Muldev Nrup Charitram

The provided text is a section of the Muldev Nrup Charitram (The Biography of King Muldev), authored by Harshvijay and published by Vinay Bhakti Sundar Charan Granthmala. This summary is based on the provided pages, detailing the early life and rise to power of King Muldev, a Jain narrative.

Early Life and Virtues:

The story begins with Muldev as a prince in the Bharata region, specifically in the city of Patliputra. He is described as handsome, liberal-minded, skilled in all arts, eloquent, grateful, knowledgeable, and pure-hearted. He possesses great courage and is known for keeping his promises. Muldev has a unique quality: he adopts the nature of anyone he meets, much like a crystal that reflects the color of what it touches. He moves through the city like a celestial being, captivating everyone with his curiosity and wonder.

The Gambling Addiction and Exile:

Despite his many virtues, Muldev suffers from a severe gambling addiction, which is seen as a flaw in his otherwise perfect character, like a blemish on the moon. Even after being forbidden by his parents, he cannot break this habit. Consequently, his father disowns him, and Muldev leaves his home city, traveling to Ujjain.

In Ujjain and the Encounter with Devdatta:

In Ujjain, Muldev adopts the guise of a dwarf through the use of a magical pill. He impresses the locals with his numerous skills and talents. Ujjain is also home to Devdatta, a renowned courtesan, beautiful and skilled in all arts, and proud of her talents. Muldev, hearing of her abilities, decides to test her skills.

Muldev's Artistic Prowess and Devdatta's Affection:

Muldev, in his dwarf form, goes to Devdatta's residence and sings a song so captivating that it enchants her, comparing her heart to a deer drawn to a magnet. Devdatta is amazed by the unprecedented beauty of the song and realizes the singer is no ordinary person. She sends her maid to fetch him. The maid returns, describing the dwarf singer as small in stature but possessing a captivating heart. Devdatta then sends a more direct invitation. Muldev initially refuses, citing the Buddhist principle that wise people avoid association with courtesans. However, Devdatta's persistent charm and the maid's entreaties persuade him. As he walks with the maid, Muldev subtly uses his skills to guide her, surprising her with his talent.

Devdatta is delighted to meet Muldev and is impressed by his beauty and charm, inviting him to sit on a high seat. Through their conversation, filled with witty and learned discussions, Muldev wins Devdatta's heart.

Demonstrating Musical Talent and Further Recognition:

A skilled musician arrives at Devdatta's place and plays the veena (lute). Devdatta praises his playing. Muldev then observes that while the musician is skilled, there is a subtle flaw in the instrument – a damaged string and a problem with the bow. He proves his understanding by taking the veena, repairing it with a piece of crystal (likely referring to something sharp and hard) and a part of the bow, and then playing it masterfully, creating beautiful music that enchants everyone, including Devdatta and the original musician. The musician is so impressed that he requests Muldev to teach him. Muldev humbly directs him to a great musician named Vikramasena in Patliputra, implying that he himself is still learning.

A dance master, Vishwabhuti, also arrives. Devdatta introduces Muldev to him. Muldev challenges Vishwabhuti's interpretation of a story related to Bharata (likely referring to Bharata's dance or a mythological figure). Muldev points out contradictions in Vishwabhuti's explanation. Vishwabhuti, angered by this criticism, is further provoked when Muldev suggests his anger is only relevant when discussing dance and not in other contexts. Vishwabhuti leaves in embarrassment.

The Massage and Revelation of True Form:

Later, Devdatta decides to offer Muldev a massage. Muldev agrees, surprising Devdatta with his skill in applying oil and his gentle touch. Devdatta, impressed by his all-around expertise and softness, suspects he is no ordinary person but a divine being in disguise. She prostrates before him and asks him to reveal his true form. Muldev, moved by her sincerity, uses a magical pill to transform back into his handsome, youthful, and captivating original form. Devdatta is overjoyed and continues to tend to him.

Shared Affection and Continued Gambling:

After bathing and eating, Muldev and Devdatta spend time together in deep conversation, sharing their affection. Devdatta confesses that she has met many skilled people but none have captured her heart like Muldev. She praises him, comparing him to precious gems. Muldev, however, continues his gambling habit. Devdatta lovingly chides him for this addiction, likening it to a blemish on the ocean. Muldev, despite her pleas, doesn't give up gambling, acknowledging that such addictions are difficult for even the virtuous to shed.

The Merchant Achala's Jealousy and Devdatta's Steadfastness:

A wealthy merchant named Achala, who is also infatuated with Devdatta, learns of Muldev's presence. He provides Devdatta with wealth, but Devdatta's heart is solely for Muldev. Achala becomes jealous and begins to look for Muldev's weaknesses. Devdatta's mother, who is greedy for wealth, urges her to abandon Muldev for Achala. However, Devdatta remains steadfast, stating that she is not just after wealth but is devoted to Muldev's virtues. Her mother attempts to dissuade her by showing her examples of worthless things and valuable things, implying she should abandon Muldev like the former. Devdatta counters by comparing Muldev to a gem, showing his worth.

The Test of Generosity and Muldev's Continued Support:

To test Achala's generosity, Devdatta sends her maid to him with a request. Achala, in response, sends a cartload of sugarcane. Devdatta's mother is impressed by Achala's generosity. Devdatta, however, points out that while the sugarcane might be useful to Achala (referring to his elephant), it is not as useful to her. She suggests that Muldev be consulted, implying his superior judgment. Muldev, in his dwarf form, receives the sugarcane, peels it, and prepares it in a way that impresses Devdatta.

