Uttamkumar Charitra

The book "Uttamkumar Charitra" by Narendrasinh Jain, edited by Munishri Jayanand Vijayji, published by Guru Ramchandra Prakashan Samiti, is a Jain narrative detailing the life and virtuous deeds of Uttamkumar.

The story begins with Uttamkumar, the prince of Varanasi, a highly educated and skilled individual, who decides to embark on a journey for self-discovery and to test his abilities beyond his sheltered royal life.

Key events and themes in the book include:

• Uttamkumar's Journey: Driven by a desire to prove himself, Uttamkumar leaves his kingdom and travels through various lands, facing numerous challenges and demonstrating his courage, intelligence, and adherence to Jain principles.
• Encounter with King Mahisen: While traveling in the forests of Mewar, Uttamkumar encounters King Mahisen, who is impressed by Uttamkumar's knowledge of horses and offers him his kingdom due to having no heir. Uttamkumar politely declines, stating his commitment to his father's kingdom.
• Encounter with Bhramar Ketu: Uttamkumar travels to Bhrugukach (Bharuch) and then embarks on a sea voyage. During this voyage, he encounters a merchant named Kuberadatta. When the ships need water, they land on an island inhabited by the demon Bhramar Ketu. Uttamkumar bravely fights and defeats the demon, saving the travelers. However, the ungrateful Kuberadatta abandons Uttamkumar on the island.
• Meeting Madalsa: On the island, Uttamkumar meets Madalsa, the daughter of Bhramar Ketu, who was imprisoned there. Uttamkumar, despite his vow of paranari-sahodar (considering all other women as sisters or mothers), develops pure love for Madalsa, recognizing a past connection. They are married by Madalsa's old caretaker.
• Theft and Treachery of Kuberadatta: Kuberadatta, having previously abandoned Uttamkumar, returns and, driven by greed for Madalsa's magical gems and Uttamkumar's potential, attempts to betray them. He throws Uttamkumar into the sea, but Uttamkumar survives and is eventually found by fishermen.
• Arrival in Motapalli and Marriage to Tilottama: Uttamkumar arrives in Motapalli and, using his skills, helps the king's chief mason build a magnificent palace. King Naravarma is impressed by Uttamkumar's abilities and virtue. Later, when King Naravarma's daughter, Tilottama, is bitten by a snake, Uttamkumar uses his knowledge to cure her. Impressed and grateful, King Naravarma arranges Uttamkumar's marriage to Tilottama.
• The Plot of Kuberadatta and the Parrot: Kuberadatta, still seeking to harm Uttamkumar, conspires with a flower seller to poison Uttamkumar. However, Uttamkumar is saved by his wisdom and the intervention of Madalsa. Meanwhile, a parrot (revealed to be Uttamkumar himself from a past life due to a curse) reveals Uttamkumar's story and his various trials, including his encounter with Madalsa and his previous births. The parrot also exposes Kuberadatta's treachery.
• Return to Varanasi and Reunification: Uttamkumar's father, King Makaradhwaj of Varanasi, sends a messenger named Vegvan to find him. The messenger learns about Uttamkumar's exploits and informs King Makaradhwaj. Uttamkumar, after consolidating his rule in various kingdoms like Chitrakoot and Gopachal, returns to Varanasi, reuniting with his parents.
• Uttamkumar's Royal Reign: Uttamkumar becomes the king of Varanasi, ruling virtuously and promoting Jainism, arts, and culture. He marries four women: Madalsa, Tilottama, Anangsena (a former courtesan who cured him), and Sahastrakala. He rules with righteousness, balancing his worldly duties with spiritual pursuits.
• Past Life Revelation and Renunciation: Uttamkumar learns about his past lives from an Arihant (a Kevali Bhagwan). He understands the karmic reasons behind his trials and tribulations. Influenced by this knowledge and the teachings of the Arihant, Uttamkumar, along with his wives and father, renounces worldly life and embraces charitra (asceticism), ultimately achieving liberation.

The book emphasizes several Jain principles:

• Karma: The concept of karma and its consequences is central to the narrative, explaining Uttamkumar's trials and triumphs.
• Virtue and Righteousness: The story highlights the importance of courage, wisdom, compassion, truthfulness, and adherence to Jain vows.
• Renunciation: The ultimate goal of achieving liberation (moksha) through detachment from worldly pleasures and embracing asceticism is portrayed as the highest ideal.
• The Power of Good Deeds: Uttamkumar's past good deeds (like donating clothes to monks) are shown to bring him immense fortune and happiness in his present life.
• The Importance of Self-Reliance: Uttamkumar's journey underscores the need to test one's abilities and not to depend solely on one's inherited status.

"Uttamkumar Charitra" serves as a moral and spiritual guide, illustrating the path of righteousness and the ultimate triumph of virtue through the exemplary life of Uttamkumar.