Jivandhar Champu - Book Summary

Jivandhar Champu: A Comprehensive Summary

The provided text is an excerpt from the Jivandhar Champu, a Sanskrit literary work by Mahakavi Harichandra, published by Bharatiya Gyanpith. The text includes a foreword by K. K. Handiqui, an introduction by the editor Pandit Pannalal Jain, and the beginning of the first chapter (Lambh). The catalog link provided is for the overall work within a Jain library.

This summary focuses on the content presented in the provided excerpt, primarily the foreword, introduction, and the beginning of the first chapter, which offers context and an outline of the story.

Foreword by K. K. Handiqui:

The foreword introduces Harichandra's Jivandhara Champu as a significant work within the Murtidevi Jaina Granthamala series. It notes that the story of Jivandhara, which first appears in Gunabhadra's Uttarapurana (897 AD), was given a systematic form by Vadibhasimha in his works Gadyacintamani and Kshatra Chudamani. Harichandra's Champu serves as a summary of Vadibhasimha's narrative, blending religious romance with folk-tale elements to preach Jain doctrines. The foreword highlights Harichandra's skill in mixing prose and verse in the Champu style and his adherence to descriptive passages, often curtailing the narrative for them. It also points out Harichandra's influence from poets like Magha and Sriharsha. The foreword attempts to place Harichandra's composition date between 1075 AD and 1175 AD.

Introduction by Editor Pannalal Jain:

The editor, Pandit Pannalal Jain, expresses his gratitude for the publication and details the process of editing the work. He mentions using T.S. Kuppuswami Sastri's original publication and a manuscript obtained from Bombay. He acknowledges the difficulty in finding additional manuscripts and credits his friend, Pandit Kundanlalji of Bombay, for securing the Bombay manuscript. He notes the manuscript's imperfections but highlights its value in providing readings missing in the printed edition. The editor also explains the title variation, from the manuscript's "Champu Jivandhar" to the published "Jivandhara Champu," as suggested by the Bharatiya Jnanpith's chief editor.

The introduction further delves into the importance of Sanskrit literature and laments the lack of commentaries on many significant Jain works. He emphasizes the poetic merit of Jivandhara Champu, its intricate phrasing, and the depth of meaning, stating it's a valuable text for students. He also discusses the purpose of poetry, its ability to entertain, educate morally, and provide solace, citing ancient literary authorities like Mammata and Kuntaka. He explains the etymology of "Kavi" (poet) and various definitions of poetry offered by different scholars, emphasizing that "Chamatkarpurna ukti hi kavya hai" (A surprising utterance is poetry) as the core essence. He also touches upon the sources of poetry, such as power, skill, and practice, and the different forms of poetry like prose, verse, and mixed prose-verse (Champu).

Summary of Jivandhara's Story (as outlined in the excerpt):

The excerpt outlines the story of Jivandhara, a significant Jain hero whose life is immortalized in numerous literary works. The narrative, generally following Gunabhadra's version, begins with:

King Satyandhara's Rule: Satyandhara ruled at Rajapura with his queen Vijaya.
Queen Vijaya's Dreams and the King's Demise: Vijaya's dreams foretold the loss of the king and the birth of a great son who would achieve eightfold gain. Subsequently, the king lost his life and kingdom due to the treachery of his minister Kaṣṭhāngāraka.
Jivandhara's Birth and Early Life: The pregnant queen escaped in an eagle-shaped flying machine, guarded by a Yakṣī. She gave birth to a son at night in a terrifying cemetery. The Yakṣī placed jewel-lamps around the newborn to protect him from evil and consoled the queen about the power of Karma.
Merchant Gandhotkata's Adoption: Merchant Gandhotkata, who was prophesied to have a long-lived son if he exposed his newborn who would die immediately after birth, heard the child's voice and exclaimed "Jiva, Jiva," which became the child's name: Jivandhara. Vijaya entrusted her son to Gandhotkata, who adopted him and gave him to his wife Nanda for upbringing. Jivandhara was educated by Aryavarman.
Subsequent Adventures: The story then details Jivandhara's various heroic deeds and marriages, including rescuing cattle, surpassing heroes in playing the Viṇa to marry Vidyadhara princess Gandharradatta, amicably settling disputes through clever arbitration, taming a wild elephant, and curing Padmottamā from snakebite. He received a magical ring from his Yakṣa friend, which enabled him to assume any desired appearance and accomplish all his objectives.
Reunion with Mother and Restoration of Kingdom: After many adventures, Jivandhara was reunited with his mother, who informed him about the usurpation of his father's throne by Kaṣṭhāngāraka. Awaiting a favorable moment, Jivandhara, with the aid of his Yakṣa friend, eventually defeated Kaṣṭhāngāraka, beheaded him, and reclaimed his kingdom.
Spiritual Attainment: Jivandhara eventually encountered an ascetic Varadharma, accepted his teachings, and renounced the world. He attained liberation (moksha) after arduous penance, along with his foster-brother Nandādhya and others. His mother and queens also accepted self-control. Jivandhara is recognized as a Sruta-kevalin who attained liberation in due course.

Key Themes and Jain Principles Highlighted:

Karma: The story strongly emphasizes the moral law of Karma, where actions in past lives determine present circumstances and future births.
Ahimsa, Satya, Samyama: The Sramana tradition, particularly Jain teachers, preached universal moral precepts like non-violence, truth, and self-control through tales and parables.
Asceticism: The spirit of asceticism is central, with heroes often retiring from the world to attain a better status in the next life.
Moral Instruction: Jaina narrative literature, including Jivandhara's story, is used to illustrate correct human behavior and awaken moral consciousness for individual spiritual emancipation and societal stabilization.
Adaptation of Local Myths: Jain teachers skillfully incorporated local myths, legends, and popular tales into their moral narratives, making them accessible to the masses.

Literary Significance:

The text also includes a section detailing various Jaina works that narrate the story of Jivandhara in different languages and styles, underscoring his importance as a literary hero and the rich narrative tradition within Jainism. The Jivandhara Champu is presented as a significant contribution to Sanskrit literature in the Champu style.

In essence, the provided text serves as an introduction to the Jivandhara Champu, highlighting its Jain philosophical underpinnings, its author's literary prowess, and offering a glimpse into the adventurous and spiritually transformative life of the hero, Jivandhara.