Maharaja Kumarpal Vastupal Tejpal Mahatma Drudhprahari - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Maharaja_Kumarpal_Vastupal_Tejpal_Mahatma_Drudhprahari" by Jaybhikkhu, based on the provided pages:

This book, part of the "Jain Balgranthavali Shreni - 1" series, presents inspiring biographical accounts of significant figures in Jain history and tradition. The catalog indicates it's the tenth book in a set of ten, focusing on Maharaja Kumarpal, Vastupal-Tejpal, and Mahatma Drudhprahari. The text is published by Shri Jaybhikkhu Sahitya Trust, Ahmedabad.

The book can be broadly divided into three sections, each detailing the life and contributions of a prominent individual or pair:

1. Maharaja Kumarpal:

Early Life and Exile: The narrative begins with Maharaja Kumarpal's lineage as a Solanki prince, born in Anhilpur Patan. He was the grandson of King Bhimdev. Despite his royal heritage, Kumarpal faced adversity and was forced into exile due to a prophecy that he would be a great king after King Jayasingh (Siddharaj). Jayasingh, concerned about the prophecy and Kumarpal's maternal lineage, attempted to eliminate him. Kumarpal disguised himself as an ascetic, enduring great hardship, hunger, and homelessness. He narrowly escaped assassination attempts, including being hidden amongst thorns by a kind farmer and nearly discovered by soldiers.
The Twenty-One Silver Coins: During his period of hardship, Kumarpal witnessed a mouse bringing twenty-one silver coins out of a hole, only to take them back in. When the mouse was away, Kumarpal took twenty of the coins, leading to the mouse's despair and death. This event instilled remorse in Kumarpal.
Encounter with Hemchandracharya: Kumarpal eventually reached Khambhat, where he met the renowned Jain Acharya Hemchandracharya. The Acharya recognized Kumarpal as the future emperor of Gujarat and predicted his reign. Hemchandracharya wrote a palm-leaf inscription attesting to Kumarpal's future kingship. This encounter led to Kumarpal vowing to uphold the principles of Jainism, particularly non-violence, if he became king.
Ascension to the Throne and Reign: After the death of Jayasingh Siddharaj, Kumarpal returned to Patan and, with the help of his brother-in-law and the support of ministers and nobles who recognized his valor and justice, ascended the throne at the age of fifty. His reign was marked by efforts to rule with justice and compassion, treating his subjects like his own children. He appointed Hemchandracharya as his spiritual guide and Udayan as his chief minister.
Overcoming Challenges: Kumarpal faced internal conspiracies and external challenges, including a rebellion by Dahad, Jayasingh's adopted son, whom Kumarpal defeated in battle. He also conquered Mallikarjun of Konkan.
Religious Patronage: Kumarpal's reign saw a significant shift towards Jainism. Influenced by Hemchandracharya, he undertook significant religious activities. He rebuilt the Somnath Mahadev temple and, as advised by the Acharya for the smooth completion of the project, renounced alcohol and meat. He embraced Jain vows, including the vow against adattadan (unauthorized taking), giving up the profitable tax on uninherited property. He commissioned the creation of biographies of 63 Shalaka Purushas (exemplary individuals) and authored the Yogashastra.
Acts of Penance and Devotion: Kumarpal, feeling remorse for taking the coins from the mouse, established a mushak vihar (temple dedicated to mice). He also built a karamb vihar in honor of the woman who gave him food during his exile and a yuka vihar as penance for killing a flea intentionally. In total, he is credited with building 1400 Jain temples.
Later Years and Demise: Kumarpal's devotion deepened. He renounced the seven vices and expanded his influence across various regions. Upon the death of Acharya Hemchandracharya at the age of 84, Kumarpal was deeply saddened, lamenting not his guru's liberation but his own attachment to worldly power. Six months later, Maharaja Kumarpal also passed away, leaving behind a legacy of good deeds and an enduring reputation.

