Jain Rajao

This document, titled "Jain Rajao" (Jain Kings), is a collection of biographical sketches of prominent Jain rulers, authored by Acharya Muni Nyayavijayji. It aims to highlight the historical significance of these kings and their contributions to Jainism. The document covers four major Jain kings:

1. Maharaja Chetaka of Vaishali:

• Chetaka is renowned as a devout follower of Lord Mahavir Swami and is celebrated for his uprightness.
• He had significant familial ties with Lord Mahavir, as Mahavir's mother, Trishala, was his sister, and his daughter was married to Mahavir's elder brother, Nandivardhan.
• He was also connected to other prominent kings of his time through marriage, with his sons-in-law including King Udayana of Sindhu-Sauvir, King Prota of Avanti, King Shatnik of Kausambi, King Dadivahana of Champa, and Samrat Shrenik of Magadha. Ajatashatru (Keniya), a famous figure in both Buddhist and Jain literature, was his grandson.
• Chetaka was a staunch Jain and vowed not to give his daughters in marriage to anyone other than Jain kings. He upheld this vow, even when Shrenik forcibly abducted his daughter after being refused.
• The text cites the Avasyak Sutra and Acharanga Sutra for mentions of Chetaka, highlighting his relationship with Lord Mahavir and his daughter's marriage to Nandivardhan.
• A significant event described is the war between Chetaka and his grandson Keniya (Ajatashatru). The conflict arose from Keniya's demand for an elephant and a jewel gifted by King Shrenik to his wives, which were then passed to Chetaka's grandsons. Keniya, upon becoming king, demanded these items, leading to a battle where Chetaka was tragically killed by Keniya through deceit and an arrow.
• The author laments that Chetaka, despite his importance, hasn't received adequate historical recognition and hopes scholars will work to bring his historical standing to light.

2. Maharaja Udayana (Last Jain Rajarshi):

• Udayana, the famous king of Sindhu-Sauvir, is mentioned frequently in Jain scriptures as the last Jain king who attained the status of a Rajarshi (royal sage). He was also a son-in-law of Maharaja Chetaka.
• The Bhagavati Sutra is cited, describing Udayana as the ruler of 16 Janapadas (kingdoms) and 363 cities, with ten crowned kings, including Mahasen (Chandpradyot), as his subordinates.
• The text explains how Mahasen, despite being a powerful king, was subservient to Udayana. This relationship is linked to a story where a divine being saved a ship from a storm and gave the sailors a statue of Lord Mahavir. Udayana's queen, Prabhavati, enshrined this statue and worshipped it, leading to Udayana's eventual devotion to Jainism.
• Udayana, who initially followed the tapas dharma, later became a Jain. The story of his queen Prabhavati's renunciation after a near-death experience and her subsequent attainment of divinity is recounted.
• After the queen's death, a devoted maidservant continued her worship. A divine being blessed the maidservant, making her beautiful. Chandpradyot, the king of Avanti, was infatuated by her and devised a plan to steal the statue and the maidservant. Udayana, though initially upset about the theft of the statue more than the maidservant, eventually fought Chandpradyot and captured him, taking over his kingdom.
• During the monsoon, Udayana released Chandpradyot on the auspicious day of Samvatsari, showing his forgiving nature.
• Later, Udayana renounced the world and became a monk. He faced illness due to asceticism and was advised to consume yogurt. He visited his capital and was unfortunately poisoned by his nephew's ministers, who had instigated his nephew against him.
• Following his death, a local deity caused a dust storm, burying the entire village except for a potter who was a devotee of Udayana.

3. Maharaja Shrenik:

• Shrenik, who lived 2500 years ago, is still revered in the Jain community for his justice, bravery, and devotion to Lord Mahavir. His fame is spread through Jain scriptures, and works like Hemachandracharya's Parishishtaparva and Shrenikcharitra.
• He is also known in Buddhist texts as the father of Ajatashatru.
• The text reiterates Shrenik's familial connection with Maharaja Chetaka, with Chetaka being his father-in-law. Chetaka's seven daughters were married to prominent kings, including Shrenik himself, who married Chelna.
• Shrenik was known for his valor and ambition to become a Chakravarti (universal emperor). The text describes his father, King Prasenjit, recognizing his potential.
• A test is narrated where King Prasenjit initiated a challenge, asking his sons to retrieve objects from a fire. While most sons, including Shrenik's brothers, opted for valuable jewels, Shrenik chose a shield, which was mocked by others. This demonstrated his valor over material possessions.
• Another test involved appointing sons as provincial governors, with Shrenik being kept in the capital. Misunderstanding his father's intentions, Shrenik, out of pride, fled with his father's valuable bhanbhra weapon. He found refuge with a merchant who recognized his destiny and even married him to his daughter.
• Meanwhile, King Prasenjit, regretting his actions, searched for Shrenik and eventually invited him back. Shrenik, upon seeing his father on his deathbed, was given the kingdom and instructed to honor his elder brothers.
• Shrenik, initially surprised by his father's affection, eventually took charge of the kingdom and led victorious campaigns. He maintained friendly relations with Chetaka despite not bowing to his authority.
• Shrenik was also a patron of scholars and had 500 ministers, with his eldest son, Abhaykumar, being exceptionally talented.
• The story of how Shrenik, despite Chetaka's refusal, managed to marry Sujyeshtha (Chetaka's daughter) with the help of his son Abhaykumar is detailed. Abhaykumar orchestrated a clever plan involving a portrait of Shrenik and a secret tunnel.
• Shrenik's transition from a devotee of Buddha to a devout follower of Lord Mahavir, influenced by Queen Chelna, is described. He became a staunch shravak (lay follower) and spread Jainism in his kingdom.
• His profound respect for Jain monks is highlighted, refusing to believe any fault in them due to their omniscient guru. His appreciation for virtues, even in a dead dog's teeth, is mentioned as an example of his character.
• The tragic end of Shrenik's life at the hands of his own son, Keniya (Konk), is narrated. Keniya, influenced by his mother's corrupted desires, attempted to usurp the throne and subjected his father to cruel treatment. Shrenik, to prevent his son from committing parricide, consumed a diamond ring and died, leading to Keniya's profound remorse and his infamous portrayal in history.

