Rushidatta Charitra Sangraha

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Rushidatta Charitra Sangraha" authored by Chandanbalashreeji and published by Bhadrankar Prakashan, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Rushidatta Charitra Sangraha Author: Sadhvi Chandanbalashree (disciple of Acharya Bhagwant Shrimad Vijay Ramchandra Surishwarji Maharaj and disciple-jewel of Param Pujya Pravartini Shri Rohita Shreeji Maharaj) Publisher: Bhadrankar Prakashan, Ahmedabad Year of Publication: Vikram Samvat 2067 / 2011 CE

Overview:

The "Rushidatta Charitra Sangraha" is a collection of texts related to the life and story of Mahasati Rushidatta, a significant figure in Jainism known for her unwavering chastity and resilience in the face of adversity. The book aims to compile and present various accounts of her life, including previously unpublished works.

Key Components of the Book:

1. Three Unpublished Works: The core of the Sangraha consists of three works that were not previously published. These are presented from manuscripts:
   • Risi Datta Charita by Muni Shripati Gunpal.
   • Rushidatta Charitra by an unknown author.
   • Rushidatta Charitra by another unknown author.

2i. Three Published Works (in Appendix): In addition to the unpublished works, the book includes three published works for comparative study and a broader understanding of Rushidatta's narratives: * Rushidatta Katha from Vasudevahindi (Middle Khand) by Shri Dharmasen Gani Mahattar (in Avashyak). * Rushidatta Akhyanak from the commentary on Aakhyan Kamanikosh by Shri Amradev Suri (in the section on faults of contemplation of Bhavashalya). * Rushidatta Katha from Shilatarangini commentary on Shilopadeshmala by Shri Somatilak Suri, authored by Shri Jayakirti Suri.

Content Summary (Based on the provided text, particularly the summaries of the works):

The text extensively narrates the life of Rushidatta Mahasati, focusing on her virtuous life, the trials she faced, and her ultimate liberation. The story generally unfolds as follows:

