Jambuswami Charitram - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jambuswami Charitram" by Rajmalla Pandit, edited by Jagdishchandra Shastri, and published by Manikchand Digambar Jain Granthamala Samiti:

Overview of the Text and Author:

Title: Jambuswami Charitram (The Biography of Jambu Swami)
Author: Pandit Rajmalla
Editor: Shri Jagdishchandra Shastri (M.A.)
Publisher: Manikchand Digambar Jain Granthamala Samiti
Publication Date: Ashwin, 1993 Vikram Samvat (corresponding to around 1936 CE)
Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/034462/1

The text is part of a larger series published by the Manikchand Digambar Jain Granthamala Samiti. The introduction highlights Pandit Rajmalla as a learned scholar in the Digambara Jain tradition, known for his profound knowledge of Jain scriptures and his ability to convey religious teachings through eloquent prose and poetry. He was well-versed in the works of prominent Jain acharyas like Kundakunda, Samantabhadra, Nemichandra, and Amritachandra. Rajmalla's expertise extended beyond ritualistic practices to include spirituality, poetry, and logic, as evidenced by his diverse literary output.

Key Works of Pandit Rajmalla:

The introduction details four major works attributed to Pandit Rajmalla:

Panchadhyayi: Initially believed to be by Amritachandra Suri, the study of Lati Samhita proved this incorrect. Panchadhyayi is now recognized as a work by Rajmalla. It is described as a monumental work divided into five chapters, though only two chapters (covering Dravya Samanya Nirupan and Dravya Vishesh Nirupan) are available, with the latter being incomplete. This work is considered Rajmalla's most mature creation, aiming to educate people about dharma in an accessible manner. It employs a question-and-answer format and logically explains complex Jain concepts like substance, qualities, modes, origination, cessation, permanence, and different epistemological standpoints (pramanas and nayas).
Lati Samhita: This is an ethical scripture comprising seven chapters and approximately 1600 verses. It was composed for the wealthy merchant Fama (or Famana) of the Agrawal dynasty. The work describes Fama's lineage, tracing his ancestral home to the city of Doukani. Fama was inspired towards spiritual learning by the scholar Talhu of Vairat Nagar. Rajmalla himself resided in Vairat Nagar while composing this text. The first chapter details Vairat Nagar and its ruler, Emperor Akbar. The subsequent six chapters elaborate on the eight fundamental vows of laypersons (ashtamulgun), the seven deadly vices (sapta vyasan), right faith (samyakdarshan), and the twelve vows of lay followers (shravak ke dwadash vrat). The text was completed in V.S. 1641 (1584 CE).
Jambuswami Charitram: This poetic work was completed in V.S. 1632 (1575 CE), nine years before Lati Samhita. The narrative is set during the reign of Emperor Akbar in Argalpur (Agra). Rajmalla dedicates a significant portion to describing the Mughal rulers Babur, Humayun, and particularly Akbar, mentioning his abolition of the jaziya tax and prohibition of alcohol. The poem was commissioned by Sadhu Toder, a virtuous and generous individual from the Garg gotra of the Agrawal community residing in Bhataniyan (Kola, present-day Aligarh). The text extensively details Toder's lineage and his connection to the Kastasangha school of Kumarasena. Toder was also a favored associate of Gadhmalla Sahu, a Vaishnavite, and was skilled in mint work. The story of Jambu Swami was inspired by Toder's desire to hear it after witnessing the renovation of ancient stupas in Mathura. Toder sponsored the construction of 514 stupas, and this event led to the creation of the Jambuswami Charitram. The work has 13 chapters and approximately 2400 verses, focusing on detachment (vairagya), with elements of heroism (veer rasa), ethical principles, and political wisdom. The dialogues between Jambu Kumar, his wives, and Vidyudchar are highlighted as particularly engaging and historically significant.
Adhyatma Kamala Martanda: This spiritual work consists of four chapters and 250 verses. It discusses the nature of liberation (moksha) and the path to it, substance in general (dravya samanya), substance in particular (dravya vishesh), the seven realities (sapta tattva), and the nine realities (nava padartha). Rajmalla refers to this work as a kavya and states that its study leads to the attainment of right faith. It begins with salutations to the pure soul and the author's intention to destroy his own delusion-causing karma for the sake of alleviating worldly suffering. The work also references Kundakunda Acharya and Amritachandra Suri. It is considered a beautiful spiritual composition, rich in meter and literary devices, enhancing Jain literature.

Chronology of Rajmalla's Works:

Based on the completion dates, Jambuswami Charitram (V.S. 1632) predates Lati Samhita (V.S. 1641). The exact dates for Panchadhyayi and Adhyatma Kamala Martanda are not specified, but they are believed to have been written later. The author's progression in age and thought suggests a growing inclination towards spirituality, leading to the creation of the latter two works.