Achala's Deception and Muldev's Capture:

Devdatta's mother, realizing Devdatta's deep attachment, devises a plan. She tells Achala to falsely inform Devdatta that she is leaving for another village, knowing that Achala will then wait for Muldev and attempt to capture him. Achala agrees and informs Devdatta he is leaving. Devdatta, unaware of the plot, allows Muldev to enter her home. Achala, with his men, arrives at Devdatta's house. Devdatta informs Muldev of Achala's arrival. Fearing capture, Muldev hides under the bed. Achala, sitting on the bed, instructs Devdatta to prepare for his bath. Devdatta tries to accommodate him. Achala then asks Devdatta to massage him. She complies, despite her reluctance.

Muldev's Humiliation and Escape:

Achala, realizing Muldev is under the bed, orders him to be pulled out. Muldev is dragged out by his hair and questioned by Achala, who reminds him of his inability to find refuge. Muldev, seeing Achala's armed men, realizes his predicament and thinks about seeking revenge later. He tells Achala to do whatever he wishes. Achala, impressed by Muldev's noble demeanor even in distress, questions his ability to resist temptations. He then releases Muldev, asking for his help in return. Muldev, freed, goes to a nearby lake and bathes. He vows to find a way to avenge himself.

The Journey with the Brahman and the Test of Hospitality:

While traveling, Muldev meets a Brahman named Nirghana Sharma, who is on a journey to a village called Veer-nidhi. Muldev informs him that he is going to Venna-tat. They travel together. During their journey, they stop by a pond. Muldev washes his hands and feet and rests in the shade. The Brahman, however, eats his own food without sharing any with Muldev, despite Muldev's hunger. Muldev, though hungry, refrains from asking, thinking the Brahman will offer it later. The Brahman continues his journey without sharing. On the third day, Muldev, weak from hunger, is told by the Brahman that their paths diverge. Muldev thanks the Brahman for his companionship, mentioning how he helped him cross the forest, and asks him to visit him at Venna-tat and reveal his name. The Brahman introduces himself as Nirghana Sharma and departs.

Divine Intervention and Kingship:

Muldev, continuing his journey, arrives at a village and seeks alms. He finds only kulmasha (a type of grain). He collects it and heads towards a reservoir. Meanwhile, he encounters a monk on a fast. Muldev, recognizing the monk's piety, offers him the kulmasha, considering it a virtuous act. The monk accepts the food. A celestial being appears and praises Muldev's devotion to the monk, offering him a boon. Muldev asks for Devdatta and a kingdom with a thousand elephants. The celestial being grants his wish. Muldev, after bidding farewell to the monk, returns to Venna-tat and sleeps in a travelers' lodge.

In his dream, Muldev sees himself becoming king. He confides this to another traveler, who interprets his dream as a sign of impending kingship. Muldev wakes up and goes to a garden. The king of the city, who had lost his son, is looking for a suitable successor. The divine attributes like elephants, horses, umbrellas, and fans appear, indicating a kingly aura. They find Muldev in the garden and perform his coronation. A celestial voice declares him as King Vikramaraja, favored by gods.

Return of Devdatta and Marriage:

Devdatta, witnessing Muldev's humiliation at Achala's hands, becomes enraged. She confronts Achala and declares that Muldev is now her husband and he should never come to her home again. She then goes to the king and demands her boon: Muldev's presence in her home. The king agrees to bring Muldev. Devdatta, now married to Muldev, lives with him, enjoying worldly pleasures and performing religious duties.

Achala's Return and Humiliation:

Achala returns with his merchandise. He inquires about the king and is told about King Vikramaraja. He goes to meet the king, offering valuable gifts. The king agrees to see his goods. Achala shows his merchandise, but the king is unimpressed, stating it is not his true wealth. The king then demands his real goods and threatens him with punishment if he lies. Achala denies lying. The king orders half of Achala's wealth to be given to him and the rest to be weighed, implying a suspicion of fraud. The king discovers that Achala's merchandise is not as valuable as he claimed. Angered, the king orders Achala to be arrested.

Muldev's Benevolence and Achala's Redemption:

Muldev, recognizing Achala and recalling his past actions, intercedes with the king. The king, seeing Devdatta's influence over Muldev, forgives Achala. Achala is humbled and grateful. The king gives Achala gifts and allows him to return to Avanti.

Muldev's Encounter with the Merchant Nirpuna Sharma:

A Brahman named Nirpuna Sharma, who had previously helped Muldev in his journey, hears of Muldev's kingship and comes to meet him. The king recognizes him and, as a token of his gratitude, grants him a village.

The Bandit and the Hidden Treasure:

One day, citizens report rampant theft in the city. Muldev vows to catch the thief. He goes out at night in disguise to find the culprit. He encounters a bandit in a ruined temple. The bandit, mistaking Muldev for a fellow thief, offers to share his hidden treasure. Muldev, feigning interest, follows the bandit to a secret chamber. Inside, he finds a beautiful girl. The bandit reveals his intentions to take her as his wife. Muldev, however, is captivated by the girl.

Muldev's Justice and the Bandit's Fate:

Muldev, having the bandit's hidden treasure, uses it to impress the king. He is rewarded and the bandit is punished. The king appoints Muldev as his chief minister. Muldev, using his intelligence, helps the king manage the kingdom's finances, ensuring that all wealth is properly accounted for and distributed. He ensures that the bandit's treasure is returned to its rightful owners. The narrative concludes with a reflection on how even those with flaws can achieve great things with proper guidance, and how fortunate are those who attain a human life, which is rare and valuable. The story also briefly mentions the traveler Muldev met earlier, who is still seeking his fortune through interpreting dreams.

This summary covers the main events and characters from the provided text, highlighting Muldev's journey from a disgraced prince to a wise and just king, his relationship with Devdatta, and his encounters with various characters.