Veer Vikramaditya - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Veer Vikramaditya" by Mohanlal Chunilal Dhami, adapted by Dulahraj Muni:

Book Title: Veer Vikramaditya Author: Mohanlal Chunilal Dhami Adapter: Dulahraj Muni Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati

This book is a Hindi adaptation of Gujarati novels by the renowned Gujarati novelist Vaidya Mohanlal Chunilal Dhami, who was a resident of Rajkot. His novels aimed to bring Jain culture, history, civilization, and events to life. This particular work, Veer Vikramaditya, is an adaptation of his Gujarati novel Siddh Vetal, which was published in three volumes.

Central Theme and Adaptation:

The book focuses on the legendary historical figure Veer Vikramaditya, the king of Malwa and Avanti. The narrative highlights his reign, his association with the supernatural entity "Agnivetal" (or Vetal), and his just and philanthropic rule. Muni Dulahraj's adaptation aims to present this historical and imaginative account in a captivating and accessible Hindi style for a wider audience.

Key Characters and Plot Elements:

Veer Vikramaditya: A historical and legendary Indian emperor known for his valor, wisdom, justice, and patronage of arts and sciences. The book portrays him as politically astute, ethical, righteous, and deeply compassionate. He is credited with making "Agnivetal" his friend through his intellect and wit, which led to many miraculous deeds. The Vikram Samvat calendar is named after him.
Agnivetal (Vetal): A supernatural or elemental being with whom Vikramaditya forms a unique bond. Vetal plays a significant role in Vikramaditya's life, aiding him in his extraordinary feats and challenges.
King Bhartrihari: Vikramaditya's elder brother, who renounced the kingdom due to his wife Anang Sena's actions, leading to Vikramaditya's eventual rise to the throne.
The Succession Crisis: After Bhartrihari's abdication and Anang Sena's death, the kingdom of Avanti faced a period of instability. The throne remained vacant as several attempts to install a new king failed due to the mysterious death of those who ascended the throne, a phenomenon attributed to Agnivetal's influence.
Vikramaditya's Exile and Learning: The story details Vikramaditya's period of wandering in disguise as an ascetic. During this time, he honed his skills in music and dance, encountering various individuals and situations that shaped his character and wisdom.
BhattaMatra: A wise scholar and friend who aids Vikramaditya in his journey and later plays a crucial role in his administration.
The Quest for Justice and Dharma: The narrative emphasizes Vikramaditya's commitment to justice, his compassion for his subjects, and his dedication to upholding dharma, even in the face of supernatural challenges.
The Supernatural Element: The story weaves in elements of the supernatural through Agnivetal, suggesting a blend of historical narrative with fantastical elements, common in Indian folklore and literature.

Narrative Highlights:

The book, through its adaptation, aims to recreate the adventurous life of Vikramaditya. It covers:

His early life and education.
The political turmoil in Avanti after Bhartrihari's renunciation.
Vikramaditya's exile and subsequent return.
His unique relationship with Agnivetal and the miraculous feats they accomplished.
His reign characterized by justice, generosity, and wisdom.
His commitment to Jain principles and ethical governance.

Publisher's and Adapter's Intent:

Jain Vishva Bharati, through its publication, and Muni Dulahraj, through his adaptation, aim to provide readers with an inspiring and engaging account of a significant historical figure who embodied Jain values. The book serves as a literary work that educates and entertains, promoting the understanding of historical figures within the Jain tradition.

Overall Tone and Message:

The book is likely to be an epic tale, filled with adventure, moral lessons, and the triumph of righteousness and intellect over adversity, even when dealing with supernatural forces. It celebrates the virtues of courage, compassion, justice, and wisdom, personified in the character of Veer Vikramaditya. The adaptation by Muni Dulahraj suggests a focus on making the narrative profound and spiritually enriching, in line with Jain teachings.