Madan Parajay

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Madan Parajay" by Nagdev, edited by Lalbahaddur Shastri, based on the provided pages:

Madan Parajay (The Defeat of Kama)

This Jain text, "Madan Parajay," authored by Nagdev and edited by Dr. Lalbahaddur Shastri, is dedicated to celebrating the diamond jubilee of Acharya Shri Vimalasagarji Maharaj. Published by Bharat Varshiya Anekant Vidwat Parishad, it is a Sanskrit rendition of a story originally composed in Prakrit by Haridev. The narrative aims to awaken wisdom in virtuous souls, grant the joy of liberation, dissolve the great waves of the ocean of existence, and is highly cherished by listeners. It is believed that by hearing this story, sins of past births are eradicated, and poverty and fear vanish.

Genealogy of the Author:

The author, Nagdev, traces his lineage back to a respected family of physicians. His spiritual lineage begins with Lord Jinendra. His earthly lineage starts with Changu Dev, who was like the sun to the Raghu dynasty, fulfilling the desires of supplicants like a Kalpavriksha (wish-fulfilling tree). Changu Dev's son was Haridev, who was like a lion to wicked poets. Haridev's son was Nagdev, renowned as a great physician. Nagdev had two sons, Hem and Ram, both skilled physicians. Ram's son was Priyankar, beloved by the sick. Priyankar's son was Shrimallugit, devoted to Lord Jinendra and an expert in the ocean of medical science. The author, Nagdev, is the son of Shrimallugit, acknowledging his own limited knowledge in poetry, rhetoric, grammar, and prosody.

The Story Begins: The King Makardhwaja and His Minister Moha

The story is set in the beautiful city of Bhayanagar, ruled by King Makardhwaja. He was a powerful conqueror, having subdued Indra, kings, and even celestial beings. He was handsome, valiant, generous, and a lover of pleasure. His two queens were Rati and Preeti. His chief minister was Moha (desire/delusion). Makardhwaja, with his minister's counsel, ruled his kingdom comfortably.

One day, in his court, surrounded by his generals and subordinate kings, Makardhwaja asked his minister Moha if he had heard any extraordinary news from the three worlds. Moha replied that he had heard something extraordinary but urged the King to discuss it in private, citing the wisdom that secrets shared with more than two people are compromised. He quoted Brihaspati's teaching that even minor matters should not be discussed in court.

The News of Jinraj:

Moha then informed Makardhwaja about a king named Jinraj, who was conquering all three worlds. Makardhwaja found this unbelievable, as he considered himself the sole ruler of the three worlds. Moha reassured him of the truth, stating that the general Sanjvalana would never lie. He further explained that Jinraj was once a thief in Bhavnagar, living with a prostitute named Durgati, and was often caught by the police. However, by the grace of destiny, he became detached from Durgati, entered a temple, found the "Jewel of the Three Worlds" (Ratnatraya), and, forgetting his worldly attachments, went to Charitrapur. Despite the efforts of "subject generals" and "sense generals," they couldn't stop him. The five great vow-holders of Charitrapur, recognizing his worth and the possession of the Jewel of the Three Worlds, granted him the throne of austerity. Jinraj was now ruling happily in Charitrapur.

A further piece of news was that Jinraj was about to get married in Mokshapuri, a celebration eagerly anticipated by the entire populace.

Makardhwaja's Obsession and Rati's Concern:

Upon hearing about Jinraj and the upcoming wedding, Makardhwaja became restless and asked Moha about the bride's lineage and beauty. Moha described the bride, Mukti (liberation), daughter of Siddhasen, as unparalleled in beauty and virtue. Her description captivated Makardhwaja, making him declare a vow to defeat Jinraj in battle and marry Mukti.

When Makardhwaja's queens, Rati and Preeti, saw his disturbed state, Rati inquired about the cause of his distress. Preeti, though unsure, suggested it might be a significant matter. Rati, feeling it was her wifely duty, approached Makardhwaja, embraced him, and asked about his sorrow. She reminded him of his worldly conquests and his desirability, questioning the reason for his current despondency.

Makardhwaja confessed his infatuation with Mukti after hearing Sanjvalana's report and his inability to do anything about it. Rati chided him for worrying unnecessarily and suggested he should have confided in his minister Moha. Makardhwaja then revealed that Moha was aware and had been sent to assemble the army. He instructed Rati to go to Mukti and try to dissuomade her from marrying Jinraj, hoping she would choose him instead. He believed Rati's efforts would succeed, emphasizing the importance of effort and self-reliance over fate.

Rati's Dilemma and the Parable of Hemesen:

Rati expressed her confusion about the King's command and the nature of his desire. Makardhwaja reaffirmed his resolve. Rati, concerned about the propriety of his request, cited the example of the sage Hemesen. Hemesen, who performed severe penances, was reborn as an insect in a decaying fruit due to his attachment to its fragrance at the time of death. This illustrated that even great austerities are nullified by attachment and improper thoughts at the crucial moment of death.

The story emphasizes that the state of mind at the time of death dictates one's rebirth. The text then delves into the four types of meditation: Arta (sorrowful), Raudra (fierce), Dharma (righteous), and Shukla (pure), explaining their consequences in determining one's future births.

