Apragat Madhyakalin Krutio

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Apragat Madhyakalin Krutio" (Unrevealed Medieval Works) by Kumarpal Desai:

Book Title: Apragat Madhyakalin Krutio (અપ્રગટ મધ્યકાલીન કૃતિઓ) Author: Kumarpal Desai (કુમારપાળ દેસાઈ) Publisher: Yashovijay Jain Granthmala, Bhavnagar (શ્રી યશવિજય જૈન ગ્રંથમાળા, ભાવનગર) Publication Year: July 1982 (પ્રથમ આવૃત્તિ, જુલાઈ ૧૯૮૨)

Overview:

"Apragat Madhyakalin Krutio" is a compilation of previously unpublished or lesser-known medieval Jain literary works. Edited by Kumarpal Desai, the book aims to bring to light the rich and diverse literary heritage of medieval Gujarat, particularly within the Jain tradition. The works presented span various genres and themes, offering insights into the religious, social, and emotional landscape of the period.

Key Themes and Content:

The book contains a collection of poems, narratives, and didactic verses that showcase the literary prowess and spiritual depth of medieval Jain poets. The introduction by Kumarpal Desai highlights that these works are found in manuscripts in various libraries and that this compilation is an effort to make them accessible to a wider audience.

Thematically, the works often revolve around:

• Devotion (Prabhubhakti): Many poems express deep devotion to Jain Tirthankaras and other revered figures.
• Love and Longing (Viraha and Piyumilani): Several pieces vividly describe the intense longing for the divine or for a beloved, often using the metaphor of separation and union.
• Moral and Ethical Teachings (Bodha): Some poems offer guidance and impart moral lessons, emphasizing virtuous conduct and the principles of Jainism.
• Narrative and Anecdotal Accounts: Certain works present stories or episodes, such as the teaching methods in a school or specific events, as seen in "Bhili Geet" and "Ankhiya."
• Linguistic and Historical Value: The works are presented in their original medieval Gujarati, preserving the language's evolution. This allows for an understanding of the linguistic nuances and cultural context of the time.

Notable Works Included (as per the table of contents and sample pages):

The book features a variety of compositions, including:

• Navrang (નવરંગ): A descriptive poem possibly on seasons or nature, with vivid imagery.
• Ardrakumar Vivah (આર્દ્રકુમાર વીવાહ): The story of Ardrakumar's marriage, detailing the customs and emotions involved.
• Virah Desauri Fagu Vasant (વિરહ દેસાઉરી ફાગુ વસંત): A poem depicting the pangs of separation during the spring season, particularly when the beloved is away.
• Panch Saheli (પંચ સહેલી): The story of five young women (Malani, Tambelani, Chhipanu, Kalalani, and Sonaran) who are experiencing separation from their husbands and express their sorrow and longing, often relating it to their professions.
• Dharmadhamma Vichar Chaupai (ધર્માધર્મ વિચાર ચઉપઈ): A philosophical work discussing the nature of righteousness and unrighteousness, likely drawing from Jain principles.
• Sthulibhadra Chaupai (સ્થૂલભદ્ર ચઉપઈ): The narrative of Sthulibhadra, a prominent Jain monk, and his interactions, possibly highlighting his renunciation and adherence to vows.
• Barvrat Chaupai (બારવ્રત ચઉપઈ): A poem detailing the twelve vows (vratas) of a lay Jain follower (shravaka), explaining their significance and benefits.
• Subhadra Chaupai (સુભદ્રા ચઉપઈ): The story of Subhadra, a devout Jain woman, emphasizing her chastity, devotion, and adherence to Jain principles, even in the face of adversity.
• Jabusamhi Heli (જબૂસ્વામિ હેલિ): A dialogue or lyrical piece featuring Jabusamhi and his wives, likely exploring themes of worldly attachment versus spiritual detachment.
• Bhalemoti (ભલે મોટી): A didactic poem, possibly used in early education, teaching the alphabet along with moral lessons.
• Jabusamhi Li (જબૂસ્વામિ લિ): Another work related to Jabusamhi, possibly a continuation or a different aspect of his life.
• Neminath Vinanti (નેમિનાથ વીનતી): A devotional plea to Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankara, expressing a deep yearning for his darshan and divine grace.
• Adinath Vinanti (આદિનાથ વીનતી): A prayer and devotional song dedicated to Adinath (Rishabhdev), the first Tirthankara, seeking his blessings.
• Shatrunjay Sanghpatisankhya Dhaval (શત્રુંજય સંઘપતિ સંખ્યા ધવલ): A historical or narrative poem detailing the patrons (Sanghapatis) and their contributions to the pilgrimage site of Shatrunjay, likely mentioning the number of patrons and their activities.
• Yulibhadra Fagu (યૂલિભદ્ર ફાગુ): A "Fagu" (a type of medieval Gujarati poem, often sung during spring) relating the story of Yulibhadra, a renowned figure in Jain literature.
• Mahavir Chhahuli (મહાવીર છાહુલી), Jiravali Chhahuli (જીરાઉલિ છાહુલી), Phalavdhi Chhahuli (ફલવધી છાહુલી): These are "Chhahuli" compositions, likely devotional songs or hymns dedicated to Mahavir Swami, Jiravali Parshvanath, and Phalavdhi Parshvanath, respectively.
• Bhamashah Bavani (ભામાશાહ બાવની): A biographical or praise poem dedicated to the historical figure Bhamashah, renowned for his patronage of arts and literature.
• Sat Sukh: Sat Dukh (સાત સુખ : સાત દુઃખ): A concise presentation of seven sources of happiness and seven sources of sorrow, reflecting on life's duality.
• Bhili Geet (ભીલી ગીત): A narrative poem, possibly depicting the life and customs of the Bhil community or a story with a Bhil character, showcasing cultural interactions.
• Ankhiya (અણખીયા): A collection of poems or verses, likely folk-inspired, perhaps dealing with unfamiliar or poignant experiences.
• Mithakshari (મિતાક્ષરી): This likely refers to the explanatory notes or glossary provided for the various works.

Editorial Contribution:

Kumarpal Desai's meticulous editing is evident in the presentation of these works. He has preserved the original language and script, acknowledging that there might be occasional inaccuracies or inconsistencies due to the nature of medieval manuscripts. The catalog link provided also indicates the extensive scope of the Yashovijay Jain Granthmala in preserving and publishing Jain literature.

Significance:

"Apragat Madhyakalin Krutio" serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts of medieval Gujarati literature and Jain studies. It contributes to the understanding of:

• Literary History: It expands the corpus of known medieval Jain literature.
• Linguistic Evolution: It provides raw material for studying the development of the Gujarati language.
• Cultural Heritage: It offers insights into the religious beliefs, social practices, and artistic expressions of medieval Jain society.
• Spiritual Legacy: It highlights the enduring devotional and philosophical traditions within Jainism.

In essence, this book is a significant undertaking that resurrects forgotten literary gems, enriching our appreciation for the vibrant and multifaceted medieval Jain literary tradition.