Abhidhan Rajendra Kosh Aur Uske Praneta Yugpurush Rajendrasuri

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, focusing on "Abhidhan Rajendra Kosh aur uske Praneta Yugpurush Rajendrasuri":

This document, likely an excerpt from a larger work titled "Abhidhan Rajendra Kosh aur uske Praneta Yugpurush Rajendrasuri" by Punyavijay, celebrates the centenary of Acharya Rajendrasuri Maharaj. It highlights him as a significant and influential figure in Jainism, whose monumental work, the "Abhidhan Rajendra Kosh," is presented as a universal encyclopedia that has greatly benefited not only the Jain community but also the entire scholarly world.

The text then contextualizes Acharya Rajendrasuri's contribution by tracing the rich legacy of influential Acharyas in Jainism. It mentions various categories of scholars and their contributions, including:

• Shrutadharas like Arya Bhadrabahuswami and Arya Skandila, who preserved Jain Agamas through recitations and writings.
• Anuyogadharas like Devardhi Gani Kshamashraman and Gandharva vadivetal Shantisuri, who systematized and standardized the Jain Agamas.
• Pravachanik Sthaviras like Arya Bhadrabahuswami and Arya Govinda, who authored metrical commentary works (Niyukti) on the Agamas.
• Sangrahani Shastrakars like Arya Kalkacharya, who created metrical index works (Sangrahani) as seed-texts for the Agamas.
• Agamik Acharyas like Sanghadasagani Kshamashraman and Jinabhadragani Kshamashraman, who wrote vast metrical commentary works (Bhashya, Laghubhashya, Mahabhashya).
• Commentators like Sthavira Agastyasimha and Jinabhadragani Kshamashraman, who produced elaborate Prakrit commentaries.
• Acharyas like Haribhadra, Shilankacharya, Abhayadevacharya, and Maladhari Hemchandrasuri, who authored extensive and clear commentaries (Vritti, Vyakhyana, Vivaran, Tika).
• Prominent Logicians and Philosophers like Siddhasena Divakara, Mallavadi Acharya, Haribhadra, and Hemchandracharya, who composed original philosophical treatises and commentaries.
• Scholars of Karmavada like Shivasharma and Devendrasuri, who wrote original works on the doctrine of karma.

The document emphasizes that these numerous Acharyas have enriched Jain literature through various branches, including Sanskrit and Prakrit texts on history, biographies of Tirthankaras, encyclopedias, grammar, metrics, rhetoric, poetry, drama, and devotional literature. It also notes the later contributions of scholars and lay devotees who translated ancient texts and authored independent works in modern languages like Hindi, Gujarati, and Rajasthani.

The "Abhidhan Rajendra Kosh" is presented as a measure to gauge the excellence and depth of Jain literature. The text argues that dictionaries and grammars are crucial tools for understanding any civilization's progress in religion, philosophy, culture, art, literature, science, and ethics.

Regarding Prakrit language, the document acknowledges the significant efforts made by ancient scholars like Panini, Chand, Vararuci, and Hemachandra in creating Prakrit grammars. Hemachandra's Prakrit grammar is highlighted as the pinnacle, encompassing six languages (Prakrit, Magadhi, Shauraseni, Paishachi, Chulikapaisachi, and Apabhramsha) and demonstrating a comprehensive approach. While creating a complete prescriptive grammar for the diverse Prakrit language was challenging, Hemachandra's work laid the foundation by incorporating various usages. The text also mentions the contributions of modern scholars like Ratnachandji Swami, Becherdasji Dosi, and Kastursuri in creating Prakrit grammars, with Hemachandra's work serving as their primary reference.

However, the document points out a significant gap in the field of Prakrit dictionaries. Until the 20th century, there was no sufficiently comprehensive and extensive dictionary of the Prakrit language. It was in this context that Acharya Rajendrasuri's vision led to the creation of the "Abhidhan Rajendra Kosh." While earlier lexicographical efforts existed, such as those by Acharya Padalipta and Hemachandra's "Deshinam-mala" (which focused on indigenous words), the "Abhidhan Rajendra Kosh" is credited as the first truly comprehensive and systematic encyclopedia of Prakrit words.

The text states that the need for such a systematic dictionary arose as the study and familiarity with Prakrit language began to wane. Acharya Rajendrasuri's realization of this need and his subsequent undertaking of this monumental task are seen as a testament to his multifaceted genius and his "Yugpurushatva" (being a man of an era).

The document concludes by noting that after the creation of the "Abhidhan Rajendra Kosh," other scholars also produced Prakrit dictionaries. However, it firmly asserts that the "Abhidhan Rajendra Kosh" remains the foundational inspiration and primary source for these subsequent works. The text emphasizes that the "Abhidhan Rajendra Kosh" is not merely a dictionary but a "Jain encyclopedia," providing comprehensive insights into any topic within Jain scriptures. It is universally acclaimed by both Indian and Western scholars as a significant "Mahashastra" (great treatise), earning it widespread respect and admiration.