Mantung Manavati Chaupai - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mantung Manavati Chaupai" by Abhayasoma, based on the provided content:

Book Title: Mantung Manavati Chaupai Author: Abhayasoma Editor: Kanubhai V. Sheth Publisher: Mahavir Jain Vidyalay Suvarna Mahotsav Granth, Part 1 (Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/230013/1)

Summary:

The "Mantung Manavati Chaupai" is a narrative poem composed by the Jain monk Abhayasoma in Samvat 1727 (circa 1770 CE). This particular edition has been meticulously edited by Kanubhai V. Sheth, based on a manuscript from Samvat 1747 (circa 1790 CE) that was written in Bhuj. The manuscript itself is a copy of an older text from the collection of Muni Shri Punyavijayji.

Author's Background:

Abhayasoma was a disciple of Samasundar, who was in turn a disciple of Jinachand of the Kharatar Gachchha. Beyond this lineage, little personal information about Abhayasoma is available. Other scholars like Shri Mohanlal Dalichand Desai have attributed works to Abhayasoma dating from Samvat 1711 to 1729, including "Vaidhi Chopai," "Vikramcharitra Khapra Chopai," and "Vikramcharitra (Lilavati) Chaupai."

Linguistic Style:

The language of the Chaupai is a blend of Marwari and Gujarati, referred to by scholars as "Maru-Gurjar" or "Rajasthani-Gujar."

Manuscript Details:

The primary manuscript for this edition consists of 8 pages, each measuring approximately 7.5 x 4.7 inches. Each page contains 17 lines of text. The text is written in a clear Devanagari script.

Narrative Summary:

The story begins with Abhayasoma offering salutations to his guru, Saraswati, and the Sadguru.

The central narrative revolves around King Mantung of Ujjain, a virtuous and victorious ruler. He is married to the beautiful and virtuous Queen Gunasundari. In the same city lives a wealthy merchant, Dhanapati, and his wife Dhanavati, who have a daughter named Manavati. Manavati is described as being as beautiful as Rambha, skilled in sixty-four arts, and exceptionally wise.

Manavati's Challenge and King Mantung's Resolve:

One night, King Mantung overhears a group of young women discussing how to please their husbands. While some speak of service and good food, Manavati declares that true marriage is when a husband is completely subjugated by his wife. She sets a daring challenge: she will marry a man who can wash her feet with seven pots of water, and whose palms can be placed under her feet as she steps on the ground. King Mantung, hearing this, decides to marry Manavati and humble her pride.

Manavati's Strategic Deceptions:

The First Deception (The "Gini" Disguise): The next day, King Mantung, through his minister, proposes to Manavati. However, instead of taking her to his palace, he confines her to a special one-pillared mansion under heavy guard. He then instructs her to prove her words by bringing him under her control. Manavati, determined to fulfill her vow, informs her father, Dhanapati, of the situation. Dhanapati facilitates the digging of a secret tunnel from his house to the one-pillared mansion, allowing Manavati to escape her confinement. Manavati then disguises herself as a "Gini" (a mendicant or yogini), carrying a veena. She wanders the city, captivating everyone with her music. King Mantung, attracted by her melodious veena playing, summons her. Seeing her, he is reminded of Manavati and falls deeper into contemplation. Manavati, sensing his thoughts, takes advantage of the situation.
The King's Condition and the "Vidhyadhari" Encounter: The King, now drawn to the "Gini," asks her to stay permanently with his father, with the condition that he would reside in the same village and house. While the "Gini" agrees, the King faces a dilemma when King Dalathambhan of Mugipatan sends a "coconut" (a symbolic marriage proposal) for his daughter, Ratnavati, to King Mantung. The King cannot leave the "Gini" behind due to his promise. Manavati, overhearing this, agrees to accompany him to Mugipatan in her "Gini" guise. On the way, they stop for a rest. Manavati goes to a lake to bathe, sheds her yogini disguise, adorns herself beautifully, and begins to sing while swinging from a tree branch. King Mantung, coming to check on her due to her delay, sees a beautiful woman instead of the "Gini" and becomes infatuated. The woman introduces herself as a "Vidhyadhari" (a celestial being) and reiterates a similar challenge: she will marry the man who washes her feet with seven pots of water and drinks the water. Mantung, using his cupped hands, fulfills her challenge. The "Vidhyadhari" then cleverly disappears, leaving Mantung disappointed.
The Second "Gini" Disguise and the "Dhāi" Persona: Meanwhile, Manavati, having cleverly escaped, returns as the "Gini" and accompanies King Mantung to Mugipatan. She is left in a garden outside the city while the King goes to marry Ratnavati. Manavati then changes her disguise again. She approaches King Mantung, introducing herself as the "Dhāi" (wet nurse or attendant) of the princess, explaining that due to certain religious observances (the family deity's ritual), the princess cannot yet unite with the King. Later, she identifies herself to the princess's attendants as the King's servant, stating that the union cannot happen until they return to Ujjain for a ritual.
Seduction and Pregnancy: Manavati then stays with King Mantung, serving him and attracting him through her gestures and allure. The King becomes deeply infatuated, and they indulge in worldly pleasures. Consequently, Manavati becomes pregnant with King Mantung's child.

The King's Return and Confirmation:

When Manavati informs the King of her pregnancy, he asks her to return with him to Ujjain. However, she uses King Dalathambhan's influence as an excuse for her inability to do so. She then requests valuable gifts from the King as a token of his affection: a ring with his name, a pearl necklace, and bracelets. Manavati then escapes back to Ujjain and resides in the one-pillared mansion, spreading the news of her pregnancy.

King Mantung, after taking leave of King Dalathambhan, returns to Ujjain. He receives news that Manavati has given birth to a son. Initially skeptical, he receives further messages confirming the birth and eventually returns to Ujjain.

The Revelation and Manavati's Triumph:

In his court, King Mantung is presented with a child who resembles him. Upon inquiry, Manavati reveals her true identity and explains all her disguises, her clever strategies, and how she proved her vow. To convince the King, she presents the ring, pearl necklace, and bracelets she had requested. The King is astonished by her virtue and intelligence and declares her his Chief Queen.

Renunciation and Liberation:

Later, a holy monk visits the city. King Mantung and Manavati go to pay their respects. The monk narrates their past lives. Inspired by the monk's teachings, they embrace the vow of shravakas (lay followers) and attain liberation.

Key Themes:

The Power of a Woman's Vow: The story emphasizes Manavati's unwavering determination to fulfill her vow and her cleverness in achieving her goal.
Virtue and Intelligence: Manavati's story is a testament to how intelligence and virtue can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
The Nature of True Love and Control: Manavati's initial statement about a husband being "subjugated" by his wife and her subsequent actions highlight a unique perspective on marital dynamics.
Spiritual Journey: The narrative culminates in the couple embracing Jain principles and achieving spiritual liberation, signifying the ultimate goal within the Jain tradition.

The Chaupai, through its engaging narrative, illustrates the importance of fulfilling vows, the power of intellect, and the ultimate path to spiritual enlightenment as taught in Jainism.