Nag Kumar Charita - Book Summary

Nagakumara Charita by Pushpadanta: A Comprehensive Summary

This comprehensive summary is based on the provided text, which appears to be a critical edition of the Nagakumara Charita (also referred to as Nayaku maracariu or Nayaku maracariu) by the medieval Indian poet Pushpadanta, published by Bharatiya Gyanpith.

I. Introduction and Context

Author: Pushpadanta Mahakavi, a celebrated poet of medieval India known for his learning and self-respect. He wrote three major epic poems in Apabhramsa: Mahapurana, Nayaku maracariu, and Jasaharacariu.
Publisher: Bharatiya Gyanpith, New Delhi, India.
The Text: The Nagakumara Charita is a significant work in Apabhramsa literature, detailing the life story of Prince Nagakumara. This particular edition, compiled and translated by Dr. Hiralal Jain, is a critical edition with Hindi translation, variant readings, a glossary, indices of personal and geographical names, old annotations (tippana), and English notes. It is presented as the second edition, published in Vira Samvat 2498 / Vikram Samvat 2029 / A.D. 1972.
Discovery: Dr. Hiralal Jain discovered the manuscript of the Nagakumara Charita in 1924 from the manuscript stores at Karanja.
Patronage: Pushpadanta composed these works under the patronage of the Rashtrakuta king Krsnaraja (alias Vallabharaya) in Manyakheta, his capital. Specifically, the minister Bharata and his son Nanna were instrumental in encouraging and supporting Pushpadanta's literary endeavors. The Nagakumara Charita is dedicated to Nanna, being named 'Nanna-namankita' (stamped with Nanna's name).
Time of Composition: Pushpadanta began his magnum opus, the Mahapurana, in 959 A.D. and completed it in 965 A.D. The Nagakumara Charita and Jasaharacariu were likely composed around this period. The mention of Krsnaraja ruling at Manyakheta in the text and the historical event of Manyakheta's destruction by Harsadeva of Dhara (before 972 A.D.) help place the composition within the latter half of the 10th century A.D.
Apabhramsa Language: The text is a prime example of Apabhramsa literature, which is a crucial stage in the evolution of Indo-Aryan languages, bridging Classical Sanskrit and modern vernaculars. The introduction discusses the development of the Apabhramsa language and its literary characteristics, including its vocabulary, script, style, and meter.

II. The Story of Nagakumara (Synopsis based on the provided contents and chapter summaries)

The Nagakumara Charita narrates the life story of Prince Nagakumara, highlighting his heroic deeds, spiritual journey, and the principles of Jainism. The narrative spans multiple lifetimes and emphasizes the concept of karma and its consequences.

Sandhi 1: Jayandhara-Vivaha (Marriage of Jayandhara)

Invocation and Poet's Introduction: The epic begins with an invocation to the goddess Sarasvati and an introduction of the poet Pushpadanta.
Request for Composition: The poet describes being inspired by his patrons, Minister Bharata and his son Nanna, to compose the story of Nagakumara, which illustrates the fruits of observing the Sri Panchami fast.
The Story's Origin: The narrative begins with King Srenika of Rajagriha inquiring from Tirthankara Mahavira about the benefits of the Sri Panchami fast.
Kanakapura and Prithvidevi: The story then shifts to Kanakapura in Magadha, ruled by King Jayandhara. A merchant brings a portrait of Prithvidevi, the princess of Girinagara in Saurashtra. Jayandhara falls in love with her portrait, and his minister and the merchant are sent to Girinagara to arrange the marriage.
The Marriage: Prithvidevi is brought to Kanakapura, and the marriage is celebrated.
Queen's Jealousy and Prophecy: Prithvidevi's rival queen, Visalanetra, becomes jealous of her splendor. Prithvidevi visits a Jina temple, where a sage prophesies the birth of a son with extraordinary powers, including the ability to open iron gates with his toe.
Nagakumara's Birth: The prophecy is fulfilled, and Prithvidevi gives birth to a son. A miraculous event occurs when the child, even as an infant, opens the strongly closed temple gate.
Falling into the Well and Naga Adoption: During a temple visit, the child falls into a well but is miraculously saved by a Naga (serpent being) who adopts him and names him Nagakumara.

Sandhi 2: Nagakumara-Janma (Birth of Nagakumara)

Naga's Education: The Naga adopts Nagakumara and educates him in various arts and sciences, including politics.
Return to Father: After his education, Nagakumara returns to his father.
The Dancing Girls and the Test: A dancer named Pancasugandhini arrives, seeking a lute player who can discern the age of her two daughters, Kinnari and Manohari, by their musical performance. Nagakumara impresses her and wins the hearts of both girls.
Marriages: Following his father's advice, Nagakumara marries the two dancing girls, who become his chief queens.
Rivalry and Conflict: A day of water sports leads to a misunderstanding between the queens, and Sridhara, Nagakumara's elder stepbrother, becomes jealous of Nagakumara's growing influence and plots against him.
Confronting the Elephant: A wild elephant causes chaos in the city, and Nagakumara bravely subdues it, displaying his prowess.

