Camara Story

Summary

K.C. Lalwani’s ‘Camara Story’ retells an episode from the Bhaga­vatī Sūtra, focusing on the Asura king Camara (also spelled Camarendra) and his encounter with the Jain doctrine. The narrative begins by introducing Purana, an ascetic who demonstrates extraordinary austerity by fasting for long periods and distributing collected food among householders, travellers, animals and beggars. Purana’s exemplary conduct impresses Camara, who at this time rules a wealthy and powerful kingdom. Seeking spiritual insight, Camara inquires into Purana’s practices and learns that he is following the teachings of Mahāvīra. Inspired, Camara receives initiation and adopts the four‑pot begging regimen. However, he later breaks his vows and returns to worldly life, acting as the Indra of the Asuras. In this role he enjoys sensory pleasures and engages in wars, but his latent faith resurfaces when he hears of Mahāvīra’s impending liberation. Camara sends a messenger to the gods, requesting that Mahāvīra’s emancipation be delayed until he can pay his respects. The gods remind him that liberation is governed by karma, not by external petitions, and advise him to cultivate equanimity. Subsequently, Camara witnesses Mahāvīra’s nirvāṇa at Pāvā and feels remorse. The story ends with the prophecy that Camara will take human birth, practise austerities and eventually attain liberation in a future life. Lalwani interprets the tale as illustrating the tension between worldly power and spiritual aspiration. Purana’s steadfastness highlights the Jain ideal of compassion and self‑control, while Camara’s vacillation underscores the difficulty of overcoming attachment. The narrative uses dramatic imagery to convey that even celestial beings must follow the law of karma and that the path to liberation is open to all, regardless of social status.