Jambuswami Acharya Ardrakumar

This book, "Acharya Shri Jambuswami, Ardrakumar," is part of the "Jain Balgranthavali Shreni - 1" series, compiled and published by Jaybhikkhu Sahitya Trust in Ahmedabad, India. It aims to provide inspiring life stories of important figures in Jainism for young readers.

The book is divided into two main sections, detailing the lives of Acharya Shri Jambuswami and Ardrakumar.

Part 1: Acharya Shri Jambuswami

• Early Life: Jambuswami was the only son of Krodhipati Rishabhdev and Dharini Devi. He was born into a wealthy family and was doted upon. He was engaged to eight princesses.
• Spiritual Awakening: While on his swing, Jambuswami heard about the arrival of Sudharma Swami, a chief disciple of Lord Mahavir. This news filled him with joy, and he immediately went to see the Swami.
• Renunciation: Listening to Sudharma Swami's sermon on detachment and the true purpose of life, Jambuswami was deeply moved and filled with a sense of renunciation. He asked for permission to take initiation (diksha).
• The Iron Ball Incident: On his way back home, Jambuswami witnessed soldiers practicing with an iron ball. When a ball fell near him, he realized the fragility of life and the suddenness of death. This incident strengthened his resolve to seek spiritual liberation. He immediately returned to Sudharma Swami and took a vow of celibacy.
• Parental Consent and Marriage: His parents, initially reluctant due to his young age and their affection, eventually agreed to his renunciation after he promised to marry the eight princesses they had chosen for him. He married them with great pomp.
• Encounter with Prabhav: On his wedding night, while in the company of his wives, Jambuswami was undisturbed by the luxurious surroundings, demonstrating his strong inner resolve. Meanwhile, a notorious bandit named Prabhav, who was the son of a king, planned to rob the wealthy residents of Rajagrihi. Prabhav, along with his 500 followers, infiltrated Jambuswami's house.
• Jambuswami's Courage and Prabhav's Transformation: Jambuswami, unaffected by Prabhav's sleep-inducing mantras, stopped the robbers. Prabhav, impressed by Jambuswami's unwavering virtue and understanding, was deeply remorseful. Jambuswami preached the dharma to Prabhav, leading to Prabhav's decision to also take initiation along with his followers.
• Renunciation and Achievership: Jambuswami, at the age of sixteen, took initiation under Sudharma Swami. He diligently practiced asceticism and studied the scriptures, becoming a master of all knowledge. After Sudharma Swami's demise, Jambuswami became the head of the Jain Sangha. He propagated Lord Mahavir's teachings, fostered an environment of asceticism and detachment, and benefited many lives.
• Kevala Gyan and Nirvana: Jambuswami attained Kevala Gyan (omniscience) and eventually passed away (nirvana). He is considered the last Kevali in this current era. The book celebrates his renunciation of worldly pleasures and his path to becoming a true ascetic.

Part 2: Ardrakumar

• Life on Adan Island: Ardrakumar lived on Adan island, surrounded by the sea, where people were unfamiliar with religion and the teachings of the Tirthankaras. They made a living by diving for pearls.
• Encounter with Indian Merchants: Merchants from India arrived with valuable goods. Ardrakumar inquired about their king, Shrenik, and his son, Abhaykumar, learning about their wisdom and prominence. He decided to befriend Abhaykumar.
• Abhaykumar's Gift: Ardrakumar sent a gift of pearls and corals to Abhaykumar. In return, Abhaykumar sent a sandalwood box containing an idol of Lord Rishabhdev, along with other puja items. Abhaykumar's intention was to guide Ardrakumar towards spiritual knowledge, which he felt was lacking in his life.
• Discovery of Dharma: Ardrakumar was captivated by the idol of Lord Rishabhdev. He sought to understand the meaning of Dharma, Punya (merit), and Bhagwan (God) from a wise merchant. The merchant explained the teachings of Lord Rishabhdev, including truthfulness, non-violence, and the eternal nature of the soul.
• Past Life Revelation: The discourse sparked a forgotten memory in Ardrakumar. He recalled his past life as Samayik, a farmer, and his wife Bandhumati, who sacrificed her life to protect his vows. This realization made him understand the cycle of rebirth and the importance of spiritual pursuits. He learned about the lineage of Tirthankaras and the teachings of Lord Mahavir.
• Desire for Bharatbhumi: Ardrakumar expressed his desire to visit Bharatbhumi (India) to experience the spiritual environment and see the great souls. His father, King Adan, disapproved, preferring the material comforts of their island life.
• Renunciation and Journey: Despite his father's objections and being placed under guard, Ardrakumar renounced his royal life and wealth. He endured hardships and finally reached Bharatbhumi, where he felt immense reverence for the land.
• Adoption of Asceticism: Ardrakumar embraced the life of an ascetic, serving others and finding peace.
• Encounter with Shrimati: While in Vasantpur, he met Shrimati, a virtuous young woman, who was instantly drawn to him. Shrimati's attraction was a result of their past life connection.
• The Test of Vows: Shrimati's unwavering devotion and love were put to the test over twelve years as she continued to serve monks, waiting for Ardrakumar. Despite his attempts to maintain his asceticism, Ardrakumar found himself bound by the thread of love and his past life connection to Shrimati. He eventually married her.
• Further Renunciation: After the birth of their son, Ardrakumar decided to take initiation again. His son's innocent act of trying to tie him with yarn further strengthened his resolve and his realization of the power of affection. He decided to spend another twelve years in worldly life before finally taking diksha.
• Attaining Spiritual Heights: Ardrakumar became a model of penance, renunciation, and self-control. He demonstrated his spiritual prowess by calming a rampaging elephant with love and compassion, earning the admiration of onlookers.
• Meeting Lord Mahavir: He finally met Lord Mahavir in Rajagrihi and recounted his spiritual journey to Abhaykumar, acknowledging Abhaykumar's role in his spiritual awakening.
• Final Nirvana: Ardrakumar lived a life of purity and eventually attained nirvana.

The book also includes quotes from prominent figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Lokmanya Tilak, Jawaharlal Nehru, Rabindranath Tagore, and Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, highlighting the universal and influential nature of Jain teachings, particularly ahimsa (non-violence) and anekantavada (non-absolutism).