Rajya Vatsalya

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Rajya Vatsalya" by Subodhchandra Nanalal Shah, based on the pages provided:

The text "Rajya Vatsalya" (Royal Affection/Benevolence) by Subodhchandra Nanalal Shah narrates a story of piety, duty, and immense generosity, primarily focusing on the characters of Seth Pithadkumar and his son Zhanjhanakumar.

Seth Pithadkumar: The Virtuous Mahamantri

The story begins by introducing Seth Pithadkumar, the Mahamantri (Chief Minister) of Mandavgadh. He not only excelled in state administration, ensuring the security, prosperity, and well-being of his kingdom and its people but also held a significant position in religious affairs. His skillful management of the state repelled external invasions, leaving no room for any further aggression. Pithadkumar was also adept in trade and possessed vast wealth. However, he practiced parigraha pariman (limiting possessions) and generously used his wealth for religious and public service activities, establishing numerous temples, religious sites, shelters, and charitable institutions. These places served as testaments to his fame and generosity, with people marveling at the wealth he earned and the wealth he donated. He was guided by his religious guru, Acharya Dharmaghosh Suri, whom he obeyed with the reverence of a devoted disciple, deeply trusting his guru's wisdom. Due to his dedication to state service, public service, and religious service, Mahamantri Pithadkumar was equally beloved by the state and its people, enjoying high respect from both the king and the populace.

The Demise of Pithadkumar and the Grief of Zhanjhanakumar

Life, like a lotus that closes its petals as the sun sets, is transient. As the sun of life descends towards the horizon, the lotus of life folds to bloom elsewhere. Similarly, the time came for the universally loved Pithadkumar, and his life, having spread its fragrance of fame, came to an end. Though his physical form vanished, Pithadkumar became immortal in the hearts of the people, who celebrated his virtuous memory.

Pithadkumar's son, Zhanjhanakumar, was as virtuous, brave, and generous as his father. He understood the essence of religion, the impermanence of worldly life, and the ephemerality of relationships. However, he was deeply grieved by the loss of his father. He constantly remembered his father, feeling a profound sense of sadness and longing for his father's protective presence.

Acharya Dharmaghosh Suri's Guidance and Zhanjhanakumar's Resolve

Acharya Dharmaghosh Suri, recognizing Zhanjhanakumar's sorrow, offered spiritual counsel and consolation. He advised Zhanjhanakumar to channel his grief into righteous deeds in remembrance of his virtuous father, rather than succumbing to sadness. The Acharya emphasized that such devotion would truly honor his father's life and wealth. Zhanjhanakumar found true solace in his guru, the leader of religion.

Still, Zhanjhanakumar's mind remained unsettled. Seeing this, Acharya Dharmaghosh Suri suggested undertaking a pilgrimage with a large religious procession (sangh). He eloquently described the numerous benefits of such a pilgrimage. Zhanjhanakumar possessed abundant wealth, both inherited and earned, a liberal spirit for using it for good causes, and a strong desire to worship God and enhance the glory of the Jain faith.

Zhanjhanakumar was deeply inspired by his Guru's counsel. He felt it was his duty to perform a religious act in memory of his great and pious father, not only from a personal perspective but also from a public one. He believed a pilgrimage with a sangh would be a true tribute to his father, provide an opportunity for others to perform religious acts, and contribute to his own spiritual welfare. With these thoughts, Zhanjhanakumar respectfully accepted his Guru's command and decided to embark on a pilgrimage to the great holy site of Shatrunjay with a large sangh.

The Grand Pilgrimage and the Invitation from King Sarangdev

As it is said that good deeds often face obstacles, it was wise to promptly execute the plan. Zhanjhanakumar ordered the immediate preparation for the grand sangh. Invitations were sent to sanghs in various villages. On aauspicious Tuesday, Vasant Panchami, in the year 1340 of the Vikrama era, Zhanjhanakumar, along with approximately 250,000 pilgrims and under the guidance of Acharya Dharmaghosh Suri, commenced their auspicious journey to the holy site of Shatrunjay.

