Yasodhara Carita

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Yashodhara Charita" by Janna, based on the Kannada text:

Title: Yashodhara Charita (ಯಶೋಧರ ಚರಿತೆ) Author: Janna (ಜನ್ನ) Publisher: Kannada Sahitya Parishattu (ಕನ್ನಡ ಸಾಹಿತ್ಯ ಪರಿಷತ್ತು), Bengaluru Year of First Print: 1976 Year of This Edition: 2015 Price: Rs. 50-00 Pages: iv + 108

Overview:

The "Yashodhara Charita" is an epic poem by the renowned Kannada poet Janna. This edition, published by the Kannada Sahitya Parishattu, presents a prose translation by Tekkunja Gopalakrishna Bhatta. The work is considered a significant piece in the tradition of ancient Kannada poetry and has been widely discussed and re-evaluated in literary criticism for its unique exploration of violence and love.

About the Author, Janna:

Janna was a prominent poet in the Hoysala period. He belonged to the Kashyapa gotra and Kamra lineage. He served as a court poet (Kataka Upadhyaya) for King Veera Ballala II and received the title "Kavi Chakravarti" (Emperor of Poets). His work is influenced by Jain philosophy and literature. Janna also wrote "Anantatha Purana" and other works. His poems are noted for their elegant style, rich vocabulary, and profound meaning.

Thematic Core:

The "Yashodhara Charita" primarily focuses on the life and trials of Yashodhara, illustrating the consequences of actions across multiple lifetimes, particularly in relation to the Jain principles of ahimsa (non-violence) and karma. The narrative emphasizes how intentions and actions, even those not directly carried out but merely conceived (sankalpa himsa), can lead to suffering and repeated births in lower realms before eventual liberation.

Synopsis of the Narrative:

The story is structured into four Avatharas (parts):

• First Avatara:

  • The poem begins with the poet Janna invoking Jain Tirthankaras and spiritual teachers.
  • It then traces the lineage of the Hoysala kings, paying special tribute to Veera Ballala II.
  • The narrative shifts to the city of Ayodhya, where King Maridatta plans to sacrifice humans to appease the goddess Chandamari.
  • Two noble youths, Abhayaruchi and Abhayamati, are brought for the sacrifice. Abhayaruchi narrates their past life story to Maridatta.
  • The tale then recounts the story of King Yashaudhara of Ujjain, his queen Amritamati, and his father Yashaugha.
  • Amritamati, attracted by the singing of an elephant keeper, develops an illicit passion for him.
  • When Yashaudhara discovers her infidelity, he initially contemplates killing both of them but refrains.
  • Later, Amritamati, upon learning that her secret is exposed, poisons and kills Yashaudhara and his mother Chandramati.

• Second Avatara:

  • This part details the transmigration of souls. Yashaugha and Chandramati are reborn as Abhayaruchi and Abhayamati.
  • Amritamati is reborn in a hellish realm.
  • The narrative highlights Yashaudhara's previous lives, including his birth as a peacock and later a chicken, illustrating the cycle of suffering due to past actions.
  • The story of Amritamati's intense lust and how she tragically fell for the deformed elephant keeper (Ashtavakra) is described in detail, emphasizing her lack of true love for Yashaudhara and her ultimate downfall.
  • Yashaudhara, despite knowing Amritamati's infidelity, shows restraint and contemplation.

• Third Avatara:

  • This section further elaborates on the consequences of actions across various rebirths.
  • Yashaudhara and Chandramati are reborn as chickens in their sixth life. They eventually attain human birth as Abhayaruchi and Abhayamati.
  • The story shows the king Yashaugha renouncing his kingdom and embarking on asceticism.
  • Amritamati, in her relentless pursuit of lust, poisons Yashaudhara and Chandramati.
  • The complex cycle of rebirths for Yashaudhara, Chandramati, and Amritamati is described, involving various forms like peacocks, chickens, snakes, crocodiles, goats, and sheep.
  • The narrative critiques Amritamati's lustful and destructive nature, leading to her suffering in hell.
  • The story of Yashomati, Yashodhara's son, and his interactions with his mother Amritamati are depicted. Amritamati's poisoning of Yashodhara and Chandramati is re-emphasized.
  • The narrative also touches upon the complex karmic consequences leading to rebirths as animals and their subsequent suffering.

• Fourth Avatara:

  • This part focuses on the resolution and enlightenment.
  • King Yashomati, after understanding the dire consequences of his mother's actions and the suffering caused by violence, renounces his kingdom and embraces Jain monasticism along with his preceptor, Kalyanamitra.
  • Abhayaruchi and Abhayamati, having understood their past karma, also take to asceticism.
  • The story concludes with the king Maridatta, after hearing Abhayaruchi's narration, renouncing his cruel practices and embracing Jainism. He performs severe penance and attains a heavenly realm.
  • Yashodhara's attainment of a high heavenly status after completing his virtuous life and devotion to the Jain path is highlighted.
  • The poem reiterates the importance of ahimsa and the power of virtuous conduct in achieving liberation.

Key Themes and Philosophical Underpinnings:

• Karma and Rebirth: The central theme is the inexorable law of karma, where actions and even intentions in this life dictate future births and suffering across various cycles.
• Ahimsa (Non-violence): The poem strongly advocates for ahimsa as the highest virtue. Violence, especially deliberate violence, is portrayed as a cause of immense suffering.
• Sankalpa Himsa (Violence by Intention): Even the intention to commit violence is shown to have significant karmic repercussions.
• Detachment and Renunciation: The narrative showcases the path to liberation through detachment from worldly pleasures and embracing asceticism.
• The Destructive Nature of Lust: Amritamati's story serves as a stark warning against uncontrolled lust, which leads to moral decay and eternal suffering.
• The Power of Good Conduct: Yashodhara's virtue, his adherence to dharma, and his eventual attainment of liberation demonstrate the transformative power of righteous living.
• Jain Principles: The poem integrates fundamental Jain principles, including the reverence for Tirthankaras, Acharyas, and the practice of vows (vrata).

Literary Significance:

Janna's "Yashodhara Charita" is celebrated for its:

• Elegant Language: The poet uses rich and evocative Kannada language, displaying mastery over vocabulary and poetic devices.
• Intricate Narrative: The story, with its multiple lifetimes and complex character arcs, keeps the reader engaged.
• Moral and Spiritual Depth: It serves not just as a literary work but also as a profound spiritual treatise, guiding readers towards righteous conduct.
• Exploration of Human Psychology: The portrayal of characters' motivations, particularly Amritamati's lust and Yashodhara's inner conflict, is psychologically insightful.

This summary provides a comprehensive understanding of the "Yashodhara Charita," its author, its narrative, and its philosophical significance within the Jain tradition and Kannada literature.