Anek Durghatanaomathi Sarjayeli Ghatna Etle Harivallabh Bhayani

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Anek Durghatanaomathi Sarjayeli Ghatna Etle Harivallabh Bhayani" by Utpal Bhayani:

This book, "Anek Durghatanaomathi Sarjayeli Ghatna Etle Harivallabh Bhayani," tells the inspiring life story of the renowned Jain scholar Harivallabh Bhayani, highlighting his journey from extreme poverty and numerous adversities to becoming a distinguished scholar in Sanskrit, Prakrit, Ardhamagadhi, and Apabhramsha. The narrative, authored by Utpal Bhayani, is presented as a series of events and recollections that shaped Harivallabh Bhayani's life and career.

The book begins by painting a vivid picture of Harivallabh Bhayani's early life, marked by dire poverty. Despite facing immense financial struggles, including not being able to afford college fees even after excelling in his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree with a First Class in Sanskrit, he possessed a burning desire for further education. He managed to get by with scholarships and by tutoring students after college hours, stretching his resources to meet both educational and household expenses.

After completing his B.A. in Bhavnagar, Harivallabh aspired to pursue higher studies in Mumbai. However, the financial requirements for this were daunting. Faced with this challenge, he decided to move to Mumbai and secure a job while continuing his studies. This marked the beginning of his significant struggles in the city. He diligently sought teaching positions in various schools, armed with his B.A. degree and First Class in Sanskrit, but found that most schools had already completed their recruitment for the academic year. This led to widespread disappointment and a sense of hopelessness.

The narrative then shifts to a poignant anecdote about a letter from his close childhood friend, Nandlal, which emphasized the transient nature of human relationships. This letter deeply impacted Harivallabh, prompting him to respond promptly.

Facing continued joblessness and financial strain, Harivallabh felt his aspirations were slipping away. A friend suggested approaching Kanaiyalal Munshi at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, who was known for supporting bright students with scholarships. Despite initial hesitation due to Munshi's stature, Harivallabh decided to try. He went to Munshi's residence without an appointment, waited patiently, and eventually met him. Munshi, impressed by Harivallabh's determination and academic prowess, offered him a scholarship of fifty rupees, a lecturer position at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, and accommodation in Andheri, which significantly eased his financial burden and allowed him to continue his studies.

During his Master of Arts (M.A.) studies at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Harivallabh benefited immensely from Munshi's guidance and the extensive library resources. He also had the opportunity to connect with Jain Muni Jinavijayji, a scholar of Prakrit. Their combined guidance and Harivallabh's hard work led him to achieve a First Class First in his M.A.

Initially, Harivallabh planned to pursue a Ph.D. in Sanskrit. However, his close association and the profound influence of Muni Jinavijayji inspired him to switch his focus to Prakrit. His research in this field presented a new challenge as many crucial reference books were not available in Indian languages but were in German. Undeterred, Harivallabh learned German to access these vital resources and successfully completed his Ph.D.

The book also delves into his personal life, particularly his marriage to Chandrakala in 1950. He describes this marriage as "revolutionary" because he consciously broke away from many prevailing traditional customs. He did not print wedding invitations, challenged superstitions related to the number three (as only three people attended his wedding), and did not accept any gifts or dowry. This progressive approach to marriage has been a cornerstone of their 46 years of married life, serving as evidence against superstitious beliefs.

A significant portion of the book is dedicated to Harivallabh Bhayani's profound bond with his grandmother. After his parents passed away when he was very young, his grandmother bore the responsibility of raising him and his sister. The narrative beautifully recounts her sacrifices, her resilience in the face of multiple tragedies (including the loss of her first husband, the early death of her son, and the death of her granddaughter), and her unwavering faith. He speaks with deep emotion about how his grandmother, despite her own hardships and poor health, ensured he was educated and well-provided for. He describes learning to cook for her in his youth, overcoming challenges like the scarcity of kerosene during wartime and finding innovative ways to prepare meals efficiently.

Harivallabh's passion for reading and learning began in childhood. He credits his exposure to various literary works and the lives of great personalities like Swami Vivekananda, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, and Mahatma Gandhi for shaping his character and instilling in him values of self-reliance and simplicity, leading him to wear khadi.

His academic journey involved mastering Sanskrit, influenced by a dedicated Brahmin teacher and his close friend Nandlal, who was also proficient in Sanskrit. His understanding of Sanskrit proved crucial during his matriculation examination, where a passage from Dashakumaracharita, which he had learned with a Jain Muni, helped him secure good marks in a translation question.

After completing his Ph.D. in 1951, Harivallabh Bhayani published his first book, "Vagvyapar," in 1954, inspired by a multi-lingual dictionary he encountered. Since then, he has published nearly seventy books across various fields, including Sanskrit, Prakrit, Apabhramsha, ancient Gujarati, linguistics, grammar, folklore studies, and folk songs.

The book highlights his ongoing research on traditional "Dhol" poems sung by Vaishnavs and his efforts to collect and notate these songs. He was inspired by a foreign researcher's work on "Dhol" poems and felt a personal connection to this tradition, having grown up listening to his grandmother sing them. He faced the challenge of completing fragmented songs and collecting new ones, ultimately collaborating with a friend to notate the melodies.

Towards the end, the narrative emphasizes Harivallabh Bhayani's unwavering dedication to his work, even at the age of eighty. He attributes his success not to luck but to persistent effort and hard work, stating, "I do not believe in luck. If it is in my destiny, it will happen. I do not sit idly believing in destiny. I have always worked hard and will continue to do so." Despite receiving national and international accolades and being sought after by students and researchers worldwide, he remains humble, attributing his achievements to the guidance he received from scholars like Munshi and Muni Jinavijayji. He reflects on how a poor boy from a village like Mahuva could become a researcher and writer, a feat he once couldn't even imagine.

In essence, "Anek Durghatanaomathi Sarjayeli Ghatna Etle Harivallabh Bhayani" is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of intellectual pursuit, and the profound impact of personal relationships and guidance in overcoming adversity and achieving greatness.