The spectacle of the sangh, with its 250,000 people carrying their belongings, was a sight to behold, like the unfolding of a magnificent city wherever they encamped. Zhanjhanakumar, his companions, and hundreds of shreshthis (merchants/distinguished individuals) were tirelessly dedicated to ensuring the comfort and devotion of the pilgrims. The Bhagwan, who is omniscient and all-knowing, had glorified the sangh by calling it a holy site and bowing to it. Such an unparalleled opportunity to worship a holy site was a rare privilege. Kings, chieftains, ministers, merchants, and shreshthis of the kingdoms through which the sangh passed welcomed and honored them, eager to serve. For all, this was an invaluable experience of life.

To facilitate the pilgrims' daily rituals and worship, fifty-two large Jain temples were maintained within the sangh. Thousands of vehicles, horses, oxen, and palanquins further accentuated its grandeur. It was an unbelievable sight, with people questioning how such a large sangh could be sustained, how they would eat, and how their accommodation would be managed. However, these questions ceased to exist once they witnessed the sangh firsthand. The sight itself quelled all doubts. The sangh was so vast that it would take a pedestrian 3-4 hours to traverse its length from one end to the other. This sangh was en route from Gujarat to Saurashtra, eager to behold and worship Lord Yugadishwar, the crowning jewel on the head of the Tirtha Adhiraj (Lord of Pilgrimages), whose very particles had the power to purify even sinners.

The devotion of the sangh and Zhanjhanakumar's intentions were fulfilled. They joyfully completed the pilgrimage of all the holy sites along the way, culminating in the pilgrimage of the great Shatrunjay mountain. Following this, the sangh returned, with Zhanjhanakumar being honored with the title of Sanghapati (leader of the sangh). The spirit of devotion continued to permeate the sangh on their return journey, as if a kingdom of dharma prevailed, and all pilgrims were its residents.

On their return journey, they passed through Karnavati, the ancient capital of Gujarat, situated on the banks of the holy Sabarmati River. At that time, Gujarat was ruled by King Sarangdev. Although the state administration of Gujarat had weakened, the king of Gujarat was still considered paramount.

The King's Astonishment and the Grand Welcome

Everyone who heard about such a large sangh was astonished, and so was the ruler of Gujarat. He too was amazed by the fact that the sangh comprised 250,000 people. King Sarangdev asked his minister, "Who could be the leader of such a massive gathering?" The minister replied, "Maharaj, Zhanjhanakumar is the Sanghapati of this vast sangh. He is the pious son of the renowned Mahamantri Pithadkumar of Mandavgadh. Pithadkumar was such a devout soul that he took a severe vow of celibacy in his prime youth of thirty-two years! His piety was so renowned that a garment worn by him could cure illness. He was a true pinnacle of religiousness and a virtuous great soul. The present Sanghapati, Zhanjhanakumar, is his son and is also very pious." The ruler listened to this praise with wide eyes and thought that he must witness this sangh firsthand. His desire to see and welcome the sangh grew stronger. When the news of the sangh's arrival reached them, the king and the people rejoiced, and an atmosphere of excitement for welcoming such a grand and unprecedented sangh prevailed everywhere.

King Sarangdev summoned his chief minister and ordered that the Sanghapati and the sangh be accorded due honor, that a grand procession be organized for their entry into the city, and that they be brought to the royal palace.

The Meeting and the King's Invitation

The next day, after about three hours had passed, the sangh arrived at the outskirts of Karnavati. The sangh was scheduled to halt there for four days to pay homage to the Jain temples in the city and surrounding areas and to venerate the ascetics. In the declining evening, King Sarangdev arrived at the Sanghapati's tent. The Sanghapati's seat was like that of a king of kings. His forehead radiated brilliance and splendor. He was adorned with precious and rarely seen ornaments. Attendants, resembling celestial nymphs carved from marble, fanned him with chauris. The umbrella-bearer stood motionless, holding the royal umbrella. Esteemed individuals and courtiers sat regally by his sides.

