Pradyumn Haran - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Pradyumn Haran" by Dharmchand Shastri, based on the provided pages:

Overview and Editorial:

The "Pradyumn Haran" is presented as a Jain picture storybook intended to educate about Jain culture. The editor, Vikrant Patni, highlights the increasing interest in stories among the youth and emphasizes that reading uplifting narratives leads to self-improvement and spiritual merit. Religious stories are said to bring inner peace. The book's purpose is to impart knowledge of Indian culture through its narrative.

The Storyline:

The story revolves around the consequences of pride and the subsequent journey of Pradyumn, the son of Lord Krishna.

Naradji's Insult and Revenge: The story begins with the celestial sage Naradji visiting the court of Lord Krishna in Dwarka. Naradji, known for his playful and wandering nature, then visits Satyabhama, one of Krishna's queens. Satyabhama, engrossed in adornment, disrespects Naradji. Humiliated and filled with pride, Naradji vows to take revenge. He plans to arrange the marriage of Princess Rukmini of Kundinpur, known for her beauty, with Krishna. By doing so, he intends to make Rukmini a co-wife to Satyabhama, thus avenging the insult.
Krishna's Marriage to Rukmini: Naradji travels to Kundinpur and encounters King Bhishma, Rukmini's father. He learns that Rukmini has been betrothed to King Shishupal of Chandheri. However, Naradji informs Krishna that Rukmini does not wish to marry Shishupal and has already chosen Krishna in her heart. Naradji facilitates the abduction of Rukmini by Krishna from her wedding ceremony with Shishupal. This involves a battle with Shishupal, and Krishna ultimately wins and marries Rukmini, bringing her to Dwarka.
Satyabhama's Discontent: After Rukmini's arrival in Dwarka, Satyabhama becomes unhappy and jealous because Krishna begins to favor Rukmini. She expresses her sadness to her maid, feeling neglected and suspecting Rukmini's influence.
The Proposal for Inter-Family Marriage and the Prophecy: A messenger from King Duryodhana of Kuru arrives with a proposal for marriage between the children of Krishna and Duryodhana. Krishna accepts the proposal. Satyabhama learns of this and worries that if Rukmini has a son before her, she will have to bow to Rukmini's son, a prospect she finds unacceptable.
The Birth of Pradyumn and His Abduction: Rukmini and Satyabhama both have dreams, which are interpreted as auspicious signs of having sons. Rukmini gives birth to a son, who is later abducted. The abduction causes great distress in Dwarka, and Krishna orders a search. Meanwhile, a demon, who recognizes the infant as his enemy from a past life, steals the baby and hides him under a rock on Takshak mountain.
Discovery and Upbringing of Pradyumn: The king of Meghkoot, Kalasanvara, and his queen Kanakmala, while flying over Takshak mountain, discover the infant. Since Kanakmala is childless, they adopt him and name him Pradyumn Kumar. He is raised as the prince of Meghkoot.
Naradji's Revelation and Pradyumn's Return: Naradji visits Krishna again and reveals the whereabouts of Pradyumn. He explains that Pradyumn will return with sixteen great powers after sixteen years. Naradji has already visited Pradyumn and confirmed his upbringing in Meghkoot.
Pradyumn's Youth and Destiny: As Pradyumn grows, he becomes strong and accomplished. King Kalasanvara, influenced by his other sons who are jealous of Pradyumn's superior qualities and the promise made to Kanakmala, decides to make Pradyumn the Yuvaraj (crown prince). This decision angers his other sons, who plot against Pradyumn.
The Plot Against Pradyumn and His Victories: Pradyumn's step-brothers, led by Vajradamstra, conspire to kill him. They trick him into entering a cave guarded by a demon named Bhujangdev. Pradyumn defeats Bhujangdev and gains twelve powers. He then goes to Vipul mountain and, after overcoming challenges set by Vajradamstra at fourteen different locations, acquires fourteen more Vidyas (powers), totaling sixteen. He also meets and marries Prabhangan's daughter, whose marriage to him was foretold.
Return to Meghkoot and the False Accusation: Pradyumn returns to Meghkoot victorious. His step-brothers are further enraged. Queen Kanakmala, who had desired Pradyumn as her own husband since childhood, is rejected by him. In her shame and anger, she falsely accuses Pradyumn of attempting to dishonor her to King Kalasanvara.
Pradyumn's Ordeal and Escape: King Kalasanvara, believing his queen, orders his sons to kill Pradyumn. They lure Pradyumn to a water well for recreation and attempt to drown him. However, Pradyumn, using his powers, escapes, imprisons his brothers in the well, and reveals the truth to King Kalasanvara.
Pradyumn's Departure and Reunions: Pradyumn frees his brothers and the captured soldiers and defeats King Kalasanvara, binding him with a serpent-noose. Naradji intervenes, explaining that Pradyumn acted in self-defense against the false accusation. Naradji also reveals that Pradyumn's destined parents are Krishna and Rukmini and that his time in Meghkoot is over. Pradyumn takes leave of his adoptive parents, Kanakmala and Kalasanvara, with their blessings, and departs for Dwarka with Naradji.
The Journey to Dwarka and Encounters: On their way, they encounter Princess Udadhikumari, Duryodhana's daughter, who was destined to marry Pradyumn but was on her way to marry Bhanukumar, Satyabhama's son. Pradyumn, disguised as a Bhil, abducts her to fulfill their destiny. He then reunites with his mother, Rukmini, in Dwarka, presenting her with Udadhikumari. Rukmini is overjoyed to see her son and to learn that the predicted signs of his return have manifested.
The Marriage and Fulfillment of Promises: Pradyumn's marriage to Udadhikumari is arranged. Rukmini reminds Pradyumn of Satyabhama's earlier promise regarding her hair. Pradyumn ensures that Satyabhama's son will marry Udadhikumari, thereby fulfilling the promise in a way that honors both families. Pradyumn also marries other maidens.
Pradyumn's Renunciation and Liberation: After experiencing worldly pleasures, Pradyumn develops dispassion. He takes permission from his father, Krishna, and mother, Rukmini, to renounce the world. His adoptive parents, Kalasanvara and Kanakmala, also grant their blessings. Pradyumn, along with Rukmini and his other wives, takes Jain diksha (ascetic vows) at Girnar mountain from Bhagwan Neminath. He practices severe austerities and eventually attains liberation (moksha).

The book concludes with a notice about the publisher, editor, author, illustrator, and the magazine "Jain Chitra Katha" as a source of knowledge and moral development.