Priyankar Nrup Charitra

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Priyankar Nrup Charitra," based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Priyankar Nrup Charitra Author: Jinsur Muni Publisher: Jain Dharm Prasarak Sabha, Bhavnagar Language: Gujarati (translation of a Sanskrit original) Theme: The text narrates the life story of King Priyankar, highlighting the immense power and efficacy of the Upsargahar Stotra (a devotional hymn) composed by Shruti Kevali Bhadrabahuswami.

Core Message: The central theme is the glory and benefits of reciting the Upsargahar Stotra. The story of Priyankar serves as a testament to how devotion to this Stotra can overcome obstacles, bestow prosperity, remove suffering, and lead to spiritual upliftment.

Summary of the Text:

The Priyankar Nrup Charitra is presented as a translation into Gujarati of a Sanskrit work by Jinsur Muni, approximately 1200 shlokas (verses) in length. The preface emphasizes the story's engaging nature and its primary purpose: to illustrate the glory of the Upsargahar Stotra.

The narrative begins by introducing King Ashokchandra of Ashokpur, who has two queens and three sons. The story of the protagonist, Priyankar, commences with his birth. His name is given in honor of the deity Priyankar who was pleased with his parents.

The Upsargahar Stotra's influence is depicted at three key points in the narrative: at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end. The author himself introduces it, Priyankar is advised to recite it by his guru, and it is extensively elaborated upon by another guru after Priyankar's coronation. The text stresses that the Stotra, when worshipped with a focused mind, with offerings like incense and lamps, and recited 108 times, brings regal honor, step-by-step success, and stable wealth. It also offers protection from fears related to water, fire, mountains, thieves, and spirits.

The story then delves into the life of Pasadatta, a wealthy merchant who, due to past karma, falls into poverty. He has a wife named Priyashri. They experience hardship, including the death of their infant son. Priyashri's lament and the couple's decision to return to Ashokpur mark a turning point. In Ashokpur, Pasadatta struggles to earn a living.

A significant event is the discovery of a hidden treasure, which Pasadatta dutifully reports to King Ashokchandra. The King, impressed by his honesty, bestows the treasure upon him. This act of righteousness and adherence to principles is crucial in their subsequent fortune.

The narrative then shifts to Priyankar's upbringing. He is portrayed as a virtuous and diligent student, learning scriptures from his guru. His father, Pasadatta, having regained his wealth, wishes to celebrate his son's education. During the preparations for a wedding ceremony for one of his sons, King Ashokchandra commissions a magnificent necklace called Devavallabh. The necklace mysteriously disappears, leading to widespread concern and an announcement of a reward for its recovery.

The Devavallabh necklace reappears in an unexpected way, falling from Priyankar's neck during a royal assembly, leading to his accusation of theft. Despite his pleas of innocence, the king orders his imprisonment. Priyankar, in prison, relies on the Upsargahar Stotra for solace and strength.

Meanwhile, the minister's daughter falls prey to a malevolent spirit (Yaksh). Priyankar, demonstrating his inherent kindness and compassion, attempts to help her, utilizing his knowledge of scriptures and the power of the Upsargahar Stotra. The Yaksh, initially causing torment, is eventually pacified by Priyankar's devotion and virtues. The Yaksh reveals his identity and the true reason for the minister's daughter's affliction, acknowledging Priyankar's strength and offering him boons.

The story continues with the King's death foretold by a sage. Upon his death, Priyankar, guided by divine pronouncements and the king's own acknowledgment of his merit, is recognized as the rightful heir. The lost necklace reappears, proving Priyankar's innocence. The king, realizing his error and Priyankar's true worth, crowns him as the new king of Ashokpur.

The text further details Priyankar's reign, his virtuous rule, his marriages, and his continued devotion to the Upsargahar Stotra. The story illustrates how his adherence to dharma and the power of the Stotra lead him to prosperity, spiritual attainment, and eventually, liberation. The life of Priyankar is depicted as an example of how one can overcome adversities and achieve spiritual and material well-being through unwavering faith and righteous conduct.

The latter part of the text includes detailed descriptions of the Upsargahar Stotra's various recitations and their specific benefits, along with the original Gujarati verses of the Stotra itself. The text emphasizes the importance of righteousness, devotion, and the relentless pursuit of spiritual knowledge.

Key Takeaways:

• Power of the Upsargahar Stotra: The Stotra is presented as a powerful tool for overcoming all forms of obstacles, fears, and sufferings.
• Importance of Righteousness and Karma: The story underscores that good deeds, honesty, and adherence to dharma lead to positive karma and eventual liberation.
• Virtues of King Priyankar: He is portrayed as a virtuous, compassionate, diligent, and devout individual who embodies the ideals of a righteous ruler.
• Guidance from Gurus: The narrative highlights the role of spiritual teachers in guiding individuals towards dharma and spiritual progress.
• The Cycle of Birth and Rebirth: The story hints at the consequences of actions across lifetimes and the path to breaking the cycle of suffering.
• The Nature of Wealth and Prosperity: True prosperity is linked not just to material wealth but also to spiritual merit and righteous living.

In essence, "Priyankar Nrup Charitra" is a devotional and didactic narrative that celebrates the glory of the Upsargahar Stotra and provides a compelling example of a life lived in accordance with Jain principles, leading to ultimate salvation.