Siddhachakra Ka Chamatkar Diwakar Chitrakatha 013

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Siddhachakra ka Chamatkar Diwakar Chitrakatha 013":

This comic book, "Siddhachakra ka Chamatkar" (The Miracle of the Siddhachakra), Issue 013, published by Diwakar Prakashan and authored by Vinaymuni and Shreechand Surana, tells the story of Shripal and Mainasundari, highlighting the power and significance of the Navpad (Siddhachakra) worship.

The book begins by explaining the concept of Atma Shakti (Soul Power), which is far superior to physical strength, intellect, and wisdom. It emphasizes that the Navpad mantra, which involves remembering the Panch Parmeshthi (Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyay, Sadhu) and the four pillars of Jainism (Knowledge, Perception, Conduct, Austerity), is an inexhaustible source of this spiritual power. The Siddhachakra is the symbolic representation of this Navpad.

The story then introduces Mainasundari, a woman of immense self-confidence, firm faith, and knowledge of the law of karma. Her life demonstrates that the soul is the creator and enjoyer of its own happiness and sorrow. She lived a life balanced with knowledge, action, devotion to dharma, and marital duties.

The narrative focuses on a critical period in the life of Prince Shripal, the son of King Singhast of Champanagari. After the king's untimely death, Shripal's uncle, Ajitsen, plots to usurp the throne and kill Shripal. Shripal's mother, Queen Kamalprabha, advised by the minister Matisagar, flees with Shripal into the forest to protect him.

In the forest, they encounter a group of people afflicted with leprosy (maharog). Despite the risk, the Queen, driven by compassion and the desire for companionship for her son, decides to join them. The lepers accept Shripal as their "king" and name him Umbarana. Tragically, Shripal contracts leprosy from the group, a devastating blow to his mother.

Meanwhile, in the capital of Malva, Ujjain, the story introduces Princess Mainasundari, the daughter of King Prajapal and Queen Rupasundari. During a royal examination of her education, Mainasundari astounds the court with her profound understanding of karma and the soul's self-reliance. She states that happiness and sorrow are due to one's own karma, not to the king, which angers her father.

King Prajapal, proud and seeking to prove his power, encounters the group of lepers, including Shripal. When the lepers request a bride for their "King" Umbarana, the King, influenced by pride and a desire to humble Mainasundari, decrees that Mainasundari will marry Umbarana. Despite pleas from his queen and court, he forces the marriage.

Mainasundari, displaying immense strength of character, marries the afflicted Shripal. She accepts her fate, believing it to be a consequence of her karma, and dedicates herself to caring for Shripal. She decides to seek medicinal herbs in the forest to cure him.

The story then shifts back to Shripal and the lepers, who continue to wander and eventually reach the borders of Malva. There, they are discovered by King Prajapal's soldiers. The lepers are given food and shelter outside the city.

Mainasundari, after failing to find a cure in the forest, returns to Shripal. Upon learning about a wise ascetic (Muni) visiting the city, she seeks his guidance. The Muni teaches them the practice of Navpad Aradhana (worship of the Nine Steps).

Mainasundari and Shripal diligently perform the Navpad Aradhana for nine days, observing the Ayambil tapas (eating a single meal per day of unsalted, oil-free grain). On the ninth day, the water used to purify the Siddhachakra is sprinkled on Shripal, miraculously curing him of his leprosy and restoring his strength and radiance. The lepers are also cured by this sacred water, marveling at the transformative power of the devotion.

Shripal and Mainasundari are reunited with Shripal's mother, who is overjoyed to see her son restored. Later, King Prajapal, regretting his actions, visits Mainasundari. Upon learning that the "handsome prince" accompanying her is indeed Shripal, cured by the power of Navpad Aradhana, he is deeply remorseful for his harsh judgment and the injustice he inflicted.

Mainasundari forgives her father, explaining that his actions, in a way, led her to discover the true path of devotion and the Siddhachakra, which ultimately brought them happiness. She urges her father and others to observe the Navpad Aradhana themselves. King Prajapal accepts her suggestion.

The story concludes with King Prajapal bringing Shripal and Mainasundari back to his palace with great honor. The narrative emphasizes that the miraculous healing of Shripal's leprosy and their subsequent prosperity are due to the divine power of Navpad Aradhana. The book mentions that further details of Shripal and Mainasundari's lives, including Shripal becoming a king, are covered in subsequent publications.

The book also includes a section on the "Navpad Aradhana Vidhi" (Method of Navpad Worship), outlining the daily practices, types of food for Ayambil, and the specific prayers and repetitions involved in the observance of the "Oli" fasts held twice a year. It also explains the significance of the numbers associated with the various virtues and enumerations related to the Panch Parmeshthi and the steps of the Siddhachakra.

Finally, the book features a section reflecting on the current state of the world, lamenting the prevalence of violence, hatred, and a disregard for compassion and dharma, urging readers to introspect and consider their responsibilities. It is dedicated to the Jain Acharyas and spiritual leaders who inspire such spiritual practices.