Acharya Somkirti Evam Brham Yashodhar

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Acharya Somkirti Evam Brham Yashodhar" by Kasturchand Kasliwal, published by Mahavir Granth Academy, Jaipur. The summary is based on the provided pages of the book:

Book Title: Acharya Somkirti Evam Brham Yashodhar Author: Dr. Kasturchand Kasliwal Publisher: Mahavir Granth Academy, Jaipur

Overall Introduction:

This book is the fifth volume in a series published by Mahavir Granth Academy, Jaipur, dedicated to bringing to light the lives, personalities, and literary contributions of lesser-known or forgotten Jain poets primarily from the 16th and 17th centuries. The series aims to highlight the significant literary services rendered by Jain acharyas, bhattaraks, and scholars over the past 600-700 years, who contributed immensely to Hindi and Rajasthani literature. The series has already covered 22 poets and published 160 of their works. This particular volume focuses on five representative poets of the 16th century: Acharya Somkirti, Sangu, Brahm Gunakirti, Bhattarak Yashakirti, and Brahm Yashodhar. It aims to present the original texts of 37 of their works.

Key Figures and Their Contributions:

The book focuses on the following five poets from the 16th century:

1. Acharya Somkirti (16th Century):

   • A prominent representative poet of his era, described as a great scholar, literary figure, and supreme saint. He was also a yogi dedicated to self-realization and spiritual guidance.
   • He was a profound scholar of Prakrit, Sanskrit, Rajasthani, Gujarati, and Hindi languages.
   • He actively traveled in Rajasthan and Gujarat, spreading the principles of Ahimsa and devotion to Arhats.
   • His efforts led to the construction of many temples and the installation of thousands of Jain images.
   • He was a significant proponent of Shraman culture, literature, and education.
   • He became the Bhattarak of the Kashthasangha on Ashadha Sudi Ashtami, Samvat 1518 (1461 AD), with his coronation in Saurashtra.
   • He was respected even by contemporary Muslim rulers, indicating his influence and stature.
   • He engaged in numerous "Pratishtha Vidhan" (consecration ceremonies) throughout his life, with over 50 such ceremonies documented.
   • His literary works include both Sanskrit and Rajasthani compositions, showcasing his versatility.
   • Sanskrit Works: Saptavyasana Kathā Samucchaya, Pradyumna Charitra, Yashodhar Charitra, Ashtahanika Vrata Katha, Samavasarana Puja.
   • Rajasthani Works: Yashodhar Ras, Guru Namavali, Rishabhnath ki Dhuli, Shrepan Kriya Geet, Adinath Vinti, Malli Jin Geet, Laghu Chintamani Parshvanath Jaymal.
   • His Rajasthani work "Guru Namavali" is particularly important for the history of Rajasthani-Hindi literature due to its use of Rajasthani prose.

2. Sangu (16th Century):

   • His only known work is "Sukosal Ray Chaupai," a short narrative poem that encapsulates all the characteristics of poetry.
   • The "Chaupai" is described as romantic, detailing events like marriage, war, renunciation, penance, and times of hardship.
   • His connection to Acharya Somkirti and Brahm Yashodhar is inferred from the collection of his work in the same manuscript as theirs.

3. Brahm Gunakirti (16th Century):

   • A disciple of Mahakavi Brahm Jindaas.
   • His work, "Ram Sitaraas," is a beautiful piece in Rajasthani language.
   • It's a short "Ramayana" that serves as a condensed version of his guru Brahm Jindaas's "Ramras."
   • "Ram Sitaraas" is considered an excellent work in terms of emotion, language, style, and subject matter.

4. Bhattarak Yashakirti (16th Century):

   • The book mentions several historical figures named Yashakirti, including bhattaraks and scholars.
   • The Yashakirti discussed here is associated with the 15th-16th centuries and is considered a contemporary of Acharya Somkirti.
   • He is noted as being a disciple of Somkirti's successor, Bhattarak Vijayasen.
   • His known works are limited to two devotional "padas" (songs) and two short compositions included in this volume.
   • The "Padas" are described as instructional, urging good deeds and highlighting that only Dharma accompanies one in the end.
   • His "Yogi Vani" emphasizes the importance of venerating yogis who practice pure meditation, free from anger, greed, attachment, and ego, and who protect living beings.
   • The "Choubees Tirthankar Bhavana" is a descriptive work about the twenty-four Tirthankaras, stating that those who devoutly recite or listen to it will cross the ocean of existence.