2. Vastupal and Tejpal:

Early Life and Family: This section introduces Vastupal and Tejpal, ministers and influential figures of the 13th century. They were sons of Ashraj, a minister, and Kumardevi. They were well-educated and showed a deep love for knowledge, art, and unwavering faith in religion.
Tragedy and Resilience: After their father's death, they moved to Mandal and served their mother with devotion. Following their mother's demise, they undertook a pilgrimage to Shatrunjaya, which helped alleviate their grief.
Entry into Royal Service: On their return journey, they stopped at Dholka and befriended Rajgor Someshwar. Recognizing the declining state of Gujarat under Rana Viradhaval, Someshwar introduced Vastupal and Tejpal to the Rana.
Conditions for Service: Vastupal and Tejpal agreed to serve the Rana on three conditions: they would not tolerate injustice, they would not neglect the service of their deities and spiritual guides, and they would retain their personal wealth of three lakh tankas. The Rana agreed, appointing Vastupal as the chief minister of Dholka and Khambhat and Tejpal as the army commander.
Administrative Prowess: As minister, Vastupal found the treasury empty and rampant corruption. He restored order by honoring the virtuous and punishing corrupt officials. He raised an army, recovered dues from villages and chieftains, and replenished the state treasury.
Military Victories: Vastupal then led campaigns to establish peace and order in Saurashtra, subduing many kings, including Sanghan and Chamund. He also defeated Rana Bhimsinh of Bhadreshwar and the arrogant king Dhudhal of Godhra, the latter of whom committed suicide after being publicly humiliated.
Confrontation with Sidik and Shankh: In Khambhat, they confronted the powerful Muslim merchant Sidik, who had committed murder and theft. When Sidik called upon his ally, King Shankh, a fierce battle ensued, resulting in Shankh's death and Vastupal's victory. They also recovered vast treasures from Sidik's property.
Defense Against Delhi Sultan: Vastupal and Tejpal bravely faced an invasion by the Delhi Sultan, Mojdin, leading their army to Abu and inflicting heavy losses, forcing the Sultan to retreat.
Expansion and Governance: They extended their influence along the coast to Maharashtra, consolidating Gujarat's power and establishing peace and order. Travelers and merchants could conduct their affairs without fear.
Devotion and Generosity: Both brothers were deeply devoted to Jainism, observing vows, performing Samayika and Pratikramana, and generously spending a crore of rupees annually for the welfare of their religious community. Their wealth seemed to increase with their spending.
Temple Construction: Following the advice of Tejpal's wife, Anupamadevi, they built magnificent temples on Shatrunjaya, Girnar, and Abu, with the Abu temples (Dilwara Temples) being particularly renowned for their intricate carvings and immense cost (around twelve crore rupees). They also funded numerous other temples, upashrayas, and libraries, and organized large pilgrimages.
Widespread Philanthropy: Their generosity extended beyond the Jain community and Gujarat, reaching across India, including donations to various temples and mosques, and the construction of wells, stepwells, and ponds.
Succession and Demise: After Rana Viradhaval's death, they supported his son Visaldev. Vastupal passed away during a pilgrimage to Shatrunjaya, and his wife Lalitadevi followed him in death. Tejpal died five years later, followed by his wife Anupamadevi. Their lives are presented as exemplary contributions to humanity.

3. Mahatma Drudhprahari:

Early Life of Durdhar: The narrative shifts to Durdhar, a wicked and rebellious Brahmin boy who grew up to be a gambler, thief, and troublemaker. He was known for his disregard for parents, lying, abuse, and theft.
Punishment and Exile: His misdeeds led to him being publicly disgraced and exiled from his village. He was made to ride a donkey backward, shaved, smeared with paint, and paraded through the town.
Life in the Wilds and Encounter with Bhils: Humiliated, Durdhar harbored a desire for revenge. He ventured into a dense forest, facing wild animals and treacherous terrain. He eventually encountered a tribe of Bhils (tribal people).
Acceptance by the Bhil Tribe: The Bhils captured him, intending to use him for a ritual sacrifice. However, the Bhil chieftain recognized Durdhar's strength and potential and adopted him, making him his successor.
Transformation into Drudhprahari: Durdhar, now known as Drudhprahari (meaning "one with a firm blow"), became a fearsome bandit leader, known for his successful raids and mercilessness.
The Tragic Massacre: During a raid on a poor Brahmin family, Drudhprahari killed the Brahmin, his pregnant wife, and the family's cow in a fit of rage. The sight of the pregnant wife and the cow's distress deeply affected him.
Remorse and Renunciation: Overwhelmed by guilt for the four killings (Brahmin, cow, woman, and unborn child), Drudhprahari was consumed by remorse. He encountered a Jain monk who advised him to seek spiritual solace and penance.
Spiritual Transformation: Drudhprahari renounced his violent ways, took Jain monkhood, and vowed to fast until he was reminded of his sins. He stood at the village gates, enduring insults and physical abuse from the villagers who recognized his past actions.
Attainment of Sainthood: After six months of unwavering penance and tolerance, people realized his sincerity and genuine transformation. He was recognized as a true saint, "Mahatma Drudhprahari." He then traveled, preached, and improved many lives before attaining Nirvana.

In essence, the book highlights the transformative power of faith, good deeds, and spiritual guidance, showcasing how individuals, even those who commit grave sins, can find redemption through sincere penance and devotion. It emphasizes the Jain ideals of non-violence, compassion, and the importance of righteous living through the stories of these influential figures.