Nabhakraj Charitra - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Nabhakraj Charitra" by Merutungacharya, compiled and translated by Gunsundarvijay, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Nabhakraj Charitra (The Life Story of King Nabhak) Authors: Merutungacharya (Original Sanskrit Text), Gunsundarvijay (Gujarati & Hindi Translation/Editing) Publisher: Divya Darshan Trust

Core Theme and Purpose:

The central message of "Nabhakraj Charitra" is the profound importance of protecting and properly utilizing Devadravya (wealth dedicated to Jain deities and temples). The text powerfully illustrates the dire consequences of misusing or consuming this sacred wealth, contrasting it with the immense spiritual benefits derived from its preservation and appropriate use. The book aims to educate and reinforce the understanding of Jain principles regarding religious assets.

Key Narratives and Teachings:

The book presents several interwoven stories and discussions to convey its message:

The Story of King Nabhak:
- King Nabhak, a virtuous ruler, desires to undertake a pilgrimage to the sacred Shatrunjay mountain.
- However, he faces repeated obstacles and misfortunes preventing him from going.
- Seeking guidance from his Guru, Acharya Yugandhar Suriji, Nabhak learns that these impediments are due to his past karma.
- The Guru recounts the story of Nabhak's previous life as King Chandraditya, who suffered from leprosy due to the misuse of sandalwood from a temple. This highlights how even seemingly minor misuse of sacred items can have severe karmic repercussions.
- To overcome his current obstacles and purify himself, Nabhak undertakes rigorous penance and makes significant donations for the construction and upkeep of temples, ultimately enabling his journey and spiritual progress.
The Tale of Samudra and Simha (Two Brothers):
- This is a pivotal narrative illustrating the core theme. Samudra (ocean) and Simha (lion) are two brothers who find a hidden treasure.
- A copper plate reveals the treasure to be Devadravya, buried by a person named Naga (a member of a lineage dedicated to temples).
- Samudra, the virtuous brother, wishes to use the treasure for the welfare of the deity (Naga's intention) at Shatrunjay Tirtha.
- Simha, influenced by his greedy wife, wants to use the wealth for personal gain, specifically his daughter's marriage.
- Samudra tries to dissuade Simha, explaining the severe karmic consequences of consuming Devadravya, comparing it to consuming poison. He emphasizes that such actions lead to immense suffering and spiritual downfall.
- Simha ignores the advice, divides the wealth, and appropriates the Devadravya.
- Consequences:
  - Samudra becomes King Samudrapal, rules justly, performs virtuous deeds, uses his wealth for the betterment of the faith, and eventually attains liberation (moksha) within three lifetimes.
  - Simha, due to his greed and misuse of Devadravya, experiences an incredibly long and torturous cycle of rebirths, enduring unimaginable suffering across numerous animal forms (serpent, bird, lion, etc.) and multiple hellish lifetimes (nineteen koti-koti sagaropam – a vast period). The story of Simha serves as a stark warning.
The Story of Naga Koutumbik (The Original Owner of the Treasure):
- Naga, the original owner of the treasure, appears as a benevolent celestial being (Vyantar Dev) to King Nabhak.
- Naga reveals his past life as a temple custodian who misused temple wealth (like sandalwood) for personal comfort. This led to the destruction of his family and immense suffering in hellish realms.
- After a long period of wandering through various life forms, he was reborn as a wealthy merchant. However, due to the remaining karmic traces of his past actions, he was later reborn as a donkey, serving a potter. This illustrates the long-lasting impact of even minor transgressions against Devadravya.
- Naga seeks the merit from King Nabhak's pilgrimage to Shatrunjay, highlighting the power of shared merit and good deeds.
The Story of the Devoted Dog:
- A brief anecdote recounts a dog, which in a previous life was a devout temple priest who inadvertently consumed ghee from a deity's idol.
- This minor transgression resulted in the dog experiencing seven lives as a dog, emphasizing the severe karmic repercussions of even unintentional misuse of Devadravya.
The Story of Seth Dhanadhya (The Wealthy Merchant):
- Dhanadhya guides King Nabhak about the glory of Shatrunjay Tirtha, a place blessed by Lord Rishabhdev.
- The text extols the spiritual significance of Shatrunjay, highlighting that devotion and pilgrimage there lead to liberation.
Discussion on Giving Merit (Sukrutdan):
- The text addresses the concept of transferring merit. It confirms that it is possible and beneficial to give merit.
- It clarifies that the merit is received by the recipient based on their faith and the donor's sincere action. It is best to perform good deeds while alive for one's own benefit and for the benefit of others.
Scriptural References on Devadravya:
- The book includes numerous scriptural quotes (Shastra Pāṭha) from Jain texts like Shrāddha Dinakrutya, Vasudevahiṇḍī, etc.
- These verses consistently emphasize that Devadravya is strictly meant for the maintenance, renovation, and worship of temples and deities.
- Using it for schools, hospitals, or supporting sadharmiks (fellow Jains) in general is strictly forbidden and considered a form of consumption (bhakshan).
- Specific warnings are given against deviating from the prescribed use of Devadravya, with severe karmic consequences.
The Role of Gurus and Acharyas:
- The teachings of revered Acharyas like Merutungacharya, Yugandhar Suri, and others are central. Their interpretations and pronouncements on matters of Jain conduct, especially concerning Devadravya, are presented as authoritative.
- The book is a "Bhāvānuvād" (emotional/interpretive translation) and editing by Pandiṭ Śrī Guṇasundaravijayajī, who meticulously studied the original Sanskrit work of Acharya Merutungacharya.

Key Takeaways for the Reader:

Strict Prohibition of Misuse: Devadravya is exclusively for the maintenance, worship, and upkeep of Jain temples and idols. Any deviation, including using it for charitable causes outside the direct temple/deity context, is a grave sin leading to immense suffering.
Karmic Repercussions: The text powerfully illustrates that actions related to Devadravya have direct and severe karmic consequences. Protecting it leads to immense spiritual merit and progress towards liberation, while consuming it results in prolonged suffering in lower realms and hellish existences.
Importance of Faith and Purity: True devotion involves adhering to scriptural injunctions regarding religious wealth.
Guidance from Gurus: Seeking guidance from learned Acharyas is crucial for understanding and correctly implementing Jain principles.
Shatrunjay Tirtha: The sanctity and spiritual significance of Shatrunjay mountain are highlighted as a powerful pilgrimage site that can purify even severe sins.

Overall Message:

"Nabhakraj Charitra" serves as a vital reminder and cautionary tale for all Jains about their responsibility towards Devadravya. It underscores that the purity and proper management of these sacred funds are paramount for individual spiritual growth and the preservation of Jain dharma. The narratives are designed to instill a deep respect and awe for these principles, urging followers to be vigilant guardians of religious wealth.