Vastupal Tejpalni Janeta Kumardevina Punarlagna Pachalno Itihas

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Vastupal Tejpalni Janeta Kumardevina Punarlagna Pachalno Itihas" by Subodhchandra Jain:

The book delves into the historical background of the remarriage of Kumardevi, the mother of the renowned Jain figures Vastupal and Tejpal. While their lives and accomplishments are well-documented by various biographers who lauded their wisdom, valor, and religious devotion, the text highlights a lesser-known aspect of their origin: they were born to a widowed mother. This was a significant and potentially scandalous situation for the time.

The author aims to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Kumardevi's remarriage, specifically addressing whether it was her own volition, if she was forced, or if it was an unavoidable event. The text then turns to a historical account from a Rasa (a type of narrative poem) by Kavi Meruvijayji, a disciple of Pandit Rangavijaygani, written in Vikram Samvat 1721 in Vijapur, Karnataka.

The Rasa narrates the story of Asraj, a merchant from the Pragvat lineage residing in Patan. His family, prominent for three generations, fell into extreme poverty, forcing Asraj to leave Patan in search of a better livelihood. On his journey, he observed auspicious signs, including birds and a dove, which instilled hope for prosperity.

Asraj arrived in the village of Malasan, where he again experienced good omens. He visited the Jinalaya (temple) and paid respects to the Triloak Ishwar Jinendra. He rented a small house in the Chakhavati locality and began to endure his difficult days. Despite his poverty, Asraj was described as religious, though he had a tendency towards being lustful due to past karma.

The narrative then introduces Acharya Haribhadrasuri, who arrived in Malasan. Asraj, being devoted and attentive, became more engrossed in religious practices under the Acharya's guidance, engaging in Paushadh (a day of fasting and observances), Pratikraman (a ritual of confession and repentance), and studying Jain philosophy.

One night, while observing Paushadh, Asraj remained awake contemplating the virtues of Jinendra. Meanwhile, the Acharya, in his upashray (monastic dwelling), was in conversation with a disciple. The disciple expressed concern about the declining influence of Jainism. The Acharya reassured him, revealing a prophecy from a Shasanadevi (guardian deity) that great patrons of Jainism would be born from the womb of Kumardevi.

Intrigued, the disciple pressed for details about Kumardevi. The Acharya, initially hesitant to discuss such matters at night, eventually revealed that Kumardevi was the daughter of a wealthy merchant named Abhu and his wife Lachhaldevi. She was renowned for her beauty, intelligence, and mastery of sixty-four arts. Despite being married to a suitable groom, she was widowed shortly after her marriage. Her parents brought her back home, and she lived in sorrow, dedicating herself to religious observances. The Acharya stated that two jewels who would illuminate Jainism would be born from her womb. Asraj, overhearing this conversation, was deeply moved and began to harbor a desire to marry Kumardevi.

The next morning, when Kumardevi came to offer respects to Acharya Haribhadrasuri, he noticed her and subtly nodded, recalling the prophecy. Asraj, witnessing this, inquired about the Acharya's gesture. The Acharya, seeing an opportunity, explained that Kumardevi was a widow but possessed physical characteristics indicating she would bear significant offspring. He did not reveal the divine prophecy.

Asraj, driven by desire and seeing an opportunity to gain both a beautiful wife and the promise of future greatness without financial burden (as he had no wealth to arrange a marriage), decided to pursue Kumardevi. He believed that a wife was essential for a fulfilling life.

Kumardevi, however, remained devoted to her widowhood, finding solace in religious practices. Asraj, meanwhile, developed an unrequited infatuation. The text quotes verses describing Kumardevi's steadfastness and piety, contrasting it with Asraj's persistent lust. Asraj's attempts to win her over, including subtle seduction and using examples of other Jain figures who had complex marital relationships (like Rishabhdev with Sumangala, Nami-Niranjan, Aranik, and Kuberdutt), were all in vain.

Unsuccessful in his persuasion, Asraj turned to more drastic measures. He began to perform religious observances daily, impressing the community and Kumardevi's father, Abhu Seth. Abhu Seth invited Asraj for a meal, which Asraj gladly accepted, seeing it as an opportunity to scout the house. During the meal, Asraj meticulously noted all the entry and exit points of the house.

The Rasa then describes Asraj's scheme to abduct Kumardevi. He befriended Rajdhar, a camel herder who owned swift camels. Asraj confessed his desire to Kumardevi to Rajdhar, who agreed to help. Rajdhar advised him to abduct her under the cover of darkness.

Following Rajdhar's advice, Asraj, on a dark night, forced his way into Kumardevi's room while she was asleep. Before she could fully comprehend what was happening, her mouth was gagged, and she was carried away on a camel. Asraj took her to Ashapalli (the site of present-day Ahmedabad), a place that had a history of being abandoned and resettled.

Upon arrival at Ashapalli, Kumardevi, though deeply distressed and contemplating suicide, remained firm in her principles. Asraj, fearing she might die, tried to console her, urging her to accept their fate and blame karma. Kumardevi, however, refused to participate in any wrongful act that would bring shame to her family.

Despite her resistance, Kumardevi was ultimately forced to yield to Asraj's coercion. She realized that she was powerless and that her pleas were unheard. To escape any potential encounters with her father or to prevent any disgrace to her family name, they decided to relocate. They moved to Soparakpur in the southern direction.

The text concludes by stating that the subsequent history of Vastupal and Tejpal's birth is beyond the scope of this particular discussion. The primary takeaway is that Kumardevi's "remarriage" was not a consensual union but an abduction and forced cohabitation of a virtuous young girl, subjected to immense pressure in a remote location where she had no one to turn to. The author emphasizes that the narrative aims to clarify that this was not a voluntary remarriage but a result of coercion. The text ends with a quote from Bhagwan Shri Mahavir Prabhu on the importance and essence of knowledge.