Aetihasik Ras Sangraha Part 3

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Aitihasik Ras Sangraha Part 3" by Vijaydharmasuri, based on the provided pages:

Overview:

"Aitihasik Ras Sangraha Part 3" (Collection of Historical Rasas, Part 3) is a significant compilation of Jain historical narratives in the form of "rasas" (poetic compositions). This volume, researched and presented by Jain Acharya Shri Vijaysuriji, aims to bring to light scattered historical information that might otherwise be lost to time. It follows the successful publication of the first two parts, with the author expressing regret for the five-year delay in releasing this third part due to unavoidable circumstances. Despite the delay, the author is satisfied that new factual information has been gathered and incorporated into the summaries.

Author and Publisher:

• Author/Researcher: Jain Acharya Shri Vijaysuriji. He is also noted as an Associate Member of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, an Ordinary Member of the Asiatic Society of Italy, and an Ordinary Member of the German Oriental Society, highlighting his scholarly credentials.
• Publisher: On behalf of the Yashovijay Jain Granthamala management committee, by Seth Premchand Ratanji and Seth Chandulal Poonamchand.
• Publication Details: Published in Bhavnagar, Vira Samvat 2448 (1978 CE), with a print run of 500 copies. The price was ₹2-0-0.

Content and Structure:

The book contains a collection of nine historical "rasas" (poetic narratives) relevant to history. The author emphasizes that the original language of these "rasas" has been preserved to provide insights into the language and writing styles of the periods they represent.

Key "Rasas" and their Summaries (as presented in the provided pages):

1. Vinaydevsuriji Rasa:

   • Author of the Rasa: Manji Rishi (later known as Manekchand).
   • Date of Composition: Samvat 1646.
   • Subject: Composed in Arhanpur, this rasa is dedicated to the founders of the 'Pasch Dasgachh' (a Jain lineage) and the founder of the 'Sudh Gachh', Vijaydevsuriji, as well as Vinaydevsuriji (Brahmarshi).
   • Content: The rasa begins with salutations to the Tirthankaras, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus, glorifying the Navkar Mantra. It also remembers Gautama and other Ganadharas and the Goddess Saraswati of Kashmir. The narrative then describes Jambudvipa and the city of Ajnadha in Malwa.
   • Story of Brahm Kunvar (later Vinaydevsuriji): The narrative details the birth of Brahm Kunvar, son of King Padmaray and Queen Sitadevi of Ajnadha. Brahm Kunvar, upon encountering the Acharya Rangmandansuri, develops a spirit of detachment and desires to take diksha. Despite the initial hesitation from his guru and the concern of his uncle, Gunasinh, the brothers Brahm Kunvar and Dhanraj eventually take diksha. Their uncle, Gunasinh, a regent, had previously undertaken a pilgrimage to Dwarka, visiting Girnar.
   • Pashvachandra's Influence: The narrative mentions the presence of Upadhyay Pashvachandra in Idar, who later became a disciple of Vinaydevsuriji and received the name Vijaydevsuriji. The story traces the philosophical differences and the establishment of a new 'Sudharmagachh' by Vinaydevsuriji, emphasizing adherence to pure conduct and scriptural principles. The text also touches upon the historical context of Jain gacchas (lineages) and the scholarly debates of the time.

2. Vidyasagarsuri Rasa:

   • Author of the Rasa: Muni Nityalabh.
   • Date of Composition: Samvat 1798.
   • Subject: Composed in Navanagar (Jamnagar) in the Saurashtra region, this rasa is dedicated to the guru, Vidyasagarsuri, the successor of Acharya Udaysagarsuri of the Anchalgachhiya lineage. It commemorates his qualities and his nirvana.
   • Content: The vida describes the flourishing state of Navanagar under King Tamachi. It details the virtuous life of the merchant Kalyan Shah and his wife Jayavanti, and their son Govardhan. Vidyasagarsuri, while traveling, imparts spiritual knowledge. He encounters and debates with a proponent of the Digambara tradition, proving his scholarly superiority. The text also highlights the support for Jainism from the king and merchants of the region. Vidyasagarsuri initiates Govardhan into the Jain monastic order, renaming him Jnanaguru. The narrative follows their travels, debates, and the eventual nirvana of Vidyasagarsuri.

