Pradyumna Charitra Part 01

This is a summary of the first volume of "Pradyumna Charitra" by Somkirti Acharya, a Jain text published by Jain Dharm Vidya Prasarak Varg. The book is dedicated to Seth Damji Arjan's family by the Jain Dharm Vidya Prasarak Varg for their patronage.

The book begins with an introduction by the publishers, expressing gratitude to Seth Pashvir Arjan, who sponsored the publication of the first part of this translation. They highlight his generosity and dedication to the Jain faith and the upliftment of his community. The publishers also mention their ongoing work of reviving ancient Jain texts and acknowledge other patrons who have supported their efforts. They list several books that have been published or are in progress with the help of various individuals and organizations.

The preface then explains that "Pradyumna Charitra" was originally composed in Sanskrit by Pandit Somkirti Acharya and is rich in nine rasas (emotions), promising to immerse the reader in a sea of sentiment. The preface emphasizes the beauty and power of the Sanskrit language to express profound philosophical and devotional thoughts. It acknowledges the challenge of translating such deep ideas into Gujarati (a Prakrit language) while preserving the original author's intent. To achieve this, some Sanskrit words have been retained in the translation to maintain the richness and depth of the original. The publishers leave it to the discerning readers to judge the simplicity and engaging nature of the translation.

The narrative then begins by invoking auspicious prayers and then starts with the story of Pradyumna, son of Krishna. The author humbly acknowledges the great scholars who have previously described Pradyumna's life and expresses that by bowing at their feet, he gains the merit to narrate this text. He dedicates the work to virtuous beings who are free from slander and are benefactors of all creatures.

The text then sets the scene in Jambudvipa, in the land of Bharat, and specifically in the country of Magadh, whose capital is Rajgriha. It introduces King Shrenik of Rajgriha, a righteous and virtuous ruler, and his queen, Chelana, who was renowned for her beauty.

The story progresses with Lord Mahavir Swami's arrival in the Vipul mountain, where his presence brings peace and harmony to the entire forest and its inhabitants. A forest dweller, upon witnessing this divine assembly, brings fruits to the Lord. King Shrenik, upon hearing about Lord Mahavir's arrival, immediately goes to pay his respects. He expresses his devotion and seeks spiritual guidance.

The narrative then delves into the discourse given by Lord Mahavir on the two types of dharma: the unattached dharma for ascetics and the attached dharma for householders. He explains the paths to liberation and heaven respectively. King Shrenik, filled with devotion, requests to hear the story of Pradyumna, Krishna's son. Lord Mahavir explains that hearing this story is a result of past merits and instills a desire for dharma. He then begins to narrate the life of Pradyumna.

The story then shifts to the descriptions of the land of Saurashtra and its capital city, Dwarka. It paints a picture of a prosperous and beautiful city, adorned with palaces, temples, and gardens. The text introduces King Narayan (Krishna) of Dwarka, describing him as a benevolent, wise, and powerful ruler, beloved by his subjects. It then elaborates on Krishna's virtues, his childhood exploits like lifting Govardhan Hill and subduing Kaliya Naga, and his strong family lineage.

The text then introduces Krishna's principal queen, Satyabhama, highlighting her beauty, virtues, and wisdom. It describes their blissful married life and Krishna's devotion to Jain principles despite his worldly pleasures.

The narrative then shifts to the arrival of the celestial sage Narada in Krishna's court. Narada's presence fills the court with wonder. After receiving a warm welcome from Krishna and the assembly, Narada engages in conversation with Krishna. During their discussion, Lord Neminath arrives, and Narada offers a hymn of praise to him.

Narada then expresses a desire to visit Krishna's inner palace and see the women of his household. Krishna grants him permission, and Narada goes to Satyabhama's chamber. Satyabhama is engrossed in adorning herself. Narada's reflection in the mirror catches her eye, and she, feeling pride in her beauty, makes a disdainful gesture towards Narada. Narada, offended, leaves, contemplating how to seek revenge. He considers various plans, including revealing Satyabhama's alleged infidelity to Krishna, but ultimately decides against it, fearing it might lead to Krishna's displeasure.

