Shraddhadhan Sudarshan

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Shraddhadhan Sudarshan" by Bechardas Doshi, based on the provided text:

The story begins by describing the prosperous and vibrant city of Rajgriha in Magadha, ruled by King Shrenik Bimbisara. In this city lived a cheerful and prosperous gardener couple, Arjun Mali and Bandhumati. They were known for their beauty, their opulent lifestyle, and their devotion to a Yaksha deity named Mugarpani, whom they worshipped daily with flowers.

During the annual Yaksha festival, the city buzzed with activity. Arjun and Bandhumati attended the fair with great splendor, drawing admiration from everyone, with some even remarking that Kamdev (god of love) and Rati themselves had graced the festival. However, the festive atmosphere was marred by the presence of a wicked group of seven or eight individuals who were captivated by Bandhumati's beauty.

As evening fell and the fair dispersed, Arjun and Bandhumati went to the Yaksha temple for darshan. This was the opportune moment for the wicked group. They seized Arjun, tied him to a pillar of the temple, and then attacked Bandhumati. The ensuing violation led to Bandhumati's death, and her soul departed from her desecrated body. The perpetrators then fled into the darkness.

Left tied to the pillar, Arjun was a helpless witness to the horrific events. His pleas to the stone image of the Yaksha went unanswered. Seeing Bandhumati's lifeless body, Arjun's mind snapped. He broke free from his bonds and, in a fit of rage, picked up the Yaksha's mace and destroyed the idol. He then went on a rampage through the city, killing anyone he encountered. The city descended into chaos, with people fleeing in terror from Arjun's rampage.

King Shrenik, unable to control the situation, ordered a public announcement: no one was to use the road where Arjun Mali was active, as it was a path of death. Anyone venturing there would do so at their own peril. This proclamation further instilled fear in the populace, paralyzing their daily activities.

Coincidentally, at this very time, Lord Mahavir, the omniscient and compassionate Jina, arrived in a forest near Rajgriha, close to a Chaitya named Gunashil. Lord Mahavir was known for spreading peace and guidance throughout Magadha. News of his arrival spread rapidly, and the people, along with the King and Queen, were eager to see him. However, the fear of Arjun Mali's rampages on the path leading to the forest prevented anyone from venturing out. Even the devout disciples stayed home, offering their prayers from afar, lamenting the obstacle to their darshan. Many brave young men who wished to visit Lord Mahavir were restrained by their parents and loved ones, while others were prevented by the King's decree.

At this critical juncture, when the general populace's devotion was hindered by fear, a true devotee of Lord Mahavir, a prominent young man named Sudarshan, son of a wealthy merchant (Sarthavaha), stepped forward, unconcerned about the threat to his life. Upon hearing of Lord Mahavir's arrival, Sudarshan was filled with immense joy and anticipation for the darshan and the opportunity to hear the divine words.

Sudarshan, driven by his profound faith and love for the teachings of the Jinas, informed his parents of his intention to visit Lord Mahavir. His parents, concerned for his safety, tried to dissuade him, reminding him of the danger on the path and his youth. However, Sudarshan, who valued direct spiritual practice over mere rituals, explained the significance of spiritual company and urged them to join him. When they refused, he set out alone, his mind filled with devotion and contemplation of Lord Mahavir's path to enlightenment.

As Sudarshan approached the dangerous road, Arjun Mali, seeing someone daring to cross his territory, rejoiced. He prepared to confront Sudarshan, but as Sudarshan drew nearer, Arjun's aggression began to wane. Sudarshan, filled with peace and equanimity, stood firm and unafraid before Arjun. When Arjun, in his rage, demanded to know his purpose, Sudarshan calmly replied that he was going to meet Lord Mahavir at the Gunashil Chaitya to pay his respects and listen to his teachings.

Arjun, enraged by the mention of his wife's killer and the perceived disrespect, threatened Sudarshan with his mace. However, Sudarshan approached him with an embrace-like affection, further unsettling Arjun. Seeing Sudarshan's unwavering peace and smile, Arjun began to question his own actions and rage. He wondered why Sudarshan was not afraid and why he was so eager to meet Mahavir, whom he considered to be of no consequence.

Arjun's inner turmoil grew, and he dropped his mace. Sudarshan then explained the true meaning of worship and devotion, emphasizing that it lies in reverence, goodwill, and equanimity towards all living beings, not just outward rituals. He described the characteristics of an Arhant (a perfected being) as someone who does not cause harm to any creature in thought, word, or deed. He then identified Lord Mahavir as a living Arhant and his supreme guru, whom he was going to meet.

Arjun, touched by Sudarshan's words, felt a glimmer of light in his heart. He asked if Lord Mahavir could alleviate his suffering. Sudarshan, with deep conviction, assured him that he could. Arjun then asked if he could accompany Sudarshan. Sudarshan readily agreed and suggested that Arjun first cleanse himself in the nearby pond.

After bathing and preparing himself, Arjun and Sudarshan, like old friends, set off towards the Gunashil Chaitya. They arrived to find Lord Mahavir surrounded by disciples. Sudarshan, upon seeing the Lord, was overcome with emotion and prostrated himself at his feet. Lord Mahavir, recognizing Sudarshan and his spiritual potential, embraced him. He then addressed Sudarshan, emphasizing the rarity of truly listening to, believing in, and practicing the teachings of saints. He explained that mere belief without action is futile and can lead to hypocrisy. True spiritual growth, he stressed, comes from cultivating faith and having the courage to act in accordance with it.

Sudarshan listened attentively to Lord Mahavir's compassionate words. Witnessing this, Arjun Mali also surrendered himself to Lord Mahavir, gained faith in the saint's teachings, and began to experience the divine power of selfless action. The story concludes with the general welfare (Janakalyan) being attained through this transformation.