Raghuvansh Mahakavyam

This is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on the Raghuvansh Mahakavyam by Kalidasa, as presented in the Sanskrit text with the commentaries "Sanjivini," "Sudha," and "Indu," and edited by Pandit Shri Brahmashankar Mishra.

Book Title: Raghuvansh Mahakavyam (The Dynasty of Raghu Epic Poem) Author: Kalidas Mahakavi Publisher: Chaukhamba Vidyabhavan Commentaries: Sanjivini, Sudha, Indu Editor/Commentator: Pandit Shri Brahmashankar Mishra

The provided text focuses on the first two Sargas (cantos) of the Raghuvansh Mahakavyam. It details the lineage and early life of King Dilipa and the birth of his son Raghu.

Summary of Sarga 1: Dilipa's Ascent and the Cow Service

• King Dilipa's Grief: The canto begins with King Dilipa expressing his sorrow to his guru, Vashishtha, over his childlessness. Despite ruling a prosperous kingdom, he feels incomplete without an heir. He fears his ancestors will be deprived of offerings in the afterlife.
• Vashishtha's Revelation: Vashishtha reveals the reason for Dilipa's predicament. In a previous life, Dilipa, in his haste to return to his wife, failed to properly pay respects to Surabhi (the celestial cow), the mother of all cows. As a result, Surabhi cursed him with childlessness.
• The Penance: Vashishtha advises Dilipa that the curse can be mitigated by serving Surabhi's daughter, Nandini, who is currently present on Earth. Dilipa, along with his wife Sudakshina, undertakes the rigorous penance of serving Nandini for twenty-one days.
• Nandini's Test: On the final day, Nandini, in the guise of a divine test, enters a cave in Kailash and cries out in distress, pretending to be attacked. Dilipa, without hesitation, draws his bow to protect her.
• Dilipa's Sacrifice: Nandini reveals that the attack was a test. She offers herself to Dilipa for sustenance, stating that even Lord Shiva himself would not be able to harm her. Dilipa, devoted to both Lord Shiva and Vashishtha, refuses to harm Nandini and instead offers his own body to satisfy her hunger.
• The Boon: Impressed by Dilipa's devotion and selflessness, Nandini grants him a boon. Dilipa requests a valiant son. Nandini grants his wish, instructing him to drink her milk.
• Pregnancy and Return: Upon drinking Nandini's milk, Dilipa immediately becomes pregnant. He and Sudakshina return to their palace, where Sudakshina later gives birth to a son named Raghu.

Summary of Sarga 2: The Reign of Raghu and the Birth of Aja

• Raghu's Rise: Raghu grows up to be a formidable warrior and scholar. King Dilipa, pleased with his son, performs his coronation and sends Raghu to embark on a conquest to fulfill the purpose of an Ashvamedha (horse sacrifice) yajna.
• Indra's Theft: Lord Indra, the king of gods, steals the sacrificial horse. Raghu, in pursuit, encounters Nandini again. Using Nandini's urine (a sacred substance in Jain rituals), he cleanses his eyes and then proceeds to confront Indra.
• Raghu's Valor: Raghu battles Indra, piercing his arm and cutting down the Indra-dhvaja (Indra's banner). Despite Indra's attack with a thunderbolt, Raghu remains undeterred.
• Indra's Boon: Impressed by Raghu's bravery, Indra acknowledges that only he had previously withstood such a harsh blow. Indra offers Raghu a boon. Raghu requests that his father, Dilipa, receive the fruits of the Ashvamedha yajna, even though it was interrupted. Indra grants this boon.
• Dilipa's Retirement: King Dilipa, embracing his heroic son Raghu, is filled with joy. He then abdicates the throne in favor of Raghu and retires to the forest for penance.
• King Raghu's Reign: The canto then describes Raghu's just and efficient rule. His reign is so impactful that even the goddess Saraswati (of knowledge) and Lakshmi (of wealth) are drawn to him, transforming themselves to be in his presence.
• Raghu's Conquests: Raghu embarks on a military campaign, conquering various regions, including Kalinga, Pandya, Parsia, Hunas, and the northern territories. He defeats various kings and peoples, showing both prowess in battle and mercy towards those who surrender.
• Kautsa's Request: The sage Kautsa approaches Raghu with a request for the guru-dakshina (tuition fee) owed to his guru, Varatu, which amounts to 14 crore gold coins. Kautsa is disheartened by Raghu's apparent poverty.
• Raghu's Generosity: Raghu assures Kautsa that he will fulfill his request. He prepares for a Vishwajit sacrifice and, through divine intervention, a shower of gold coins falls upon his treasury. Raghu generously bestows the entire amount upon Kautsa.
• Kautsa's Blessing: Kautsa, pleased, blesses Raghu, stating that nothing is unattainable for him and that he will beget a son worthy of his stature.
• The Birth of Aja: Following Kautsa's blessing, Raghu's queen gives birth to a son named Aja.
• Aja's Journey: Aja grows up and, upon hearing about the swayamvara (bride choosing ceremony) of Indumati, the princess of Bhoja, he sets out to attend it, accompanied by his soldiers.

The text then continues into the introduction of the first canto, detailing the salutations to the divine parents (Shiva and Parvati), the poet Kalidasa's humility, and the purpose of his composition.

Key Themes Introduced:

• Dynastic Glory: The poem focuses on the illustrious solar dynasty, tracing its lineage through valiant kings.
• Dharma and Duty: The text emphasizes the importance of righteous conduct, adherence to duty, and the balance between kingly responsibilities and personal piety.
• Divine Grace and Intervention: The narrative highlights the role of divine blessings and interventions in the lives of the kings and the destiny of the dynasty.
• Valor and Mercy: The kings are portrayed as both powerful warriors and compassionate rulers, displaying valor in battle and mercy to the vanquished.
• Penance and Austerity: The text illustrates the significance of penance and devotion in overcoming obstacles and achieving divine favor.
• Poetic Skill: The commentaries acknowledge Kalidasa's mastery of language, poetic devices, and his ability to weave a captivating narrative.

The summary provided reflects the content of the first two cantos as presented in the text, focusing on the narrative flow and the introduction of key characters and events.