Shripala Ane Mayanasundari

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shripala ane Mayanasundari" by the JAINA Education Committee, based on the provided pages:

The story begins with Prince Shripala, son of King Simharath and Queen Kamalaprabha of Champanagar. When Shripala was five years old, his father passed away. The king's ambitious brother, Ajitsen, seized the opportunity to usurp the throne, seeing Shripala as an obstacle. Queen Kamalaprabha, aware of Ajitsen's ill intentions, fled the kingdom with her young son. Ajitsen, upon learning of their escape, dispatched his loyal soldiers in pursuit.

Realizing she couldn't outrun the soldiers with a child, Queen Kamalaprabha joined a group of lepers. Despite their warning that the child might contract leprosy, she took the risk to save him. Shripala, who was handsome and brave, was cared for by the lepers. However, he did contract leprosy, with sores breaking out all over his body. As Shripala grew into a young man, the lepers made him their leader, calling him Umrana.

One day, while wandering, they arrived in Ujjain, the capital of Malwa. Ujjain was ruled by King Prajapala, who had two queens: Saubhagyasundari and Rupasundari. Saubhagyasundari had a daughter named Sursundari, and Rupasundari had a daughter named Mayanasundari. Both princesses were beautiful, intelligent, and received excellent education in all arts.

King Prajapala decided to test his daughters. He summoned them to the court and asked them questions. When asked about the source of their prosperity and comforts, Sursundari humbly attributed it to the king's grace. The king was pleased. He then questioned Mayanasundari, who, after paying her respects, stated, "Father! This royal splendor is the fruit of my good deeds in past lives. Everyone receives what is destined for them. No one can give or take anything from another."

The king was stunned and repeatedly asked her, but Mayanasundari maintained that her fortunes were due to her own karma. The king, a disbeliever in karma, became angry and decided to teach her a lesson. He ordered his men to find a physically repulsive and poor man. They brought Umrana (Shripala), and without further thought, the king married Mayanasundari to him. He provided them with a small house and basic necessities, sending Mayanasundari to live by the grace of her karma. Her mother, Rupasundari, was deeply saddened by the king's decision. Meanwhile, Sursundari was married to Prince Aridaman of Shankhpuri.

Mayanasundari, being very religious, accepted Shripala in his guise as Umrana as her husband and began serving him. Together, they worshipped at the temple and listened to sermons from monks. One day, Mayanasundari and Shripala visited the learned Acharya Munichandra. Mayanasundari inquired about her husband's leprosy. The Acharya advised them to perform the Navpad Ayambil Oli fast. This involves observing the nine Nava-pad (Arhant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, Sadhu, Knowledge, Perception, Conduct, and Austerity) for nine periods of 'Oli', which are 4.5 years long. Each 'Oli' consists of nine days of fasting, and 'Ayambil' means consuming a single, plain meal per day, abstaining from spices, ghee, milk, oil, and salt. The 'Oli' fast occurs twice a year.

With great faith and devotion, Mayanasundari and Shripala began the 'Oli' fast. The result was astonishing: Shripala's skin gradually cleared of its blemishes, and his skin became radiant and beautiful once more, like a prince. Mayanasundari felt blessed by her karma. They continued the fast even after completing nine cycles of 'Oli'.

One day, while at the temple, Mayanasundari's mother, Rupasundari, met them unexpectedly. Seeing Mayanasundari with a handsome prince instead of a leper shocked her. Mayanasundari explained everything in detail, and Rupasundari was overjoyed. She rushed to inform the king that Mayanasundari's beliefs about karma were true. The king, witnessing the truth, felt remorse for causing his beloved daughter such suffering. He sent for his daughter and son-in-law to return home. It was then revealed that Shripala was indeed the prince. Fortunately, Shripala's mother also arrived at the palace and joined them.

During a royal procession, Shripala was seated on an elephant with King Prajapala. Someone asked who Shripala was to the king, and the reply was that he was the king's son-in-law. Shripala disliked being known by his father-in-law's name. He decided to establish his own identity. With everyone's permission, he set out to travel far and wide, visiting many places. Despite hardships, he never forgot the practice of the 'Nava-pad' worship. Following the customs of the time, he married many women with his intellect and acquired immense wealth. Many people followed his teachings and became his followers. He returned and camped outside Ujjain. His large army made it seem as if the entire city was under siege. King Prajapala initially thought it was an enemy invasion, but upon realizing it was his son-in-law, he went to meet him. Shripala entered the city with great honor. His mother and Mayanasundari were overjoyed to see him. Shripala spent a long time with his beloved wife, Mayanasundari.

He then decided to reclaim his ancestral kingdom of Champanagar. He sent a message to his uncle Ajitsen, demanding the return of the throne. Ajitsen refused. Shripala, with the help of his vast army, captured Ajitsen and conquered Champanagar. He forgave Ajitsen, who realized his time was up and decided to renounce the world.

Becoming the king of Champanagar, Shripala ruled his kingdom effectively. King Shripala and Queen Mayanasundari lived their lives devoted to the worship of the 'Nava-pad', making their lives blessed. Mayanasundari's story emphasizes faith in karma and devotion to the 'Nava-pad'. It highlights the importance of one's efforts in changing their destiny. Mayanasundari understood the nature of karma and was not content with her fate. She and her husband Shripala made strenuous efforts through prayer and action to change their circumstances, and ultimately, they succeeded.

The text concludes by emphasizing that karma placed them in their current situation, which they accepted. They knew that by acquiring good karma and eradicating bad karma, they could change their future. Happiness or sorrow is a state of mind; if one perceives themselves as unhappy, they will remain so. It is essential to have complete faith in the power of karma to achieve happiness and contentment.