Subhadra Charitram - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Subhadra Charitram" by Shubhshil Gani, based on the provided text:

Overview:

"Subhadra Charitram" is a Jain narrative that tells the story of Subhadra, a virtuous Jain woman, and her journey through a marriage based on deception, societal judgment, and ultimately, the triumph of her unwavering faith and chastity. The text highlights the importance of Jain principles, righteousness, and the power of divine intervention.

Key Characters and Setting:

Jitashatru: The king of Vasantpura.
Jinamati: A devout Jain minister and the father of Subhadra.
Tattwamalini: Jinamati's virtuous Jain wife.
Subhadra: The central character, a beautiful and pious Jain daughter.
Buddhadasa: A young merchant from Champapur who initially practices Buddhism.
Subhadra's Mother-in-law: A critical and judgmental character who accuses Subhadra of misbehavior.
Shasana Devi (Guardian Deity): A divine being who intervenes to protect Subhadra.

Narrative Summary:

Birth and Upbringing: In the city of Vasantpura, King Jitashatru reigned. His minister, Jinamati, and his wife, Tattwamalini, were devout Jains. They were blessed with a daughter named Subhadra, whose birth was foreshadowed by auspicious dreams. Subhadra grew up to be exceptionally beautiful, accomplished in all arts, and deeply devoted to Jainism, always engaged in worship, devotion to gurus, and religious observances.
Encounter with Buddhadasa: Jinamati wished to marry Subhadra to a learned Jain man. Meanwhile, a young merchant named Buddhadasa from Champapur, who was a follower of Buddhism, arrived in Vasantpura for business. While passing through the city, Buddhadasa saw Subhadra with her friends and was instantly captivated by her beauty.
Buddhadasa's Deception: Learning that Subhadra was unmarried and that her father intended to marry her only to a Jain, Buddhadasa was determined to marry her. He decided to convert to Jainism and learn its practices to gain Jinamati's approval. He studied Jain scriptures, diligently performed Jain rituals like pratikramana, visited temples, worshipped Jain idols, and listened to religious discourses from Jain monks. He even presented himself as a pure Jain layman to Jinamati.
The Marriage: Impressed by Buddhadasa's apparent devotion and adherence to Jain principles, Jinamati believed him to be a suitable match for his daughter. Considering him worthy due to his knowledge of Jainism, humility, and compassion towards all beings, Jinamati joyfully agreed to marry Subhadra to Buddhadasa. A grand wedding ceremony was performed, and Subhadra married Buddhadasa.
Subhadra's Devotion and Mother-in-law's Discontent: After the wedding, Buddhadasa accumulated wealth and decided to return to his hometown with Subhadra, taking leave of her family. Upon arriving in his city, they were warmly welcomed by his parents. Subhadra, in her new home, began her daily religious activities, visiting Jain temples and venerating Jain monks. Her mother-in-law, however, was a follower of Buddhism and disapproved of Subhadra's Jain practices. She forbade Subhadra from visiting Jain temples and engaging in Jain rituals, stating that their family worshipped Buddha.
Subhadra's Defiance and Separation: Hurt and realizing Buddhadasa's deception, Subhadra felt distressed but resolved to follow her own path for her spiritual benefit, understanding that pleasing everyone is impossible. She continued to visit Jain temples and honor Jain monks, disregarding her mother-in-law's orders. Her mother-in-law, unable to control her defiance, accused her and complained to Buddhadasa. In response, Buddhadasa, influenced by his mother and the family's judgment, separated Subhadra and kept her in a separate house, where she continued her devout Jain practices.
The Incident with the Monk and False Accusation: One day, a Jinkalpa Jain monk, observing a vow of fasting, arrived at Subhadra's separate residence for alms. Subhadra noticed a strand of grass irritating the monk's eye. To help him, she gently removed the grass with her tongue. In the process, a vermilion tilak from her forehead accidentally transferred to the monk's forehead. Her mother-in-law, witnessing this from a distance, accused Subhadra of misconduct with the monk, attracting a crowd and calling Buddhadasa. The family and onlookers alike condemned Subhadra, calling her immoral and accusing her of bringing shame to the family. Buddhadasa, swayed by these accusations, became estranged from her.
Subhadra's Faith and Divine Intervention: Feeling unjustly accused and realizing that her righteous act had led to such calumny, Subhadra turned to her faith for solace. She vowed to remain in a kayotsarga (meditative posture) until the guardian deity of the faith cleared her name. The Shasana Devi, pleased with Subhadra's unwavering devotion and courage, appeared and assured her that her purity would be revealed the next morning.
The City Gates and the Test of Chastity: The next morning, the city gates remained inexplicably shut. Despite the king's and the people's efforts, they could not be opened. The Shasana Devi announced that only a chaste woman, using a rope tied to a chalini (a water-drawing vessel) from a well, could open the gates with the drawn water. The king declared that whoever could perform this feat would be honored. Many women attempted the task, claiming their chastity, but the ropes broke, or they could not draw water.
Subhadra's Vindication: Subhadra, upon learning of the proclamation, humbly approached her mother-in-law, offering to open the gates. Her mother-in-law, still resentful and disbelieving of Subhadra's chastity, mockingly permitted her to try. Subhadra, remembering the Panch Parameshti and the Shasana Devi, went to the well. She drew water with the chalini tied with the same rope, and miraculously, the rope did not break, and not a drop of water spilled. The people were astonished, and her mother-in-law was shamed.
Opening the Gates and Recognition: Subhadra, holding the water-filled chalini, proceeded to the city gates. After reciting the Panch Parameshti mantra, she sprinkled the water on the gates, which immediately swung open. The people rejoiced, showering her with honors. The Shasana Devi then appeared, acknowledging Subhadra's chastity and stating that only she could have achieved this. She also mentioned that the fourth gate remained unopened by anyone else.
Reconciliation and Conversion: The king and the people, witnessing this miracle, were amazed and acknowledged Subhadra's immense virtue. They accepted Jainism. Subhadra's mother-in-law sought her forgiveness. Buddhadasa and the entire family renounced Buddhism and embraced Jainism.
Final Liberation: Subhadra lived a fulfilling household life, practicing her faith. Eventually, she received initiation (diksha) from her guru and, through intense austerities, purified herself of karma, ultimately attaining liberation (moksha).

Themes:

Devotion to Jainism: The story emphasizes the importance of unwavering faith and adherence to Jain principles, even in the face of adversity.
Chastity and Virtue: Subhadra's chastity is portrayed as a powerful force that can overcome worldly obstacles and earn divine favor.
Consequences of Deception: Buddhadasa's initial deception leads to complications, but his eventual sincerity and conversion highlight the redemptive power of right understanding.
Social Judgment vs. Truth: The narrative shows how societal perception and false accusations can be powerful, but ultimately, truth and divine justice prevail.
The Role of Divine Grace: The intervention of the Shasana Devi demonstrates the belief in divine protection for the virtuous.
Karma: The story implicitly suggests that one's actions (karma) have consequences, and true virtue can lead to liberation.