4. Samrat Samprati:

• Samprati, the grandson of Emperor Ashoka, is presented as a pivotal figure who spread Jainism far and wide. Just as Ashoka adopted Buddhism and made it a state religion, Samprati embraced Jainism and made its principles global.
• He was born in Ujjain in the Maru region (Mewar). His father was Kunal, Ashoka's eldest son.
• A legend is shared about Kunal's tragic fate. Due to his stepmother's machinations, Ashoka's decree was altered, leading to Kunal blinding himself to obey his father's supposed command.
• Kunal, in his blindness, became a skilled musician and traveled, eventually reaching Ashoka's capital. He performed for the Emperor, who, upon recognizing him, offered him the throne. Kunal, however, requested his son Samprati be crowned, which Ashoka granted.
• Samprati ascended the throne and later encountered the Jain Acharya Aryasuhasti, who recognized him from a past life. This encounter solidified his devotion to Jainism.
• He embarked on military expeditions, conquering not only Indian kingdoms but also expanding his dominion to Afghanistan, Turkestan, and Iran. His empire stretched from Bengal and Orissa in the east to the ocean in the west, and from the Himalayas in the north to Kanyakumari in the south.
• Samprati commissioned numerous beautiful Jin temples, and though their architectural remnants are scarce, their grandeur is alluded to. He also supported Jain monks and scholars, fostering the spread of Jainism.
• While Ashoka left behind edicts and inscriptions, Samprati's historical records are primarily found in Jain scriptures, particularly Hemachandracharya's Parishishtaparva. His patronage of Jain art is evident in statues found in places like Ahmedabad and Patan.
• The author suggests that Samprati might not have left personal inscriptions due to a desire to avoid self-praise, a common practice in ancient times.
• Samprati's significant contributions included building 125,000 new Jin temples, consecrating 12.5 million new Jin idols, renovating 36,000 temples, and commissioning 95,000 brass idols. He also undertook various public welfare projects.
• He is described as a religious ruler but not religiously fanatical like Ashoka or Siddharaj, spreading Jainism through love and persuasion. The text quotes Samprati Charitra to illustrate how he encouraged other kings to adopt Jainism and perform religious ceremonies.
• The author emphasizes that Samprati's actions led to the widespread acceptance and flourishing of Jainism.

5. Maharaja Kumarapala:

• Kumarapala, the Chalukya ruler of Gujarat, is described as a great and prosperous king, known to both Jain and other scholars.
• He is referred to by various epithets, including "Maharajadhiraj," "Chakravarti," "Paramahant," and sometimes negatively as the "first seed of Gujarat's destruction" due to his adoption of Jainism and policies of non-violence.
• The text traces his lineage and family, including his father Tribhuvanpal and his relationship with Jayasinghdev (Siddharaj).
• Kumarapala's early life and his interactions with the renowned Jain Acharya Hemachandracharya are detailed. Hemachandracharya's teachings on the supremacy of sattva (virtue) and the importance of paradar sahodara vrata (respect for other men's wives) profoundly influenced Kumarapala.
• The text discusses the absence of an heir for King Siddharaj and the prophecy that Kumarapala would succeed him. This led to Siddharaj's ill will towards Kumarapala, culminating in a plot to kill him.
• The assassination of Tribhuvanpal by Siddharaj is narrated, highlighting Tribhuvanpal's valiant but futile resistance.
• Kumarapala's subsequent period of wandering and hardship is described, including his encounters with a peasant who hid him and a kind merchant's daughter.
• He returned to Gujarat and was crowned king after Siddharaj's death. His coronation was a significant event, with ministers and nobles supporting him.
• Kumarapala's reign was marked by administrative reforms, patronage of scholars, and the promotion of Jainism. He appointed loyal and virtuous ministers, including Udayan.
• His military campaigns and victories over neighboring rulers like Arnoraj of Shakambhari and Mallikarjun of Kakana are detailed.
• He also undertook significant religious activities, including the renovation of the Somnath temple and the construction of numerous Jin temples and idols. His pilgrimage activities and the establishment of libraries and schools are mentioned.
• The author highlights Kumarapala's adherence to vows like celibacy and his dedication to promoting non-violence.
• The text provides a detailed daily schedule of Kumarapala's reign, emphasizing his discipline and governance.
• The eventual demise of Acharya Hemachandracharya deeply affected Kumarapala, and he followed his guru to the heavens six months later.
• The author criticizes contemporary historians like Munshi for their biased interpretations of Kumarapala and Hemachandracharya, urging for impartial historical analysis.

In conclusion, "Jain Rajao" serves as a testament to the significant roles played by Jain rulers in the history of India, highlighting their devotion to Jainism, their administrative prowess, and their contributions to the cultural and religious landscape of the subcontinent.