Tarangvati

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Tarangavati," based on the provided information and the detailed table of contents.

Book Title: Tarangavati Author: Pādaliptācārya (original author of Tarangavati), H. C. Bhayani (translator of the Prakrit summary "Taranglolā") Publisher: Image Publications Pvt Ltd Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/022657/1

Overall Summary:

"Tarangavati" is presented as a lost Prakrit narrative from the renowned Jain scholar Pādaliptācārya, likely from the early centuries CE. The existing text is a surviving ancient summary of this lost work, known as "Taranglolā." The book is a translation of this summary into Gujarati by H. C. Bhayani.

The story itself is described as a magnificent and enchanting tale spanning multiple lifetimes, focusing on the romantic stirrings, courage, life-threatening challenges, and ultimate self-sacrifice of a young woman named Tarangavati. It is considered an immortal creation of world literature, celebrated for its intricate plot, profound emotional depth, and sophisticated literary artistry.

Key Themes and Narrative Arc:

The story of Tarangavati is a complex narrative woven with themes of love, fate, karma, past lives, devotion, and ultimately, renunciation, characteristic of Jain literature. It follows Tarangavati's journey through various experiences and lifetimes, driven by her destiny and her profound emotional experiences.

Detailed Breakdown of the Narrative (based on the provided Table of Contents):

1. Introduction and Prologue: The book begins with the compiler's prologue, explaining the need for summarizing Pādaliptācārya's original "Tarangavati" due to its complexity, use of obscure language, and the risk of it being forgotten. The translator, H. C. Bhayani, also provides his perspective, highlighting the importance of Pādaliptācārya and the literary significance of "Tarangavati."

2. Katha Pith (Setting the Scene):

   • Magadh Country and Rajagriha City: The story establishes its initial setting in the prosperous and celebrated kingdom of Magadh, with its capital Rajagriha.
   • King Kunika: The reign of King Kunika, a virtuous and powerful ruler devoted to Lord Mahavira, is described.
   • Nagar Sheth Dhanpal: The wealthy and respected Nagar Sheth Dhanpal and his virtuous wife Priyadarshana are introduced.
   • Suvrata Ganini and her Disciple: The narrative introduces Suvrata Ganini, a respected Jain nun, and one of her disciples who sets out for alms.

3. Childhood and Youth (Tarangavati's Life):

   • Birth of Tarangavati: The story then shifts to Vatsa country and the city of Kausambi, detailing Tarangavati's birth into a noble family, her upbringing, education, and her blossoming youth.
   • The Gardener's Arrival and Saptaparna Flowers: A gardener brings Saptaparna flowers as an offering, leading to Tarangavati's test of discernment.

4. The Excursion (Ujani):

   • The Excursion Proposal and Preparation: An excursion to a garden is planned.
   • The Journey and Garden Visit: The group sets out for the garden, experiencing the beauty of the Saptaparna trees and encountering disturbances from bees.
   • Tarangavati's Moustache and the Maid's Inquiry: A peculiar incident involving Tarangavati and a maid's curiosity leads to an explanation.

5. The Chakravaka Couple (Tarangavati's Past Life):

   • The Previous Birth Narrative: This section delves into Tarangavati's past life as a female Chakravaka bird. The story vividly portrays the love and devotion between the Chakravaka couple.
   • The Hunter's Action: A hunter tragically kills the male Chakravaka, leading to the female Chakravaka's profound grief and subsequent self-immolation (saha-gamana). This event deeply impacts Tarangavati in her present life.

6. Union of Lovers:

   • Return from the Excursion and Physician's Visit: Tarangavati returns from the excursion, and a physician is called, diagnosing her with a state of longing.
   • Painting and the Kaumudi Festival: Tarangavati engages in painting and participates in the Kaumudi festival.
   • The Painting Exhibition and Identification: A painting exhibition is held, and the protagonist's beloved is identified through the artwork and a recollected past life memory triggered by seeing the painting.
   • Tarangavati's Vow and Love Letter: Tarangavati makes a vow and sends a love letter to her beloved.
   • The Maid's Mission and Padmadeva's Meeting: The maid travels to meet Padmadeva, Tarangavati's beloved. Their encounter and subsequent exchange of messages are described, including an unfortunate incident with a proud Brahmin student.

7. Lovers' Escape:

   • The Decision to Flee: Driven by love and perhaps societal pressures, Tarangavati and Padmadeva decide to escape.
   • The Journey and Omen: Their escape begins, marked by ill omens. They travel by boat, with Tarangavati harboring suspicions.
   • Padmadeva's Reassurance and Gandharva Marriage: Padmadeva reassures her, and they solemnize their union with a Gandharva marriage.

