Tarangvati

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Tarangavati" by Pritam Singhvi, based on the provided content:

Book Title: Tarangavati Author: Pritam Singhvi Publisher: Parshwa International Shaikshanik aur Shodhnishth Pratishthan, Ahmedabad Original Text: A Prakrit text by Padaliptacharya, lost, with an ancient summary called Taranglolā. Translation: Hindi translation by Pritam Singhvi, based on the Gujarati translation by H. C. Bhayani.

Overall Summary:

"Tarangavati" is a Jain text presented here as a Hindi translation by Pritam Singhvi, based on a Gujarati translation. It is an abridged version of the original Prakrit text "Tarangavati" by Padaliptacharya, which is now lost. The text is a romance with significant literary merit, infused with Jain philosophical teachings and ethical principles. It narrates the story of Tarangavati, a woman of extraordinary beauty and virtue, and her complex journey involving past lives, love, separation, hardship, and eventual spiritual awakening.

Key Elements and Narrative Arc:

1. Introduction and Lineage: The book begins with acknowledgments and dedications. It clarifies that this is a translation of an ancient abridged version (Taranglolā) of the lost Prakrit work by Padaliptacharya. The preface highlights the scholarly effort involved in making this complex text accessible.

2. The Story's Setting and Characters:

   • The narrative is set in ancient India, beginning in the Magadha kingdom, specifically the city of Rajagriha, ruled by King Kunika.
   • It then shifts to the Vatsa kingdom, the city of Kausambi, ruled by King Udayana.
   • The central characters are:
     • Tarangavati: The beautiful and virtuous protagonist.
     • Padmadeva: Tarangavati's beloved, who she knew in a previous life as a Chakravaka bird.
     • Padaliptacharya: The original author of the lost text.
     • Pritam Singhvi & H. C. Bhayani: The modern translators/editors.
     • Padmadeva's father, Sarthavaha Dhanadeva: A wealthy merchant.
     • Tarangavati's father, Shreshthi Rishabhasena: A prominent merchant.
     • Saråsika: Tarangavati's loyal maidservant.
     • A Hunter (Vyadha): A significant character from the previous life story, who plays a crucial role later.
     • A Monk (Shraman): Who enlightens Tarangavati and Padmadeva.

3. The Narrative Begins (Katha Pith & Kathāmukh):

   • The story opens in Rajagriha with a depiction of a devout Jain nun, Suvrata Ganini, and her disciple.
   • A wealthy householder's wife is struck by the unparalleled beauty of the nun visiting for alms. This leads to a conversation where the nun is asked to recount her life story.
   • The narrative then shifts to Kausambi, introducing King Udayana and the prominent merchant Rishabhasena.

4. Tarangavati's Birth, Childhood, and Youth:

   • Tarangavati is born as the beloved, youngest daughter after many sons, to the wealthy merchant Rishabhasena and his wife Priyadarshana.
   • Her childhood is filled with learning, arts, and a joyous family life. She receives excellent education in various arts and sciences, and is taught the principles of Jainism (Aṇuvratas, Guṇavratas, Śikṣāvratas).
   • As she reaches youth, she attracts many suitors, but her father rejects them, waiting for a suitable match.

5. The Past Life (Chakravaka-Mithuna):

   • A significant portion of the narrative delves into Tarangavati's and Padmadeva's past life as a pair of Chakravaka birds by the river Ganga.
   • Their idyllic life is tragically interrupted when a hunter shoots and kills the male Chakravaka (Padmadeva in his past life).
   • The female Chakravaka (Tarangavati in her past life), overcome with grief, immolates herself on her mate's funeral pyre (Sahagamana).
   • This past life story explains their deep connection and the lingering memories that influence their present lives.

6. The Present Life's Developments:

   • The Painting: Tarangavati, deeply affected by the sight of Chakravaka birds, paints a vivid and emotionally charged depiction of her past life's tragic events.
   • Padmadeva's Encounter: Padmadeva, the son of a wealthy merchant Dhanadeva, sees Tarangavati's painting. The painting triggers his forgotten past life memories, causing him to faint.
   • Saråsika's Role: Tarangavati's maid, Saråsika, plays a crucial role in facilitating communication between Tarangavati and Padmadeva, by taking the painting to him and relaying messages.
   • Secret Meeting and Elopement: Tarangavati and Padmadeva, recognizing each other from their past lives and driven by love, decide to elope.
   • Capture by Thieves: During their escape by boat, they are captured by a band of thieves. Tarangavati's valuable ornaments are stolen, and they are taken to a thief settlement.

7. The Hunter's Role and Transformation:

   • The hunter from their past life is reborn as a member of this thief community, initially showing cruelty.
   • However, when Tarangavati recounts their story, the hunter remembers his past life and is moved by compassion. He helps them escape.

8. Return and Reunion:

   • After their escape and arduous journey, Tarangavati and Padmadeva return to Kausambi.
   • They are joyously reunited with their families.
   • A grand wedding ceremony takes place.

9. Spiritual Awakening and Renunciation:

   • Following their reunion and the worldly happiness they experience, both Tarangavati and Padmadeva begin to feel a sense of detachment from worldly pleasures.
   • They encounter a learned monk (Shraman) who delivers a discourse on Jain philosophy, explaining the nature of the soul (Jivatattva), karma, the cycle of birth and death (Samsara), and the path to liberation (Moksha).
   • Inspired by the monk's teachings and the memory of their past suffering, they both decide to renounce worldly life and embrace the path of asceticism.

10. The Monk's Past Life: The monk reveals his own past life story. He was the hunter who killed the male Chakravaka in their previous existence. He shares his journey of remorse, renunciation, and eventual spiritual realization, emphasizing the inescapable nature of karma and the possibility of redemption through righteous conduct.

11. Ascetic Life and Conclusion:

    • Tarangavati and Padmadeva take initiation (Pravrajya) under the guidance of the monk and a Jain nun.
    • They live a life of austerity, study, and penance, ultimately striving for liberation.
    • The story concludes with Tarangavati, now a Jain nun, recounting her entire life's journey to a devout householder, inspiring her audience with the principles of renunciation, karma, and the pursuit of spiritual liberation.

Themes and Significance:

• Karma and Rebirth: The text strongly emphasizes the Jain doctrine of karma, showing how actions in past lives influence present circumstances and relationships.
• Love and Devotion: The enduring love between Tarangavati and Padmadeva, transcending lifetimes, is a central theme.
• Detachment and Renunciation: The story highlights the Jain ideal of renouncing worldly pleasures and attachments to attain spiritual liberation.
• Ethical Conduct: It underscores the importance of following Jain principles like non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession.
• Spiritual Liberation (Moksha): The ultimate goal of the characters' journey is to break free from the cycle of birth and death and achieve Moksha.
• Literary Merit: The text is praised for its sophisticated language, intricate plot, and exploration of human emotions within a spiritual framework.

In essence, "Tarangavati" is a Jain spiritual romance that uses a compelling narrative to illustrate profound philosophical truths about karma, the nature of existence, and the ultimate path to salvation.