Anandmanikya Rachit Navkhanda Parshvanath Fagukavya

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Anandmanikya Rachit Navkhanda Parshvanath Fagukavya," based on the provided pages:

This document presents a Sanskrit "Fagukavya" (a type of devotional poem often sung during the spring festival) composed by Anandmanikya, a disciple of Acharya Shri Hemvimal Suri of the Lahudi Poshad branch of the Tapagachchha. The work is attributed to the latter half of the 16th century Vikram Samvat.

Key Aspects of the Work and its Context:

• Author and Lineage: Anandmanikya was a prominent Acharya and a disciple of Shri Hemvimal Suri. This connection places him within a significant Jain monastic tradition.
• Significance of Sanskrit Fagukavya: The introduction highlights that Sanskrit Fagukavyas are relatively rare, making this composition particularly valuable and likely to be well-received by scholars due to its charming and devotional nature ("prasadikta").
• Tradition of Verse Forms: The text notes that this work follows a tradition of "geyarachana" (melodious composition) in Sanskrit, a practice that is considered quite old. The poet Jayadeva, author of "Gita Govinda," is cited as the originator of this tradition.
• Literary Style and Structure:
  • The style is described as engaging and highly devotional.
  • The work comprises a total of twenty-six verses.
  • It features extensive use of alliteration and assonance ("varnanupras" and "shabdanupras") throughout its five sections of verse ("rasak").
  • The second section ("rasa") is particularly praised for its excellence.
  • The technique of "shrinkhala-yamak" (a type of chain-like rhyme or repetition) is skillfully employed.
  • A particular sentiment expressed in the sixth verse (written in the "Shardul" meter) is elaborated upon in the following four verses, which are in a "gey" (singable) format. This elaborated sentiment is noted to be frequently found in stuti-stotras (devotional hymns) but retains a sense of freshness here.
  • The sentiment in the 16th verse is also identified as being present elsewhere, including a Gujarati verse that emphasizes the blessedness of senses and the heart that engage with the divine. This Gujarati verse is, in turn, suggested to be an adaptation of a Sanskrit stanza.
  • The work consists of five "rasaks" (sections). Four of these contain four verses each, while the fifth contains three verses and is referred to as "tripathi." All five main poetic sections are in the "Shardul" meter. The introductory auspicious verse is in the "Drutavilambit" meter.
• Content and Themes:
  • The "Fagukavya" is dedicated to Lord Parshvanath, specifically referred to as "Navkhanda Parshvanath."
  • The verses express deep devotion, praise, and supplication to Lord Parshvanath.
  • Key themes include:
    • Lord Parshvanath as the giver of auspiciousness and prosperity.
    • His role as the remover of pride and the granter of joy to devotees.
    • His physical attributes like lotus-like eyes and his divine qualities.
    • His ability to ferry beings across the ocean of worldly existence and protect them from the hells.
    • The greatness of his boundless virtues.
    • The importance of seeing, praising, and meditating on the Lord.
    • The poet's personal supplication for protection from worldly afflictions (anger, greed, delusion) and the attainment of right understanding.
    • The Lord's impartial nature in bestowing rewards and punishments.
    • The beauty and virtue of women devoted to the Lord.
    • The ultimate desire for knowledge, happiness, and the blessings of the Guru, named Shri Hemvimal Suri.
• ** Manuscript and Historical Context:** The manuscript of this Sanskrit "Fagukavya" is held at the Shri Hemchandracharya Gyanmandir in Patan. The introduction also mentions another work by a fellow disciple, Shri Jinmanikya, recorded in "Jain Sahityano Sankshipt Itihas," suggesting a broader literary output from this tradition.
• Expectation: The author hopes that many devotees will memorize and recite this composition to enhance their devotion.

Overall, the document presents a significant piece of Jain devotional literature, highlighting its artistic merit, historical context, and profound spiritual message dedicated to Lord Parshvanath.