Jain Vartao 06

This document is the sixth part of "Jain Vartao" (Jain Stories), authored by Harilal Jain and published by Digambar Jain Swadhyay Mandir Trust. The book's core message is that the soul is the independent abode of happiness.

The book is dedicated to instilling religious values in children through stories. It includes previously published stories and aims to continue this series with various religious narratives.

Key Stories and Themes:

1. Darshankatha (The Story of Vision):

   • Protagonist: Manovati (also called Manorama), the daughter of Seth Maharath and Mahasena from Hastinapur.
   • Pledge: At the age of sixteen, after her engagement to Budhasen, son of Seth Somadatt of Vallabhpur, Manovati takes a solemn vow (Darshanpratigya) before a Jain monk. This vow requires her to worship the Jinas (Tirthankaras) with "Gajmoti" (large pearls) before taking her meal.
   • Challenges:
     • Her father expresses concern about fulfilling the Gajmoti pledge after she moves to her in-laws' house. Manovati remains firm in her vow.
     • After marriage, when her in-laws' family does not have Gajmoti readily available for her worship, she refrains from eating for four days.
     • Her father-in-law, Somadatt, initially misunderstands her action, but upon learning of her vow from her brother, he readily provides Gajmoti from his abundant wealth.
     • The story then shifts to the queen of Vallabhpur, who, due to a misunderstanding and jealousy orchestrated by her maid, demands a Gajmoti necklace, leading to a king's quest for these rare pearls. This search indirectly involves Somadatt, the jeweler.
     • Budhasen's brothers, driven by greed and fear of the king's wrath over the Gajmoti, banish Budhasen from their home.
     • Manovati, demonstrating immense devotion and commitment, leaves her luxurious palace with her husband, Budhasen, embarking on a journey with only their faith and two divine "Nara-Madha" (male-female) gems.
     • In Ratnapur, they face hardship. Manovati's unwavering adherence to her vow, even while fasting for seven days, impresses the divine realm. A deity creates a Jin temple for her, providing her with Gajmoti for worship.
     • Budhasen's family, having lost their wealth, arrives in Ratnapur as laborers for the Jin temple construction, unaware of Budhasen's presence.
     • Manovati, despite her own hardship and her husband's initial desire for revenge, shows compassion and forgiveness to her in-laws.
     • The divine gems reveal their supernatural nature, resolving the king's dilemma and leading to Budhasen being recognized and married to the king's daughter.
     • The story culminates in the construction of a grand Jin temple in Ratnapur, a grand installation ceremony (Pratishtha Mahotsav), and the family's reconciliation and return to Vallabhpur, where their fortune is restored due to Manovati's devotion. The core message is the power of faith and adherence to vows.

2. Dedka ni Varta (The Frog's Story):

   • Setting: Rajagriha, during the time of Bhagwan Mahavir.
   • Characters: King Shrenik, his elephant, and a frog.
   • Story: A frog, hearing the commotion of King Shrenik's procession to see Bhagwan Mahavir, decides to go and worship the Lord, carrying a flower in its mouth. While trying to reach the Lord, the frog is accidentally crushed by the king's elephant. However, due to its pure devotional intention, the frog is reborn as a celestial being (Dev) with the frog symbol on its crown. The story highlights that even the intention and devotion of a humble creature can lead to divine rewards.

3. Vāndarā ni Vārta (The Monkey's Story):

   • Connection: This story relates to Bhagwan Rishabhdev.
   • Protagonist: A monkey, who in a past life was a merchant named Nagadatt, known for his deceit. Due to his negative karma, he was reborn as a monkey.
   • Encounter: In the forest, the monkey observes King Vajrajang and Queen Shrimati feeding their sons, who had become monks. The monkey develops a strong desire to perform such service, even in its animal form.
   • Prophecy: The monks reveal that the monkey's soul will, in a future life, be born as the king's son and later become a Ganadhar (chief disciple) to Bhagwan Rishabhdev, ultimately achieving liberation.
   • Message: This story emphasizes that even animals have souls and can develop strong spiritual inclinations. It shows how devotion and aspiration for Dharma can lead to spiritual progress across lifetimes, ultimately leading to becoming a Tirthankar and then achieving Moksha.

The book concludes with a Jain children's prayer song about the glory of Jainism and reiterates the importance of the Darshanpratigya (vow of vision/worship) and devotion to Jina. It also offers guidance on how to observe the vow if Jin Darshan is not possible.