Maharaja Kharvel

Based on the provided text excerpts from "Maharaja Kharvel" by Purnachandrasuri, here's a comprehensive summary in English:

Book Title: Maharaja Kharvel Author: Purnachandrasuri Publisher: Panchprasthan Punyasmruti Prakashan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/006183/1

This book, "Maharaja Kharvel," is a detailed historical narrative focused on the life and reign of Maharaja Kharvel, a significant but often lesser-known Jain ruler from Kalinga. The book is presented as a tribute and was published in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the acharya-ship of Acharya Shrimad Vijay Purnachandrasurishwarji Maharaj. It is inspired by the teachings and guidance of Acharya Shri Vijay Yugchandrasuri Maharaj and is part of the Shrimati Sujaben Rikhavchand Sanghvi Granthmala.

Key Themes and Content:

1. Introduction to Maharaja Kharvel: The book aims to bring to light the story of Maharaja Kharvel, described as a powerful and influential ruler who significantly promoted Jainism. Despite his impact, he is noted as being "almost unknown" compared to other Jain rulers like Samprati and Kumarpal.

2. Author's Style and Research: The author, Acharya Shrimad Vijay Purnachandrasurishwarji Maharaj, is praised as a "word-sculptor" and a highly skilled writer. The narrative is said to be based on extensive research and diligent analysis of historical texts, piecing together fragmented historical evidence to create a cohesive account. The author's commitment to historical accuracy is highlighted, contrasting his approach with writers who might exaggerate or distort historical facts for dramatic effect.

3. The Importance of Literature in Society: The publication of such works is seen as crucial for shaping society and instilling virtues like culture, good conduct, righteousness, and the protection of religious traditions (tirtha-raksha). In the current era, where vices are prevalent, such literature serves as a vital source of moral guidance and inspiration.

4. Maharaja Kharvel's Historical Context and Lineage:

   • The book traces Kharvel's lineage back to Maharaja Chedi (Cheta), a republican leader and devotee of Parmata, who was a descendant of the Cheta lineage.
   • It details the historical events leading to his family's connection with Kalinga, including the conflict between Chedi and Emperor Konik of Magadha.
   • Kharvel's ancestors were Jain rulers, and Kalinga itself was a region with a strong Jain presence, worshipping Lord Parshvanath.
   • The text mentions the importance of sites like Kumaragiri (Shatrunjayavatara) and Kumarigiri (Uryavatara) in Kalinga, where King Shrenik had built caves and where a golden image of Lord Rishabhdev was consecrated.

5. Key Historical Events and Kharvel's Reign:

   • Nanda Dynasty's Impact: The narrative touches upon the Nanda dynasty's reign in Magadha and their invasion of Kalinga, which caused significant destruction but did not extinguish the spirit of Kalinga's independence. The Nanda king Mahanand took away the golden idol of Lord Rishabhdev from Kumaragiri to Pataliputra.
   • Ashoka's Conquest of Kalinga: The book details Ashoka's brutal invasion of Kalinga, the immense bloodshed, and the subsequent remorse that led Ashoka to grant independence to Kalinga and cease further warfare. This event is cited as a major turning point in Ashoka's life, leading to his adoption of Buddhist principles.
   • Kharvel's Lineage and Early Life: The text describes Kharvel's predecessors, including Shobhanray, Chandray, Kshemaraj, Vududhraraj, and Bhikshuray (also known as Mahameghavahana and Kharveladhipati). Bhikshuray is identified as the king who defeated Pushyamitra of Magadha, bathed his elephants in the Ganges at Pataliputra, reclaimed wealth looted by previous Magadhan kings, and importantly, re-established the golden idol of Lord Rishabhdev at Kumaragiri.
   • Maharaja Kharvel's Achievements:
     • Military Prowess: Kharvel is depicted as a powerful military leader who expanded Kalinga's influence across India, from Uttarapatha to the Pandya country. He defeated Magadha and, significantly, restored the "Kalingajina" (the golden idol of Lord Rishabhdev) to its rightful place in Kalinga after it was taken by the Nandas.
     • Patronage of Jainism: Kharvel was a devout Jain. His queen commissioned viharas for Jain monks, provided them with robes, and he himself oversaw the collection and organization of Jain scriptures (Agamas). He is credited with reconsecrating and enhancing the importance of sites like Kumaragiri and Kumarigiri, making them significant Jain pilgrimage centers. He convened a large assembly of Jain monks and nuns, facilitating the recitation and systematization of the Agamas.
     • "Bhishuraj" (The Monk-King): His name "Bhikshuray" signifies his deep devotion to Jain ascetics. His title "Mahameghavahana" refers to his ancestral elephant mount and his depiction of an elephant in the Hathigumpha cave. "Kharveladhipati" denotes his dominion over Kalinga, whose shores extended to the sea.
     • Dwaradhangi Rakshak (Protector of the Twelve Angas): This title was bestowed upon him for his role in organizing and preserving Jain scriptures during a period of decline.
     • Infrastructure Development: He initiated projects like excavating canals and repairing forts, making Kalinga a formidable nation.
   • The Mystery of His Lack of Fame: The book ponders why a ruler of Kharvel's stature and influence, who served Jainism perhaps even more than figures like Samprati or Kumarpal, has remained relatively obscure in historical accounts. It questions what factors might have led to the suppression or erasure of his legacy from mainstream history.
   • The Hathigumpha Inscription: The book places significant importance on the Hathigumpha inscription in Odisha (Khandagiri-Udaigiri caves), dating back two thousand years. This inscription is described as the oldest and most extensive rock inscription in India, providing a chronological account of Kharvel's reign and historical events. The text suggests that without this inscription, Kharvel might have remained unknown.
   • Jainism's Ancient Roots in Kalinga: The inscription and other historical references strongly indicate that Kalinga was an ancient center of Jainism, with evidence of Jain practices and veneration dating back to Lord Mahavir's time and even earlier.
   • Theories on Kharvel's Identity: The text discusses the possibility of Kharvel being identified with the "Kalki" figure mentioned in Jain scriptures and Puranas, acknowledging the chronological discrepancies but highlighting the shared aspects of prophecy, destruction of unrighteousness, and restoration of Dharma.

6. Historical and Religious Significance: The book aims to reconstruct a significant part of Jain history that has been overshadowed, emphasizing the contributions of rulers like Kharvel to the spread and preservation of Jainism. It highlights the rich cultural and religious heritage of Kalinga and its connection to the Jain tradition. The text also implicitly critiques the selective nature of historical records and the importance of archaeological findings like the Hathigumpha inscription in uncovering hidden histories.

In essence, "Maharaja Kharvel" is an endeavor to illuminate the life of a pivotal Jain monarch, showcasing his military achievements, his profound devotion to Jainism, and his significant contributions to the cultural and religious landscape of ancient India, particularly Kalinga. It is presented as a vital work for understanding the broader scope of Jain heritage and history.