Apragat Prachin Gurjar Sahitya Sanchay - Book Summary

Based on the provided text and catalog link, here's a comprehensive summary of "Apragat Prachin Gurjar Sahitya Sanchay" (Collection of Unrevealed Ancient Gurjar Literature):

Book Title: Apragat Prachin Gurjar Sahitya Sanchay (અપ્રગટ પ્રાચીન ગૂર્જર સાહિત્ય સંચય) Author(s): Sadhvi Viragrashashreeji (સાધ્વી વિરાગરસાશ્રીજી), Dr. Kavin Shah (ડૉ. કવિન શાહ) Publisher: Acharya Shri Omkarsuri Aradhana Bhavan Trust - Gyanmandir, Surat (આચાર્ય શ્રી ઓમકારસૂરિ આરાધના ભવન ટ્રસ્ટ - જ્ઞાનમંદિર, સુરત) Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/005212/1

Overall Objective and Content:

This book is a significant compilation and publication of rare and previously unpublished ancient Gujarati literary works, primarily from the Jain tradition. The overarching goal is to preserve, study, and make accessible this valuable heritage of Jain literature that has remained in manuscript form. The collection focuses on a variety of poetic forms and themes prevalent in medieval Jain literature.

Key Aspects and Contributions:

Preservation of Manuscripts: The book aims to bring to light literary compositions that were in danger of being lost due to their manuscript nature. These were often found in Jain knowledge repositories (Jnana Bhandars).
Scholarly Editing and Compilation: The work is the result of meticulous research, collection, and editing by Sadhvi Viragrashashreeji and Dr. Kavin Shah. Their efforts involved identifying, transcribing, and presenting these ancient texts.
Emphasis on Literary Forms: The collection showcases various forms of medieval Gujarati poetry, including:
- Ras (રાસ): Narrative, rhythmic compositions often sung in groups, covering religious stories, biographies, or philosophical topics.
- Hamchi/Hamchadi (હમચી/હમચડી): A type of folk song or dance prevalent in Gujarat, often sung in a circular fashion.
- Stavan (સ્તવન): Devotional hymns or praises.
- Dhaval/Vivahalo (ધવલ/વિવાહલો): Poetic works often narrating weddings or significant life events, sometimes used allegorically for spiritual union.
- Doha-Chhand (દૂહા-છંદ): Short, pithy verses conveying wisdom and moral teachings.
- Chandraula (ચંદ્રાઉલા): A specific poetic form using a particular meter or melody.
- Kutak (કૂટક): Numerical or systematic poetic compositions on a particular subject.
- Hundi (હૂંડી): Poetic forms used to express acceptance of Jain philosophical ideas, often in a devotional context.
- Chhand (છંદ): Compositions adhering to specific metrical rules.
- Chok (ચોક): A type of poetic composition meant for singing or recitation in a specific manner, often associated with devotional practices.
- Navraso (નવરસો): Works exploring the nine rasas (emotions) of Indian aesthetics, often applied to religious or philosophical themes.
- Vel (વેલિ): Poetic compositions focused on the importance of guru's grace in spiritual practice or describing spiritual marriages.
- Samvad (સંવાદ): Dialogues, often akin to dramatic monologues or short plays.
- Sandhi (સંધિ): A term used in Apabhramsa literature for thematic divisions in poetry.
- Gita (ગીતા): Religious teachings or philosophical ideas presented in poetic form, often inspired by the teachings of Tirthankaras.
Highlighting Specific Works: The book features detailed introductions and the complete texts of several significant manuscripts, including:
- Sametshikhar Ras (સમેતશિખર રાસ): A long narrative poem detailing the significance of the Sametshikhar pilgrimage and the lives of Tirthankaras who attained liberation there, attributed to Kavi Balchand (original) and Amrit Sagar's disciple Gulabchand (composition around Samvat 1835), with research by Saubhagya Suri.
- Shikharigiri Ras (શિખરગીરી રાસ): Composed by Muni Satyarathji (disciple of Jinh Harsh Suri of the Kharatar Gachh) in Samvat 1880, focusing on the spiritual experience of the Sametshikhar pilgrimage.
- Sametshikhar na Stavano (સમેતશિખરનાં સ્તવનો): Devotional hymns by Kavi Hirruchi, composed in Samvat 1757, praising the twenty Tirthankaras who attained nirvana at Sametshikhar. These are noted for their antiquity and poetic structure.