3. Vriddhivijayganire Rasa:

   • Author of the Rasa: Pandit Deepsaubhagya.
   • Date of Composition: Based on a manuscript from Samvat 1755.
   • Subject: This rasa is composed in honor of the nirvana of Vriddhisagarsuri, a disciple of Rajsagarsuri, the founder of the Sabarmati branch of the Tapagachha.
   • Content: The narrative places the events in the prosperous town of Chanasa in Gujarat. It recounts the life of the devout couple Bhimji Shah and Gamataidevi, who had a son named Harji. Harji, after hearing the teachings of Acharya Satyavijayganire, develops a strong inclination towards renunciation and takes diksha. His name is changed to Vriddhivijay, and he later becomes a renowned scholar and spiritual leader, receiving the title of Pandit. The text also touches upon the spiritual lineage and the transmission of knowledge within the Jain tradition.

4. Kapadheda Rasa:

   • Author of the Rasa: Muni Yarathna (disciple of Jinahsuriji, who was a disciple of Jinchandsuri).
   • Date of Composition: Samvat 1695.
   • Subject: This rasa narrates the story of the discovery and establishment of the Swayambhu Parshvanath temple in Kapadheda, a village located in the Jodhpur state.
   • Content: The story begins with a divine prophecy received by Jinchandsuri in Jodhpur, indicating the location of the idol. Jinchandsuri's subsequent efforts and the divine guidance through dreams lead to the miraculous uncovering of the idol. The text then details the construction of the grand temple by Narayan Bhandari, a wealthy merchant, and the significant contributions made by his family, highlighting the miraculous powers and divine presence associated with the idol. The rasa also mentions the patronage of Jainism by the rulers and the flourishing of religious activities in the region.

5. Vriddhisagarsuri Rasa (another one):

   • Author of the Rasa: Pandit Deepsaubhagya.
   • Date of Composition: Based on a manuscript from Samvat 1755.
   • Subject: This rasa is dedicated to Vriddhisagarsuri, a disciple of Rajsagarsuri. It describes his life, his rise to prominence, his rigorous ascetic practices, and his extensive travels and influence in spreading Jain dharma.
   • Content: The narrative highlights Vriddhisagarsuri's wisdom, his virtuous conduct, and his ability to resolve philosophical debates. It mentions his initiation of disciples and his role in establishing the 'Sudharmagachh'. The text also details his interactions with various rulers and communities, his contributions to religious scholarship, and his ultimate attainment of salvation.

6. Jinday Suri Vivahalu:

   • Author of the Rasa: Muni Merunandan Gani, a disciple of Jinakalsuri.
   • Date of Composition: In the 15th century Vikram era.
   • Subject: This "vivahalu" (a poetic narrative, possibly detailing a significant life event or spiritual union) is about Acharya Jindsuri. The author, Merunandan Gani, describes himself as Jinakalsuri's disciple and Jinakalsuri's disciple's disciple.
   • Content: The rasa begins with praise for Lord Parshvanath and Jindsuri, highlighting the author's desire to compose this narrative. It introduces the virtuous merchant Rudrapal and his wife Dharaladevi from Palanpur, who have a son named Samar. Samar, after hearing the teachings of Jinakalsuri, develops a strong desire for renunciation and diksha. Despite his mother's initial reservations, Samar eventually takes diksha along with his cousin Kihu. Samar is renamed Samprabh and becomes a renowned scholar, receiving the title of Vachanaacharya. The narrative then follows Samprabh's spiritual journey, his travels, and his eventual succession to the leadership of the Gachha.

