaman College, Bijnor, is lauded for his proficiency in translation, having translated works like "Samaraichchhakaha."
Dr. Ashok Kumar Jain, a speaker at the Jain Studies and Comparative Studies Department at Jain Vishva Bharati, Ladnun, revised the translation.
The publication was a collaborative effort between Prakrit Bharti Academy, Jaipur, and Shri Arya-Jay-Kalyan Kendra Trust, Mumbai, coinciding with the 2600th birth anniversary of Bhagavan Mahavir.

Narrative Summary of the Cantos (Sargas):

The Mahakavya is divided into eleven cantos, comprising 849 verses. Each canto concludes with a verse of praise for the author.

Canto 1 (77 verses):
- Begins with a mangalacharana (invocation) in the form of a description of the subject matter.
- Describes Koshalapuri as being like Alaka Nagari.
- Depicts the birth of Lord Adinath (Rishabhadeva) in Koshalapuri to King Nabhi.
- Highlights Rishabhadeva's innate possession of three types of knowledge (Mati, Shruta, Avadhi) even in the womb.
- Recounts the divine experiences of the mother Marudevi and the joy even in Naraka (hellish realms) upon Rishabhadeva's descent.
- Details Indra's ceremonial anointment and praise of the infant and his naming the dynasty "Ikshvaku" (from 'Ikshudanda' - sugarcane stick) due to the child's interest in it.
- Contrasts the infant's passive state in the cradle with the far-reaching fame that negates the cause-and-effect principle of divinity.
- Narrates the parents' joy, the child's divine play, and his attainment of youth with exceptional beauty and a golden complexion.
- Concludes with the divine coronation of Rishabhadeva by the gods, and his engaging in various pastimes.
Canto 2 (73 verses):
- Begins with Tumburu and Narada singing about Rishabhadeva's beauty, character, and youth in Indra's court.
- Indra, recognizing the occasion for the wedding of the Lord of the three worlds, descends to Koshala.
- Indra's profound praise of Rishabhadeva, acknowledging him as the supreme deity and his words as the most potent mantra.
- Indra's humility and request for divine grace, as he feels unworthy to speak of the Lord's greatness.
Canto 3 (81 verses):
- Indra continues his praise and requests Rishabhadeva to initiate the institution of Grihastha (household life) by marrying.
- Despite Rishabhadeva perceiving worldly pleasures as poison, Indra implores him to uphold worldly order.
- The marriage of Sumangala and Sunanda is anticipated, which will enable the gods to return to their respective abodes with divine escorts.
- Rishabhadeva remains silent, understanding the timing of his 'bhoga-karma' (karma related to enjoyment).
- Indra, satisfied with the implicit consent, fixes an auspicious time for the wedding.
- Indrani orchestrates the adornment of Sumangala and Sunanda, while various gods prepare the wedding pavilion and bring offerings.
Canto 4 (80 verses):
- The arrival of numerous gods for the wedding, with Indra considering Saudharma Heaven merely an "guest group" of the earthly realm.
- The description of the divine procession (Varayatra), captivating even the gods.
- The arrival of the bridegroom at the venue, the welcoming rituals performed by celestial maidens, and the procession into the mandap.
- Detailed account of Rishabhadeva's adornment by Indra.
Canto 5 (85 verses):
- The description of the wedding ceremony: the joining of hands, the tying of the garment edges, the circumambulation of the sacred fire.
- Indra's gifts to Rishabhadeva, including vast sums of gold and a jeweled throne.
- The ritual of receiving food from the bride's hand.
- Indra's joyous dance.
- The description of the mortal women who came to catch a glimpse of Rishabhadeva, their ecstatic and sometimes clumsy reactions.
- The guidance given by Indra and Indrani to the bride and groom before they depart.
- The praise of the virtue of women.
Canto 6 (74 verses):
- The arrival of night and Rishabhadeva entering the celestial palace with Sumangala and Sunanda.
- The description of their three nights spent in enjoying the "Purushartha" of Kama (desire/love), without being disturbed by the apsaras.
- Praise for the chastity and virtue of Sumangala and Sunanda.
- The description of the friendship between the two co-wives.
- The divine provision of all necessities by Indra.
- The six seasons serving Rishabhadeva.
- Sumangala conceiving a child after six lakh Purva years passed like a moment.
Canto 7 (77 verses):
- Sumangala sleeping peacefully and experiencing a series of fourteen auspicious dreams.
- Her confusion and subsequent approach to Rishabhadeva to understand the meaning of these dreams.
- She finds him asleep.
Canto 8 (68 verses):
- Rishabhadeva awakens and inquires about Sumangala's well-being and her visit in the middle of the night.
- Sumangala recounts her dreams and seeks their interpretation.
- Rishabhadeva, seeing her earnestness, begins to explain the profound significance of the dreams.
Canto 9 (80 verses):
- Rishabhadeva's detailed interpretation of the fourteen dreams.
- He explains that these dreams foretell the birth of a great soul, specifically the birth of a Tirthankara (the first, Rishabhadeva himself, indicated by the elephant dream) and a Chakravarti (universal emperor, indicated by other dreams).
- Each dream is symbolically linked to the auspicious qualities and destiny of their future son, Bharata.
- Rishabhadeva praises Sumangala's virtue and destiny.
Canto 10 (84 verses):
- Sumangala expresses her profound admiration for Rishabhadeva's divine speech, knowledge, and presence, which surpasses all other worldly pleasures and even celestial offerings.
- She describes how his words and presence affect her and others, inspiring reverence and peace.
- Sumangala returns to her chambers and interacts with her companions.
- The friends question her about her visit to Rishabhadeva, her conversation, and her dreams.
- Sumangala shares the auspicious interpretations, leading to discussions about dharma and the nature of reality.
- The canto includes poetic descriptions of dawn and the prevailing atmosphere.
Canto 11 (70 verses):
- The canto begins with the glorious sunrise and the dispersal of darkness.
- Indra reappears and praises Sumangala, equating her with the earth as a "jewel-bearer" due to her exceptional destiny.
- Indra discusses the future son, Bharata, and his eventual reign and prosperity, prophesying his auspicious name and the prosperity of the land named "Bharati."
- Indra bestows blessings and departs.
- Sumangala, overwhelmed by Indra's words and his departure, is comforted by her friends.
- The canto concludes with descriptions of morning rituals and a reflection on the ephemeral nature of worldly things versus the eternal.

