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Prince Shrenik Diwakar Chitrakatha 015

Added to library: September 2, 2025

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First page of Prince Shrenik Diwakar Chitrakatha 015

Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prince Shrenik Diwakar Chitrakatha 015," focusing on the narrative presented:

Introduction to Prince Shrenik:

The book introduces Prince Shrenik, the future king of Magadh, and a prominent follower of Bhagwan Mahavir. Historically, he is known as Bimbisara Shrenik, but Jain tradition refers to him as Shrenik Bhambhasar due to his bravery in saving the royal symbol ("Bhambha") during a palace fire. Shrenik's father, King Prasenjit, was a follower of Bhagwan Parshwanath. Although Shrenik was born into a Jain lineage, he was briefly influenced by a Buddhist monk who predicted his kingship. However, after his marriage to Chetak's daughter and through the efforts of Chelana and contact with Anathi Muni, he returned to the Jain faith and became a devoted follower of Bhagwan Mahavir. Shrenik is described as intelligent, brave, adventurous, and an expert ruler. The story begins before he ascends to the throne, highlighting his early life and the events leading to his kingship, and credits him with making Rajgir a prosperous city.

The Story of Prince Shrenik's Early Life and Path to Kingship:

  1. King Prasenjit's Encounter: The narrative begins with King Prasenjit of Magadh, a follower of Bhagwan Parshwanath. While testing horses brought by a merchant from Sindh, Prasenjit rides a swift horse that carries him far into a wild forest. After being thrown from the horse, he is found by Tilakvati, the daughter of Yamdand, the king of the Bhil tribe. Prasenjit is captivated by Tilakvati's beauty and qualities.

  2. The Marriage Proposal and Condition: Prasenjit expresses his desire to marry Tilakvati. Yamdand agrees, but only on the condition that Tilakvati's son will have a legal right to the throne. Prasenjit, swayed by passion, agrees to this condition. They marry, and Tilakvati gives birth to a son named Chilatikumar. Chilatikumar grows up to be harsh and uncontrollable.

  3. The Succession Dilemma: As King Prasenjit ages, he discusses the succession with his chief minister, Vachaspati. While Shrenik is the most suitable heir, Prasenjit is troubled by the promise made to Yamdand regarding Tilakvati's son inheriting the throne. He worries that making Shrenik king would lead to family conflict, but Chilatikumar is unfit to rule. The minister suggests sending Shrenik away temporarily to allow Chilatikumar to become king, hoping to mitigate the potential conflict.

  4. Shrenik's Trials and Demonstrations of Wisdom:

    • The Dogs in the Dining Hall: In a test orchestrated by Prasenjit and his minister, Shrenik is presented with a situation where wild dogs attack the dining hall. While other princes flee, Shrenik bravely shifts the plates of the fleeing princes to the dogs, ensuring they are fed, and then eats his own meal without fear. This demonstration of intelligence and courage impresses Prasenjit.
    • Filling the Dewdrop Pot: Another test involves filling an earthen pot with dewdrops. While other princes struggle, Shrenik first wets the pot, then collects dew on a bedsheet and squeezes it into the pot. He repeats this process until the pot is filled. Although he succeeds, Prasenjit feigns disappointment, saying Shrenik didn't follow instructions properly. Shrenik, though hurt, understands the subtle lesson about collecting taxes gradually from the people without overburdening them.
    • Saving the Royal Symbols: During a palace fire, while others save their belongings, Shrenik risks his life to save the royal symbols: the Chatra (umbrella), Chanvar (fly-whisk), and Bhambha. Prasenjit, while outwardly scolding Shrenik for taking "useless" items, inwardly recognizes Shrenik's true worth and his ability to protect the kingdom.

  5. Shrenik's Departure and Journey: Feeling misunderstood and unappreciated, Shrenik decides to leave Magadh. He meets a merchant named Subhadra, with whom he journeys west. During their travels, Shrenik demonstrates his intelligence and unique perspective through various interactions and observations:

    • He uses the metaphor of a "tongue-chariot" to describe the joy of conversation during a journey.
    • He advises Subhadra to keep his shoes on when walking in water to protect his feet from insects and sharp objects, while removing them on sand to avoid it entering the shoes.
    • He correctly identifies "Tejantari sand" which can turn iron into gold.
    • He shows resourcefulness in cleaning his feet with minimal water by using a bamboo stick and a damp cloth.
    • He is tested by Subhadra's daughter, Nanda, and impresses her with his intelligence and foresight.

  6. Marriage to Nanda and Prosperity: Shrenik marries Nanda, Subhadra's daughter. Their union brings great prosperity to Subhadra's business, as Shrenik's presence is seen as lucky. Shrenik is appointed as a sheriff of the town.

  7. The Desire for Paryushan and the Mad Elephant: Nanda expresses a desire for the Paryushan festival to be observed with no killing of five-sensed beings for eight days. Shrenik, realizing the need for political power to fulfill this, intervenes when a mad elephant wreaks havoc in the city. He expertly controls the elephant, earning the king's gratitude and the opportunity to make a request. He asks for the cessation of violence during Paryushan, which the king grants, making Nanda very happy.

  8. The Decline of Magadh and Shrenik's Return: Meanwhile, Magadh suffers from repeated fires, leading to the construction of a new capital, Rajgruh. King Prasenjit, forced to make the unfit Chilatikumar king due to his promise, witnesses the kingdom's decline and the people's suffering. Recognizing his error, he sends for Shrenik, who is found by a spy in Venatat.

  9. Reconciliation and Kingship: Shrenik, despite his father's past actions, decides to return to Magadh to help his ailing father and kingdom. He reconciles with Prasenjit, who acknowledges his mistake in valuing a "stone" (Chilatikumar) over a "diamond" (Shrenik). The next day, Shrenik is crowned king, with the people rejoicing. Chilatikumar flees with his associates.

Additional Sections:

  • "What is love?" and "Compassionate Heart": These sections discuss the nature of unconditional love, contrasting it with conditional love. They emphasize that true love is about accepting others as they are, recognizing the interconnectedness of all life, and emanating from self-respect.
  • "LOVE FOR HATE": This section recounts an event where Bhagwan Mahavir is bitten by a poisonous snake, Chandakaushik. Instead of anger, his blood turns to milk, demonstrating his all-pervading love and compassion for all beings, even those who harm him.
  • "JIVA WE ARE THREE-SENSED LIVING BEINGS" and "WE ARE FOUR-SENSED LIVING BEINGS": These brief sections highlight the Jain principle of non-violence (Ahimsa) by reminding readers about the existence of living beings with different numbers of senses and encouraging respectful treatment towards them.

In essence, "Prince Shrenik Diwakar Chitrakatha 015" is a historical and spiritual narrative that chronicles the early life, trials, wisdom, and eventual ascension to the throne of Prince Shrenik, a significant figure in Jain tradition, while also offering reflections on the profound concept of love.