Civakacintamani

This ninth-century Tamil epic follows the life of Civakan, a prince born in a cremation ground after his father’s kingdom is stolen by the treacherous minister Kattiyankaran. Raised by a merchant, Civakan masters various arts and engages in a series of romantic conquests, eventually marrying eight women. The narrative details his military reclamation of the throne and his eventual transition from a hedonistic monarch to a Jain ascetic. Under the guidance of Tirthankara Mahavira, he attains the status of a Siddha, securing liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

Scholars of South Asian literature and practitioners of Jainism read this volume to understand the historical synthesis of secular erotic poetry and religious ethics. The text provides a technical framework for Jaina dharma while maintaining the aesthetic standards of classical Tamil verse. Readers gain specific insights into medieval social structures, the integration of ascetic ideals with royal duty, and the philosophical steps required to achieve infinite bliss according to Jain cosmology.

Deep, contemplative and thought-provoking; a demanding read.

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