Varshanu Agaman

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Varshanu Agaman" by H. C. Bhayani, based on the translated excerpt from the Jain Agama "Jnatadharmakatha":

The text, "Varshanu Agaman" (The Arrival of the Rains), authored by H. C. Bhayani, is an exposition on the monsoon season. It draws directly from the Jain scripture "Jnatadharmakatha," specifically from the first "Shrutaskandha" (section of scripture), which describes the phenomenon of rainfall.

The author vividly portrays the arrival of the monsoon clouds. These clouds are depicted as ascending and riding upon the wind, announcing their presence with thunderous roars, sometimes a low rumble, and accompanied by the flash of lightning and the patter of raindrops.

The clouds themselves are described with a rich palette of colors, mirroring the vibrant hues of nature they bring forth:

• Blue Hues: Some clouds are described as carrying the colors of Kesha (saffron), Champo (a type of flower), Shana (flax), Kurantaka (yellow prickly pear), Sarshapa (mustard seeds), and Padmaparaga (the pollen of a lotus).
• Red Hues: Other clouds are likened to the essence of Lakh (lac resin), Kinshuka (flame of the forest tree), Jashud (hibiscus), and Bandhujivaka (a type of flower), as well as the vibrant colors of high-quality Hingul (cinnabar), sandalwood essence, ghee, and the blood of the Sassala (a small creature) and Indragopa (a type of beetle).
• Green-Blue Hues: Yet others reflect the colors of the feathers of peacocks, cranes, parrots, and Chasa birds, the wings of bees, Priyanghu (a type of creeper), Nilotpala (blue lotus), and newly bloomed Shirish flowers.
• Dark/Black Hues: Some clouds are compared to Anjana (kohl), Goka (a type of tree), Arishta Ratna (a precious stone), and Mahisha (buffalo), suggesting their dark and heavy appearance.

The text emphasizes the dynamic nature of the monsoon:

• Movement: The clouds move swiftly and agilely across the vast sky, propelled by the force of the wind.
• Rainfall: They unleash torrents of pure water, which are scattered in all directions by the strong winds.
• Impact on Earth: The downpour cools the earth and clothes it in a garment of greenery, symbolizing rejuvenation and life.

The arrival of the rains transforms the landscape, with:

• Trees: The "king of trees" (the forest) becomes newly adorned with fresh leaves.
• Vines: Creeper-canopies spread out.
• Highlands: Elevated regions appear picturesque.
• Mountains: Waterfalls cascade from mountain peaks and slopes, and mountain rivers flow with turbulent, frothy waters.
• Gardens: Orchards are filled with the fragrance of various trees like Sarja, Arjuna, Kadamba, Kutaja, and Shili-indra.

The text also highlights the reactions of nature and creatures to the monsoon:

• Peacocks: Delighted by the thunder, peacocks cry out with full throats and dance joyfully, intoxicated by the power of the season.
• Cuckoos: The calls of cuckoos fill the air.
• Beetles (Indragopa): These creatures are seen to be active.
• Frogs: Frogs croak.
• Bees: Intoxicated by the nectar of flowers, male and female bees buzz together in gardens.
• Celestial Bodies: The brilliance of the moon, sun, planets, constellations, and stars is obscured by the dark clouds.
• Sky: The sky dons a band of rainbow.
• Birds: Flocks of flying cranes add to the beauty of the clouds, and birds like Karanda, Chakravaka, and Kalhansa appear eager and expectant.

In essence, "Varshanu Agaman" is a poetic and evocative description of the monsoon, meticulously detailing its arrival, the appearance of the clouds, the transformative effect on the environment, and the joyous response of the natural world, all rooted in the ancient Jain scriptures.