Rajul

This is a summary of the Jain comic book "Rajul" by Mishrilal Jain, published by Acharya Dharmshrut Granthmala, focusing on the story of Princess Rajul and Lord Neminath:

The book tells the story of Princess Rajul of Junagadh and her destined marriage to Prince Neminath, the twenty-second Tirthankara.

The Setup:

• Princess Rajul is renowned for her beauty and virtue. Her parents, King Ugrasen and Queen, are seeking a suitable match for her.
• Prince Neminath, son of King Samudravijay of Iravati Nagari and brother of Lord Krishna, is a powerful, handsome, and religious prince. He has proven his valor in the great war of Kurukshetra.
• A marriage proposal arrives from Neminath's family, which is gladly accepted by Rajul's parents.

The Turning Point:

• As Neminath's wedding procession reaches the marriage pavilion, he hears the piteous cries of animals being prepared for sacrifice and the feast.
• Overwhelmed with compassion for the innocent creatures, Neminath renounces the marriage and heads towards the Girnar mountains to embrace asceticism and attain enlightenment.

Rajul's Devotion and Determination:

• When Princess Rajul learns of Neminath's departure and his renunciation, she is heartbroken.
• Despite her parents' pleas to marry another prince, Rajul declares that her destiny is tied to Neminath. She believes that if he has abandoned her due to past karma, she will follow his path and not commit another "sin" by marrying someone else.
• She abandons her jewels and finery and embarks on a journey to Girnar mountain to find Neminath.

The Meeting and Renunciation:

• Rajul undertakes a arduous journey, facing difficult terrain and enduring hardships.
• Upon reaching Girnar, she finds Neminath meditating. She appeals to him, but he remains silent, absorbed in his spiritual quest.
• Rajul realizes that true beauty and happiness lie in following one's true path, and that worldly possessions and beauty are transient. She understands Neminath's silence as a message that she too must renounce the world.
• Rajul then embraces the path of a nun (sadhvi) and begins her own rigorous spiritual practice.

Neminath's Enlightenment and Ministry:

• Neminath achieves Keval Gyana (Omniscient knowledge) on Girnar mountain, becoming the twenty-second Tirthankara.
• Indra, the king of the gods, and other celestial beings arrive to pay homage and witness the event.
• Neminath's teachings emphasize the equality of all beings, the importance of protecting animals, and the nature of the soul and the universe. He explains that the world is eternal, and all existence is composed of conscious (jiva) and non-conscious (ajiva) substances. He also teaches that karma determines the diverse forms of life.
• Neminath highlights the sinfulness of meat-eating and alcohol consumption, foretelling the destruction of Dwarka due to the curse of Rishi Deepayan stemming from these vices.
• Neminath travels across the country, spreading his divine message of truth, non-violence, and renunciation. His presence brings peace and harmony, with even natural enemies like lions and deer coexisting peacefully.

Neminath's Nirvana:

• After his extensive ministry, Tirthankara Neminath returns to Girnar mountain and enters into deep meditation.
• He attains Nirvana (Moksha), liberation from the cycle of birth and death. His divine body disappears, leaving behind only his nails and hair.
• Celestial beings descend to celebrate his liberation. Indra collects the sacred relics, and the final rites are performed.
• Neminath's teachings, the message of truth and non-violence, remain to guide humanity through every era.

The book concludes by emphasizing the ideal presented by Neminath and Rajul, highlighting the spiritual freedom and elevated status that women can achieve through renunciation and spiritual practice. It encourages women to break free from societal subjugation and follow the path of righteousness. The publisher, Acharya Dharmshrut Granthmala, also promotes its series of Jain comic books that aim to educate and inspire the younger generation.