Upon hearing that the ruler of Gujarat was coming to meet him, Sanghapati Zhanjhanakumar rose and went forward to honor the ruler. They greeted each other, and the king inquired about the well-being and auspiciousness of the Sanghapati and the sangh. In response to the king's question, "Did you face any difficulties in our region?", the Sanghapati attributed their comfort to the king's benevolent gaze. Sweet, affectionate conversation ensued, filling everyone with joy.

Finally, as they were about to depart, the king mentioned the city's grand welcome ceremony for the Sanghapati and the sangh the following day, which Zhanjhanakumar readily accepted.

The Grand Welcome and Zhanjhanakumar's Dignified Refusal

The next morning, the entire capital city poured out to welcome the sangh and the Sanghapati. The gathering of 250,000 pilgrims, additional crowds, and the entire city's population created a moving ocean of humanity, impossible to describe. Sanghapati Zhanjhanakumar was seated on a magnificent elephant, like a small mountain, in a golden palanquin, with the ruler of Gujarat accompanying him. He received even greater honor than a victorious commander. When the procession of the sangh and the Sanghapati reached the royal palace, the ruler grasped the Sanghapati's hand and led him inside. They were introduced to everyone and offered betel leaves.

Finally, the king requested, "Esteemed Zhanjhanakumar, if you agree, I have a request: tomorrow, please grace my home with your presence for a meal, along with about five thousand select individuals from your sangh."

Everyone thought Zhanjhanakumar would immediately agree. Who could refuse such a rare honor offered spontaneously by a king like him? And what need was there for refusal?

However, Zhanjhanakumar was no ordinary man. His very being was imbued with the radiance of a bow and the strength of a bull. The honor and dignity of his Dharma and his fellow community members were dearer to him than his own. Zhanjhanakumar politely and judiciously, yet firmly, said, "Your Highness! I cannot accept your invitation; please forgive me!"

"Why?" the king asked.

"The reason is that I cannot select a few individuals from my sangh and designate them as better than other pilgrims."

"Does that mean there are no respectable people in your sangh?" the king asked, misunderstanding the Sanghapati's statement. Hearing his request refused, he felt a pang in his heart.

"No, Your Highness, that is not the case. You have not understood my words correctly. What I meant is that there is no bad person in my sangh; all are good. How can I, therefore, differentiate between good and bad and make a selection? I cannot do that. Everyone in this sangh is my brother in Dharma, all are excellent, and all have come to this invitation. So, who am I to create divisions of good and bad and disrespect them?"

The Unfolding of "Rajya Vatsalya" (Royal Affection/Benevolence)

"Then what will happen?" the king asked with some impatience.

"That I will not accept your invitation!" Zhanjhanakumar replied. The king was saddened by this. His sadness turned into anger. In a moment of impulse, the king said, "Then, should I feed your sangh of 250,000 people? Can any person feed such a large number?"

"Your Highness! I can understand your sentiment. Your feelings are genuine and worthy of appreciation. Please understand my words with sympathy. Moreover, I have no expectation that you will feed my 250,000 people. As for how such a large sangh can be fed, my humble and direct answer is that I am feeding this sangh. But this is not about making demands out of insistence. The important thing is the sentiment, and I have seen your sentiment, and it is more valuable to me than the meal itself," Pithadkumar said gravely.

The king, finding his invitation in such a state, was filled with a mixture of anger and regret. Suddenly, an idea struck him, and he blurted out, "Sanghapati, if I ask you to feed all of Gujarat, can you do it? You must understand that it is the same for me. You must accept my invitation."

Hearing the king's words, the minister replied with great composure, "Your Highness! If you command, I will feed all of Gujarat. The governing deity will help me. I invite you right now."

The Sanghapati's reply stunned the ruler. After a moment, he said, "Zhanjhanakumar, do you realize what feeding all of Gujarat means? You say you will feed them?"

"Your Highness! I realize it everywhere, and today, at this very moment, I request you to extend an invitation for a meal from me to the entire population of Gujarat." The king was astonished, his fingers in his mouth, wondering what this Sanghapati was saying. But he thought, "Let it be; a test will be conducted," and thus pacified himself.

Thus, in the midst of conversation, the occasion took a different turn. The departure of Zhanjhanakumar's sangh was halted. The entire sangh remained encamped outside Karnavati. Invitations to dine in the spirit of "Rajya Vatsalya" were sent to the people of Gujarat.

