Sursundari Charitra - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sursundari Charitra" by Bhanuchandravijay, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Sursundari Charitra (The Story of Sursundari) Author: Bhanuchandravijay (Translator), Dhaneswarmuni (Original author in Prakrit) Publisher: Yashendu Prakashan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/022679/1

This work, "Sursundari Charitra," is a significant Jain narrative translated from Prakrit into Hindi by Panyas Pravar Shri Bhanuchandra Vijay Ganji. It's presented as a valuable contribution to propagating Jain philosophy and culture to a wider audience.

Core Theme and Purpose:

The "Sursundari Charitra" is a didactic story belonging to the Kathanuyog (narrative tradition) of Jain literature. Its primary purpose is to educate and inspire individuals towards righteous living by illustrating the principles of Jainism through an engaging narrative. The story emphasizes the consequences of actions, the importance of virtuous conduct, and the pursuit of spiritual liberation.

Translator's Introduction (Lekhakiya Nivedan by Bhanuchandravijay):

Bhanuchandravijay highlights that Jain philosophy is divided into four Anuyogas (ways of understanding): Dravyanuyog, Charankarananuyog, Kathanuyog, and Ganitanuyog.
He states that Kathanuyog has been extensively used by previous Āchāryas to enlighten souls. "Sursundari Charitra" is one such extensive narrative.
He acknowledges Dhaneswarmuni as the original author of this valuable work in Prakrit, who made efforts to make it accessible during his time.
The original text is described as a poetic work of approximately 4000 verses divided into 16 chapters.
Bhanuchandravijay's goal in translating it into Hindi (and Gujarati) is to promote Jainism, philosophy, culture, and literature to a broader audience, including non-Jains and international readers.
He emphasizes his commitment to a word-for-word translation, acknowledging his own learning curve in the field.
The translation process took about 2.5 to 3 months of dedicated effort.
He expresses gratitude to Pandit Shri Nareshchandra Jha for preparing the Hindi manuscript and language refinement, and to his fellow monks for proofreading. He also thanks Ranjanbhai Parmar for undertaking the publication.
He encourages readers to read, reflect upon, and implement the teachings of the story in their lives, inviting feedback for improvement.

Foreword (Sammati by Go. Pa. Nene):

Go. Pa. Nene praises Bhanuchandravijay's beautiful and impactful translation, comparing the reading experience to sitting under a cool tree and listening to an informative story.
He notes that the stories within the text awaken conscience and encourage introspection.
He highlights the ancient and successful tradition of conveying knowledge through stories, drawing parallels with the Panchatantra's widespread influence.
Nene emphasizes that making Jain narrative treasures from Sanskrit and Prakrit accessible through regional languages is a great service, promoting ethical purity among the masses.
He believes "Sursundari Charitra" will serve the noble cause of spreading good thoughts.
He concludes by stating that readers have a duty to make good use of the Prakrit treasures unveiled by Munishri Bhanuchandra Vijayji's translation art and talent.

Publishers' Note (Prakashakiya by Ranjan Parmar):

Ranjan Parmar observes the vastness of Jainism's antiquity and culture despite the relatively small number of Jains.
He attributes the limited propagation of Jainism to various factors, including the Jain community's preoccupation with business leading to indifference towards outreach, the prevalence of Jain literature in Ardhamagadhi and Gujarati, and the lack of royal patronage.
He notes that Jain literature contains valuable material across various fields but has remained confined within Jain scriptures, inaccessible to the common populace due to language barriers and lack of printing.
Parmar highlights a recent shift with new ideas influencing the Jain monastic and lay communities, leading to the printing and translation of Jain literature.
He reiterates that "Sursundari Charitra," originally by Dhaneshwar, is part of this effort, having been first printed 42 years prior through the efforts of Muni Shri Rajvijayji and now presented in Hindi through Bhanuchandra Vijayji's dedicated work.
The note includes a brief biography of Bhanuchandravijayji, mentioning his birth in Ahmedabad, his business career in Mumbai, his spiritual renunciation in 1949, his receiving Ganipada and Panyasipada, his prolific writing career with 21 published works in various languages, and his extensive travels and service to the Jain community.

