Abhayabhyuday Mahakavya

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Abhayabhyuday Mahakavya," based on the translated excerpts:

Title: Abhayabhyuday Mahakavya Authors: Munisuyashchandravijay, Sujasachandravijay (Editors/Compilers) Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229269/1

Overview:

The "Abhayabhyuday Mahakavya" is a significant Jain epic poem focusing on the life and deeds of Abhayakumara, a renowned and revered figure in Jain tradition. The text is presented as an examination and compilation by Munisuyashchandravijay and Sujasachandravijay. This work appears to be part of a larger research initiative, likely related to Jain literature and history.

Abhayakumara's Prominence in Jain Literature:

The text highlights that Abhayakumara is a widely recognized character in Jain Agamic literature. His life events are mentioned or alluded to in foundational Jain texts such as the Anuyogdwar Sutra, Aavashyak Sutra, Dashavaikalik Sutra, Nishith Sutra, and Sutrakritanga Sutra, as well as their commentaries. Beyond the Agamas, Abhayakumara's life is a subject in numerous Sanskrit and Prakrit works, including Mahavircharitra and Upadesaprasad, and various Ras compositions like Shrenikras, Shrenik Abhayaras, and Bharteshwar-Bahubali ras. The text also notes a prose account of Abhayakumara's life within Shubhashil Gani's commentary on Bharteshwar-Bahubali.

The "Abhayabhyuday Mahakavya" in Context:

The "Abhayabhyuday Mahakavya" itself is positioned as a distinct poetic work. It is identified as being part of a commentary by Acharya Jaisingh Suriji (disciple of Krishnamuni) on the 98-verse composition Dharmopadeshmala dating back to V.S. 915. This suggests the Mahakavya might be a part of or inspired by this commentary.

"Abhyudaya" as a Literary Concept:

The term "Abhyudaya" signifies progress or upliftment. The text speculates whether this term in the title refers to the recording of Abhayakumara's social and spiritual progress throughout his life, or if there are other reasons for its inclusion. The Mahakavya itself traces Abhayakumara's life from childhood to his spiritual elevation, culminating with the verse "omadhyasta madhyamavimananuttareṣu," indicating his attainment of a higher realm.

Comparison with Other "Abhyudaya" Works:

The text provides a table of various "Abhyudaya" works, indicating a trend of composing epics or dramas with "Abhyudaya" in their titles, often signifying the progress or glory of the subject. Examples include:

• Yadavabhyudaya (Drama)
• Raghavabhyudaya (Drama)
• Bharteshvarabhyudaya
• Dharmabhyudaya
• Dharmasharmabhyudaya
• Dharmabhyudaya (One-act play)
• Rayamallabhyudaya
• Parshwabhyudaya
• Deivanandabhyudaya
• Khimasi Saubhyagyabhyudaya
• Punyaanandabhyudaya
• Vijayanandabhyudaya Kavya
• Nemyabhyudaya

Classification as "Mahakavya" or "Sakalakatha":

The text delves into the classification of the work, referencing Hemachandracharya's Kavyanushasana. A Mahakavya is defined as a long, sarg-bound (divided into cantos) composition in classical languages, adhering to poetic conventions, with a single hero or lineage. A Sakalakatha is a complete life-story narrative. While the authors of the "Abhayabhyuday Mahakavya" have used the term "Mahakavya" at the end of each canto, the work's focus on narrative might also align it with the Sakalakatha category. The decision rests with scholars. The work incorporates poetic qualities like sarg-division, metrical variety, and seasonal descriptions, suggesting it aims for the stature of a Mahakavya.

Content and Narrative of "Abhayabhyuday Mahakavya":

The Mahakavya attempts to weave many events from Abhayakumara's life into its four cantos and 201 verses. It includes:

• Canto 1: Describes Abhayakumara's birth, including his mother Nanda's cravings, his marriage to Sunanda, and his early life. It showcases his intelligence when he deals with his father's challenging proclamation.
• Canto 2: Details his abduction by a courtesan to be presented to King Pradyota. It recounts the incident with the elephant Nalagiri and the subsequent interaction with Princess Vasavadatta, Pradyota's daughter, whom he is tasked to teach arts. It highlights the clever deception employed by Abhayakumara and Vasavadatta to meet.
• Canto 3: Describes Abhayakumara's encounter with Mahavir Swami, his spiritual guidance, and his interaction with a wood-carrier.
• Canto 4: Covers his spiritual renunciation, his father Shrenika's emotional reaction, and his ultimate spiritual attainment. It also touches upon the changing seasons and their poetic descriptions.

Key Events and Deviations from other Works:

• Mother's Dream: The Mahakavya does not mention the dream of an elephant with four tusks, which is present in ChandraTilak Upadhya's Abhayakumara Charitra Mahakavya.
• Palace Fire Incident: The account of King Shrenika's fainting after the palace fire and Abhayakumara revealing the truth differs from the version in ChandraTilak's work.
• Renunciation: In the Mahakavya, Abhayakumara accepts diksha (renunciation) based on a promise made to his father, bypassing the need for explicit permission, aligning with Shubhashil Gani's view, whereas ChandraTilak Upadhya follows the Aavashyak Churnikara's narrative.
• Poetic Descriptions: The descriptions of seasons and celestial events in the Mahakavya are noted as distinct and charming.
• Metrical Variety: The work employs a range of meters including Anushtup, Indravansha, Indravajra, Upajati, Upendravajra, Prithvi, Mandakranta, Rathoddhata, Vanshastha, Vasanta Tilaka, Shardulavikridita, Shalini, and Sragdhara.
• Omissions: The text notes that the Mahakavya omits certain sub-plots found in ChandraTilak's work, such as the story of Sulasa's 32 sons and episodes involving Kunika and Meghakumara. It also points out the omission of other events that would showcase Abhayakumara's intelligence and ingenuity.

The "Dharmopadeshmala" and its Commentaries:

The text provides details about the Dharmopadeshmala, a work by Dharmadas Gani, and its three commentaries:

1. Dharmopadeshmala-Vivaran by the authors themselves.
2. Dharmopadeshmala-Vivaran by Vijayasingh Suriji.
3. Dharmopadeshmala-Vritti in Sanskrit by Mundeo Suriji.

The "Abhayabhyuday Mahakavya" is identified as a part of the third commentary, the Dharmopadeshmala-Vritti.

Manuscript Usage:

The current edition of the "Abhayabhyuday Mahakavya" is based on two manuscripts:

1. A palm-leaf manuscript from the Bhandar in Patan (designated as 'Ta').
2. A manuscript from the Hemachandracharya Bhandar in Limbdi (designated as 'Ka'), which appears to be a collection of various stories, possibly related to Muni Deva Suriji's work.

**The text includes an appendix listing the stories from the "Vividh Kathasangrah" and their corresponding verses in the Mahakavya and Dharmopadeshmala.

Overall Significance:

The "Abhayabhyuday Mahakavya" is presented as a valuable addition to the Jain literary corpus, offering a poetic narrative of Abhayakumara's life while also contributing to the scholarly understanding of Jain literature through its editorial and comparative approach. The work highlights the rich tradition of hagiography and epic poetry within Jainism.