Samrat Samprati Diwakar Chitrakatha 045

This document is a Jain comic book, specifically issue #45 of the "Samrat Samprati Diwakar Chitrakatha" series. It tells the story of Samrat Samprati, a Jain emperor, and highlights his life and significant contributions to Jainism.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the content:

Introduction to Samrat Samprati (Page 2): The text introduces Samrat Samprati as a pivotal figure in Jainism, comparable to Emperor Ashoka's importance in Buddhism. It emphasizes Samprati's role in spreading Jainism and culture throughout India and abroad. The historical authenticity of Samprati is supported by references in ancient Jain texts. The author notes the silence of Indian historians on this "victorious and devout brave emperor." The story is based on the book "Samrat Samprati" by Pandit Kashinath Jain and highlights Samprati's filial devotion, the compassion of Acharya Suhasti, Samprati's faith, devotion to Jin (Jain Tirthankaras), and his significant actions for the welfare of the Jain community and the populace.

The Story Begins: The Tragedy of Kunal (Pages 3-6): The narrative begins with Emperor Ashoka celebrating a victory. His son, Prince Kunal, sends a letter from Avanti. Ashoka orders a reply, but his jealous stepmother, Tishyarakshita, deceitfully alters the message from "Adhiyatam Kumar" (Educate the Prince) to "Andhiyatam Kumar" (Make the Prince blind). When the altered letter reaches Avanti, the minister, with a heavy heart, reads the cruel command. Kunal, bound by duty, requests hot iron rods and blinds himself. The court is in shock and grief, and the people of the city suspect foul play by the stepmothers.

Later, a messenger brings news to Ashoka that Kunal has blinded himself. Ashoka is devastated and questions how such an order was given. Meanwhile, Kunal, blinded and cared for by his foster mother Sunanda, finds solace in devotional music played on a tanpura. Sunanda writes to Ashoka, requesting a marriage for Kunal to bring happiness back into his life. Ashoka then grants Kunal a small territory and arranges his marriage to Sharatshree. They find joy in their devotion to Jain Tirthankaras, singing devotional songs.

Spiritual Awakening and Guidance (Pages 7-13): Kunal and Sharatshree visit Acharya Suhasti, a disciple of Acharya Sthulabhadra. Acharya Suhasti advises them to listen to his sermons for peace. Kunal, inspired by the teachings, expresses his desire for spiritual liberation. However, Acharya Suhasti explains that true righteous conduct requires the ability to practice Ahimsa (non-violence), which is challenging for a blind person. Kunal then asks how he can observe vows and disciplines as a householder.

The narrative shifts to a famine-stricken city, Kausambi, where people are starving. Two Jain monks, disciples of Acharya Suhasti, go for alms. A beggar, unable to get food from a wealthy merchant, follows the monks. The monks receive food, and the beggar, impressed by their compassion and the merchant's devotion to the monks, hopes for alms. The beggar approaches the monks, who are unable to give him food directly as it's for their own consumption. They direct him to Acharya Suhasti. Seeing the beggar's plight, Acharya Suhasti foresees his future greatness and gives him diksha (monkhood). The newly ordained monk overeats and dies of indigestion, realizing the importance of moderation even in spiritual life.

The Birth of Samprati and Early Life (Pages 14-24): Kunal's wife, Sharatshree, gives birth to a son. Sunanda predicts the child will become a great emperor. Ashoka is overjoyed and names the child Samprati. Samprati receives royal education and displays remarkable qualities. He tames a wild horse, impressing everyone and winning a bet for a hundred horses. Ashoka, feeling his age, decides to pass on the kingdom to Samprati and arranges his marriage to princesses from various kingdoms. Samprati is crowned king of Magadha.

After Ashoka's death, Samprati expands his empire, conquering Kashi, Kosala, Malwa, Gujarat, Saurashtra, and other regions. The conquered kings submit to him, acknowledging his vast empire.

Maternal Wisdom and Spiritual Quest (Pages 25-26): Samprati returns to his mother, Sharatshree, with immense wealth and power. However, Sharatshree is not entirely pleased, questioning what he has gained by conquering through violence. She advises him to seek the path of happiness from Acharya Suhasti, who will soon visit the city. Samprati resolves to meet the Acharya to understand how to find true happiness and please his mother.

Encounter with Acharya Suhasti and Past Life Revelation (Pages 27-29): Samprati witnesses a grand procession for a Jain idol. He is drawn to a venerable monk and feels a deep connection, experiencing flashes of memory. He rushes to meet Acharya Suhasti and asks if the Acharya recognizes him. Acharya Suhasti reveals that Samprati is the soul who, in a past life, received monkhood for a Modak (sweet) in Kausambi and died that very day due to overeating. The assembly is astonished by this revelation of Samprati's past life.

Samprati asks about the fruits of Dharma and dedicates his kingdom to Acharya Suhasti. Acharya Suhasti explains the fruits of Dharma, including liberation and worldly prosperity. He guides Samprati to participate in the chariot festival and assures him his questions will be answered.

Samprati's Devotion and Jain Propagation (Pages 30-34): Samprati pledges to build or renovate a Jain temple daily. He asks Acharya Suhasti about spreading Jainism to other countries. Following the Acharya's guidance, Samprati sends learned monks to propagate Jainism in foreign lands, including Persia and Greece. These monks establish Jain temples and teach Jain principles.

Acharya Suhasti emphasizes the importance of knowledge and orders the construction of large feeding halls and educational institutions throughout the empire, providing free education. Samprati dedicates himself to these virtuous deeds.

After Acharya Suhasti's passing, Samprati is deeply saddened. The text mentions that Samprati installed approximately 1.25 crore Jain images and renovated 6,600 ancient temples, along with building 1,25,000 new Jain temples, a remarkable feat of religious influence.

Conclusion: The comic book concludes by highlighting Samprati's significant contributions to Jainism through his patronage of temple construction, propagation of the faith, and establishment of educational institutions. It portrays him as a devout follower and a righteous ruler who ultimately found true happiness through spiritual pursuits.

Back Matter (Pages 35-38): The final pages contain subscription information for the "Diwakar Chitrakatha" series, a list of previously published comic books, and details about the publisher, Shree Diwakar Prakashan. It also includes information about the Shree Shwetamber Sthanakvasi Jain Sabha and its various charitable and educational activities.