Sursundari Chariyam - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sursundari Chariyam" by Dhaneshwarmuni, based on the provided table of contents and page excerpts:

Sursundari Chariyam: A Summary

"Sursundari Chariyam," authored by Dhaneshwarmuni, is a significant Jain narrative that recounts the life story and transformative journey of Sursundari. The text is structured into sixteen chapters (parichhed), detailing a complex tapestry of events, past lives, spiritual endeavors, and eventual liberation.

Overall Narrative Arc:

The story appears to be a classical Jain champu kavya (a text in both prose and verse), presented in Prakrit. It begins with a traditional invocation (mangalacharan), praise of the Tirthankaras, and an introduction to the author's purpose and the book's accessibility. The narrative then unfolds through Sursundari's various life stages and experiences, highlighting the principles of karma, transmigration, renunciation, and the path to spiritual enlightenment.

Key Themes and Elements:

Past Lives and Karma: A central theme is the influence of past actions (karma) on present circumstances. The text frequently revisits previous births to explain current predicaments and relationships, illustrating the Jain doctrine of rebirth and the long, arduous path to spiritual purity.
Spiritual Journey: Sursundari's story is a testament to the potential for spiritual growth and liberation. Despite facing numerous challenges, temptations, and adverse situations, the protagonist ultimately strives towards Jain ideals.
Virtues and Vices: The narrative contrasts virtuous conduct with sinful actions, showcasing the consequences of each. It emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior, self-control, and devotion.
Detachment and Renunciation: The pursuit of worldly pleasures and attachments is depicted as a source of suffering. The text highlights the transformative power of detachment and renunciation in achieving spiritual freedom.
Devotion to Jain Principles: The influence of Tirthankaras and spiritual guides (gurus) is evident throughout, guiding the characters towards righteousness and enlightenment.
Love and Attachment: While the ultimate goal is spiritual liberation, the narrative also explores human emotions like love and attachment, often depicting how these can be obstacles or catalysts in the spiritual journey.

Chapter-by-Chapter Overview (based on the Table of Contents and excerpts):

The detailed table of contents provides a roadmap of the narrative's progression:

First Chapter (Mangalacharan): Begins with invocations, praise of the Tirthankaras, discussion of the virtues of detachment, and the author's intention to present the story simply in Prakrit. It introduces the setting of Hastinapur and King Amarketu, and the painter's role in displaying a beautiful maiden, leading to the king's infatuation.
Second Chapter (Attavi): Describes the merchants' journey and their attack by bandits in the forest. Dhanadeva faces defeat, is captured, and then tested by the village chief. The bandit leader recounts his life story, including his royal lineage and embracing the role of a village chief.
Third Chapter (Vidyadhar Vrittant): Introduces Chitravega, a Vidyadhar, who learns about the Vidhyadhar lineage. The chapter details his life, education, and his encounter with Kanakmala, leading to mutual attraction and the exchange of tokens.
Fourth Chapter (Kanakmala Varanam): Depicts Kanakmala's marriage preparations with Nabovahana. Chitravega's despair and subsequent divine intervention are described. The chapter also details Amitgati's journey and encounter with Survahan Muni, and the story of Kanakmala's father.
Fifth Chapter (Chitraveg Vrittant): Continues Chitravega's story, including his family history, marriage, and his sister Chitralekha's marriage. It also recounts the conflicts faced by his brother, Jvalanprabha, and Chitravega's own spiritual quest.
Sixth Chapter (Madan Mandir): Describes the clandestine meetings of Chitravega and Kanakmala in the temple of Madan. It introduces Priyangamanjari, who experiences a recollection of her past lives, revealing a connection with Chitravega.
Seventh Chapter (Deva Chavyan): Details Priyangamanjari's divine birth, her encounter with Chitravega, and her spiritual awakening. The couple then embarks on a journey, encountering a divine being who bestows a magical gem.
Eighth Chapter (Nabhovahana): Focuses on Nabovahana's confrontation with Chitravega and the consequences of their conflict, including Chitravega's near-death experience. It also explains the origin of the divine gem through a previous life connection.
Ninth Chapter (Deva Ghanavahana Muni): Describes the challenges faced by Ghanavahana Muni and his eventual spiritual attainment. It recounts Chitravega's retrieval of Kanakmala and the divine being's explanation of past life events. The chapter also concludes Dhanadeva's story with his acquisition of the divine gem and his subsequent return.
Tenth Chapter (Putra Janmotsava):** Details the birth of Dhanadeva's son, the king's invitation for the naming ceremony, and the subsequent events, including the separation of the child. It also touches upon the king's spiritual devotion and a dream.
Eleventh Chapter (Parivrajika): Describes the arrival of a wandering nun and her encounter with the queen. It highlights the queen's spiritual insights and the role of Sursundari in refuting her arguments.
Twelfth Chapter (Shatrunjaya Nupa): Recounts Sursundari's abduction and her subsequent marriage proposal. It details her miraculous escape and meeting with her husband. The chapter also narrates the destruction of a king by Makar Ketu.
Thirteenth Chapter (Makaraketu Vadh): Continues the story of Makar Ketu's actions and his eventual confrontation with Dhanadeva. It describes Dhanadeva's journey and his meeting with a divine being who aids him.
Fourteenth Chapter (Sursundari Kamalavati Vilap): Focuses on Sursundari and Kamalavati's grief and their encounter with Acharya Supratishtha. The chapter delves into the impermanence of worldly life and the importance of Dharma. It also details Makar Ketu's previous birth.
Fifteenth Chapter (Prakrit Samapti): Concludes Dhanadeva's quest after his village's destruction. It describes his reunion with a sage, Priyamvada's rescue of Makar Ketu, and their subsequent marriage. It also covers Dharanendra's story and the granting of powers.
Sixteenth Chapter (Makar Ketu Rajya Shasan Paddhati): Details Makar Ketu's reign, his righteous deeds, and Sursundari's dream. It narrates his journey to Himavan, the birth of his sons, and further challenges. The chapter culminates with the renunciation of worldly life by Chitravega and others, their spiritual attainment, and eventual liberation for all.

Notable Characters:

Sursundari: The central protagonist, whose life journey is a spiritual pilgrimage.
Dhanadeva: A merchant who plays a significant role in the early part of the narrative, experiencing trials and tribulations.
Chitravega: A Vidyadhar with whom Sursundari (in a past life or disguised form) develops a deep connection.
Kanakmala: A character associated with Chitravega and Nabovahana.
Nabhovahana: A character who is to marry Kanakmala.
Amaraketu: A king whose actions are influenced by the painter's depiction of a maiden.
Deva Sharma: A protector who plays a role in Dhanadeva's story.
Supratishtha: A sage who offers guidance.
Makar Ketu: A character involved in conflicts and later renunciation.
Various divine beings, sages, kings, merchants, and common people populate the narrative, each contributing to the unfolding of karma and spiritual lessons.

Summary in essence:

"Sursundari Chariyam" is a sprawling epic that uses the lives of its characters, particularly Sursundari and Dhanadeva, to illustrate the profound Jain teachings on karma, reincarnation, detachment, and the ultimate pursuit of liberation. The narrative is rich with interwoven stories, past-life connections, and moral exemplars, offering a comprehensive view of the spiritual path within the Jain tradition.