Content Summary (from the provided chapters):

The text begins with traditional invocations and salutations to Jain Tirthankaras and spiritual preceptors. It then delves into the narrative, starting with the description of the geographical setting within the Jain cosmology:

Chapter 1 (Atavi Pravesh Varnan - Entry into the Forest):
- Describes the journey of a merchant caravan through a dense forest.
- Introduces the city of Hastinapur, renowned for its prosperity and virtuous inhabitants.
- Details the benevolent and just reign of King Amarketu, who rules wisely and justly.
- King Amarketu is depicted as a virtuous ruler, wise and powerful.
- A painter named Chitr considered a renowned artist, arrives from Kushagrapur and presents a portrait of a beautiful maiden to the king.
- The king is captivated by the portrait, believing that finding such a maiden would bring success to his kingdom. He decides to hold a Swayamvar (choice of groom ceremony) for his sister Kamalavati to attract kings.
- A astrologer named Sumati is consulted about Kamalavati's future husband and Shri Kanta's (daughter of a merchant Sagar) destiny.
- The painter Chitr reveals that he was sent by King Naravahan of Kushagrapur to show the king this portrait. The king of Kushagrapur wishes to marry Kamalavati to the person who faints upon seeing the portrait.
- The story sets the stage for the king's eventual infatuation and his quest to find the maiden depicted in the portrait.
Chapter 2 (Bhilon ka Aakraman - Attack by Bhils):
- The merchant caravan, including Dhanadev, halts near a reservoir.
- The caravan is suddenly attacked by fierce and formidable Bhils.
- A scene of chaos and panic ensues, with some merchants bravely fighting back while others flee or surrender.
- Dhanadev displays bravery and confronts the Bhils, wielding his sword.
- Despite his valiant efforts, Dhanadev is captured by the Bhils, who mistake him for the caravan leader.
- Dev Sharma, the guardian of Jayasen (son of Bhil chief Supratisth), recognizes Dhanadev as the person who saved Jayasen from yogis and pleads with his chief.
- The chief, Supratisth, releases Dhanadev, acknowledging his past good deed and regretting the harsh welcome due to his own tribe's nature. He invites the caravan to his village, Singhgupha, as guests.
Chapter 3 (Supratisth ka Vrittant - The Story of Supratisth):
- Dhanadev is treated with respect and hospitality at Singhgupha.
- Supratisth recounts his life story: he is the son of King Sugriv and Queen Kamala of Siddharthpur. His birth and early life were prosperous.
- He describes the devastating monsoon season and the king's empathy for the suffering of the poor.
- A messenger from King Kirtivarma of Champanagari arrives, seeking a marriage alliance with Supratisth for his daughter Kanakavati.
- Sumati the astrologer predicts that the man who faints upon seeing Kanakavati's portrait will be her husband and her future consort in ruling.
- Later, Supratisth recounts his own lineage, being the son of King Sugriv and Queen Kamala of Anga country, and his subsequent loss of kingdom to his brother, leading him to live in the forest with the Bhils. He explains his circumstances and his current position as their leader.
- He explains his transformation from a prince to a forest dweller due to political intrigue and betrayal by his own family.
Chapter 4 (Vidya-vijayam - Victory of Knowledge):
- This chapter continues Supratisth's narrative, detailing his past life, his betrayal by his brother, and his subsequent association with the Bhils.
- It includes the tragic story of King Sugriv's queen, Kamala, who is struck by lightning, leading to the king's grief and a discussion about the impermanence of life and the futility of worldly attachments.
- The story shifts to the family of Vidyadhar King Amitgati, whose daughter Kanakavati is betrothed to Prince Nabovahan, but Kanakavati has fallen in love with Chitraveg.
- Chitraveg's own past lives and lineage are revealed, highlighting his connection to the Jain faith and his destiny to become a great king.
Chapter 5 (Kanakmalā Prāpti - Obtaining Kanakmala):
- This chapter details the elaborate plan devised by Supratisth and Chitraveg to reunite Chitraveg with Kanakmala, overcoming obstacles like the forced marriage to Nabovahan and the enmity of Kanakmala's father.
- It involves deception, disguise, and a dramatic rescue orchestrated by Chitraveg, with the assistance of a divine intervention through a jewel.
- The story highlights the importance of destiny, past karma, and the pursuit of true love.
