Jindutta Charitram Kavyam - Book Summary

The provided text is a Jain scripture titled Jindutta Charitram Kavyam, authored by Gunbhadrasuri and edited by Manoharlal Shastri. It was published by the Manikchand Digambar Jain Granthamala Samiti. The catalog link points to a Jain text repository.

The text is a kavya (epic poem) detailing the life and deeds of Jindatta, a significant figure in Jain tradition. Based on the provided pages, which cover Chapters 1 through 9, the summary can be outlined as follows:

Overall Theme: The work glorifies Jain principles, ethics, and the spiritual journey towards liberation. It emphasizes the importance of righteous conduct, devotion to Jinendra (Tirthankaras), and adherence to the teachings of the Jain faith.

Chapter 1: The First Chapter

Invocation: The chapter begins with traditional invocations to the Jinendras (Tirthankaras) and Sarasvati (goddess of knowledge).
Setting the Scene: It describes a prosperous and beautiful land called Anga, part of Bharat Kshetra in Jambudvipa, South. The description highlights its natural beauty, cultural richness, and virtuous inhabitants who are devoted to the Jain Dharma.
Introduction of Key Characters: The chapter introduces a wealthy merchant named Jeevadeva and his virtuous wife Jeevjasa. They are depicted as devout followers of Jainism.
Jeevadeva's Devotion: Jeevadeva is described as a man of great virtue, generously donating to the Jain community, performing religious rituals, and upholding righteousness.
Jeevjasa's Longing for a Son: The chapter focuses on Jeevjasa's deep sorrow and longing for a child, lamenting her childless state.
The Monk's Prophecy: A monk (Yati) observes Jeevjasa's distress and blesses her, assuring her that her desires will be fulfilled. This brings her immense joy and peace.
The Birth of Jinvartata: Following the monk's blessings, Jeevjasa conceives and eventually gives birth to a son, Jinvartata. The birth is celebrated with great pomp and joy.
Jinvartata's Upbringing and Education: Jinvartata is named and receives a comprehensive education, mastering various scriptures and sciences. He grows up to be virtuous and accomplished.

Chapter 2: The Second Chapter

Jinvartata's Youth and Character: Jinvartata is depicted as a young man of immense beauty, virtue, and detachment from worldly pleasures. Despite being surrounded by temptations, he remains steadfast in his devotion to Jainism.
The Encounter with the Shalbhanjika: While visiting a temple with his friends, Jinvartata is captivated by the beauty of a sculpted woman (Shalbhanjika). He is deeply struck by her form, questioning the creator's skill and the nature of beauty.
Intense Infatuation: Jinvartata becomes consumed by his infatuation for the Shalbhanjika, unable to think of anything else. His friends notice his altered state.
The Merchant's Concern: Jinvartata's father, Jeevadeva, notices his son's unusual behavior and concern.
The Sculptor's Revelation: Jeevadeva consults the sculptor who created the Shalbhanjika. The sculptor reveals that the statue is a representation of Vimalamati, the daughter of a wealthy merchant named Vimala in the city of Champa.
The Proposal and a Painted Likeness: Jeevadeva decides to send emissaries to Champa to arrange a marriage. They bring back a painted likeness of Vimalamati, which further intensifies Jinvartata's desire.
The Wedding: The emissaries succeed in their mission, and Jinvartata marries Vimalamati. The wedding is described in detail, highlighting the grandeur and auspiciousness.

Chapter 3: The Third Chapter

Married Life and Responsibilities: Jinvartata lives a blissful married life with Vimalamati. He also engages in righteous deeds, fulfilling his duties as a householder.
A Gambling Addiction: The narrative takes a turn as Jinvartata develops a gambling habit. Despite his father's warnings and admonishments, he falls deeper into the addiction, losing vast sums of wealth.
Financial Ruin and Father's Intervention: Jinvartata faces significant financial losses, causing distress to his father. Jeevadeva intervenes, advising him to engage in pious activities like building temples, making idols, and donating to the needy.
Jinvartata's Contemplation: Jinvartata reflects on the emptiness of worldly pleasures and the true path to happiness and spiritual merit. He realizes the importance of righteous actions and the teachings of the Tirthankaras.
Seeking Forgiveness and Return to Champa: After contemplating his actions and the teachings of his father, Jinvartata decides to seek Vimalamati and return to Champa. He leaves his beloved wife and embarks on a journey.

Chapter 4: The Fourth Chapter

Journey to Simhala Island (implied): Jinvartata, accompanied by a merchant named Samudra, travels by sea. The journey itself is described with metaphors related to the sea and the challenges of life.
Encounter with a Sick Princess: On Simhala Island, they encounter a princess named Shrimati, who is suffering from a mysterious illness. Her father, King Meghavahana, is distraught.
Jinvartata's Intervention: Jinvartata, disguised as a simple traveler, enters the princess's chamber. He discovers that a venomous snake (naga) is the cause of her affliction.
Defeating the Snake: Jinvartata bravely confronts and defeats the snake, saving the princess.
Recognition and Reward: The king is immensely grateful and offers his daughter's hand in marriage to Jinvartata.
Jinvartata's Teachings to Shrimati: After the marriage, Jinvartata begins to impart Jain teachings to Shrimati, emphasizing the impermanence of worldly life, the nature of karma, and the path to spiritual liberation. He explains the importance of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.
Shrimati's Transformation: Shrimati is deeply moved by Jinvartata's teachings and embraces the Jain faith.

