Siriwal Chariu - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Siriwal Chariu," based on the provided text, focusing on its content and context:

Book Title: Siriwal Chariu (Sripala Charitra) Author: Narsendev (Narasenadev) Publisher: Bharatiya Jnanpith Language: Apabhramsa (with Hindi translation, variants, and vocabulary) Publication Year: Vira Samvat 2500 : Vikrama Samvat 2031 : A.D. 1974 (First Edition)

Overview:

"Siriwal Chariu" is an important Apabhramsa text attributed to the poet Narsendev. It recounts the popular Jain story of Sripala, a king who, due to past karmic deeds, suffers from leprosy and faces immense hardship. The narrative highlights his wife Mayanasundari's devotion, her practice of the Siddha-chakra Vidhana (a Jain ritual), and how through this ritual, she miraculously cures Sripala and his associates, leading them to a life of righteousness and eventual salvation. The text is valued for its poetic merit, its portrayal of Jain religious practices, and its depiction of societal aspects of the period.

Key Themes and Content:

The Story of Sripala: The central narrative revolves around Sripala, a prince who is cursed with leprosy due to his past karma. His father, King Payapala (Prajapala), angered by his daughter Mayanasundari's philosophical views on karma, marries her to the leper Sripala. Mayanasundari, despite her initial shock, accepts her destiny and her husband.
Karmic Influence and Redemption: A core Jain philosophical theme is that current suffering is a result of past actions (karma). Sripala's leprosy and his subsequent abandonment are presented as karmic consequences. However, the narrative also emphasizes redemption through devotion and adherence to Jain rituals, particularly the Siddha-chakra Vidhana.
Mayanasundari's Devotion and the Siddha-chakra Vidhana: Mayanasundari plays a pivotal role. She is depicted as highly knowledgeable in Jain scriptures and philosophical concepts. Despite her husband's condition, she remains devoted. Through her practice of the Siddha-chakra Vidhana, she not only cures Sripala but also his seven hundred attendants, demonstrating the ritual's power and efficacy.
The Siddha-chakra and its Significance: The text extensively discusses the Siddha-chakra ritual and its associated yantra (diagram). It is presented as a means of purification, healing, and spiritual advancement. The narrative connects the Sripala story directly to the glorification of this ritual. The text also touches upon the antiquity of Siddha-chakra traditions, referencing ancient texts and practices.
Sripala's Adventures and Multiple Marriages: After his cure, Sripala embarks on extensive journeys, encountering various challenges and opportunities. He meets influential figures like Dhaval Seth, a cunning merchant, and marries numerous princesses, including Ratnamanjusha and Gunamala, in different kingdoms. These marriages are often fulfilled through tests of skill or divine intervention.
Dhaval Seth as the Antagonist: Dhaval Seth is portrayed as a negative character, driven by greed and lust. He attempts to harm Sripala and exploit his wife, Ratnamanjusha. The narrative depicts his downfall due to his wicked actions, often involving divine intervention or Sripala's cleverness.
Character Portrayals:
- Sripala: While the protagonist, his character is depicted more as a divine figure whose actions are predetermined by karma and influenced by external forces, rather than exhibiting significant internal psychological development. His strength and resilience are paramount.
- Mayanasundari: She is portrayed as a paragon of chastity, devotion, and spiritual understanding, embodying the ideal Jain woman.
- Dhaval Seth: Represents the negative forces of greed, deceit, and lust.
- Other characters: Kunthaprabha (Sripala's mother), Ratnamanjusha, Gunamala, and King Payapala are also significant in advancing the plot and highlighting various themes.
Social and Cultural Depictions: The text offers glimpses into the social customs and practices of the period, including:
- Marriage Customs: Arranged marriages, the role of parents, self-choice marriages, and marriages based on fulfilling specific conditions (like opening temple doors).
- Dowry: The giving of elephants, horses, gold, and other valuables as dowry is mentioned.
- Women's Education: Mayanasundari and Gunamala are depicted as highly educated, skilled in various arts, languages, and sciences, indicating the prevalence of female education.
- Beliefs: Mentions of superstitions, witchcraft, and the influence of ghosts and spirits.
- Economic Activities: Descriptions of trade, seafaring journeys, and the wealth of merchants.
- Punishments: The text details punishments for crimes like deception and betrayal.
Literary Style and Language:
- Apabhramsa: The original text is in Apabhramsa, a Middle Indo-Aryan language that bridges Prakrit and modern Indo-Aryan languages. The language used reflects the transitional phase of the 15th-16th centuries, exhibiting a mix of Apabhramsa and emerging vernacular elements.
- Poetic Devices: The poet Narsendev employs various rhetorical devices, including similes, metaphors, and wordplay (yamaka and shlesh). The narrative is structured in "kadavakas" (sections) with "ghattas" (couplets) as concluding verses.
- Emphasis on Bhakti and Shanta Rasa: The poem primarily evokes devotion (Bhakti Rasa) and the tranquil (Shanta Rasa) leading to spiritual liberation. Other rasas like heroism (Veer), pathos (Karuna), and the grotesque (Bibhatsa) are present in specific contexts but are secondary to the devotional and philosophical aspects.

Editorial Context:

The Bharatiya Jnanpith's publication of "Siriwal Chariu" is part of its larger mission to research, edit, and publish Jain literature in various ancient Indian languages. The edition, prepared by Dr. Devendra Kumar Jain, includes a Hindi introduction, the Apabhramsa original, Hindi translation, textual variants, and a vocabulary, making it accessible to a wider audience. The editorial notes highlight the challenges of accurately reconstructing the text due to variations in manuscripts.

In Summary:

"Siriwal Chariu" is a significant Jain narrative poem in Apabhramsa that effectively blends religious teachings with an engaging story of karma, redemption, and devotion. It serves as a testament to the popularity of the Sripala legend within Jain tradition and provides valuable insights into the religious, social, and literary landscape of medieval India. The text emphasizes the power of faith, righteous conduct, and the efficacy of Jain rituals like the Siddha-chakra Vidhana in overcoming adversity and achieving spiritual goals.