Sadhvi Narmadasundari

Sadhvi Narmadasundari


Narmadasundari, who possessed expertise in 64 feminine arts, was married to Maheshvardalta. After her marriage, she deeply impressed her in-laws with her devout adherence to the Jain religion. One day, while standing on a balcony, Narmadasundari accidentally spat a chewed betel leaf that landed on the head of a passing monk. The monk, looking up, warned her that as a consequence of disrespecting a monk, she would face separation from her husband. Realizing her mistake, she hurriedly went down, bowed to the monk, and earnestly pleaded for him not to curse her.

To embark on a business trip, Maheshvardatta had to travel to a foreign land, and Narmadasundari accompanied him on a cruise. One night, they heard melodious music emanating from an island. Maheshvardatta remarked that the singer must be exceptionally skilled in the art of music. Narmadasundari, having studied the science of voice in addition to music, could vividly describe the singer simply by listening to their voice. She described the singer in great detail, including their dark complexion, muscular hands, rough hair, and being a chaste young man of thirty-two.

Narmadasundari's detailed description of the singer raised suspicions in her husband's mind. He questioned how she could possess such precise knowledge about a stranger. Filled with anger, he decided to abandon her. The ship made a stop at Rakshasa Dwipa, and while Narmadasundari slept under a tree's shade, Maheshvardatta left her asleep and returned to the ship, telling others that his wife had been killed by a tiger in the form of a monster. Subsequently, Maheshvardatta amassed wealth in Yavan Dwipa. Upon returning to their hometown, he informed Narmadasundari's parents of her death and performed all the necessary funeral rites.

When Narmadasundari woke up, she encountered numerous hardships and cried bitterly. Seeking solace in religion, she passed her days in devotion. Her uncle, Virdas, came to her and accompanied her back, but along the way, she fell into the clutches of a courtesan. Despite enduring torture and severe beatings, she remained resolute. Upon the courtesan's death, the king summoned her to the court, suggesting she replace the deceased courtesan. To safeguard her character, Narmadasundari jumped into a ditch and feigned madness. People mistook her for either a madwoman or a witch and allowed her to leave. Finally, she returned to her parents' home and lived peacefully.

Once, Narmadasundari inquired about her past life from Suhastisuriji, who revealed that in her previous birth, she had troubled the monks residing along the banks of the river Narmada while serving as the ruling goddess. Upon learning this, she embraced initiation and, through rigorous penance, attained clairvoyance. During a tour, Maheshvardatta approached Sadhvi Narmadasundari to offer his respects. It was then that everything was explained, and Maheshvardatta deeply regretted his past behavior. Sadhviji assured him, "You are not to blame in this matter. Every soul must suffer in accordance with its own karmas."

Maheshvardatta also embraced initiation, and both of them attained salvation on the banks of the river Narmada.