Sandhi 3: Divya Turanga va Nilagiri Hastika Damana (Subjugation of the Divine Horse and the Blue Elephant)

Education and Political Training: Nagakumara receives comprehensive education in various arts and sciences, including politics.
The Vicious Horse: Nagakumara masters a vicious horse, showcasing his skill.
Sridhara's Jealousy: Sridhara, his stepbrother, becomes increasingly jealous of Nagakumara's rising power and plots his downfall.
Confronting the Elephant: A wild elephant rampages through the city, and Nagakumara courageously subdues it, demonstrating his strength and control, likening it to Krishna lifting Mount Govardhana.

Sandhi 4: Vyala-Viraka Labha (Acquisition of Vyala and other Heroes)

King Jayavarma's Prophecy: The story shifts to King Jayavarma of Northern Mathura and his sons, Vyala and Mahavyala. A sage prophesies that the sons are destined to serve those who possess extraordinary qualities.
Vyala's Service: Vyala loses his "third eye" (a symbol of power or divine insight) upon seeing Nagakumara and pledges his service to him.
Sridhara's Last Attempt and Vyala's Bravery: Sridhara makes a final attempt against Nagakumara, but his assassins are defeated by Vyala.
Nagakumara's Journey to Mathura: Following his father's advice to avoid fratricidal war, Nagakumara departs for Mathura.
Rescue of the Princess: In Mathura, Nagakumara encounters a courtesan who informs him about the imprisonment of Princess Silavati of Kanyakubja by the king. Impelled by chivalry, Nagakumara rescues her.
Encounter with Jalandhara's Daughters: Nagakumara learns about the musical skills of the daughters of the King of Jalandhara and subsequently travels to Kashmir.
Meeting Vanaraja and Marriage to Lakshmimati: He encounters Vanaraja, the ruler of Girisikhara, who marries his daughter Lakshmimati to Nagakumara based on a sage's prophecy. Nagakumara learns about Vanaraja's lineage.
Assistance to Vanaraja: Nagakumara sends Vyala to help Vanaraja regain his kingdom from Somaprabha.

Sandhi 5: Kanya, Kripana, and Divya Shaiya Labha (Acquisition of the Maiden, Sword, and Divine Couch)

Journey to Ramyaka Forest: Nagakumara, accompanied by his retinue, travels to the Ramyaka forest.
The Poisonous Mango Grove: They encounter a poisonous mango grove, but miraculously, Nagakumara and his men are unharmed.
Encounter with the Bhilla and the Jina Temple: Nagakumara meets a Bhilla named Durmukha, who takes him to a Jina temple within the forest. The temple door, sealed by divine power, opens at Nagakumara's touch.
Restoration of the Bhilla's Wife: Nagakumara helps the Bhilla by rescuing his wife from the demon Bhimasura in Patala.
Acquisition of Vidyas and Wealth: Nagakumara enters the Kancana-guha cave and receives divine Vidyas from the deity Sudarsana. He also appropriates Jitasatru's wealth.
Encounter with Jitasatru's Bow: He finds Jitasatru's old bow in a 'Demon hole.'
Return to the Jina Temple and Royal Hospitality: Nagakumara returns to the Jina temple and then to his camp. Vanaraja visits him and offers his daughter Lakshmimati in marriage, which takes place.

Sandhi 6: Vidya-Nidhi and Akshaya and Abhaya Viras' Labha (Acquisition of Vidyas and the Heroes Akshay and Abhaya)

Meeting Sage Srutidhara: Nagakumara meets Sage Srutidhara, who recounts the history of Vanaraja's ancestors.
Jitasatru's Renunciation: Jitasatru, the son of Vidyadhara Vidyutprabha, having acquired Vidyas, renounces worldly life after encountering the omniscient sage Suvrata. He instructs the Vidyas to await Nagakumara's arrival.
The Vidyas: The poet lists the numerous magical arts (Vidyas) acquired by Nagakumara, emphasizing their divine origin and power.
Nagakumara's Choice: Nagakumara accepts the Vidyas but asks them to await his further instructions.
Acquisition of Wealth: He enters the Kala-vetala-guha cave and appropriates Jitasatru's wealth. He also finds Jitasatru's old bow.

