Maharani Chelna - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Maharani Chelna":

The book "Maharani Chelna" by Hiralal Jain is a religious drama that extols the virtues and influence of Jainism. It is presented as an "Uttam Dharmik Natak" (Excellent Religious Drama) and was published as part of the Mahavir Nirvan Mahotsava Prakashan.

Core Theme: The central theme of the drama revolves around Maharani Chelana, the queen of King Shrenik of Rajgrihi, and her steadfast devotion to Jainism. The play highlights her efforts to spread Jainism in a kingdom dominated by Buddhism and depicts the eventual triumph of Jain principles.

Key Characters and Their Roles:

Maharani Chelana: The protagonist, a devout follower of Jainism, whose unwavering faith and determination are central to the narrative. She is described as the aunt of Lord Mahavir and sister of Sati Chandana.
King Shrenik: The king of Rajgrihi, initially influenced by Buddhism, who is eventually converted to Jainism through Chelana's efforts and the events depicted in the play.
Abhaykumar: Chelana's stepson (though their relationship is depicted as very close and filial due to shared religious devotion). He is a strong supporter of his mother's faith and actively participates in her efforts to promote Jainism.
Buddhist Gurus: Represent the prevailing Buddhist influence in the kingdom. They are depicted as proud and eventually humbled by their interactions with Chelana and Abhaykumar.
Soldiers, Ministers, City-Seth (Merchant): Supporting characters who reflect the societal and political context.
A Female Friend (Sakhi): Chelana's confidante and helper.
A Messenger (Duti): Brings news from Chelana's homeland.
Mali (Gardener): Appears at the end to bring news of Lord Mahavir's arrival.
Muniraj (Ascetic): A Jain monk who becomes the subject of persecution, highlighting the resilience of Jain practice.

Plot Summary:

Chelana's Discontent and Devotion: The play opens with Maharani Chelana feeling a profound sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction in Rajgrihi, which is dominated by Buddhism. She yearns for the glory of Jainism, her homeland, and her spiritual lineage, expressing her longing through a heartfelt song. She laments the absence of Jain temples and ascetics.
Abhaykumar's Support: Chelana confides in Abhaykumar about her unhappiness. He shares her sentiments, recognizing the prevalence of Buddhism in their kingdom compared to the flourishing Jainism elsewhere. They discuss the importance of Jainism over worldly power, as articulated by Chelana with a quote: "Even being a Chakravarti (emperor) is not dear without Jainism; even being a servant is a hundred times more desirable if it is infused with Jainism." They recall their upbringing with Jain values by their father, King Chetak.
News of Lord Mahavir's Renunciation and Chandana's Ordeal: A messenger brings news that Lord Mahavir has taken renunciation (diksha) and that Chelana's sister, Chandana, has been abducted by a Vidyadhar (a supernatural being). This news, while bringing pride in Mahavir's renunciation, also causes concern for Chandana.
Chelana's Resolve and Plan: Chelana and Abhaykumar decide to take action to promote Jainism. Abhaykumar suggests that Chelana persuade King Shrenik, who is fond of her, to embrace Jainism. Chelana resolves to demonstrate the falsehood of Buddhist philosophy and the truth of Jainism, particularly its anekanta (multi-faceted perspective) and syadvada (conditional predication).
Convincing King Shrenik: Chelana expresses her dissatisfaction to King Shrenik, stating that without Jainism, even his kingdom feels empty. She emphasizes that Jainism is the only truth, and without it, even royal glory is meaningless. Shrenik, however, firmly believes in Buddhism, attributing his kingdom's prosperity to it.
The Test of the Buddhist Gurus: Abhaykumar challenges the Buddhist gurus to a meal, proposing a test of their omniscience. Chelana agrees, planning to reveal their pride and lack of true knowledge. During the meal, the Buddhist gurus fail a simple test set by Abhaykumar's younger sister, who asks what she holds in her hand. They wrongly guess it's a gold coin, only to find her hand empty. The plan escalates when Chelana's hidden accomplice (Sakhi) steals one of each guru's sandals, causing them embarrassment and revealing their lack of true knowledge and foresight.
The Persecution of the Muniraj: Enraged by the humiliation of his Buddhist gurus, King Shrenik, while hunting, encounters a Jain Muniraj. Seeking revenge for the perceived insult to his gurus, he orders his soldiers to unleash hunting dogs on the Muniraj. The dogs, however, calmly sit near the monk. Undeterred, Shrenik then places a venomous snake around the Muniraj's neck, laughing triumphantly. This act of severe persecution is met with a divine proclamation condemning Shrenik's grave sin.
The Revelation and Shrenik's Conversion: The Buddhist gurus inform Shrenik about the insult they faced, further fueling his anger. He then tells Chelana about his encounter with the Muniraj and his actions. Chelana, deeply distressed, expresses her sorrow and vows to find the Muniraj and alleviate his suffering. Shrenik, witnessing Chelana's unwavering faith and the monk's composure even after the snake incident, begins to question his actions and beliefs. He is particularly moved by the monk's forgiveness and blessing for "dharmavriddhi" (increase in righteousness). This experience, coupled with Chelana's persistent devotion, leads Shrenik to a profound realization. He confesses his wrongdoing, renounces Buddhism, and embraces Jainism, seeking refuge in the teachings of the Arihants, Siddhas, and Jain ascetics.
The Proclamation of Jainism: Shrenik officially declares his conversion to Jainism, proclaiming that Jainism will now be the state religion. The entire city rejoices, and the populace, inspired by Chelana and Shrenik, also embraces Jainism. Even the former Buddhist gurus, humbled and repentant, seek forgiveness and convert to Jainism. The city-set also joins in the celebration and accepts Jainism.
The Arrival of Lord Mahavir and the Prediction of Future: News arrives that Lord Mahavir has come to their city. Shrenik and Chelana, along with Abhaykumar, go to pay their respects. In the presence of Lord Mahavir, it is revealed that Shrenik has attained Kshayaik Samyaktva (permanent right faith) and has bound the Tirthankar-naming karma. He is destined to become the first Tirthankar of the next epoch (chovisi).
The Renunciation of Chelana and Abhaykumar: Filled with spiritual aspiration after hearing Lord Mahavir's teachings, Abhaykumar announces his desire for renunciation. Chelana, supporting his decision, also declares her intent to take diksha. Shrenik, embracing their path, blesses them.
The Play's Conclusion: The play concludes with Chelana and Abhaykumar embarking on their spiritual journey towards liberation, symbolizing the ultimate triumph of Jain principles and the spiritual awakening of the kingdom. The play emphasizes the importance of faith, righteousness, renunciation, and the ultimate goal of moksha (liberation).

Overall Message:

"Maharani Chelna" serves as a powerful testament to the strength of faith, the importance of righteous conduct, and the transformative power of Jainism. It highlights how devotion, courage, and adherence to spiritual principles can overcome societal pressures and lead to spiritual enlightenment for individuals and entire kingdoms. The play encourages the audience, particularly children, to embrace these virtues and spread the message of Jainism. It also includes a brief account of Varishankumar, Chelana's son, further reinforcing the theme of renunciation and spiritual pursuit.