Nishadh Pati

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Nishadh Pati," authored by Vaidya Mohanlal Chunilal Dhami and published by Navyug Pustak Bhandar. The book, a novel based on a mythological theme, recounts the epic story of Nala and Damayanti from a Jain perspective.

Key aspects of the book include:

• Inspiration and Source: The author, Vaidya Mohanlal Chunilal Dhami, was inspired by the ancient Jain epic poem "Nalayana" by Acharya Manikdev Suri. He aimed to adapt this poetic narrative into a novelistic form while respecting the original spirit and Jain historical context.
• Narrative Focus: The novel delves into the lives of King Nala and Princess Damayanti, exploring their journey, trials, and tribulations. It highlights themes of love, duty, righteousness, and spiritual pursuit, all within a Jain framework.
• Jain Perspective: The text emphasizes Jain philosophy and history, drawing characters and events from Jain tradition. The author's dedication to showcasing Jain culture and values is evident throughout the narrative.
• Literary Style: The book is written in Gujarati and aims to present the ancient story in an accessible and engaging manner for a wide readership. The author acknowledges the limitations between poetic expression and prose writing but strove to remain true to the essence of the Mahakavi's sentiment.
• Publication Details:
  • Author: Vaidya Mohanlal Chunilal Dhami
  • Publisher: Navyug Pustak Bhandar, Rajkot
  • Second Edition: 1979
  • Price: Rs. 20.00
• Dedication: The author dedicates the book with heartfelt emotion to Dr. Shri Prafull B. Desai, a scholar of surgery, emphasizing his qualities of love, cheerfulness, and commitment to duty.
• Author's Other Works: The book also lists other notable works by Vaidya Mohanlal Chunilal Dhami, showcasing his prolific contribution to Jain literature across various themes and narratives.
• Content Summary (Chapter Breakdown): The book is structured into 37 chapters, covering the narrative arc of Nala and Damayanti's story, including:
  • Early Life and Circumstances: Chapters detail the woes of women, the divine intervention of angels, the fruits of worship, and the ceremony of marriage.
  • Kingdom and Duty: Events include coronation, royal duties, the expansion of Nala's kingdom, and the importance of upholding dharma.
  • Challenges and Trials: The narrative covers Nala's valor, tests of strength, attracting Damayanti, the role of the swan as a messenger, the invitation to the Swayamvara (self-choice marriage ceremony), and Nala's heroic feats.
  • Love and Separation: The story progresses through Damayanti's abode, the celestial messengers, the critical moment of marriage, and the trials faced by both Nala and Damayanti.
  • Adversity and Resilience: Chapters depict Nala's adventures, the challenges of gambling, facing the last throw, proving his might, and finding solace in a lake. Damayanti's confinement, the ordeal of the night, and the miracles witnessed are also covered.
  • Spiritual and Moral Themes: The narrative highlights the king's duty, the slaying of Kraunchakar, the attraction to the unseen, and the importance of worship and seeking refuge.
  • Climax and Resolution: Key events include Nala's struggle, the eye test, Kali's entry, the gambling match, the final throw, the victory of strength, the return to the king's home, and the eventual triumph of Kali.
  • Subsequent Events: The story further explores Kali's defeat, the reunion of Nala and Damayanti, the joy of victory, the king's return, and the eventual renunciation of worldly pleasures by Nala.

Overall, "Nishadh Pati" is presented as a devotional and moral narrative aimed at imparting spiritual knowledge and virtuous conduct, reinforcing the core tenets of Jainism through a beloved epic.