8. Chorapalli (The Robbers' Settlement):

   • Capture by Robbers: The lovers fall into the hands of robbers. Tarangavati's plea to not resist the robbers is made.
   • Imprisonment and the Robbers' Response: They are captured and imprisoned. The reaction of the settlement's inhabitants is described.
   • The Robber Captain and Padmadeva's Lament: The robber captain and Padmadeva's sorrow are depicted.
   • A Soothing Song and Karma's Inevitability: Listening to a comforting song, Tarangavati reflects on the inevitability of karma.
   • Sharing the Story with Captives: Tarangavati recounts her story to the other captives.
   • The Guard's Promise and Escape: A guard promises to help them escape, and they flee the robbers' settlement during the night, journeying through a dense forest. The guard's departure is noted.
   • Arrival at a Village: They arrive at a village.
   • The Village Pond and the Village Maidens: The village pond and the maidens are described.
   • Seeking Food and Shelter: They seek food and find refuge in the Sita Devi temple.

9. Return:

   • Meeting Those in Search: They are reunited with those who were searching for them.
   • Elders' Message and Food Arrangements: They receive messages from elders and arrangements for food are made.
   • Rest in Pranaashak City: They rest in Pranaashak city.
   • Departure and Arrival in Vasaliya Village: They depart and arrive in Vasaliya village.
   • Entering Kausambi and the Welcome: They enter Kausambi, receive a grand welcome, and are reunited with their families.

10. Wedding Ceremony:

    • The Wedding Festival: A joyous wedding celebration takes place.
    • Sarashika's Report: Sarashika reports on events at home, including the distress of the Nagar Sheth and his wife and their search for Tarangavati.
    • The Couple's Enjoyment and the Seasons: The couple enjoys their time together as the seasons change.

11. The Hunter's Story (Vyadh Katha):

    • Meeting a Monk and Religious Discourse: Tarangavati and her husband encounter a monk and listen to a religious discourse on soul, karma, and liberation.
    • Inquiry into Past Life: They inquire about the monk's past life.
    • The Monk's Past Life as a Hunter: The monk recounts his life as a hunter, his family traditions, his hunting career, the accidental killing of a Chakravaka bird, the Chakravaki's grief, and her subsequent immolation.
    • The Hunter's Rebirth and Debts: The hunter's rebirth and his engagement in gambling, taking refuge in the robber settlement, and his cruelty as a robber chief are described.
    • The Captive Couple and the Maiden's Story: The captive couple and the maiden (Tarangavati) are mentioned, leading to the hunter's recollection of his past life.
    • The Couple's Release and the Hunter's Renunciation: The couple's release and the hunter's renunciation are depicted.
    • Purimatal Garden, Sacred Banyan Tree, and Rishabh Chaitra: The narrative mentions the Purimatal garden, a sacred banyan tree, and a Rishabh Chaitra temple.
    • Meeting the Monk and Taking Renunciation: The hunter meets a monk and takes to the monastic path, dedicating himself to spiritual practice.

12. Renunciation:

    • Tarangavati and Padmadeva's Renunciation: Tarangavati and Padmadeva develop a spirit of renunciation.
    • The Monk's Guidance: The monk offers them beneficial teachings.
    • Preparation for Renunciation and Vow Taking: They prepare to take vows.
    • Family Opposition and Consent: Their families oppose but eventually consent to their renunciation.
    • The Merchant's Plea and Padmadeva's Persuasion: A merchant pleads with them, and Padmadeva persuades him.
    • The Merchant's Consent and Family's Farewell: The merchant agrees, and their families bid them farewell.
    • Tarangavati's Assignment to a Ganini: Tarangavati is entrusted to a Ganini.
    • Tarangavati's Study and Austerities: Tarangavati engages in study and ascetic practices.

13. Conclusion of the Narrative and Author's Self-Introduction: The story concludes with the author's self-introduction and a final reflection on the narrative.

Translator's and Publisher's Contributions:

• H. C. Bhayani: Recognized for his deep scholarship in Prakrit literature, Bhayani's translation is crucial for making this ancient summary accessible. His work is praised for its clarity and insight.
• Image Publications Pvt Ltd: The publisher is credited with bringing this important work to the public. The first edition was published in 1998.

Literary Significance:

"Tarangavati" is highlighted as a masterpiece of Prakrit narrative literature, demonstrating Pādaliptācārya's brilliance as a storyteller. The intricate plot, vivid characterizations (especially of Tarangavati), evocative descriptions of nature and human emotions, and the skillful weaving of past and present lives contribute to its enduring appeal. The summary, even in its condensed form, reveals the richness and depth of the original lost work, making it a significant contribution to Indian literary history. The text also touches upon the debate regarding the historicity of Pādaliptācārya, suggesting the possibility of more than one influential figure with that name.