5. Brahm Yashodhar (16th Century):

   • A disciple of Bhattarak Yashakirti and a student of Vijayasen.
   • Described as a highly influential poet of his time, dedicating his life to literary service.
   • Although not a Bhattarak, his reputation and respect were comparable to those of a Bhattarak. In literary creation, he surpassed even his guru.
   • His notable works include a "Chaupai" titled "Balibhadra Chaupai," devotional songs on Neminath, Vasupujya, and Mallinath, a praise song for his guru Vijayakirti (called "Vijayakirti Geet"), and poems related to Nemi-Rajul.
   • "Balibhadra Chaupai" is a narrative poem showcasing his poetic genius.
   • His "Neminath Geet" is praised as filling an ocean in a pitcher, with its engaging descriptions that inspire reverence.
   • He chose words with great scholarship in his works. He mentions "pan bida" (betel leaf offering) in "Neminath Geet," a custom of welcoming guests with it, which was prevalent in the 15th century. He also uses the word "lay" for "su," a word from the Rajasthani dialect.
   • His works are important for language study, as he composed in simple, conversational language.
   • Key Works: Neminath Geet (Samvat 1581), Balibhadra Chaupai (Samvat 1585), Vijayakirti Geet, Vasupujya Geet, Vairagya Geet, Mallinath Geet, and 18 "Pada" compositions.

Literary and Historical Context:

• The book places these poets within the broader context of Indian literature, which is a confluence of Vedic, Buddhist, and Jain traditions.
• It explains the division of Jain scriptures into four categories: Prathamanuyog (narratives and Puranas), Karananuyog (karma theory and cosmology), Charan anuyog (conduct and ethics for laymen and monks), and Dravyanuyog (metaphysics and ontology).
• It traces the evolution of languages, from Sanskrit to Prakrit (Magadhi, Pali), then to Apabhramsa, and finally to the early forms of Hindi and Rajasthani.
• The period of the 16th century is noted as the early phase of the Bhakti movement in Hindi literature, with figures like Guru Nanak and Kabir gaining prominence alongside these Jain poets who were promoting devotion and institutional practices.
• The influence of Bhattaraks in society was growing, with their seats of learning being established across the land. Bhattaraks and their disciples used Sanskrit, Rajasthani, and Hindi for their literary expressions.
• Despite the prevailing Muslim rule and its associated challenges, these Bhattaraks and their disciples created works in vernacular languages to uplift society.
• The book acknowledges the significant efforts of scholars like Rahul Sankrityayan, Nagu Ram Premi, Kamtaprasad Guru, Muni Jin Vijay, Hazari Prasad Dwivedi, Agarchand Nahata, and Ram Singh Tomar in bringing Jain Hindi literature to light.
• It highlights the pioneering role of Jain poets in developing various forms of expression in Hindi literature, emphasizing that Hindi literature would be incomplete without a thorough integration of Jain Hindi literary works.
• The author, Dr. Kasturchand Kasliwal, is lauded for his dedication to unearthing and publishing ancient and forgotten materials, a mission he has pursued for over 35 years.
• The editorial board members are acknowledged for their contributions: Dr. Mahendra Sagar Pranchadiya, Shri Nathulal Jain, and Mrs. Dr. Kokila Sethi.

