Mohanvijay Krut Chand Rajano Ras

This document is a comprehensive summary and analysis of the Jain religious text "Chand Rājāno Ras" (The Ballad of King Chand), written by Mohanvijay, a disciple of Rupvijay. The text was composed in Samvat 1783 (Gregorian calendar equivalent approximately 1726-1727 CE).

Key aspects of the text discussed:

• Structure and Scale: The "Ras" is a lengthy work divided into four sections ("ullas") and comprises 108 verses ("dhal"). It contains a total of 2679 verses of narrative.
• Narrative Focus: The author, Kirtida Joshi, highlights that the text is primarily driven by its engaging narrative and focuses on the "wonderous" (adbhutaras).
• Plot Summary:
  • The story begins with King Virsen of Abhapuri accidentally entering a forest and finding a pond named Pushkarani. While bathing, he rescues a young woman, Princess Chandravati, who had been abducted by a sorcerer. Chandravati reveals a prophecy stating that King Virsen will be her husband.
  • Virsen marries Chandravati, which causes distress to his elder queen, Viramati, who is childless. Chandravati gives birth to a son named Chand, who is the protagonist of the "Ras."
  • Viramati's dissatisfaction stems from her inability to have children. She seeks help from a Vidyadhar (celestial being) who gives her a parrot. The parrot advises her to meet celestial nymphs at a temple on Chaitri Purnima.
  • The nymphs offer Viramati various supernatural powers in lieu of children. Viramati becomes arrogant and misuses these powers.
  • King Virsen and Chandravati, upon reaching old age, arrange Chand's marriage to Gunavali and then renounce worldly life to become ascetics. Chand respects his mother's wishes and lives happily with Gunavali.
  • Viramati, unable to tolerate Chand's happiness, schemes to send Gunavali away by creating an artificial rainy season and spreading sleep-inducing fumes.
  • Chand cleverly hides with Gunavali in a hollow tree. They witness Viramati's trickery.
  • Chand and Gunavali travel to Vimalpuri and attend a wedding. There, Chand is mistaken for the groom by King Kankarath of Sindhpur, who is trying to marry off his disfigured, leperous son, Kankadhvaj, to Princess Premlalchhi.
  • Kankarath explains his predicament: he and his wife, Kanakavati, were childless. His wife's devotion pleased their family deity, but the deity revealed that Kankarath had no son. Despite this, the deity blessed them with a son who was born with leprosy. To hide this, they falsely praised their son's appearance.
  • Merchants from Vimalpuri praised Kankadhvaj's (falsely) to King Makaradhvaj of Vimalpuri, leading to the engagement of his daughter Premlalchhi to Kankadhvaj. Kankarath's minister, Himsak (meaning "violent" or "harmful"), who is depicted as deceitful, devises a plan to substitute Chand for Kankadhvaj.
  • Chand agrees to marry Premlalchhi under duress and circumstances manipulated by Kankarath and Himsak.
  • During the wedding ceremonies, Chand, through a magical charm enacted by Viramati and Himsak, is transformed into a cock (kukda). Premlalchhi is unaware of this deception.
  • Viramati warns Gunavali not to reveal the secret about Chand being a cock.
  • Premlalchhi is heartbroken and rejects the leprous Kankadhvaj. Her mother falsely accuses Premlalchhi of causing Kankadhvaj's illness. Premlalchhi's father orders her execution, but she boldly faces her executioners.
  • Premlalchhi reveals the truth about Chand being her true husband.
  • Meanwhile, the merchants who had praised Kankadhvaj are found to have lied to King Makaradhvaj.
  • Four months pass, and Premlalchhi keeps the cock-Chand with her. She then takes him on a pilgrimage to Pundargir. At the Sun-Kund, Chand, seeking freedom from his suffering and a better rebirth, jumps into the kund. Premlalchhi follows him.
  • Upon touching the water, the charm binding Chand is broken, and he reverts to human form. The protective deity rescues them both. Premlalchhi recognizes Chand, and her father is informed. Chand returns to Abhapuri with Premlalchhi.
  • Chand forgives Kankarath for his deceit, showing magnanimity. He secretly informs Gunavali and his minister about his liberation.
  • Viramati attempts to kill Chand with the help of deities, but Chand's influence causes the deities to cause Viramati's death instead.
  • Chand returns to Abhapuri with Premlalchhi. Gunavali and Premlalchhi develop a mutual affection, and Chand has two sons with Gunavali.
  • When Muni Susuvrataswami visits Abhapuri, Chand asks about the cause of his suffering. The muni narrates Chand's past lives. Inspired, Chand, along with his two queens, minister, and the actors, takes religious vows (diksha).
• Literary and Thematic Analysis:
  • Praise for Narrative: The text is praised for its engaging narrative that maintains a consistent pace, keeping the reader curious about what happens next.
  • Key Jain Principles: The "Ras" centers on the four main principles of Jainism: Dan (charity), Sheel (virtue/conduct), Tap (austerity), and Bhav (devotion). It also discusses the significance of karma, destiny, and prioritizing the welfare of others over oneself.
  • Descriptions: The text includes descriptions of Vimalpuri, Chand's court, Abhapuri, horses, Gunavali's grief, and Premlalchhi's beauty.
  • Wisdom and Sayings: The poet incorporates practical wisdom, proverbs, ethical teachings, and epigrams, reflecting the poet's extensive life experience and knowledge. Examples include: "A man who eats datura sees gold everywhere," "Haste makes waste, patience builds palaces," "Fate cannot be altered," and "Only the moon and sun are eclipsed, not the stars."
  • Characteristic Expressions: The author notes the poet's unique style, such as the description of sweetness that causes even a "khan" (possibly a type of fruit or flower) to break into pieces.
  • Karmic Influence: The narrative emphasizes that all characters face various hardships due to their past-life karma and are freed from these difficulties as their karma ripens. The poet's organization in depicting the connections between past and present lives is commendable.
  • Poetic Devices: The text is a poem meant for singing, with the poet carefully structuring it for musicality. Each verse ("dhal") begins with a couplet ("duha") that aids in advancing the narrative. There are 108 different meters ("desi") used, showcasing the poet's vast knowledge. The extensive use of alliteration and assonance is also noted.
  • Inclusion of Other Works: The work also incorporates two letters written by Deepvijay between Chand and Gunavali, highlighting their respective problems.

In essence, "Chand Rājāno Ras" is a rich Jain narrative poem that interweaves religious teachings with compelling storytelling, exploring themes of karma, destiny, devotion, and the consequences of one's actions, all presented in a melodious and engaging poetic format.