Abhidhan Rajendra Koshsthata Jain Kosh Vidya

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, focusing on the book "Abhidhan Rajendra Koshsthata Jain Kosh Vidya" by Rudradev Tripathi, as presented in the given PDF excerpts:

The text discusses the significance and evolution of Jain lexicography (Kosh Vidya), highlighting the contributions of Jain scholars and the monumental "Abhidhan Rajendra Kosh."

I. The Importance and Evolution of Lexicography (Kosh Vidya):

• The Value of a Lexicon: The text begins by emphasizing the immense value of a lexicon (Kosh), stating that its proper use leads to refinement. It asserts that lexicons are repositories for kings and scholars alike, serving as essential tools for the development of knowledge. Without a lexicon, even learned individuals struggle to complete their creative works (Karmas), especially when dealing with difficult words.
• Early Stages: The early concept of a lexicon, as seen in Vedic traditions, involved collecting difficult words from texts. The Nighantu is mentioned as an early Vedic lexicon. The Nirukta by Yāska is presented as a development that aimed to explain words by their root meanings and derivations, making them more accessible.
• Development of Sanskrit Lexicography: The text traces the development of Sanskrit lexicography, noting the emergence of traditions like Nighantu (collection of words), Nirukta (etymological explanation), and later Namamala (garlands of names) and Anka-kosh (lexicons organized by letters). These were created to aid poets and scholars in understanding and using language effectively.
• Classification of Lexicons: Different methods of organizing lexicons are described:
  • Lingānusāri (Gender-based): Selecting words based on their gender (masculine, feminine, neuter). The Amarakosha is highlighted as a prime example, with its influential grammatical rule for agreement between adjectives and nouns.
  • Vishayānusāri (Subject-based): Compiling words related to specific subjects, which helped in efficient exploration of vocabulary for various fields.
  • Prathamavarna-anusāri (First-letter based): Arranging words alphabetically by their first letter, useful for quick retrieval.
  • Antya-varna-anusāri (Last-letter based): Organizing words by their last letter, employed for poetic devices like anupras (alliteration) and yamaka (rhyme).
  • Akshara-sankhyā-anusāri (Number-of-syllables based): Grouping words by their syllable count.
  • Paryāya-parināma-anusāri (Synonym-based): Compiling synonyms, which was crucial for understanding the nuances of language.
• The Amarakosha: The Amarakosha by Amarasimha is frequently cited as a foundational and highly influential work in Sanskrit lexicography, known for its structured approach and wide acceptance. Its estimated period is pre-6th century CE.

II. Jain Contributions to Lexicography:

• Jain Roots: The text strongly asserts that Jain scholars, like their Vedic counterparts, drew their knowledge and the origin of their lexicographical works from Jain Agamas (scriptures). They are credited with enriching Sanskrit literature.
• Early Jain Lexicons:
  • Śrī Dhananjaya: Author of Nāmamālā, Anekārtha-nāmamālā, and Anekārtha-nighantu-ekāksharī-kośas. He is noted as being related to Amarasimha.
  • Śrī Dhanapāla: Authored Pāiya-lacchi-nāmamālā, a lexicon of Prakrit words with Sanskrit derivations, crucial for understanding the Prakrit language used in many Jain scriptures.
  • Śrī Padmanandi: Compiled a lexicon named Nighaṇṭu for Ayurvedic medicine.
  • Śrī Hemacandrācārya: A pivotal figure, renowned for his vast scholarship in various fields including grammar, lexicography, and poetics. He authored four significant lexicons: Abhidhāna-cintāmaṇi, Anekārtha-saṅgraha, Nighaṇṭuśeṣa, and Deśīnāmamālā. Abhidhāna-cintāmaṇi is particularly praised for its comprehensiveness, covering Jain terminology related to Tirthankaras, their families, disciples, holy sites, and categories of living beings.
  • Śrī Amaravīndra: Author of Ekākṣara-nāmamālā.
  • Other Jain Lexicographers: The text mentions various other Jain scholars and their works, including:
    • Śrīdhara Sena (14th century) - Viśvalocanakosh (also known as Muktāvalī-kośāvara).
    • Rājśekhara Sūri - Ekākṣara-nāmamālā.
    • Sudhākalśācārya and Śrī Bhānuvijayagaṇi (during Emperor Akbar's reign) - Sundaraprakāśa-kosh and Vivikta-nāmasaṅgraha.
    • Śrī Harṣakīrti Sūri and Vimal Sūri (16th century) - Śāradīya (Manoramā) Nāmamālā and Deśyaśabda-samuccaya.
    • Unknown Sūri, Sundargaṇi, Sahajakīrti Gaṇi (17th century) - Śeṣanāmamālā, Śabdaralākaraḥ, and Siddhaśabdārṇava.
    • Prabandhakośa, Vasturatna-kośa, and Eka-ādi-saṅkhyājñānakosha are also mentioned.
  • Jain Katha Kosh (Story Lexicons): The text also highlights Jain contributions to narrative lexicons, such as Bṛhatkathākosha by Śrī Hariṣeṇa, Ārādhanā-kośa by Prabhācandrācārya, and others compiled between the 9th and 12th centuries.