Specific Works and Their Content (Detailed):

• Acharya Somkirti's Works:

  • Yashodhar Ras: A detailed narrative in simple Rajasthani, recounting the story of King Yashodhar, emphasizing the severe consequences of even minor violence. The story vividly describes the suffering from past actions, the cycle of births, and the importance of adhering to Jain principles. It includes descriptions of hellish realms, the nature of birth and death, and the eventual attainment of liberation through righteous conduct. The narrative highlights the transformative power of spiritual teachings.
  • Guru Namavali: A historical and genealogical account of the Kashthasangha lineage of Bhattaraks, including the origins of the Narsinghpura and Bhatpura castes. It traces the succession of gurus and their contributions, often involving the dispelling of ignorance and the establishment of Jain principles in various regions.
  • Rishabhnath ki Dhuli: A short work describing the five auspicious events (Kalyanakas) of Lord Rishabhnath, the first Tirthankara.
  • Shrepan Kriya Geet: A set of songs outlining the importance of following the 35 actions (Kriyas) for lay Jains, which lead to a virtuous life and ultimately to heaven and liberation.
  • Adinath Vinti: A devotional song praising Lord Adinath, the first Tirthankara.
  • Malli Jin Geet: A devotional song in praise of Lord Mallinath, the 19th Tirthankara.
  • Laghu Chintamani Parshvanath Jaymal: A devotional hymn in Apabhramsa to Lord Parshvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara.

• Kavivar Sangu's Sukosal Ray Chaupai:

  • A romantic narrative poem detailing the life of Sukosal, from his birth and education to his military conquests and eventual renunciation.
  • It describes the grandeur of Ayodhya, the prowess of King Keertidhaval and Queen Mahadevi, Sukosal's upbringing, his battles and victories across various kingdoms (Gujarat, Saurashtra, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Mewar, Multan, etc.), his marriages, and his ultimate detachment from worldly pleasures leading to his spiritual pursuit.
  • The work is rich in descriptions of social customs, warfare, and spiritual practices.

• Brahm Gunakirti's Ram Sitaraas:

  • A concise narrative of the Ramayana story in Rajasthani, covering events from the birth of Rama and his brothers to the coronation after Lanka victory.
  • It highlights the popularity of the Ramayana theme among Jain poets, even before Tulsidas.
  • The work includes descriptions of social rituals during marriage, the influence of bhattaraks on societal norms, and the practice of renunciation after family responsibilities.
  • It mentions various cities and regions visited during Rama's life.

• Bhattarak Yashakirti's Works:

  • Two Padas: Didactic poems encouraging good deeds and emphasizing the ephemeral nature of worldly possessions, with only Dharma accompanying one after death.
  • Yogi Vani: A philosophical piece on the path of a true yogi, emphasizing detachment, self-control, and the protection of all life.
  • Choubees Tirthankar Bhavana: A descriptive work about the twenty-four Tirthankaras and the spiritual benefits of meditating on them.

• Brahm Yashodhar's Works:

  • Neminath Geet: A devotional song focusing on the story of Neminath and Rajul, expressing Rajul's longing and eventual renunciation.
  • Balibhadra Chaupai: A significant narrative poem (186 verses) detailing the life of Balibhadra, brother of Lord Krishna. The story includes the prophecy of Dwarka's destruction, the death of Krishna, Balibhadra's grief, and his eventual renunciation and attainment of liberation. The poem showcases his humility and acknowledges his guru's blessing.
  • Vijayakirti Geet: A song praising his guru Bhattarak Vijayakirti.
  • Vasupujya Geet: A devotional song in praise of Lord Vasupujya, the 12th Tirthankara, focusing on his auspicious events and the benefits of worship.
  • Vairagya Geet: A philosophical song emphasizing the transient nature of life and the importance of detachment from worldly desires.
  • 18 Pada Compositions: Primarily devotional songs, many focusing on the Nemi-Rajul narrative, exploring themes of separation, longing, and spiritual resolve.

Overall Impact and Significance:

The book underscores the invaluable contribution of these Jain poets to the repository of Indian literature, particularly in the Rajasthani and early Hindi languages. It highlights their efforts in preserving and propagating Jain philosophy and culture through their literary works, often composed in accessible vernacular languages for wider reach. The detailed exploration of their lives and compositions provides a glimpse into the rich intellectual and spiritual heritage of Jainism. The publisher's commitment to bringing these works to light is a significant step in enriching our understanding of medieval Indian literature.