Sandhi 7: Anek Kanya Labha (Acquisition of Many Maidens)

Journey to Urjayanta: Leaving Lakshmimati with her father, Nagakumara, along with his three wives and soldiers, sets off for the sacred mountain Urjayanta.
The Poisonous Mango Grove: They halt in a poisonous mango grove but are unharmed. Five hundred warriors, informed by a sage that whoever could eat the fruit of the poisonous mangoes would be their master, offer their services to Nagakumara.
Arrival at Antara yana and Girinagara: Nagakumara is received by King Antararaja of Antara yana. He learns about the predicament of King Arivarma of Girinagara, who is threatened by King Candapradyota of Sindhu.
Battle and Capture of Candapradyota: Nagakumara accompanies Antararaja to Girinagara and demonstrates extraordinary valor in battle, leading to the capture of Candapradyota.
Marriage to Gunavati: King Arivarma, upon learning that Nagakumara is his sister's son, rejoices and marries his daughter Gunavati to him.
Further Adventures and Marriages: Nagakumara visits Urjayanta mountain, worships the Jina temple, and receives a letter from King Abhicandra of Gajapur requesting help against Vidyadhara Sukantha. Nagakumara defeats Sukantha, restores the kingdom to his son Vajrakantha, and marries Sukantha's daughter Rukmini. He then proceeds to Gajapur and marries Abhichandra's daughter Canda, as well as the seven rescued princesses.

Sandhi 8: Kanya Kalyan and Sevak Labha (Welfare of Maidens and Acquisition of Servants)

Mahavyala's Adventures: The narrative returns to Mahavyala, who marries Ganikasundari and later the princess of Pandya. He then travels to Ujjain, where the princess remains indifferent to him.
Encounter with Nagakumara's Portrait: Mahavyala obtains a portrait of Nagakumara and shows it to the Ujjaini princess, who falls in love with the image.
Marriage to the Ujjaini Princess: Mahavyala brings Nagakumara to Ujjain, and he marries the princess.
Meeting Tilakasundari: Nagakumara learns about Tilakasundari of Meghapura, who vowed to marry only the one who could excel her in Mridanga playing.
Restoration of Toyavali Maidens: Nagakumara encounters the five hundred daughters of King Sriraksha in Toyavali island, who were imprisoned by their father's nephew, Pavanavega. Nagakumara defeats Pavanavega, marries the maidens, and reinstates their brothers as kings.

Sandhi 9: Nagakumara's Moksha-Gamana (Nagakumara's Journey to Salvation)

Return to Kanakapura and Coronation: Nagakumara returns to Kanakapura and is crowned king by his father Jayandhara.
Renunciation of Sridhara, Jayandhara, and Prithvidevi: Sridhara, due to disgust, renounces the world, followed by Jayandhara and Prithvidevi.
Nagakumara's Reign and Salvation: Nagakumara rules for a long time, then transfers the kingdom to Devakumara and, along with Vyala, Mahavyala, Acheya, and Abheya, takes to asceticism, ultimately attaining salvation (Moksha) as a Digambara monk.
Theological and Philosophical Discourse: Throughout the narrative, especially in the later parts, there are discourses on Jain philosophy, including discussions on the nature of the soul, karma, liberation, and critiques of other religious and philosophical systems (Buddhism, Brahmanism, Kapila, Mimamsa, etc.). The importance of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct is emphasized.
The Fast of Sri Panchami: The story illustrates the merits of observing the Sri Panchami fast, as Nagadatta (Nagakumara's past life) attained heaven through this observance. The detailed method of observing this fast is also provided.

III. Key Themes and Significance

Karma and Rebirth: The narrative vividly illustrates the Jain principle of karma, showing how actions in one life have consequences in subsequent births, leading to cycles of suffering and liberation.
Jain Principles: The text expounds on core Jain teachings like Ahimsa (non-violence), ethical conduct, renunciation, the path to liberation, and the importance of the Three Jewels (Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct).
Poetic Excellence: Pushpadanta's mastery of the Apabhramsa language, his rich vocabulary, diverse metrical patterns (chandavaichitrya), and skillful use of literary devices (alamkaras) are highlighted throughout the introduction and detailed analysis sections.
Cultural and Historical Insights: The text offers valuable glimpses into the social, political, and cultural life of medieval India, including descriptions of royal courts, palaces, cities, customs, arts, and political divisions of the time.
The Hero's Journey: Nagakumara's life story follows the archetypal hero's journey, involving exile, trials, acquisition of supernatural powers (Vidyas), battles, marriages, and eventual spiritual realization.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the Nagakumara Charita based on the extensive information available in the provided text. The detailed contents and commentary reveal the depth and richness of this significant Jain scripture.