Key Themes and Literary Aspects:

Divine Incarnation: The poem centers on the divine nature and early life of the first Tirthankara, Lord Rishabhadeva.
Moral and Spiritual Guidance: The narrative serves to impart moral and spiritual teachings, particularly the importance of detachment and right conduct.
Poetic Style: The language is described as "Vaidarbhi" but sometimes approaches "Gaudi" due to lengthy compound words ("samasa"). The imagery is rich, and the poet employs various literary devices like Upama (simile), Rupaka (metaphor), Utpreksha (poetic conjecture), Shlesha (pun), and Virodhabhasa (paradox).
Comparison with Kalidasa: The introduction extensively compares the "Jain Kumarsambhava" with Kalidasa's "Kumarasambhava" highlighting similarities in structure, commencement, themes, and descriptive elements (e.g., description of cities, mountains, beauty of the heroine, women's curiosity), while emphasizing the crucial difference in the dominant sentiment (Vairagya vs. Shringara) and the ethical framework.
Glossary of Terms and Virtues: The text provides definitions and interpretations of Jain philosophical concepts and virtues through its poetic descriptions and the commentary.
Social and Cultural Insight: The descriptions of rituals, adornments, and social customs offer glimpses into the life and culture of the time.

In essence, "Jain Kumarsambhava Mahakavya" is a significant Jain epic that, while drawing inspiration from classical Sanskrit literature, carves its own unique path by infusing divine narrative with profound spiritual and ethical ideals, emphasizing detachment and righteous living through the life story of Lord Rishabhadeva.