Mandavgadh Ka Mantri Pethad Kumar Parichay - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mandavgadh Ka Mantri Pethad Kumar Parichay" by Hansvijay, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Mandavgadh Ka Mantri Pethad Kumar Parichay (Introduction to Pethad Kumar, the Minister of Mandavgadh)

Author: Muni Shri Hansvijayji Maharaj

Publisher: Shri Hansvijay Jain Free Library, Vadodara (Baroda)

Overall Purpose: This book is presented as a religious and historical narrative aimed at imparting moral and spiritual lessons through the life story of Pethad Kumar. It highlights virtues like patience, righteous spending, devotion, and adherence to Jain principles.

Key Sections and Content:

Author's Introduction and Dedication:
- The book is published by the Shri Hansvijay Jain Free Library, indicating its devotional and educational purpose.
- It is dedicated to the memory of Babu Lakshmichandji Karnawat, who was a supporter of the Jain community and its institutions. His family's contributions are acknowledged.
- The book is presented as a humble offering to him, seeking his soul's eternal peace.
Historical Context and Time Period:
- The narrative is situated around the 13th century CE, approximately the year 1200 AD.
- It mentions the political landscape of the time, including the rule of Alauddin Khilji in Delhi and the Karnavaghela dynasty in Gujarat.
- The flourishing state of Mandavgadh (also known as Mandap Durge or Mangalkal) is described, which was then ruled by Rana Jaisinghdev of the Parmar dynasty.
- The book notes the decline of Mandavgadh over time, with its historical remnants now being just ruins.
The Life of Pethad Kumar (also referred to as Pethad Shah or Pethad Mantri):
- Humble Beginnings: Pethad Kumar's story begins with extreme poverty. His father, Dedashah, was a householder struggling with destitution.
- Divine Intervention and Riches: Dedashah encounters a yogi named Nagarjun, who teaches him the secret of "Suvarna Siddhi" (alchemy to create gold). Dedashah uses this newfound wealth for good, helping the poor and needy.
- King's Jealousy and Exile: Dedashah's prosperity attracts the king's attention, leading to his imprisonment. However, due to divine grace (possibly related to Shri Sthanjan Parshvanath's devotion), he and his wife, Vimla Sethani, escape and relocate to Vidyapur.
- Spiritual Awakening and Business Acumen: In Vidyapur, Dedashah (now Pethad Kumar) witnesses the ascetic lifestyle of Jain monks and is inspired. He becomes a devoted follower. He later engages in business, starting with a successful venture involving saffron, which leads to him and his son, Jhajhan Kumar, being appointed as ministers by King Jaisinghdev of Mandavgadh.
- Pethad Kumar's Virtues and Good Deeds:
  - Generosity and Philanthropy: He spent immense wealth on religious and charitable activities, including building numerous Jain temples (Jinalayas) and supporting the community.
  - Devotion to Gurus: He showed profound respect and devotion to his spiritual preceptor, Acharya Shri Dharmaghoshasuri. This is exemplified by his elaborate celebrations for the Acharya's arrival and his heartfelt prayers expressing his gratitude.
  - Adherence to Jain Vows: Pethad Kumar, along with his wife, accepted the vow of Brahmacharya (celibacy) at the age of 32 and strictly followed it. His adherence to this vow had miraculous effects, healing the queen's illness and restoring a king's elephant.
  - Prohibition of Vices: He persuaded King Jaisinghdev to issue royal decrees prohibiting the seven deadly vices (gambling, meat-eating, drinking, prostitution, theft, lying, and adultery) and enforcing these prohibitions on auspicious days.
  - Pilgrimages and Temple Building: He undertook extensive pilgrimages to sacred Jain sites like Shatrunjaya and Girnar, often leading large congregations. He funded the construction and renovation of many Jain temples across various locations.
  - Knowledge and Learning: He was a patron of knowledge, opening Saraswati temples (libraries) and collecting numerous Jain scriptures. He is noted for listening to the entire "Jagvati Sutra" and making offerings of gold coins with each mention of Gautam Swami.
  - Devotion to Deities: He performed daily rituals and prayers to the Jain Tirthankaras with great sincerity. His deep devotion is highlighted when he prioritized his religious duties over a royal summons during an emergency.
  - Patience and Perseverance: Even in his impoverished state, he maintained his patience and faith, which ultimately led to his rise.
- Son's Legacy (Jhajhan Kumar): Pethad Kumar's son, Jhajhan Kumar, also became a minister and continued his father's legacy of devotion, undertaking pilgrimages and supporting the Jain community.
- Pethad Kumar's Heavenly Abode: The book concludes Pethad Kumar's earthly life, stating he passed away to the heavens after a life dedicated to spiritual pursuits and good deeds.
Literary and Scholarly Context:
- The book itself is a condensed version based on the original Sanskrit work "Sukrut Sagar" by Mahakavi Shri Ratnamandanganigani.
- It mentions that Pethad Kumar's story is also found in other Jain texts and chronicles, including those by Acharya Shri Munisundersuriji and Shri Ratnamandanganigani.
- The author, Hansvijayji Maharaj, has undertaken the effort to present this historical and religious account in Hindi for the benefit of a wider audience, acknowledging prior Gujarati translations.
Contribution of Supporters: The book acknowledges the financial contributions of several individuals and families who supported its publication, framing their support as meritorious deeds.

Overall Message: The book aims to inspire readers by showcasing how Pethad Kumar, through his unwavering faith, virtuous actions, and dedication to Jain principles, rose from extreme poverty to a position of influence and spiritual fulfillment. His life serves as an example of how wealth can be righteously earned and used for the upliftment of society and the propagation of Dharma. The narrative emphasizes the transient nature of material wealth and the lasting impact of spiritual devotion and good deeds.