III. The Abhidhan Rajendra Kosh:

• A Monumental Work: The Abhidhān Rajendra Kosh is described as a "Kosh-rāja" (King of Lexicons) and a "Sumeru-sthānīya" (Mount Sumeru-like) work, holding a unique and supreme position in lexicography.
• Author and Creation: It was compiled by the revered Jain Acharya, Śrīmad Vijayarājendrasūriśvara Mahābhāga. He was a great tapasvin (ascetic) and a devoted follower of Jain principles.
• Scope and Scale: This colossal work contains approximately four hundred thousand (4 lakh) verses and includes sixty thousand (60,000) Prakrit language words. It is considered a superior work compared to previously compiled Sanskrit and Prakrit lexicons.
• Compilation Process: The compilation began in Siyana on Ashāḍha Śukla Dvitīyā, Saṁvat 1946 (1889 CE) and was completed in Surat on Chaitra Śukla Trayodaśī, Saṁvat 1960 (1903 CE). The completion of this monumental work represents over fourteen years of continuous, tireless effort by the Acharya. The publication of the Abhidhān Rajendra Kosh took seventeen years of sustained labor.
• Significance for Jain Studies: The Abhidhān Rajendra Kosh is called a "Kalpavṛkṣa" (wish-fulfilling tree) for understanding Jain principles and is considered the most important repository of Jain knowledge. It compiles the essence of all Jain Agamas, their commentaries, treatises, and various philosophical texts.
• Structure of the Abhidhan Rajendra Kosh: Each entry in the lexicon is structured to include:
  1. The root word (primarily in Prakrit).
  2. Its Sanskrit translation.
  3. Etymology (Vyutpatti).
  4. Grammatical gender (Ling-nirdesh).
  5. Its meaning (Artha).
  6. Meaning as per Jain Agamas.
  7. Alternative meanings (if any).
  8. Illustrative use in significant texts.
  9. Clarifications by commentators.
  10. Expansion of subject matter from other texts.
  11. Various possible meanings of a single word.
  12. A critical analysis of Prakrit grammar and vocabulary.
• Editor and Publisher: The text mentions that the publication and compilation of the Abhidhān Rajendra Kosh was a great service to the scholarly world, facilitated by Acharya Śrīmad Jayantaseṇasūri and his disciples. The "Madhu-kar" publication committee is credited for bringing out the Kosh.
• Recognition and Legacy: The Abhidhān Rajendra Kosh has earned immense respect and recognition both within India and abroad, elevating the status of Jain literature and learning. The legacy of Acharya Śrīmad Vijayarājendrasūriśvara and his devoted disciple Śrīmad Jayantaseṇasūri is celebrated for their immense contribution to lexicography and Jain scholarship.

In essence, the text serves as an introduction to Jain lexicography, emphasizing its historical development, the diverse methodologies employed, and the paramount importance and comprehensive nature of the Abhidhān Rajendra Kosh, a landmark achievement by Jain scholars.