• Kankarat's Quest and Marriage: The narrative begins with the story of Kankarat, the noble son of King Hemrat of Rathmardan Nagar, and his destined marriage to Rukmini, the beautiful daughter of King Sundarpani of Kaveri Nagar. Kankarat, while traveling to Kaveri Nagar for the marriage, encounters Rushidatta.
• Encounter with Rushidatta: Kankarat, on his journey, passes through a forest where he sees Rushidatta, described as exceptionally beautiful and possibly a divine being. He becomes captivated by her. Her father, Harishen Muni (a former king), residing in an ashram, reveals his story and that of his daughter Rushidatta, who was born miraculously.
• Rushidatta's Birth and Upbringing: Harishen Muni, formerly King Harishen, and his wife Priyadarshana, faced the sorrow of childlessness. Priyadarshana performed rituals to their Kuldevi, Ajitasena, who blessed them with a son. Harishen's horse took him to a forest where he met Vishwabhuti Muni. After gaining spiritual knowledge, Harishen and his wife, now named Priyadarshana, took to asceticism. Priyadarshana, pregnant at the time, gave birth to Rushidatta in the ashram, and sadly, passed away soon after. Harishen raised Rushidatta, who was endowed with great beauty and virtues. To protect her from external dangers, Harishen used a magical unguent given by Vishwabhuti Muni, which made her invisible.
• Kankarat and Rushidatta's Union: Kankarat, intrigued by the invisible princess he glimpsed, sought her out. Harishen Muni, recognizing Kankarat's suitability and Rushidatta's affection for him, agreed to their marriage. Harishen Muni then performed his own ascetic ritual of self-immolation (Agni Pravesh) after imparting final advice to Rushidatta and Kankarat.
• The Calumny and Trial: Kankarat took Rushidatta to his kingdom, Rathmardan Nagar. Meanwhile, the spurned princess Rukmini, filled with jealousy, enlisted the help of a sorceress named Sulasā. Sulasā devised a wicked plan to defame Rushidatta. By using magic, she orchestrated events where human flesh and blood appeared near Rushidatta, and her face was smeared with blood, leading to the accusation that Rushidatta was a man-eating Rakshasi.
• Rushidatta's Ordeal and Escape: The unjust king, influenced by these accusations and the sorceress, sentenced Rushidatta to death. She was paraded through the city and taken to the cremation ground to be executed. However, through divine intervention or her own merit, she escaped death, with the executioners showing mercy and providing her with worn clothes.
• Return to the Ashram and Transformation: Distraught and alone, Rushidatta fled into the dense forest, lamenting her fate and missing her father. She eventually found her way back to the abandoned ashram. Remembering her father's words about a magical herb, she used it to transform herself into a male form (Rishikumara).
• Kankarat's Return and Recognition: Meanwhile, Kankarat, having left Rukmini, was on his way to Kaveri Nagar for their wedding, still deeply missing Rushidatta. He stopped near the ashram where he had first encountered her. There, he met the Rishikumara, unaware it was Rushidatta. He felt an inexplicable attraction to the Rishikumara and persuaded him to accompany him to Kaveri Nagar. During their journey, Kankarat's eye twitched, a sign of an impending pleasant reunion. In the ashram, he saw the Rishikumara and was drawn to him, unaware of the identity. He learned from the Rishikumara that this place was once home to Harishen Muni and his daughter Rushidatta, who married a prince and whose father attained liberation.
• Rukmini's Confession and Rushidatta's Revelation: In Kaveri Nagar, Kankarat married Rukmini. However, his heart remained with Rushidatta. During a conversation, Rukmini revealed that she, with the help of the sorceress Sulasā, had falsely accused Rushidatta of being a Rakshasi and caused her downfall. Hearing this, Kankarat was overcome with grief and decided to immolate himself. The disguised Rishikumara (Rushidatta) intervened, revealing her true identity by removing the magical element from her thigh. She also used her spiritual powers to show her past lives, explaining the origins of the calumny.
• Rushidatta's Generosity and Renunciation: Moved by her purity and generosity, Kankarat accepted her back, treating Rukmini with equal respect as requested by Rushidatta. After some time living a virtuous life, Kankarat and Rushidatta experienced detachment upon witnessing the transient nature of clouds. Inspired by the teachings of Acharya Bhadrayash, they renounced worldly life, entrusting their kingdom to their son Simharath.
• Path to Liberation: Both Kankarat and Rushidatta embraced asceticism, attained profound scriptural knowledge, and through rigorous penance and practice, achieved Keval Gyan (omniscience). Eventually, they attained Moksha (liberation), ending their cycle of birth and death.

Key Themes:

• The Power of Chastity and Virtue: Rushidatta's story is a testament to the strength of chastity and adherence to dharma, even in the face of extreme adversity and false accusations.
• Karma and Rebirth: The narrative illustrates the principle of karma, showing how actions in past lives influence present circumstances and the consequences of envy and malice.
• Resilience and Forgiveness: Rushidatta's ability to endure suffering, maintain her integrity, and ultimately forgive her accusers highlights her extraordinary spiritual strength.
• Spiritual Journey: The story follows the spiritual progression of the characters, from worldly attachments to renunciation and ultimate liberation.
• The Role of Dharma: The text emphasizes the importance of following Jain principles, such as truthfulness, non-violence, forgiveness, and adherence to vows, for spiritual progress.

Significance of the Collection:

The "Rushidatta Charitra Sangraha" is valuable for providing access to multiple narratives of Rushidatta's life, including previously unexamined manuscripts. This allows for a deeper and more nuanced understanding of her significance in Jain tradition. The inclusion of appendices with related texts further enriches the scholarly and devotional value of the work. The editorial effort by Sadhvi Chandanbalashreeji, despite personal health challenges, is highly commendable.