The Parable of Jintatha:

The text further narrates the story of Jintatha, a devout lay follower, who, at the time of death, was overcome with lust for his beautiful wife, Jintata. This attachment to his wife led to his rebirth as a frog in his own courtyard. His wife, Jintata, later encountered the frog and recognized it as her husband, leading to a rather peculiar situation. The story highlights the detrimental effects of attachment, even for devout individuals, at the time of death.

The Quarrel Between Makardhwaja and Rati, and Moha's Intervention:

Rati, distressed by Makardhwaja's obsession and the inappropriate request, voiced her concerns about his behavior. Makardhwaja, in turn, expressed his disbelief in women's fidelity, citing their fickle nature and the inherent flaws in their character. He advised Rati to abandon such thoughts and fulfill his command.

Moha, upon seeing Rati's distress, intervened and advised her to fulfill Makardhwaja's wish, emphasizing the importance of pleasing one's husband. He also reiterated the concept of destiny, suggesting that what is destined will occur regardless of efforts.

The Confrontation and the Arrival of the Messengers:

Rati, despite her reservations, decided to proceed with Makardhwaja's plan. However, as she set out, Moha intercepted her. He reminded her that he had already alerted Sanjvalana about the mission and that Makardhwaja was impatient. Rati, in turn, criticized Moha for his involvement with sensual desires and his lack of discretion. She highlighted the dangers of pursuing illicit relationships, citing numerous aphorisms about the negative consequences of lust and attachment.

Moha, however, insisted that destiny was unavoidable and that Rati must go. He suggested that as women are more trusted by women, she might succeed in influencing Mukti.

The Messengers to Jinraj:

Moha and Rati met with Makardhwaja, who was further agitated by their report. He then summoned his ministers, Raga (attachment) and Dwesha (aversion), and appointed them as envoys to Jinraj. He instructed them to demand the return of the "Jewel of the Three Worlds" and to inform Jinraj that his marriage with Mukti was against Kama's will. They were also told to warn Jinraj that if he did not comply, Kama would attack him with his entire army.

The Messengers' Encounter with Sanjvalana:

Raga and Dwesha, after a perilous journey, met Sanjvalana. Sanjvalana questioned their mission, remarking on their deviation from their valiant nature. Raga and Dwesha explained that they were obeying their master's orders, emphasizing the importance of serving one's lord. They recited verses highlighting the duties of a loyal servant and the harsh realities of service.

Sanjvalana acknowledged the difficulty of service but cautioned them about the danger of confronting Jinraj, who was known to abhor Kama. He warned that their encounter with Jinraj could lead to misfortune. However, Raga and Dwesha dismissed his concerns, citing the teachings of hospitality and the importance of fulfilling their duty. Sanjvalana, agreeing to present their case to his master, departed.

The Arrival of Raga and Dwesha at Jinraj's Court:

Raga and Dwesha eventually reached Jinraj's court, where they were met by Sanjvalana. Jinraj, upon hearing their arrival, agreed to meet them, despite Samyaktva's (right faith) warning about the perilous nature of their encounter. Jinraj, armed with his divine knowledge and immense strength, was confident in his ability to defeat them.

Upon meeting Jinraj, Raga and Dwesha delivered Makardhwaja's message, demanding the return of the jewels and forbidding the marriage with Mukti. Jinraj, however, dismissed their demands, stating that he would marry Mukti, and that his alliance was with the Jewel of the Three Worlds, not with Kama. He also asserted his own spiritual prowess, emphasizing that he had conquered lust and desire, and that his pursuit of liberation was paramount.

The Battle and the Defeat of Kama's Army:

The story then shifts to the fierce battle between Jinraj's forces and Kama's army. Jinraj's army was composed of various spiritual principles and virtues, personified as mighty warriors, such as Samyaktva (right faith), Jnana (knowledge), Charan (conduct), Bhakti (devotion), and Tapas (austerity). Kama's army, on the other hand, was represented by vices and negative emotions, such as Moha (delusion), Raga (attachment), Dwesha (aversion), Mithyatva (false faith), and various sins and negative states.

The battle was depicted as a cosmic struggle between good and evil. Jinraj's forces, guided by spiritual principles, fought valiantly against Kama's army, which was ultimately overwhelmed by the power of virtues and knowledge. The text describes the dramatic defeat of Moha and other vices by Jinraj's forces.

The Final Confrontation and the Defeat of Kama:

In the climax, Jinraj confronts Kama. Makardhwaja, witnessing the defeat of his army and the subsequent downfall of Moha, finally realized the futility of his desires and the immense power of Jinraj. He fled from the battlefield, ultimately being confined to a limited territory by Jinraj's decree.

The Moral of the Story:

The story of "Madan Parajay" serves as a powerful allegory for the Jain path to liberation. It emphasizes the importance of conquering inner vices like desire, attachment, and delusion, which are personified as Kama and his army. The text highlights the transformative power of spiritual knowledge, virtues, and righteous conduct, embodied by Jinraj and his celestial army, in achieving spiritual victory and attaining ultimate bliss (liberation). The author concludes by expressing his humility and seeking forgiveness for any imperfections in his rendition, praying for correction and propagation of the story by learned individuals.