Jindutta Kathanakam - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jindutta Kathanakam" based on the provided pages:

Title: Jindutta Kathanakam (The Story of Jindutta) Author: Muni Shri Gunasamudrasurivar (composed by Muni Shri Gunasamudrasurivar, compiled by Sadhvi Omkarshree) Publisher: Shri Jain Atmanand Sabha, Bhavnagar Publication Year: Vikram Samvat 2034 (1978 CE)

Overview:

"Jindutta Kathanakam" is a Jain narrative text that recounts the story of Jindutta, a virtuous individual whose life exemplifies the principles of Jain dharma, particularly the rewards of good deeds (punya) and the consequences of negative actions (papa). The text is presented as a compilation and editing effort by Sadhvi Omkarshree, under the inspiration of the late Muni Bhagwant Shri Punyavijayji Maharaj, and published by the Jain Atmanand Sabha. The story aims to illustrate the fruits of virtuous actions, the importance of spiritual conduct, and the cyclical nature of birth and rebirth governed by karma.

Key Themes and Narrative Arc:

The story of Jindutta, a highly virtuous and wealthy merchant's son, is presented through a series of his lives and experiences, highlighting the impact of his karma. The core narrative revolves around:

Jindutta's Virtuous Life: Jindutta is portrayed as a man of great character, detached from worldly pleasures, devoted to religious practices, and serving Jain ascetics (sadhus). Despite his initial renunciation, he faces challenges and temptations.
The Power of Karma and Destiny: The story emphasizes that an individual's destiny is shaped by their past actions (karma). Jindutta's journey involves overcoming adversities and experiencing both joy and sorrow due to his karmic accounts.
Marital Life and Worldly Entanglements: Jindutta marries Vimalamati, but his detachment from worldly affairs causes concern for his family. He is later drawn into gambling by his father's arrangement, leading to significant financial loss. His wife, Vimalamati, displays great devotion by pawning her jewelry to cover his debts.
Adventures and Trials:
- Separation and Journey: Due to family pressures and personal circumstances, Jindutta leaves his home and embarks on journeys.
- Encounter with Audatta Shreshthi: He finds refuge with Audatta Shreshthi, a wealthy childless merchant, who adopts him.
- Voyage to Simhaladvipa: Jindutta travels with Audatta to Simhaladvipa (Sri Lanka).
- The Princess Shrimati: In Simhaladvipa, he encounters Princess Shrimati, who is afflicted by a strange illness that causes the death of anyone who spends the night with her. Jindutta bravely takes the place of a young man destined to die, confronts a serpent that emerges from the princess, and saves her life through his courage and spiritual intervention. This leads to his marriage with Shrimati.
- Deception by Audatta Shreshthi: On their return journey, Audatta, enamored by Shrimati's beauty and wealth, treacherously throws Jindutta into the ocean. Shrimati's virtue protects the ship from sinking.
- Arrival in Champapuri and Meeting Vimalamati: Shrimati, separated from Jindutta, eventually reaches Champapuri and is reunited with Vimalamati, her co-wife.
- Encounter with Vidyadhari: After surviving the ocean, Jindutta is rescued by the contingent of Vidyadhara, King of Ratnapuri. He marries Vidyadhari, the king's daughter, and gains mastery over sixteen arts and a celestial chariot.
- The Episode of the Dwarf (Vamana): Jindutta, using his powers, appears as a dwarf in Champapuri and entertains the king with his magical feats. He cleverly interacts with his three wives (Vimalamati, Shrimati, and Vidyadhari), revealing his identity and resolving their grief. He also performs a feat of taming a wild elephant, earning the king's admiration and the hand of his daughter, Madanamjari.
- Return to Vasantpura and Family Reunion: Jindutta, now a ruler in Champapuri, returns to his paternal city, Vasantpura, and is reunited with his parents, Jevadeva Shreshthi and Jinashri. His father, due to his miserly nature and subsequent hardships, is deeply moved by Jindutta's virtue and the family reunion.
- Renunciation and Royal Duties: The king of Vasantpura, Arimardana, who had previously advised Jindutta's father, is humbled by Jindutta's righteousness and offers him his kingdom and daughter, Saubhagyavala. Jindutta accepts the kingdom, but later, upon hearing of the demise of his spiritual guides and parents, he renounces worldly life, accepting the twelve vows of a householder (Shravaka).
- Jindutta's Construction of a Grand Temple: As a pious king, Jindutta builds a magnificent Jain temple and establishes a library, generously supporting religious activities and the Jain community.
- Jindutta's Path to Enlightenment: After a long and virtuous reign, Jindutta attains Keval Gyana (omniscience) within the temple he built. His former wives, having learned of his path, also embrace religious life. Jindutta Kevali then guides countless beings towards liberation.
- Jindutta's Previous Life: The text also includes a narrative of Jindutta's past life as Shivadeva, who, as a devoted son and exemplary donor, attains a favorable rebirth. The five women who approved of Shivadeva's act of charity in that life become his wives in his current life.
- The Final Liberation: Jindutta Kevali eventually attains liberation (Moksha).

