Raja Shripal Sheth Jagdushah

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Raja Shripal Sheth Jagdushah" by Jaybhikkhu, based on the provided pages:

Book Overview:

"Raja Shripal Sheth Jagdushah" is the sixth book in the "Jain Balgranthavali Shreni - 1" series published by Jaybhikkhu Sahitya Trust. The series aims to present inspiring life stories of great Jain figures, including Tirthankaras, virtuous kings, prominent laymen, and devoted women, to educate and instill moral values in children. This particular book focuses on the life stories of King Shripal and Sheth Jagdushah, highlighting their trials, adherence to Jain principles, and acts of generosity and devotion.

Part 1: Raja Shripal

The narrative begins in the prosperous city of Ujjain, ruled by King Prajapala. He has two daughters, Sursundari and Mayanasundari, both renowned for their beauty and intelligence. During an examination by scholars, Sursundari correctly answers the king's question about who sustains the world (a king and the rain). However, Mayanasundari remains silent, and when questioned, she humbly states that true leadership requires wisdom, scripture without good thought is meaningless, and a assembly without truth is invalid. She also asserts that human life and death are not solely in one's own hands, which angers the king.

In his pride, the king decides to marry Sursundari to a wealthy prince with 32 auspicious marks and to give Mayanasundari to a disfigured, leprous individual. The royal priest sets out to find a groom for Sursundari and encounters a group of 700 lepers led by King Umbar Rana. Despite their appearance, the king of Ujjain agrees to marry Mayanasundari to Umbar Rana. The city is appalled by this union, viewing it as a mockery.

Mayanasundari, however, accepts her fate with equanimity, declaring her devotion to her husband as if he were God, and vowing to uphold her family's honor. Although Umbar Rana respects her piety and does not touch her, Mayana continues her devout practices, serving the needy, worshiping the divine, and undertaking various vratas (vows) and fasts to cure her husband's illness.

One day, a sage advises Mayana to perform the Navapad Yantra and worship. She diligently follows the instructions, and as a result, both her husband and the 700 lepers are miraculously cured. Shripal, her husband, is revealed to be the son of King Simharath of Champa, who was forced to flee his kingdom after his uncle usurped the throne. Shripal recounts his story of being raised by the lepers after his mother, Queen Kamalprabha, entrusted him to them for safety.

Later, Shripal and Mayana embark on a journey and encounter various challenges. Shripal proves his mettle in business and battle, gaining wealth and respect. He is betrayed by his business partner, Dhaval Sheth, who attempts to drown him. Shripal survives and washes ashore in Konkan, where he is married to a princess. Meanwhile, Dhaval Sheth, after betraying Shripal, faces divine retribution and perishes.

Shripal eventually returns to his kingdom, reunites with his mother and wife, and reclaims his throne from his wicked uncle. He rules with justice and compassion, upholding the principles of Jainism. The story emphasizes the power of faith, devotion, and virtuous actions, especially the worship of the Navapada, in overcoming adversity and achieving salvation.

Part 2: Sheth Jagdushah

The narrative shifts to Bhadreshwar in Kutch, where Sheth Solak and his wife Lakshmi had three sons: Jagdu, Raj, and Padm. Jagdu, the eldest, is depicted as exceptionally intelligent, generous, and philanthropic. He believes in utilizing wealth for good deeds and never turns away a beggar from his doorstep.

Jagdushah's business acumen is highlighted through an incident in Hormuzbandar, Persia. His manager, Jayantsinh, outbids a Muslim merchant in acquiring a stone, spending three lakh dinars to uphold Jagdushah's honor. Jagdushah, instead of punishing him, rewards him for his loyalty, demonstrating his magnanimity.

Later, a Jyotishi (astrologer) advises Jagdushah that the stone contains valuable gems. Upon breaking it, Jagdushah's wealth increases manifold. Despite his immense riches, he remains humble and devoted to religious practices. He faces personal sorrow with the loss of his wife and daughter but finds solace in religious activities.

When King Pithadev of a foreign land attacks Bhadreshwar and destroys the city, Jagdushah resolves to rebuild the fort. Pithadev taunts him, saying he could only achieve this if donkeys grew horns. Jagdushah, unfazed, carves a donkey with golden horns into the fort's wall and seeks help from King Visaldev of Gujarat. Visaldev provides an army, forcing Pithadev to make peace.

The story then focuses on Jagdushah's extraordinary generosity during a severe famine that lasted for three years. Forewarned by his guru, he stocked granaries across many cities, with inscriptions indicating the grain was for the poor. During the famine, he distributed vast quantities of grain to kings and kingdoms, earning the title of "Kuber." He also established 112 relief kitchens, feeding hundreds of thousands daily. His actions exemplify the Jain principle of compassion and service to humanity.

Jagdushah also undertakes numerous religious pilgrimages and commissions the construction of 108 temples. Notably, he builds a mosque, Khimli, in Bhadreshwar to accommodate Muslim merchants, demonstrating religious tolerance and adherence to his household dharma.

The book concludes by stating that Jagdushah passed away, leaving behind a legacy of unparalleled generosity and devotion. His life serves as an inspiration, teaching that true wealth lies in its charitable use and that a compassionate heart is the greatest treasure. The book emphasizes that such qualities are rare and that following his path will bring blessings and prosperity.

Overall Message:

The book "Raja Shripal Sheth Jagdushah" through its two central figures, powerfully illustrates the core tenets of Jainism:

• Adherence to Dharma and Vows: Both Shripal and Mayana overcome immense difficulties through their unwavering faith and commitment to Jain principles and vows.
• Karma and Rebirth: The stories highlight the concept of karma, where actions in this life influence future outcomes.
• Generosity and Philanthropy: Jagdushah's life is a testament to the profound impact of selfless giving and service to the community, especially during times of crisis.
• Humility and Non-Attachment: Despite their immense wealth and power, both protagonists remain humble and detached from material possessions.
• Religious Tolerance: Jagdushah's construction of a mosque reflects a broad-minded approach to interfaith harmony.
• The Power of Faith and Devotion: The narratives emphasize that faith in the Jain Tirthankaras, gurus, and principles like the Navapada can lead to miraculous outcomes and spiritual liberation.

The book aims to instill these values in young readers, presenting them through engaging and inspiring narratives of righteous kings and benevolent merchants.