Nem Rajul Lekh

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Nem Rajul Lekh" by Rasila Kadia, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Nem Rajul Lekh Author: Rasila Kadia Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Context: This text is an article published in December 2003, as part of an endeavor called "Anusandhan-26." The author, Rasila Kadia, notes that the original work is a copy of a manuscript from La. Da. Bha. Vidyamandir, Ahmedabad, and expresses gratitude to Shri Laxmanbhai Bhojak for providing access.

Core Subject Matter: "Nem Rajul Lekh" is a literary work in the form of a letter written by Rajul to Neminath, the 23rd Tirthankar of Jainism. The poem focuses on the poignant situation of Rajul, who is left behind at the wedding altar when Neminath, driven by compassion for living beings, renounces worldly life. The text explores Rajul's deep longing, her emotional turmoil, and her unwavering devotion to Neminath.

Narrative and Emotional Arc:

• Rajul's Plight: The poem begins with the premise of Rajul writing a letter to Neminath. She finds herself in a difficult and embarrassing situation after being abandoned at the wedding mandap, having lost her reputation in society. Her empty bed amplifies the pain of separation.
• The Letter's Purpose: Despite the apparent impossibility of reaching Neminath, Rajul is compelled to write by the strength of her past love. She uses this letter as a confidante to express her innermost feelings and yearnings.
• Rajul's Pleas and Devotion: Rajul's letter is filled with heartfelt pleas, emphasizing her single-minded devotion and the idea that abandoning one person for another is ultimately futile and leads to ruin. She articulates the realities of worldly life and suggests that vows and spiritual practices are best undertaken in old age.
• Metaphorical Language: The poem employs rich metaphors. Rajul asks the paper and ink to be her friends, conveying her emotions and washing away her sorrows with tears. She uses imagery like a moth drawn to a flame (but unable to bear the heat) to describe her unwavering love, and compares the affection of noble souls to oil in water or the shade of a banyan tree, which provides lasting comfort.
• The Importance of Past Love: Rajul stresses the enduring nature of their past love, stating that it remains fragrant in the world. She laments that the prime of youth was spent without Neminath, highlighting the wasted potential of life without her beloved.
• Stages of Life: The poem touches upon the different stages of life, suggesting that acquiring knowledge in youth, enjoying pleasures in full bloom, and embracing vows and yoga in old age are natural progressions.
• Ultimate Fulfillment: The poem concludes with the poet's statement that Rajul's longing is fulfilled only when she and Neminath are reunited in Shivpur (Moksha-nagar, the city of liberation).

Author and Creation Details:

• Poet: The poet reveals his name as Rupvijay, a disciple of Shri Vinayvijay Upadhyay.
• Date of Creation: The work was completed on Sanjavat 1856, Margashirsha Sudhi 8 (Wednesday).

Glossary of Terms: The text includes a glossary of some archaic Gujarati words used in the poem, such as:

• Hez: Love, affection
• Bhoor: Plenty, a lot
• Cholmjeeth: A plant with red color or red clothing
• Tavd: Sunshine, heat
• Opam: Analogy, comparison
• Hoonse: Will be, will happen

Overall Significance: "Nem Rajul Lekh" is presented as a beautiful and profound piece of literature within the vast body of works dedicated to the story of Neminath and Rajul. It is praised for its deeply emotional content and eloquent expression of love, longing, and spiritual devotion.