Mahasati Madanrekha Diwakar Chitrakatha 012

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mahasati Madanrekha Diwakar Chitrakatha 012" in English:

This comic book, "Mahasati Madanrekha Diwakar Chitrakatha 012," authored by Shreechand Surana and published by Diwakar Prakashan, tells the inspiring and adventurous story of Madanrekha, a paragon of virtue and courage in Jain tradition. The narrative highlights her unwavering commitment to chastity (sheel) even in the face of immense adversity and temptation.

The story begins by drawing a parallel between nature's duality (rose and thorn) and womanhood, where beauty and virtue are often accompanied by challenges posed by those who covet them. Madanrekha is introduced as an embodiment of beauty, modesty, loyalty, duty, and sacrifice, but also a target for those who lust after her.

The central conflict arises with King Manirath of Sudarshanpur. He becomes infatuated with Madanrekha, the wife of his younger brother, Prince Yugbahu. Manirath's lust is so intense that he even murders Yugbahu to possess Madanrekha. However, Madanrekha, fiercely protective of her chastity, renounces her home, family, son, and royal status, fleeing into the wilderness alone. She endures constant hardship and fear but steadfastly upholds her pure character, prioritizing her integrity above her life.

The text emphasizes Madanrekha's character as a source of inspiration, showcasing her wisdom, intelligence, courage, unwavering loyalty, sense of duty, and immense determination to protect her virtue. She is depicted as an awakened goddess of feminine power.

Key events in the narrative include:

• King Manirath's Infatuation: Manirath observes Madanrekha's beauty and becomes consumed by desire. Despite being counselled by his wife, he plots to acquire Madanrekha.
• The Deceptive Plan: Manirath feigns concern about border threats and sends Yugbahu to war, creating an opportunity to approach Madanrekha. He enlists a maid, Rambha, to lure Madanrekha with gifts and manipulative words.
• Madanrekha's Steadfastness: Madanrekha initially accepts Manirath's gifts with respect, as she viewed him as a father figure. However, when Rambha becomes more insistent and suggestive, Madanrekha recognizes the malicious intent. She rebukes Rambha sternly and even threatens her with a sword for speaking ill of the King and disrespecting her chastity.
• Manirath's Attempt: Manirath, undeterred, attempts to enter Madanrekha's chambers at night. Madanrekha, sensing his evil intentions, cleverly redirects him by pointing out he is at Yugbahu's palace and not his own. Her mother-in-law further foils Manirath's plan by calling him out.
• Yugbahu's Return and Murder: Yugbahu returns victorious from war. Madanrekha, recalling the past incidents, warns Yugbahu about Manirath's lust. Despite Yugbahu's initial disbelief, Manirath ambushes and fatally wounds Yugbahu.
• Madanrekha's Flight and Self-Preservation: With Yugbahu dying in her arms, Madanrekha, prioritizing her chastity and the safety of her unborn child from Manirath's predatory advances, flees into the forest.
• Birth and Ordeal in the Forest: In the forest, Madanrekha gives birth to a son. While she goes to purify herself, an enraged elephant attacks. A Vidyadhar (celestial being) intervenes, saving her from falling to her death after being thrown by the elephant.
• Vidyadhar's Attempt and Redemption: The Vidyadhar, impressed by Madanrekha's beauty, intends to make her his queen. Madanrekha, facing another moral dilemma, threatens to take her own life to protect her chastity. The Vidyadhar, named Maniprabha, is moved by her resolve and, after being counseled by his father, a Muni, understands the gravity of his actions. He apologizes and agrees to take her to a Jain nun.
• Reunion with Yugbahu (as a Deva): On their way to meet the nun, a divine being appears. This Deva reveals himself to be Yugbahu, who, due to Madanrekha's teachings of peace and non-attachment at his death, attained a divine realm. He expresses gratitude for her influence on his spiritual progress.
• Revelation of Her Sons: The Deva Yugbahu shows Madanrekha visions of her sons. Her elder son, Chandrayash, has become king of Sudarshanpur. Her younger son, born in the forest, was found by King Padmarath of Mithila and named Namikumar, growing up to be a powerful prince.
• Manirath's Demise: The Deva also reveals that Manirath, fleeing after murdering Yugbahu, was bitten by a poisonous snake and died, receiving karmic retribution.
• Namikumar's Encounter with Chandrayash: The story then shifts to the future where Prince Namikumar, seeking his lost elephant, unknowingly attacks Chandrayash's kingdom. The two brothers, unaware of their relationship, engage in war.
• Madanrekha's Intervention and Reconciliation: Madanrekha, now a nun named Subrata, and another nun intervene to stop the fratricidal war. She reveals to Namikumar that Chandrayash is his elder brother and that she is his mother. The emotional reunion leads to peace.
• Renunciation: Chandrayash abdicates his throne and takes diksha (ascetic initiation). Namikumar becomes king of Sudarshanpur. Later, through a profound realization about detachment, Namikumar also renounces his worldly possessions and embarks on a spiritual path.
• Madanrekha's Ultimate Attainment: Madanrekha, having fulfilled her maternal duties and spiritual path, achieves Moksha (liberation).

The comic concludes with a call for readers to become members of the Diwakar Chitrakatha series to continue enjoying and learning from Jain literature, highlighting the importance of moral values, courage, and spiritual pursuit. It also includes a powerful message promoting vegetarianism and compassion towards all living beings.