Anchalgacchiya Acharya Merutung Evam Unka Jain Meghdoot Kavya

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text in English:

This document, titled "Anchalgacchiya Acharya Merutung evam Unka Jain Meghdoot Kavya" by Ravishankar Mishr, focuses on the Anchalgachch (a significant lineage within the Shvetambar Jain sect) and specifically highlights the contributions of Acharya Merutung Suri, particularly his Jain Meghdoot Kavya (a Jain interpretation of the Meghdoot).

Introduction to Anchalgachch:

• The text begins by acknowledging the ancient tradition of 84 Gachchhas (sects/lineages) within Jainism, a recognition supported by Western scholars like Dr. Bühler.
• Currently, prominent Gachchhas include Kharatargachch, Tapagachch, and Anchalgachch.
• The Anchalgachch is noted for its historical significance, intellectual brilliance, and profound contribution to Indian literature.
• Much of the historical material related to this Gachch is lost or in a state of decay, with available information primarily coming from pattavalis (succession lists) and prashastis (eulogies).
• The founder of the Anchalgachch was Shri Aryarakshit Suri, born in Samvat 1136 in Dantani village. He established the "Vidhipaksha," which later evolved into the Anchalgachch in Samvat 1213.

The Pattaavali (Succession List) of Anchalgachch:

The document then presents a detailed list of the Gurus (Acharyas) of the Anchalgachch, tracing their lineage. This list is extensive, spanning from Ary Sudharmaswami to modern Acharyas like Nem Sagar Suri. The text highlights the birth, initiation, and passing dates of many of these influential figures.

Acharya Merutung Suri - The Focus of the Text:

• Position in the Gachch: Acharya Merutung holds a very important position within the Anchalgachch tradition.
• Contribution to Jain Literature: He made significant contributions to Jain Sanskrit literature.
• Distinguishing from other Merutungs: The text clarifies that while there were three Acharyas named Merutung in Jain literature, two are prominent as poets.
  • The first Acharya Merutung Suri, a disciple of Chandrapur Suri, belonged to the Nagendragachch and completed the historical work Prabandhachintamani in Samvat 1361.
  • The second Acharya Merutung Suri, who is the subject of this analysis, lived in the 15th century and was a disciple of Acharya Mahendraprabh Suri of the Anchalgachch.
• Life and Times: Merutung Suri was a highly influential figure. Tracing his life is challenging due to scattered information and his own lack of autobiographical writings.

Merutung Suri's Biography:

• Birthplace and Time: Born in Samvat 1403 in a village named Nani in the Marwar region. His parents were Vayarsingh and Naldevi. A divine dream indicated a son who would be like the sun, radiating knowledge and guiding others to the path of liberation.
• Initiation (Deeksha): At the tender age of seven, he received initiation from Acharya Mahendraprabh Suri in Samvat 1410.
• Conferment of Suri Title: Demonstrating exceptional intelligence and adherence to monastic vows, he mastered Sanskrit, Prakrit, and related subjects. In Samvat 1426, he was bestowed the title of "Suri" by Acharya Mahendraprabh Suri in Patan. This event was celebrated with great pomp, and his fame grew. He became known for his mastery of mantras and yoga, traveling and spreading spiritual teachings.
• Other Titles: He was also known by epithets like "Mantravahak" (one who wields mantras) and "Mahimanidhi" (repository of glory) for his influence over kings and his ability to convert them to Jainism.
• Disciples: He had a large following, including six disciples elevated to the position of Acharya, four to Upadhyaya, and one Sadhvi (nun) as Mahattara. Shri Jayakirti Suri was a chief successor.
• Divine Connection: A verse suggests he was a special recipient of the grace of Goddess Chakreshwari Devi.
• Demise: He attained liberation (swargagaman) in Samvat 1471 on the full moon of Margashirsha, on a Monday, while listening to the Uttaradhyayana Sutra.

Contributions to Literature:

• Acharya Merutung Suri's literary contributions are considered foundational for Jain culture and hold a significant place in Indian literature.
• Scholars differ on the exact number of his works, with estimates ranging from eight (Ramkumar Acharya, Nemichandra Shastri) to twelve (Bhanwar Lal Nahata), nineteen (Muni Kalaprabhsagar), and even thirty-six (Shri Parshva).
• The document lists 36 of his works, including Jain Meghdootam, Kamdev Charitra, Sambhavnath Charitra, various grammatical works, and treatises on different philosophies.

Jain Meghdoot Kavya - The Central Piece:

• Significance: Jain Meghdootam is considered his most prominent and powerful work.
• Inspiration: While written independently, it is undoubtedly inspired by Kalidasa's famous Meghdoot.
• Source Material: The story's origin is traced to the Uttaradhyayana Sutra, specifically the episode of Rathnemi and Rajimati.
• Structure: The Kavya is divided into four sargas (cantos) with 50, 49, 55, and 42 verses respectively, all composed in the Mandakranta meter.
• Plot: The poem narrates the story of Rajimati, who sends a cloud (Megh) as a messenger to her beloved, Shri Neminath (the 22nd Tirthankara).
• Theme: The work is based on the life story of Lord Neminath, a paragon of compassion. Neminath, the cousin of Lord Krishna, renounced his wedding ceremony upon witnessing the suffering of animals destined for sacrifice, choosing instead the path of asceticism.
• Narrative of Jain Meghdoot:
  • First Canto: Describes Neminath's childhood and valor, his renunciation of the wedding, and Rajimati's subsequent grief and her addressing the cloud.
  • Second Canto: Depicts the beauty of spring and summer, with Neminath's enjoyment of these seasons, alongside Krishna and his wives. Rajimati continues her poignant address to the cloud.
  • Third Canto: Focuses on Neminath's wedding ceremony and his subsequent renunciation. It details the preparations, Neminath's compassionate act of freeing the animals, and his ultimate decision to embrace asceticism, much to the dismay of his family and Rajimati.
  • Fourth Canto: Explores Rajimati's intense separation anxiety and her detailed message to Neminath. It highlights her unwavering devotion and her eventual attainment of liberation (Moksha) after Neminath achieves Kevalgyan (omniscience).
• Message and Philosophy: The Jain Meghdootam conveys a profound message of renunciation and the divine path of spiritual liberation. The poem, with its blend of romanticism and a concluding Shanta Rasa (sentiment of peace), offers an ideal for love and universal brotherhood, advocating for the cessation of desires and the remembrance of human dharma. The ultimate message is one of peace, happiness for all, and detachment from worldly passions.

Conclusion:

The article concludes by emphasizing that Acharya Merutung Suri, through his Jain Meghdootam, presents a profound message about the value of a life dedicated to renunciation. By focusing on a great soul like Neminath and ending the poem in Shanta Rasa, he showcases an ideal that can foster universal love and lead to the destruction of desires, reminding humanity of its true purpose and the aspiration for universal well-being.