Jambu Swami's Significance in Jain Literature:

Jambu Swami holds a prominent place in both the Digambara and Shvetambara traditions. He is recognized as the third Kevali (omniscient being) after Mahavir Swami, along with Gautama and Sudharma. After Jambu Swami, the lineages of Kevalis diverge between the two sects.
The text mentions that Jambu Swami's biography has been written by scholars in both traditions. In Shvetambara literature, Jambupayanna is an early work. Prominent Shvetambara biographies include those by Hemachandra Acharya and Jayashekhara Suri.
In Digambara literature, several biographies in Prakrit and Sanskrit are presumed to exist. The Jain Granthavali lists nine such works. Authors like Sagaradatta, Bhuvanakirti, Padmasundara, Sakalaharsha, and Mansingh are mentioned. Bhuvanakirti is identified as a disciple of Sakalachandra, whose time is placed around V.S. 1520 (1463 CE).
Apart from Rajmalla, Jindas also wrote a Jambuswami Charitram in Hindi verse, possibly based on a Sanskrit original. This work shows some differences in subsidiary narratives compared to Rajmalla's version.

Summary of the Narrative (as presented in the chapters):

The text includes several chapters that narrate various aspects of Jambu Swami's life and related stories:

Chapter 1 (Kathamukh Varnan - Introduction): Introduces the author Pandit Rajmalla and his significant works.
Chapter 2 (Shrenik Maharaj Samavasharan Gaman Varnan - King Shrenik's visit to the Samavasharan): Describes King Shrenik's journey to the Samavasharan of Mahavir Swami. It details the time periods of the world (kalachakra) and the characteristics of each era, including the time of Jambu Kumar's birth. This chapter includes extensive descriptions of the different ages and the beings residing in them.
Chapter 3 (Bhudev Sanatkumar Swarg Gaman Varnan - Bhudev's journey to Sanatkumar Heaven): Narrates the story of Bhudev, who, after listening to the teachings of the muni Saudharma, attains renunciation and later is reborn as a celestial being in Sanatkumar Heaven. It also describes his brother Bhavdev's path.
Chapter 4 (Bhudev Bhavdev Brahmottar Swarg Gaman Varnan - Bhudev and Bhavdev's journey to Brahmottar Heaven): Continues the story, tracing the transmigration of Bhudev and Bhavdev to Brahmottar Heaven after their lives in Sanatkumar Heaven. It also details the lineage of Jambu Kumar's father, Arhadadas, and his previous lives.
Chapter 5 (Jambuswami Jatakarmotsav Shaishav Vinod Varnan - Jambu Swami's birth ceremony and childhood pastimes): Focuses on Jambu Swami's birth, the auspicious events surrounding it, and his early childhood. It describes his parents, Arhadadas and Jinamati, and the auspicious dream Jinamati had.
Chapter 6 (Jambuswami Vasantkeliha Hastivash Varnan - Jambu Swami's spring pastimes and subjugation of an elephant): Recounts Jambu Kumar's youthful activities, including his participation in spring festivals and his encounter with a fierce, intoxicated elephant, which he subdues with remarkable strength and courage, earning the admiration of the entire court.
Chapter 7 (Jambuswami Vijay Varnan - Jambu Swami's Victory): Narrates the story of Jambu Kumar being sent to Vairat Nagar to assist King Mriganka against the Vidyadhara Ratnachula. Jambu Kumar, despite being young, demonstrates immense valor and defeats Ratnachula, securing peace and winning the hand of Princess Vishalmati.
Chapter 8 (Jambuswami Shrenik Maharaj Rajgruha Pravesh Varnan - Jambu Swami and King Shrenik's entry into Rajgruha): Describes Jambu Kumar's return to Rajgruha and his welcoming by King Shrenik. It also includes the story of Vidyudchar, a thief and a former relative of Jambu Swami's family, and his eventual encounter with Jambu Kumar. The chapter also touches upon the previous lives of Jambu Swami's consorts and the consequences of their actions.
Chapter 9 (Jambuswami Parinayanotsav Varnan - Jambu Swami's Wedding Festival): Details the lavish wedding ceremony of Jambu Kumar with Vishalmati and the events leading up to it. It also highlights the strong resolve of Jambu Kumar to remain detached from worldly pleasures, even amidst the festivities.
Chapter 10 (Jambuswami Bharya Chatushka Katha-Vidyudchara Gaman Varnan - Stories of Jambu Swami's four wives and Vidyudchar's journey): This chapter includes several illustrative stories about the consequences of attachment, karma, and the importance of right conduct, as told by Jambu Swami to Vidyudchar. It also recounts Vidyudchar's extensive travels and his eventual encounter with Jambu Swami.
Chapter 11 (Jambuswami Vidyudchara Katha Chatushka Varnan - Further Stories of Jambu Swami and Vidyudchar): Continues with more narratives illustrating moral and spiritual principles, often involving the consequences of actions and the importance of renunciation, primarily directed towards Vidyudchar.
Chapter 12 (Jambuswami Nirvan Gaman Varnan - Jambu Swami's Journey to Liberation): This chapter describes Jambu Swami's attainment of omniscience (kevalgyan) and his subsequent liberation (nirvana). It also mentions the spiritual journeys of Vidyudchar and others who followed the path of righteousness.

Overall Theme:

The "Jambuswami Charitram" is a significant Jain text that not only narrates the life story of Jambu Swami, the last Kevali in the Mahavir tradition, but also serves as a rich repository of Jain philosophy, ethics, and mythology. It emphasizes the cyclical nature of existence, the law of karma, the importance of right faith, knowledge, and conduct, and the ultimate goal of liberation. The inclusion of various stories and parables serves to illustrate these principles in a compelling and accessible manner.