Chapter 6 (Surat-Vilāp - Lament of Love):
- This chapter focuses on the emotional journey of Chitraveg as he grapples with the complexities of love, destiny, and the consequences of his actions.
- It depicts his anguish over the separation from Kanakmala, his contemplation of suicide, and his eventual realization of the importance of Jain principles in overcoming worldly suffering.
- The narrative intertwines the stories of various characters, revealing their past lives and the karmic connections that shape their present circumstances.
Chapter 7 (Chandrārjun Dev - Chandrarjun Deva):
- The story of Chandrarjun Deva is presented, detailing his life as a celestial being, his eventual fall from heaven due to karma, and his rebirth as a human.
- The narrative emphasizes the cyclical nature of birth and death and the consequences of one's actions across lifetimes.
- It highlights the Jain path to liberation through righteous conduct and devotion.
Chapter 8 (Chir-Parichita-Varṇan - Description of Long-Known Acquaintances):
- This chapter delves into the intricate past lives and karmic connections of the main characters.
- It reveals how past actions, even seemingly minor ones, have profound impacts on one's present and future lives.
- The story emphasizes the Jain concept of karma and its role in shaping destiny.
Chapter 9 (Surasundariharan Varnanam - Abduction of Sursundari):
- This chapter describes the abduction of Sursundari, the daughter of King Naravahan, by a Vidyadhar named Makar Ketu.
- It reveals the complex lineage and past-life connections that lead to this event.
- The narrative highlights the consequences of attachment, desire, and the influence of past karma.
Chapter 10 (Kamalavati Putra Haran - Abduction of Kamalavati's Son):
- This chapter focuses on the plight of Kamalavati, who experiences the separation from her son, Surath.
- It illustrates the difficulties faced by individuals due to their past karma and the unpredictable nature of life.
- The story emphasizes the importance of hope, perseverance, and faith in the face of adversity.
Chapter 11 (Surasundari's Story):
- Sursundari narrates her story, recounting her lineage as the daughter of King Naravahan and Queen Ratnavati.
- She details her childhood, her encounters with Vidyadhars, and her eventual fascination with Chitraveg.
- The narrative highlights the influence of karma and destiny in shaping relationships and life events.
Chapter 12 (The Twelve Chapters):
- This chapter continues Sursundari's narrative, detailing her encounters with various characters and the unfolding of her destiny.
- It emphasizes the Jain teachings on karma, detachment, and the pursuit of spiritual liberation.
Chapter 13 (The Thirteen Chapters):
- This chapter further elaborates on the complex web of past lives and karmic influences that shape the characters' destinies.
- It underscores the Jain understanding of interconnectedness and the consequences of actions across lifetimes.
Chapter 14 (The Fourteen Chapters):
- This chapter continues to explore the philosophical and ethical dimensions of Jainism through the unfolding narrative.
- It emphasizes the importance of virtuous conduct, compassion, and the ultimate goal of attaining liberation.
Chapter 15 (Vidyadhar Charitra's Acceptance):
- This chapter focuses on the spiritual journeys of the Vidyadhar characters, their renunciation of worldly pleasures, and their path towards liberation.
- It highlights the Jain emphasis on detachment, austerity, and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.
Chapter 16 (Nirvana Vidhana - The Law of Liberation):
- The final chapter brings the narrative to its spiritual conclusion, illustrating the ultimate liberation achieved through adherence to Jain principles.
- It summarizes the teachings of the story, emphasizing the importance of righteous conduct, compassion, and the path to salvation.
- The chapter concludes with the legacy of the original author, Dhaneswarmuni, and his dedication to spreading Jain wisdom.

Overall Significance:

"Sursundari Charitra" is a rich tapestry of Jain philosophy, ethics, and narrative. Through its interwoven stories of kings, merchants, Vidyadhars, and spiritual seekers, it provides profound insights into the Jain understanding of karma, rebirth, detachment, and the ultimate path to liberation. The translation by Bhanuchandravijay makes this invaluable text accessible to a wider audience, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of Jainism.