Anand Kavya Mahodadhi Part 5

This document is a detailed, scanned version of Volume 5 of "Shri Anand Kavya Mahodadhi," compiled and edited by Jivanchand Sakerchand Jhaveri and published by the Sheth Devchand Lalbhai Jain Pustakoddhar Fund in 1916. The book is a collection of ancient Gujarati poems, primarily "Ras" (narrative poems) related to Jain saints and historical figures.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the content:

Overall Purpose: The collection aims to preserve and propagate ancient Jain Gujarati poetry, specifically "Ras" literature, which often contains moral, religious, and historical teachings. The compiler, Jivanchand Sakerchand Jhaveri, highlights the importance of these poems for understanding Gujarati language, Jain literature, and the cultural respect shown by historical figures towards religious leaders.

Key Contents and Themes:

1. Compilation and Preservation of Ancient Jain Gujarati Literature: The primary goal is to bring to light and make accessible older Gujarati poems, particularly those by Jain poets. This effort is part of a larger mission by the Devchand Lalbhai Jain Pustakoddhar Fund to preserve Jain religious literature.

2. "Shri Hiravijaysuriras" (The Life and Deeds of Acharya Hiravijayasuri): This is the central and most extensive "Ras" in this volume. It details the life, teachings, and significant events of the renowned Jain monk Acharya Hiravijayasuri. Key aspects covered include:

   • Encounter with Emperor Akbar: A significant portion narrates the historical meeting between Acharya Hiravijayasuri and the Mughal emperor Akbar in Fatehpur. It describes the philosophical and religious discussions, the respect shown by Akbar towards the Acharya, and the resulting positive impact on Jain religious practices and the emperor's policies (like the abolition of taxes and animal sacrifice).
   • Praise of the Acharya's Virtues: The "Ras" extols Hiravijayasuri's wisdom, asceticism, compassion, adherence to Jain principles (like Ahimsa), his scholarship in various sciences, and his ability to influence rulers and scholars.
   • Miraculous Incidents and Teachings: The text recounts various incidents attributed to the Acharya's spiritual powers and his efforts in promoting Jain dharma, reforming societal practices, and inspiring devotion among followers.
   • Patronage and Donations: The "Ras" highlights the support provided by wealthy Jain patrons like Seth Anandji Virji, Seth Devchand Lalbhai, and others, who funded the printing and distribution of Jain literature.

3. The "Ras" Tradition in Gujarati Jain Literature: The compiler, Jivanchand Jhaveri, provides an introduction that discusses the nature and significance of "Ras" literature within the Jain tradition. He explains that "Ras" often refers to narrative poems that convey religious teachings, moral lessons, and historical accounts, serving as a popular medium for spreading spiritual knowledge.

4. Linguistic and Historical Insights: The text implicitly offers insights into the evolution of the Gujarati language, using vocabulary and grammatical structures from the period when these "Ras" were composed. The editor's notes and the inclusion of historical figures like Akbar provide a historical context.

5. Biographies of Jain Poets and Patrons: The compiler includes brief biographical sketches of the poets whose works are featured, as well as prominent Jain patrons who supported Jain literature. For instance, the introduction mentions details about the poet Rishabhdas and his work.

6. Critique and Analysis of Jain Literature: Some sections, particularly the introductory remarks and endnotes, offer commentary on the authenticity of texts, the evolution of languages like Gujarati from Prakrit and Apabhramsha, and the importance of preserving ancient Jain scriptures. There's a discussion about the origins of the Gujarati language, crediting Jain scholars for its early development.

7. Detailed Descriptions: The poems often include vivid descriptions of places (like settlements, palaces, temples), social customs, royal courts, and the grandeur of religious processions.

8. The Devchand Lalbhai Jain Pustakoddhar Fund: The book repeatedly mentions the fund, its establishment in memory of Sheth Devchand Lalbhai Javeri, and its mission to preserve and publish Jain religious literature. The publication details indicate the fund's commitment to making these ancient texts accessible at a very low cost.

Structure and Organization: The book is structured with an introduction, the main poetic works (primarily "Ras"), and some supplementary notes or analyses. The "Shri Hiravijaysuriras" forms the bulk of the volume, narrating the Acharya's life chronologically and highlighting key events and his interactions with historical figures.

Overall Significance: "Anand Kavya Mahodadhi, Part 5," is a valuable resource for scholars of Jainism, Gujarati literature, and medieval Indian history. It showcases the rich poetic tradition within Jainism, particularly in Gujarat, and underscores the efforts made by institutions like the Devchand Lalbhai Jain Pustakoddhar Fund to preserve this cultural heritage. The meticulous compilation and editing by Jivanchand Sakerchand Jhaveri are evident throughout the text, providing context and making these ancient poems accessible to a modern audience. The low price point also signifies a dedication to literary and spiritual dissemination over commercial profit.