Jain Journal 1991 01

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 24

122
c) This story is more common and popular. CD is depicted as a romantic hero, Dhira-lalita Nayaka. Thus CD also finds place in the galaxy of such heroes like Vasudeva, Nāgakumāra and Dhanyakumāra
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d) Place of action was Campā
e) Historical element recedes to the background giving way to more sociological features
f) This story serves the religious purpose of focussing the evil of vyasanas and the importance of Jain Doctrines (see Appendix C)
Does this give any clue to the origin of this story? I do strongly feel that this does throw floodlight on favouring CD's source as having come from the Jain tradition. The reason for the absence of independent kavyas would be that CD did not play any important role as far as the propagation of religion is concerned. Besides, CD is neither in the list of 63 great persons nor is he one among the 24 Kamadevas. But the cultural impact and importance of CD should not be under-estimated.
It is a rare and worth-noticing factor that a merchant is made Dhira-lalita Nayaka, and it is known that merchants are the main characters in Jain classics. Jain writers have made use of this story in such a way that at the time of distress or calamity CD saved his life by his unaltered faith in Jainism, which evidently also advocated the eminence and prominence of Jainism. CD's achievements are elaborately described in a poetic fashion. Though this narration is pregnant with sycophancy and exaggeration, yet a comparative, chronological and critical evaluation could be undertaken by students of Sk and Pk literature.
It is possible to assess the significance of this story still better by tracing more authentic and useful supplementary information from various sources. I have made a moderate attempt of providing some sporadic material, mainly from Sk, Pk and Ka literature. I do reckon that a judicious handling and organised comparative study of these and other complementary references would definitely facilitate a systematic and comprehensive study of CD's story which will finally open a new vista for those who are engaged in this field of research in Jainology.