The story then shifts to Narada's visit to Kundanpur, the city of King Bhishmak. Narada encounters Bhishmak's son, Rupkumar, and deduces that Bhishmak has a daughter who must be even more beautiful and virtuous than him. Narada asks about the children, and upon learning that Bhishmak has an unmarried daughter, Rukmini, who is promised to King Shishupala, Narada becomes very pleased. He visits Bhishmak's inner palace and meets Bhishmak's widowed sister, who introduces him to Rukmini. Narada blesses Rukmini, prophesying that she will become Krishna's chief queen. Rukmini is surprised and asks Narada about Krishna. Narada describes Krishna's greatness and his kingdom in Dwarka.

Narada then returns to Krishna and shows him a painting of Rukmini. Krishna is captivated by her beauty and desires to meet her. Narada reveals that Rukmini is promised to Shishupala, and obtaining her will require defeating him. Krishna, determined, prepares to go to Kundanpur.

The narrative then details Krishna and Balarama's journey to Kundanpur and their secret meeting with Rukmini in the forest. Meanwhile, Narada also visits Shishupala and subtly creates discord regarding the marriage arrangements, hinting at potential danger for Shishupala, urging him to travel to Kundanpur with a large army. Shishupala, concerned, gathers his forces and surrounds Kundanpur.

Rukmini, distressed by Shishupala's actions and fearing for Krishna, confides in her aunt. Her aunt devises a plan for Rukmini to go to the forest to worship the deity Kamadeva, under the guise of a vow, where she can meet Krishna. Shishupala's soldiers try to stop Rukmini, but her aunt cleverly explains the religious significance of her visit to Shishupala, who, pleased by Rukmini's devotion, allows her to proceed.

Rukmini meets Krishna in the forest, and they are united. Krishna, with Balarama's help, takes Rukmini away, leaving behind a message for Shishupala and other kings, challenging them to reclaim Rukmini if they have the strength. This leads to a fierce battle where Krishna and Balarama defeat Shishupala and other kings, including Bhishmak and Rupkumar. Krishna shows immense power, even to Rukmini, by easily piercing seven layers of shields with a single arrow. Despite the victory, Rukmini is concerned for her father and brother and requests Krishna to spare them, which he agrees to.

The narrative then describes Krishna and Rukmini's triumphant return to Dwarka, where they are celebrated by the people. The text also touches upon Satyabhama's jealousy and her interactions with Narada and then with Krishna regarding Rukmini.

The story then shifts to the births of Krishna's sons: Pradyumna from Rukmini and another son from Satyabhama. It describes the auspicious signs of Pradyumna's birth and the events that follow. A significant part of the narrative focuses on Pradyumna's past lives, including his rebirth as a deer and a human, highlighting the consequences of actions and the transmigration of souls. The text also details the encounters and teachings of Narada, his role in promoting spiritual knowledge, and his interactions with various kings and ascetics, emphasizing the importance of dharma and the Jain path.

The latter part of the volume narrates the story of Agribhuti and Vayubhuti, who were originally Vedic scholars with considerable pride. They engage in debates with Jain monks, and through the teachings of Muni Satyakirti, they realize the truth of Jainism and eventually become disciples. Their parents, who were proud of their Vedic knowledge, also undergo a transformation after witnessing the power of Jain dharma and eventually embrace it. The text emphasizes the importance of compassion, detachment, and righteous conduct as preached by the Tirthankaras.

The volume concludes with the description of the third life of Pradyumna, as the sons of King Arinjay, Maniphadra and Purnabhadra, and their journey towards spiritual liberation. It highlights the teachings of Muni Mahendrasuri on dharma and the path to salvation. The narrative also touches upon the previous lives of Agribhuti and Vayubhuti, showcasing their transformation from prideful scholars to devoted followers of Jainism. The story of King Madhu and his infatuation with Chandrprabha, the wife of King Hemarath, and the subsequent events leading to spiritual enlightenment for many are also narrated. The entire volume underscores the principles of karma, reincarnation, the pursuit of spiritual knowledge, and the ultimate goal of liberation in the Jain tradition.