For souls deeply imbued with the teachings of Bhagwan Jinendra, there is no need to teach them how to maintain their integrity when the occasion arises. Now, it was not just sangh vatsalya or sahdharmi vatsalya, but the grand meal of "Rajya Vatsalya" that had to be successfully accomplished with joy and enthusiasm. And Zhanjhanakumar was not one to falter. His strength and devotion were unparalleled.

The task was immense and had to be completed with great speed. However, the shrewd business acumen of a son of a powerful father was at play, supported by the enthusiastic cooperation of the sangh's devout leaders and skilled workers, and there was no shortage of funds, so there was no doubt about the success of the task.

Preparations for cooking and serving were made with great urgency. About a hundred enormous pavilions, capable of seating five hundred people at a time, were erected. The entire bank of the Sabarmati and the barren forest areas around Karnavati were transformed into a beautiful, flourishing garden of feasts. Arrangements were made for seating and serving with utmost respect to the diners.

Once all preliminary preparations were complete, the grand feast of "Rajya Vatsalya" or "Praja Vatsalya" commenced on the designated day. The ruler of Karnavati and the city dwellers also enthusiastically participated in this endeavor. King Sarangdev's anger had subsided. He adopted this task as his own. With the state's assistance, the people were affectionately fed in different pavilions, categorized by caste. This work continued throughout the day.

It was as if Zhanjhanakumar had organized a week-long festival of "Rajya Vatsalya" or "Praja Vatsalya." For seven consecutive days, this feasting continued. The people of the entire Gujarat experienced the unparalleled hospitality of Zhanjhanakumar, the son of the wise Mahamantri of Mandavgadh, and witnessed his devotion, capacity for action, and generosity.

On the evening of the seventh day, when the entire Gujarat had been fed, King Sarangdev, with tears of joy welling up, approached Sanghapati Zhanjhanakumar and said with a choked voice, "Esteemed! You have accomplished a task that is unimaginable and unbelievable! I truly misunderstood you! Forgive me. You possess a strength that I do not. You have performed a miracle. We will never forget this."

Zhanjhanakumar humbly replied, "Your Highness! This is not my strength; this is the power of daan dharma (charitable duty) shown by my beloved Bhagwan Jinendra. All this credit goes to that immensely powerful deity and the beneficial Dharma they have propagated. I am merely dust at their feet."

The king asked, "Zhanjhanakumar, how much sweets did you prepare for this meal?" "Rajeshwar! Please come to see the sweet kitchen," and Zhanjhanakumar led King Sarangdev in that direction.

What did the king see there? Piles of fresh sweets were still stacked, enough to feed several thousand more people. The king mentally bowed to this generous soul and said with emotion, "Sanghapati, ask, ask whatever you wish, and I will give it. I am immensely pleased with your deed." Zhanjhanakumar said, "Your Highness! It is due to the grace of rulers like you that we were able to undertake the pilgrimage to the Siddha Kshetra (holy land). What more do we need than this?" The ruler replied, "Esteemed one, it cannot be so. Ask for whatever you desire; today, let my intention follow your father's path." After much thought, the Sanghapati said, "Your Highness! I have nothing to ask. But if you must give something, I only ask for one thing: release all the kings who are imprisoned by you." The ruler felt that the minister had not held back in his request; he had asked for a great deal. But the ruler of Gujarat was bound by his promise.

The next morning, all the kings were released, and they were informed that their liberator was the esteemed Zhanjhanakumar of Mandavgadh. The sight of these kings, their eyes overflowing with joy, bringing tears to the eyes of others, was deeply moving. The royal group, with hearts filled with emotion, came to Zhanjhanakumar's tent to express their gratitude. Everyone exclaimed victory to Bhagwan Vardhaman Swami's great compassion and his teachings. The next morning, as this great sangh proceeded further from Karnavati, the ruler of Gujarat and the entire populace, standing behind, had imprinted upon their hearts the wonder of Bhagwan Jinendra's teachings. Zhanjhanakumar had, as it were, won over everyone.