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In a bygone era, a relentless famine gripped the land, persisting not for a year or two, but for an agonizing twelve years. Even the affluent family of Jindatt Sheth, a prosperous merchant from Soparak, was ensnared by the clutches of this merciless drought. The scarcity of sustenance had become so dire that the family resolved to face death together, contemplating consuming a lethal concoction. Yet, even for this final act, they needed a modicum of food. After much effort, Jindatt managed to procure a mere two fistfuls of rice, at an exorbitant cost of one lakh gold coins.
As Ishvari, Jindatt's wife, was about to infuse the lethal poison into the meager provisions, a serene and melodious voice resounded. It was the voice of Acharya Vajrasensuri, who pronounced the words "dharmalabh," signifying an augmentation of righteousness. The impact of this utterance was profound; Ishvari perceived it as a divine intervention. Amid the darkest moment of contemplating their own demise, the presence of the revered Acharya seemed like a radiant blessing. She regarded this timely encounter as a manifestation of her own accumulated merits, a reward for her virtuous deeds. Overwhelmed with emotion, Ishvari paid her respects to the Acharya.
Observing the poison in Ishvari's grasp, Acharya Vajrasen inquired about its purpose. Ishvari recounted their dire circumstances, prompting the Acharya to recollect a prophecy from his guru. He had been foretold that upon witnessing a Jain laywoman prepared to contaminate food acquired at a cost of one lakh gold coins, the impending scarcity caused by the drought would dissipate the following day.
The Acharya assured Ishvari that there was no need for poison, affirming that provisions would arrive the next day. Ishvari held unwavering faith in the Acharya's words, knowing his pronouncements to be infallible. And true to his assurance, ships laden with foodgrains docked at the port of Soparak that very night. By daybreak, the entire populace received the sustenance they had yearned for, dispelling the shadows of crisis. Jindatt's family, too, found themselves satiated, hunger abated.
Reflecting deeply on the episode, Ishvari realized the potential catastrophe narrowly averted. Had the Acharya's arrival been slightly delayed, a tragic and unnatural death would have unfolded, consigning their souls to torment. The Acharya's timely intervention saved them from such an ignoble fate, rescuing them from a grim demise. Ishvari shared her reflections with her husband and four sons Nagendra, Chandra, Nivrutti, and Vidyadhar asserting that the Acharya had bestowed upon them a new lease on life, or "jivandan." Now, she urged them to seek the Acharya's blessing of restraint, or "sanyamdan," to liberate themselves from the cycle of births and its inherent suffering.
Resonating with her sentiments, the entire family united in their decision. Ishvari, Jindatt, and their four sons chose the path of spiritual asceticism, casting aside boundless wealth and worldly pleasures. Initiated by Acharya Vajrasen, they embarked on this transformative journey, eventually embracing a life of renunciation. Consequently, the four sons—Nagendra, Chandra, Nivrutti, and Vidyadhar ascended to the stature of revered saints. Within the Swetambara tradition, four distinguished gachchhas (monastic orders) emerged: Chandragachchha, Nagendrakul, Nivrutikul, and Vidyadharkul, each named after one of the four sons.
The tale of Ishvari's unwavering faith, sacrifice, and family's transformation serves as a wellspring of inspiration for all who aspire to tread the path of spiritual well-being. It exemplifies the power of faith, the grace of a spiritual guide, and the potential for profound change that can arise from even the most dire circumstances.