Chapter 5: The Fifth Chapter

The Merchant's Obsession: The merchant Samudra, who accompanied Jinvartata, becomes infatuated with Shrimati. He expresses his desire for her, even revealing that he conspired to throw Jinvartata into the ocean.
Shrimati's Steadfastness: Shrimati firmly rejects Samudra's advances, remaining devoted to Jinvartata. She rebukes him for his wicked intentions and his disrespect for righteousness.
Samudra's Arguments and Shrimati's Rebuttals: Samudra attempts to persuade Shrimati by citing examples of polyandry in ancient texts, but Shrimati firmly upholds the sanctity of marriage and the importance of chastity.
Shrimati's Return to Champa: Shrimati devises a plan to escape Samudra and returns to Champa, seeking refuge in a Jain temple.
Reunion with Vimalamati: In Champa, Shrimati meets Vimalamati, Jinvartata's first wife, who is also devoted to Jainism. They share their experiences and comfort each other.
Vimalamati's Wisdom: Vimalamati imparts further wisdom to Shrimati about the nature of attachment, karma, and the path to true happiness.
Vimala's Intervention: Vimala, Shrimati's father, learns about her return and brings her to a Jain temple, where she meets Jinvartata's father, Jeevadeva. Jeevadeva consoles them both.

Chapter 6: The Sixth Chapter

Jinvartata's Return and Reunion: Jinvartata, having survived his ordeal at sea, returns to a new land. He is rescued by two Vidyadharas (celestial beings) who take him to their king.
The Vidyadhara King's Challenge: The Vidyadhara king, impressed by Jinvartata's bravery and virtue, proposes a challenge: whoever can control a wild elephant will win his daughter's hand.
Jinvartata's Success: Jinvartata readily accepts the challenge and, through his skill and composure, manages to control the enraged elephant, thus winning the princess.
The Wedding and Return Journey: Jinvartata marries the Vidyadhara princess and begins his journey back with his new wife.
A Deceptive Disappearance: During their journey, Jinvartata cleverly makes his wife believe he has disappeared, testing her devotion. The princess is heartbroken and laments his absence.
The Reunion and Jinvartata's Identity Revealed: Jinvartata reappears, and his true identity as the son of Jeevadeva is revealed to the Vidyadhara king and his daughter. The king is astonished by Jinvartata's lineage and accomplishments.

Chapter 7: The Seventh Chapter

Formal Marriage and Recognition: The Vidyadhara king celebrates the marriage of his daughter to Jinvartata with great fanfare. Jinvartata is honored and recognized as a great personality.
Return to Vasantpur: Jinvartata, along with his wives and retinue, returns to Vasantpur. He is welcomed with grand celebrations by his father and the community.
Jinvartata's Continued Devotion: Upon his return, Jinvartata continues his devout practices, engaging in acts of charity, building temples, and propagating Jain Dharma.
Establishment of a Family: Jinvartata has several sons and daughters with his various wives, ensuring the continuation of his lineage and the spread of Jainism.
The Sage's Visit and Jinvartata's Inquiry: A sage (Yati) named Samadhi Gupta visits a garden. Jinvartata, impressed by the sage's serenity and the auspicious atmosphere, goes to meet him. He inquires about the true nature of happiness and the path to spiritual attainment.

Chapter 8: The Eighth Chapter

The Sage's Discourse on True Happiness: The sage Vimala explains the transient nature of worldly pleasures and the suffering inherent in the cycle of birth and death (samsara). He elaborates on the principles of Jainism, emphasizing the importance of detachment, self-control, and devotion to the Tirthankaras.
The Tale of Shivadeva: The sage narrates the story of Shivadeva, a merchant from Ujjain, whose life was marked by fortune and misfortune. Shivadeva's parents were devoted to Jainism, but he himself experienced losses due to his lack of adherence to the principles.
Shivadeva's Encounter with a Sage: Shivadeva encounters a sage, Vimala, who teaches him the path of righteousness and detachment. Shivadeva is inspired and dedicates himself to spiritual practice.
The Sage's Advice to Jinvartata: The sage Vimala advises Jinvartata that true happiness lies not in worldly possessions but in spiritual pursuits. He encourages Jinvartata to follow the path of righteousness and self-discipline.
Jinvartata's Reflection on Past Lives: Jinvartata reflects on the lessons from his past lives and the suffering he has endured due to his actions. He understands the importance of the teachings he has received.

Chapter 9: The Ninth Chapter

Jinvartata's Renunciation: Inspired by the teachings of the sages and his own life experiences, Jinvartata decides to renounce worldly life and embrace asceticism.
Jinvartata's Sons and Their Responsibilities: He entrusts his kingdom and responsibilities to his sons and dedicates himself to spiritual practices.
The Virtuous Life of His Sons: His sons, following in his footsteps, lead virtuous lives, uphold Jain principles, and contribute to the spread of Dharma.
Jinvartata's Spiritual Attainment: Jinvartata engages in severe penances and austerities, ultimately achieving liberation (moksha) and attaining a heavenly abode.
The Liberation of Others: The text also mentions the liberation of his wives and other virtuous individuals who followed the Jain path.
The Legacy of Jinvartata: The narrative concludes by highlighting Jinvartata's exemplary life as a beacon of Jain teachings, inspiring others to follow the path of righteousness and attain spiritual bliss.

In essence, the "Jindutta Charitram Kavyam" is a moral and spiritual epic that illustrates the Jain philosophy of karma, detachment, and the pursuit of liberation through righteous conduct, devotion, and asceticism. It showcases the transformation of individuals through adherence to the teachings of the Tirthankaras.