- Shantinath Dhaval (Vishahalo) (શાંતિનાથ ધવલ (વિવાહલો)): Attributed to Brahmamuni (also known as Vinaydev Suri), dating back to the 16th century. It describes the spiritual wedding of Shantinath Bhagavan, along with his nirvana.
- Nemnath Hamchi (નેમિનાથ હમચી): By Kavi Lavanyasamay, composed in Samvat 1562, depicting the life events of Nemkumar and Rajul using the "Hamchi" folk song style.
- Nemnath Shil Ras (નેમિનાથ શીલ રાસ): Composed by Vinaydev Suri of the Pachchandra Gachh in Samvat 1637, focusing on the importance and glory of celibacy (Shil) through Nemnath's life.
- Simandhar Swami Chandraula (સીમંધરસ્વામી ચંદાઉલા): Composed by Jayvantsuri (also known as Gunsaubhagya Suri) of Vadratpagachh in the early 17th century, praising Simandhar Swami with a unique poetic structure.
- Samveg Ras Chandraula (સંવેગરાસ ચંદ્રાઉલા): By Kavi Limbo from the 17th century, exploring themes of renunciation (Vairagya) and the path to spiritual liberation.
- Jinpal Sandhi (જિનપાલ સંધિ): A narrative poem with "Dhaval" characteristics by Kavi Anandpramod in Samvat 1591, detailing the lives of Jinpal and Jinrakshit.
- Anathi Rushi Kulak (અનાથી ઋષિ કુલક): A philosophical work from the 14th century by an unknown poet, drawing inspiration from the Uttaraadhyayan Sutra, discussing renunciation and spiritual detachment.
- Adhyatm Bhav Gita (અધ્યાત્મ ભાવ ગીતા): Composed by Acharya Gyanvimal Suri in the early 18th century, highlighting the significance of the eight-fold worship (Ashtaprakari Puja) and spiritual purification.
- Garbh Vel (ગર્ભ વેલી): By Kavi Lavanyasamay (16th century), describing the suffering of the soul in the womb and the cycle of birth and death, aiming to awaken spiritual awareness.
- Doha-Chhand (દૂહા-છંદ): A collection by Kavi Vinaysagar, notable for its use of diverse poetic meters and the recurring phrase "Shital Neer" (cool water), exploring themes of love and separation.
- Gita (ગીતા): Three devotional songs – Jambhu Gita, Simandhar Swami Bhas, and Vairagya Gita – from unknown authors dating back to the medieval period.
- Siddhant Hundi Gita (સિદ્ધાંત હુંડી ગીતા): An anonymous work from the late 17th century, explaining Jain philosophical concepts, the importance of Jinwani (teachings of Tirthankaras), and the process of karma.
- Hundi Vichar (હૂંડી વિચાર): By Mati Kushalji of the Kharatar Gachh from the late 17th century, presenting various aspects of Jain philosophy, karma, and spiritual development.
- Sthulibhadra Navraso (Doha) (સ્થૂલિભદ્ર નવરસો (દુહા)): Composed by Kavi Deepvijay in 1862, focusing on the story of Sthulibhadra and Koshya, illustrating the nine rasas (emotions) through simple Doha verses.
- Sthulibhadra Navras Geet (સ્થૂલિભદ્ર નવરસ ગીત): A musical composition by Kavi Nyay Sagar from the late 18th century, depicting episodes from Sthulibhadra's life through various ragas and deshis.
Linguistic and Scriptological Value: The book includes sections detailing various ancient scripts (Lipis) used in manuscripts, providing valuable insights into the evolution of Gujarati script. It also discusses regional influences on script and offers examples of manuscript pages.
Spiritual and Cultural Significance: The publication emphasizes the devotional aspect (Shruta Bhakti) of preserving and disseminating Jain knowledge. It highlights the contributions of monks and nuns in transcribing and making these texts available.
Support and Acknowledgment: The book acknowledges the support received from various Jain organizations, libraries, and individuals, underscoring the collaborative effort involved in bringing this project to fruition.

In essence, "Apragat Prachin Gurjar Sahitya Sanchay" serves as a treasure trove for scholars, researchers, and devotees interested in the rich, multifaceted, and often-hidden literary legacy of Jainism in the Gujarati language. It demonstrates a profound commitment to safeguarding and promoting ancient spiritual and cultural heritage.