7. Karmachandra Vamshavali-Prabandh:

   • Author of the Rasa: Vachanaacharya Gunvinay, a disciple of Upadhyay Jayasoma.
   • Date of Composition: Samvat 1655.
   • Subject: This "prabandh" (historical narrative) chronicles the lineage of the Jain minister Karmachandra, composed in Sambhar nagar.
   • Content: The narrative begins with praises to Lord Parshvanath, Goddess Saraswati, and Jinakusalsuri, and then introduces Jayasoma Upadhyay, Karmachandra's guru. The main portion of the text details Karmachandra's extensive lineage, spanning 144 verses, highlighting his ancestors' connections with kings, their battles, pilgrimages, consecrations, and grand festivals. It then focuses on Karmachandra's own life, his service to King Kalyanamall of Bikaner, his diplomatic skills in dealing with Emperor Akbar and his court, his humanitarian efforts during a famine, and his role in recovering stolen Jain idols. The text also touches upon social reforms initiated by Karmachandra, such as restrictions on certain professions during the monsoon and the abolition of certain taxes. Karmachandra's two sons, Bhagychandra and Lakshmichandra, are also mentioned. The narrative details Karmachandra's influence in royal courts and his patronage of Jainism, including renovations of temples at Shatrunjaya and Mathura.

8. Anandavimlasuri Rasa:

   • Author of the Rasa: Vasan, a follower of Vijaydansuri.
   • Date of Composition: Mentioned in relation to the 16th century Vikram era.
   • Subject: This rasa details the life and character of Anandavimlasuri, the successor of Hemavimalasuri.
   • Content: The narrative begins with the prosperous town of Palanpur in Gujarat. It describes the merchant Meghji Shah and his wife Manikya, and their son Vaghji, who is renowned for his beauty and virtues. Acharya Hemavimalasuri visits Palanpur, notices Vaghji's auspicious signs, and expresses his desire to initiate him. Vaghji, having developed a strong renunciation, agrees to take diksha along with his cousin. Vaghji is renamed Anandavimal. His sharp intellect and dedication to study are highlighted, leading to his appointment as Upadhyay by Hemavimalasuri. Later, he receives the Acharyapada (title of Acharya) in Siddhapur with great fanfare. The text then describes the prevailing laxity among some monks and Anandavimlasuri's commitment to revitalizing strict monastic discipline and adherence to scriptural practices. His travels and the positive impact of his teachings are also noted, along with the praise he received from disciples and the community.

9. Pandit Kamalvijay Rasa:

   • Author of the Rasa: Pandit Hemvijay Gani, a disciple of Pandit Kamalvijayji.
   • Date of Composition: Samvat 1661, based on Kamalvijayji's death year.
   • Subject: This rasa is a tribute to Pandit Kamalvijayji, composed by his disciple Hemvijay Gani in Mehsana.
   • Content: The narrative begins in the town of Dronuda in Marwar. It introduces the wealthy merchant Govind Shah and his wife Galamade, who have a son named Kelhraj. Kelhraj, after hearing the teachings of Pandit Amravijay, develops a strong sense of renunciation and desires diksha. He receives permission from his mother and takes diksha, being named Kamalvijay. Despite his young age, Kamalvijay demonstrates great wisdom and diligence in his studies, eventually becoming a Pandit under Vijaydansuri. The text describes his ascetic practices, his adherence to strict vows, and his extensive travels promoting Jain dharma. It also mentions his eventual nirvana.

Overall Theme and Significance:

The "Aitihasik Ras Sangraha Part 3" serves as a valuable resource for understanding the history and biographies of prominent Jain scholars and monastic figures. The detailed summaries provide insights into their lives, their spiritual journeys, their scholarly contributions, and the socio-religious context of their times. The preservation of the original language of the "rasas" offers a glimpse into the linguistic evolution of the period. The author's dedication to uncovering and presenting these historical narratives underscores the importance of preserving Jain heritage and knowledge.