Malaysundari Katha

This text is the "Malaysundari Katha" (Malaysundari Story), a Jain narrative composed in prose by Manikyasundarsuri. The book was published by Yugpradhan Dada Shree Arya Jay Kalyan Prakashan. This particular edition is the first print, published in Vikram Samvat 2034 (corresponding to 1977/1978 CE) and dedicated to the memory of Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir.

The story is a retelling of the tale of Malaysundari, which was originally narrated by Keshin, the chief disciple of Lord Parshvanatha, to King Shankhanarendra. The author states that this prose version is a concise summary of a more extensive earlier composition in Prakrit and Sanskrit verse.

The narrative begins by invoking Lord Parshvanatha and then introduces the story of Malaysundari. The first section ("Ullasa" or chapter) focuses on her birth and early life.

Here's a summary of the key events and characters covered in the provided text:

• The King and Queens: King Virdhaval of Chandravati ruled with his queens Champakamala and Kanakavati.
• The Merchants Lobhanandi and Lobhakar: These two brothers were greedy merchants. Lobhanandi had no children, while Lobhakar had a son named Gunavarma.
• The Mysterious Man and the Alchemical Tumbaka: Lobhanandi and Lobhakar encountered a man who gave them a "rasatumbaka" (a vessel containing a substance that turns base metals into gold) for safekeeping. They saw it turn iron into gold but, blinded by greed, hid it from the man when he returned. Angered, the man used a magical spell ("stambhani vidya") to paralyze them.
• Gunavarma's Quest: Gunavarma, upon learning of his father and uncle's predicament, sought the man who had cursed them. His journey led him to the deserted city of Kushavardhana, ruled by King Suro. He learned from Prince Vijayachandra (King Suro's son) that a Siddha (accomplished spiritual being) had given him magical powers and the rasatumbaka after Gunavarma had helped him. Vijayachandra had been forced to leave his kingdom due to his brother Jayachandra's arrogance.
• The Rakshasa and Vijayachandra's Sister-in-law: Vijayachandra recounted how his brother Jayachandra was killed by a Rakshasa. This Rakshasa, who was a cursed king, preyed on Vijayachandra's sister-in-law, Vijaya. She revealed that the Rakshasa could be subdued if someone massaged his feet with ghee, which made him drowsy. She also mentioned that he would kill anyone he perceived as a threat.
• Gunavarma's Action: Gunavarma, with Vijayachandra's help, subdued the Rakshasa by massaging his feet. He then used a "vashikarani" (enchantment) spell to control the Rakshasa, who restored the kingdom and its inhabitants.
• Gunavarma's Father's Release: Gunavarma then sought a way to release his father and uncle. He learned of a magical water in a well on Mount Ekashringa that could break bonds. With the help of Vijayachandra, he obtained the water and, after a complex ritual involving his father, managed to release them. He gave the rasatumbaka to Vijayachandra.
• King Virdhaval's Desire for a Child: King Virdhaval, childless, expressed his sorrow to his queen Champakamala. She suggested worshipping a deity for a son.
• Champakamala's Disappearance: During this discussion, Champakamala's right eye twitched, and she felt unwell. Later, she mysteriously fell into a deep sleep, appearing as if dead.
• The Attempted Sati and the Divine Intervention: The king, believing her dead, prepared for her cremation. However, a large wooden log washed ashore. Upon opening it, they found Champakamala alive, adorned with flowers and jewels, seemingly awakened from a deep sleep.
• Champakamala's Explanation: Champakamala recounted her experience. Her right eye twitching was a sign. While sleeping, she was abducted and taken to Mount Malay, where she was freed. She was then met by Chakreshvari Devi, the tutelary deity of Lord Rishabhadeva. Chakreshvari explained that Champakamala's brother-in-law, Virapala, envious of King Virdhaval, had conspired with a Rakshasa (who was a former enemy) to abduct her to cause the king distress. Chakreshvari also foretold that Champakamala would have twins. She was then brought to Mount Malay by a Khechari (celestial being). Chakreshvari gave her a necklace called "Lakshmipushpa." She was then taken by another Khechari, who, fearing her husband's jealousy, hid her in a wooden chest and cast her into a river. She was eventually found by King Kandarp at Sagarapuri.
• The Twins: Champakamala later gave birth to twins, a son named Malayketu and a daughter named Malaysundari, named after the mountain where she was miraculously found.
• The Second Chapter (Dvitiiya Ullasa) introduces:
  • Mahabala: Prince Mahabala, son of King Surapala of Pruthvisthan, a skilled warrior. He received magical medicines from a Siddha that could change his appearance.
  • The Meeting of Mahabala and Malaysundari: Mahabala visited Chandravati and, through a clever note passed via a bird, expressed his admiration for Malaysundari, who reciprocated his feelings.
  • The Elopement Attempt and Transformation: Mahabala visited Malaysundari secretly. To prove his identity and impress her, he transformed himself into the form of Queen Champakamala using a magical pill.
  • Confrontation and Discovery: King Virdhaval saw Mahabala (in disguise) with his wife and, after a confrontation where Mahabala was identified by Kanakavati, the king ordered him to be punished. Mahabala, however, used his powers to transform Malaysundari into a male form and escape.
  • The Necklace and Jealousy: Malaysundari gave Mahabala the Lakshmipushpa necklace as a token of love. Kanakavati, envious of Malaysundari, falsely accused her and Mahabala to the king.
  • Mahabala's Trials: Mahabala faced numerous challenges, including being captured, transformed into a snake, swallowed by a python, and nearly killed. He also encountered yogis and faced divine trials to prove his worth and regain his true form.
  • The Reunion and the Swyamvara: After overcoming many obstacles, Mahabala participated in a "swayamvara" (a ceremony where a princess chooses her husband) for Malaysundari. He won the competition by fulfilling a prophecy involving breaking a pillar with an arrow.
  • The Return of the Parents: King Surapala and King Virdhaval, who had been searching for their children, were reunited with Mahabala and Malaysundari.
  • The Resolution of Past Karma: The story delves into past lives, explaining how the characters' current predicaments were a result of past karmic actions, including disrespecting a Muni (monk).
  • The Final Release: Through their devotion and righteous actions, Mahabala and Malaysundari eventually achieved enlightenment and liberation (Siddhi). The story emphasizes the importance of righteous conduct, devotion to Jain principles, and the power of karma.

The overall narrative highlights themes of karma, destiny, the consequences of greed and envy, divine intervention, and the power of love and virtue in overcoming adversity. It is a complex story with many plot twists and transformations, illustrating the Jain philosophy of cyclical rebirth and the karmic consequences of actions.