Yashstilak Champoo Purva Khand

Based on the provided text, here is a comprehensive summary in English of the "Yashstilak Champu Purva Khand":

Book Title: Yashstilak Champu Purva Khand Author: Somdevsuri Translator: Sw. Pt. Sundarlal Shastri Publisher: Bharat Varshiya Anekant Vidwat Parishad

This text is the "Purva Khand" (First Part) of the "Yashstilak Champu," a significant Jain Mahakavya (epic poem) composed by Acharya Somdevsuri. The Purva Khand, translated by the late Pt. Sundarlal Shastri, is presented as part of a publication series by the Bharat Varshiya Anekant Vidwat Parishad. The publication is dedicated to the Diamond Jubilee of Acharya Vimal Sagar Ji Maharaj, with valuable contributions and guidance from various esteemed Jain scholars and figures.

The text outlines the structure and content of the "Purva Khand" through a detailed subject index (Vishayanukramanika), which spans two "Ashwasas" (Cantos/Chapters).

Summary of Content (based on the index):

First Ashwas (Aashwas 1):

• Mangalacharan (Invocation): The text begins with auspicious prayers and salutations to the Vitaraga (Jina).
• Praise and Condemnation: It includes praise for virtuous poets and condemnation of the wicked, along with a description of the causes for poetic expression.
• Setting the Scene: The narrative begins with a description of the 'Yaudheya' country within the 'Bharatkshetra' of Jambu-dwipa.
• The Kingdom of Rajpur: It details the city of Rajpur and its king, Maridatta.
• The Ritual and its Disruption: King Maridatta, influenced by his Tantric guru Bhairava, plans to sacrifice a beautiful young couple to the goddess Chandamari. The narrative describes the arrival of Acharya Sudatta with his disciples, including Prince Abhayaruchi and his sister Abhaymati, who were ordained at a young age.
• The Capture and Release: The royal guards capture the young couple (Abhayaruchi and Abhaymati) who were going for alms. The king, initially intending to sacrifice them, is moved by their gentle nature after seeing them.
• The Devi's Temple: The description includes the temple of Chandamari Devi and the events that unfold there, including the king's internal conflict and his eventual change of heart, influenced by a bard named Avsarvilas. The king offers his sword to the goddess.
• Incidental Descriptions: The text also includes vivid descriptions of various seasons like Hemanta (Winter), Grishma (Summer), and Varsha (Monsoon).
• Acharya Sudatta's Actions: Acharya Sudatta, learning of the city's violent practices, enters Rajpur and its surrounding areas ('Nandanvan' and 'Smara'), observing the crematorium and a deceased woman's body, which inspires his detachment. He instructs his disciples to seek alms in nearby villages while sending the young couple (now identified as monks called Kshullaka) to Rajpur to provide alms, aiming to prevent the planned sacrifice. The narrative then shifts to the capture of the Kshullaka couple (brother-sister) and the subsequent events at the temple.

Second Ashwas (Aashwas 2):

• Abhayaruchi's Narrative: Kshullaka Abhayaruchi recounts their story to King Maridatta.
• The Kingdom of Avanti: The narrative shifts to the description of the 'Avanti' country and its capital 'Ujjain' on the banks of the Shipra river.
• King Yashodhara and Queen Chandramati: It describes King Yashas (Yashas) and his queen Chandramati.
• The Birth and Renunciation: Their son, Yashodhara, is born. King Yashas, upon seeing white hair on his head, experiences detachment and renounces the kingdom, passing it on to his son Yashodhara.
• Yashodhara's Reign: The text details Yashodhara's coronation, the grand festivities, the bringing of the elephant 'Udayagiri' and the horse 'Vijayavanteya', and his marriage to Queen Amritamati. It highlights the king's wisdom, his engagement in politics, the study of various sciences (like elephant lore and veterinary science), his patronage of arts and debate, and his pursuit of knowledge. It also covers descriptions of the city, festivals, and the king's virtuous rule.

Third Ashwas (Aashwas 3):

• Yashodhara's Reign Continues: This canto focuses on the details of King Yashodhara's prosperous reign, his interactions with ministers, his political strategies (mentioning concepts like 'Vishigishu' and 'Samanta'), his discussions on statecraft, war, and the importance of prudent governance. It also includes his appreciation for poetry, music, and the arts.
• Key Political Discussions: The king engages in debates with his ministers on topics like the significance of fate versus effort, the qualities of good ministers, and strategies for state defense and expansion.
• Cultural and Social Aspects: The text provides insights into the cultural and social life of the time, including descriptions of royal courts, entertainments, and the king's interactions with various learned individuals.
• The Story of Yashodhara's Past Lives: A significant portion of the latter part of the book delves into Yashodhara's past lives, explaining his current circumstances and the karmic reasons behind them. This section includes the stories of his previous births as a peacock, a fish, and two chickens, and how he eventually attained the current enlightened state. This narrative ties into the Jain concept of karma and transmigration.

Key Themes and Aspects:

• Jain Philosophy and Ethics: The text is deeply rooted in Jain principles, emphasizing ahimsa (non-violence), anekantavada (multi-faceted reality), aparigraha (non-possession), and the path to liberation (moksha). The critique of Vedic sacrifices and the emphasis on nirgrantha (Jain) principles are evident.
• Poetic Artistry: Acharya Somdevsuri is celebrated for his exceptional command over Sanskrit language, grammar, rhetoric, and poetic composition. The "Yashstilak Champu" is considered a masterpiece of Champu Kavya (a genre blending prose and poetry).
• Wisdom and Knowledge: The work showcases the author's vast knowledge across various disciplines, including philosophy, politics (Niti Shastra), Ayurveda, veterinary science, and the arts.
• Moral and Political Instruction: The narrative serves as a vehicle for conveying moral lessons and political insights, particularly through the character of Yashodhara and his governance.
• Scholarly Rigor: The editor's note (Sambadak) highlights the extensive research undertaken by Sundarlal Shastri, including comparative study of manuscripts and the use of commentaries like 'Yashstilak Panjika' to ensure textual accuracy and a more authentic edition.

In essence, "Yashstilak Champu Purva Khand" is a rich and multifaceted work that combines epic storytelling with profound philosophical and ethical teachings, showcasing the author's literary genius and deep understanding of Jainism and Indian culture. It provides a detailed account of the initial stages of Yashodhara's life, his spiritual journey, and the political and social landscape of ancient India.