Key Characters:

Jindutta: The protagonist, a virtuous soul who progresses through several lives, demonstrating the power of karma, spiritual dedication, courage, and detachment.
Vimalamati: Jindutta's first wife, a devoted and virtuous woman.
Shrimati: Princess of Simhaladvipa, saved by Jindutta, and later his wife.
Vidyadhari: Princess of Ratnapuri, also married to Jindutta, known for her knowledge of arts and sciences.
Madanamjari: Princess of Champapuri, married to Jindutta.
Jevadeva Shreshthi: Jindutta's father in his last life, initially a wealthy but miserly merchant.
Jinashri: Jindutta's mother in his last life, a virtuous wife.
Audatta Shreshthi: A wealthy merchant who adopts Jindutta and later betrays him.
Arimardana: King of Vasantpura, who faces challenges but eventually embraces Dharma.
Dharmaghoshasuri/Shri Dharmaghoshasuri: The spiritual preceptor whose teachings inspire renunciation.
Haapa/Haapak: A miserly merchant used as an example of the negative consequences of hoarding and the importance of charity and enjoyment.

Structure and Content:

The text is meticulously structured, including:

Mangalam (Invocation): Prayers to Goddess Saraswati and Lord Vardhamana.
Prakarana (Introduction): Explaining the purpose of the narrative.
Katha-sar (Story Summary): A detailed synopsis of Jindutta's various lives and adventures.
Gyan-vachano (Teachings): Numerous Sanskrit and Prakrit verses (subhashitas) offering moral and spiritual guidance, often reflecting common proverbs and wisdom.
Grathakar Prashasti (Praise of the Author): Information about the composer and compiler.
Shuddhipatraka (Errata): Corrections for any printing errors.
Vishayanukrama (Subject Index): A detailed index of the stories and topics covered.
Vishēsha-nāma-anu-krama (Index of Special Names): An alphabetical index of characters and places.
Subhāshitā-anu-krama (Index of Verses): An index of the verses quoted.

Significance:

"Jindutta Kathanakam" serves as a didactic text within Jain tradition, offering lessons on:

The principles of Jain ethics: Non-violence, truthfulness, non-possession, detachment, and virtuous conduct.
The law of karma: How actions in one life affect subsequent lives.
The importance of spiritual pursuit: The ultimate goal of liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
The role of renunciation and asceticism: The path to spiritual purity and enlightenment.
The value of charity and devotion: The merit gained through selfless giving and devotion to the principles of Jainism.

The compilation by Sadhvi Omkarshree and the detailed compilation of verses and names by Shri Amritlal Mohanlal Bhojak make this edition particularly valuable for scholars and practitioners of Jainism. The inclusion of numerous folk sayings and idiomatic expressions woven into the narrative provides a rich cultural and linguistic insight.