Mayna Sundari (also spelled Maina Sundari or Maynasundari) is a revered figure in Jain tradition, known particularly for her exemplary devotion, patience, and asceticism. She is most famous for her observance of austerity (tap) and steadfastness in the face of extreme adversity. Her story is recounted in Jain texts and is often cited as an inspiration for laypeople, especially women, regarding faith and spiritual discipline.

Story of Mayna Sundari and Her Tap

Mayna Sundari was the wife of King Shreyans of Hastinapur and the mother of two sons, Nemi Kumar and Arya Kumar. According to Jain legends, she was separated from her husband and sons due to a conspiracy. Despite her royal background, she endured severe hardships and led a life of great difficulty, facing poverty and humiliation.

Her Austerities (Tap)

• Fasting (Upvas): Mayna Sundari practiced regular fasting, including prolonged periods without food and water, as an expression of her devotion and to purify her soul (aatma-shuddhi).
• Meditation and Prayer: She maintained equanimity and composure by engaging in deep meditation and prayers, even in adverse circumstances.
• Forgiveness (Kshama): Despite being wronged and separated from her family, she harbored no ill-will or anger towards those responsible. She is a shining example of Jain values of forgiveness and non-violence (ahimsa).
• Contentment (Santosh): She accepted her fate with grace and did not give in to despair or resentment, demonstrating the Jain ideal of contentment under all circumstances.
• Vigilance (Samayik): She observed regular periods of samayik (meditative equanimity), focusing on her inner self and remaining detached from external situations.

Significance of Her Tap

Mayna Sundari’s tap is celebrated for:

• Uttam Tapa Dharma (Supreme Austerity): She is often cited as an example of the highest form of tapasya (austerity) in Jain tradition.
• Role Model: Her life teaches the importance of patience, faith, and spiritual discipline for both laypeople (shravaks, shravikas) and ascetics.
• Inspiring Women: She is especially venerated among Jain women as an ideal of strength, virtue, and devotion.

Commemoration

• Mayna Sundari Katha: Her story is recited during Jain festivals, pravachans, and religious gatherings, especially to inspire the practice of tapasya.
• Art and Literature: Numerous Jain texts and artworks depict her story, emphasizing her virtues and the power of tapasya.

Summary

Mayna Sundari’s tap reflects the core Jain values of austerity, non-attachment, and forgiveness. Her life is an enduring source of inspiration for practicing endurance, self-restraint, and faith in the face of difficulties, and her story is an important part of Jain cultural and spiritual heritage.