Sulsa Charitam

This document is a Gujarati translation of the Sulsa Charitam (Life of Sulsa), a Jain text authored by Harishankar Kalidas Shastri and published by Jain Vidya Shala. The catalog link provided is for this specific publication.

The text appears to be a poetic narrative detailing the life and spiritual journey of Sulsa, a devout Jain follower. It begins with mangalacharana (auspicious invocations) to Jain Tirthankaras, highlighting their virtues and significance. The author then introduces the central theme of the work, which is the life story of Sulsa.

The document details the philosophical underpinnings of Jainism, emphasizing the importance of sammyaktva (right faith/belief) as the foundation for spiritual progress. It explains how various virtues like dana (charity), sheel (virtuous conduct), and tapas (austerities) are interconnected and lead to liberation.

A significant portion of the text is dedicated to describing the geographical and social landscape, including the description of Jambudvipa, Bharat Kshetra, Magadh region, and the city of Rajagriha. It paints a picture of a prosperous and virtuous society, highlighting the presence of Jain temples and the adherence to Jain principles.

The narrative then focuses on the life of Sulsa, emphasizing her devotion, virtuous conduct, and her relationship with her husband, Nagasarathi. It details their piety, their desire for a child, and the eventual divine intervention that leads to the birth of virtuous sons. The text also portrays the challenges faced, such as the loss of their children, and how Sulsa and Nagasarathi navigated these adversies with unwavering faith and adherence to Jain principles.

Furthermore, the text introduces the character of Ambad, a disguised divine being who tests Sulsa's devotion and understanding of Jain philosophy. Through various interactions and tests, Sulsa demonstrates her profound commitment to Jain teachings, her unwavering faith in the Tirthankaras, and her ability to discern true spiritual knowledge from false pretenses.

The latter part of the text describes Sulsa's virtuous life, her adherence to Jain practices, her eventual acceptance of sallekhana (a Jain ritual of fasting to the end of life), and her subsequent celestial rebirth. The narrative concludes by highlighting Sulsa's future incarnation as the fifteenth Tirthankara, Nirmama, reinforcing the idea that righteous actions and unwavering devotion lead to spiritual elevation.

Throughout the text, the author uses poetic verses and detailed descriptions to illustrate Jain philosophical concepts, the importance of virtuous conduct, and the ultimate goal of liberation. The text serves as an inspirational account of a devoted Jain laywoman's spiritual journey.