Anyokti Muktavali

The provided text is the Anyokti Muktavali, a collection of didactic verses attributed to Jain Acharya Hansvijay Gani. The work was edited by Pandita Kedarnath and Vasudev Laxman Shastri and published by Nirnaysagar Press in Bombay in 1907.

The book is structured into eight chapters (Paricchedas), each focusing on a category of beings or phenomena from which allegorical lessons (anyoktis) are drawn. The chapters cover:

1. Deva Adhikara Paddhati (Deities): This chapter deals with celestial beings, including the Sun, Moon (in various phases), and planets.
2. Jalachara Adhikara Paddhati (Aquatic Beings): This section covers creatures living in water, such as fish and frogs.
3. Khachara Adhikara Paddhati (Aerial/Flying Beings): This chapter discusses birds like the swan, parrot, crane, kingfisher, cuckoo, crow, peacock, and chakravaka.
4. Vikaledriyadhikara Paddhati (Beings with incomplete senses/Mono-sensory beings): This chapter includes creatures like shells, bedbugs, and fireflies.
5. Prithvikaya Paddhati (Earth-bodied beings): This chapter focuses on elements and beings associated with the earth, including mountains, gems, gold, and various plants.
6. Jala, Agni, Vayu Kaya Paddhati (Water, Fire, Air-bodied beings): This section deals with elements and beings associated with water (oceans, rivers, lakes, wells), fire (lightning, lamps, forest fires), and wind.
7. Vanaspati Kaya Adhikara (Plant-bodied beings): This extensive chapter discusses various trees and plants, including general trees, Ashok, sandalwood, champak, mango, aloe, jasmine, patala, lotus, water lily, jasmine, palm, banana, pomegranate, coconut, tal, bhoj, peepal, banyan, madhuka, sugarcane, palash, etc., drawing lessons from their characteristics and interactions.
8. Marusthali and Sankirn Anyokti (Desert and Miscellaneous Anyoktis): This final chapter covers allegories related to the desert and a collection of miscellaneous observations.

Throughout the text, the author uses the characteristics, behaviors, and often the perceived flaws or virtues of these diverse entities to convey moral and spiritual lessons relevant to the Jain path. The verses are rich in poetic imagery and Sanskrit vocabulary, reflecting a deep engagement with natural phenomena as a source of ethical guidance. The collection aims to provide wisdom and promote virtuous conduct through insightful allegories.