Sumitra Charitram - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the "Sumitra Charitram" by Harshkunjar Upadhyay, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Sumitra Charitram Author: Harshkunjar Upadhyay Publisher: Shravak Hiralal Hansraj (Jamnagar) Published: Vikram Samvat 1992 / Veer Samvat 2462 (1936 AD)

Overall Theme: The "Sumitra Charitram" is a Jain text that narrates the life story of Prince Sumitra, focusing on his virtuous deeds, spiritual journey, and the lessons learned throughout his life. It emphasizes the importance of righteousness, compassion, and detachment from worldly desires in achieving spiritual liberation.

Key Narrative Points and Themes:

Prologue and Invocation (Pages 2-4):

The text begins with a traditional invocation to Lord Jinendra and Lord Parshvanath, seeking their blessings.
It highlights the significance of religion (Dharma) as a source of happiness, prosperity, and ultimate salvation.
Dharma is described as being fourfold: Dana (charity), Sheel (virtue/conduct), Tapa (austerity), and Bhava (inner disposition).
Dana (Charity) is emphasized as particularly important for householders, leading to a successful life and overcoming calamities.

The Kingdom and the Prince (Pages 4-8):

The narrative introduces the prosperous Jambu continent and its beautiful city, Champapur, in the Anga region of Bharatavarsha.
The ruler of Champapur is King Dhavalvahan, a man of great virtues like generosity, forbearance, and courage.
The king has twenty-two sons, and among his many queens, one named Pritimati is initially disrespected by the king.
Pritimati conceives a virtuous son, who is later named Sumitra (meaning "good friend") by the citizens due to his affectionate nature with his friends.
Sumitra's birth is not celebrated as prominently as the king had another favorite queen.
Sumitra, along with his four friends (Sur, Sidhar, Sutram, Sagar – sons of a minister, guard, priest, and builder respectively), receives education in various arts and sciences.
The other princes, spoiled and self-willed, neglect their studies, while Sumitra, despite occasional reprimands from his teacher, diligently pursues his education.

The Trial and the Protection (Pages 10-13):

Due to his mother's displeased state, Sumitra's birth festival was not celebrated, and his name was not even formally given by the king.
Sumitra's mother, concerned about potential misfortunes, consults a Siddha (enlightened being) who provides a protective charm (Raksha Vidhan).
The Siddha warns that if this charm is lost or destroyed, Sumitra will face severe calamities, but if kept safe, he will be invincible.
The mother places the charm in Sumitra's sword hilt, instructing him to always keep the sword with him.

Sumitra's Departure and Encounters (Pages 13-25):

Sumitra, accompanied by his friends, embarks on a journey.
They encounter a fierce river, a man searching for his lost ox's hoofprint, and learn about the power of knowledge and special abilities.
Sidhar, one of Sumitra's friends, learns a secret skill from the man to track things.
They meet a carpenter building a flying chariot and Sagar, the carpenter's son, desires to learn this art.
Sumitra allows Sagar to stay and learn the art, promising to meet him later.
They encounter a Siddha who has the power of immortality and grants the secret of an inexhaustible pot (Akshaya Patra).
Sumitra permits Sur to stay and learn this divine knowledge.

The City of the Demon and the Princess (Pages 28-43):

Sumitra, now accompanied by only one friend, Surat, reaches the beautiful but deserted city of Pushpapura.
They discover a temple where a beautiful maiden, Priyagumjari, is held captive by a demon named Kanakdhwaj.
Priyagumjari recounts her story: her father was King Kanakdhwaj of Champapur, and she was abducted by the demon after her family was killed. The demon had disguised himself as a lover and forced her to stay in the city.
She explains how the demon uses a magical ointment to transform into a cat and then back into human form.
Sumitra, using his intelligence, devises a plan. He asks Priyagumjari to apply the ointment to his eyes, making him invisible, while he hides and waits for the demon.
When the demon arrives, Sumitra, invisible, confronts and kills him, freeing Priyagumjari.

The King's Dilemma and Sumitra's Return (Pages 43-47):

Priyagumjari's torn garment is found by the river and taken to King Makaradhwaj of Vijaypur.
Impressed by the garment, the king vows to marry the wearer.
A cunning courtesan (Vairini), recognizing the garment and Priyagumjari's story, offers to find the wearer for the king.
Vairini locates Priyagumjari and Sumitra in Pushpapura and manipulates Priyagumjari into returning to King Makaradhwaj's court.
Meanwhile, Sumitra's friends return with their learned skills. Sagar learns the flying chariot art, and Sur learns the inexhaustible pot knowledge.
The friends reunite with Sumitra, who has freed Priyagumjari.

The Reunion and the Wedding (Pages 47-73):

Vairini, driven by revenge and lust, tries to manipulate Priyagumjari into betraying Sumitra.
Priyagumjari, however, remains steadfast in her devotion to Sumitra.
Vairini, in her attempt to harm Sumitra, accidentally throws his protective charm into the fire, causing him to lose his invincibility.
Sumitra's friends, having acquired their skills, find Sumitra in a weakened state and revive him.
They discover the demon's plot and Vairini's treachery.
Sumitra, with the help of his friends and their acquired skills, defeats Vairini and her allies.
Sumitra and his friends return to Champapur. Sumitra is crowned king, and his friends are appointed to important positions.
Sumitra marries Priyagumjari and other princesses.

Sumitra's Reign and Spiritual Attainment (Pages 73-89):

Sumitra rules justly and righteously for many years, promoting Dharma and performing acts of charity.
He faces challenges and learns valuable lessons from the karmic consequences of past actions through the story of the four friends and their rebirths.
A significant event involves a spiritual discourse by a Kevali (omniscient being) who reveals the past lives of Sumitra, Priyagumjari, and the consequences of their actions, particularly emphasizing the importance of Dana (charity), Sheel (virtue), and the ill effects of anger and greed.
Sumitra and Priyagumjari, after understanding the cycle of birth and death and the importance of liberation, renounce their worldly possessions and embark on the path of asceticism (Sanyam).
They practice severe austerities, attain purity of soul, and eventually achieve Nirvana (Moksha).

Moral and Spiritual Lessons:

The power of good company: Sumitra's steadfast friendship with his companions is a recurring theme.
The consequences of actions (Karma): The narrative repeatedly highlights how past actions influence present circumstances and future destinies.
The importance of Dharma: The text consistently emphasizes the virtues of charity, compassion, righteousness, and spiritual discipline.
Detachment from worldly pleasures: Sumitra's ultimate renunciation signifies the transient nature of worldly possessions and the pursuit of ultimate liberation.
The role of knowledge and wisdom: Learning various arts and understanding spiritual principles are crucial for overcoming obstacles.
The destructive nature of anger and greed: The story of the minister's son and the demon illustrates how these vices lead to downfall.

Conclusion: The "Sumitra Charitram" serves as an exemplary tale for followers of Jainism, illustrating the path to spiritual enlightenment through righteous living, selfless service, and ultimately, renunciation. It reinforces the core Jain principles of non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession, all contributing to the attainment of Moksha.