Arya Kalyan Gautam Smruti Granth

This Jain text, "Arya Kalyan Gautam Smruti Granth" by Kalaprabhsagar, published by Kalyansagarsuri Granth Prakashan Kendra, is a significant compilation dedicated to preserving the history, teachings, and legacy of the Achalgachchha sect within Jainism. The book serves as a memorial and tribute to various prominent Acharyas and key events associated with the Achalgachchha tradition.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided text, broken down into key aspects:

1. Title and Authorship:

• Book Title: Arya Kalyan Gautam Smruti Granth
• Author: Kalaprabhsagar (specifically, Pujya Buddhiraj Shri Kalaprabhsagarji M. Sa. is mentioned)
• Publisher: Kalyansagarsuri Granth Prakashan Kendra, Mumbai, managed by Shri Aryarakshit Jain Tattvajnan Peeth.

2. Purpose and Dedication: The grand Granth (book) is dedicated to the sacred memories and auspicious occasions related to several revered Acharyas and significant events within the Achalgachchha tradition. Specifically, it commemorates:

• The 2500th Nirvana Anniversary of Shri Gautam Swami Bhagwant, the first Ganadhar of Lord Mahavir.
• The 9th birth centenary and 8th death centenary of Yugpradhan Dada Shri Aryarakshitsurishwarji M. Sa., the 40th Patadhar of the Achal (Vidhipak) Gachchha, who revived the ascetic life in the 12th century.
• The 4th birth centenary of Yugpradhan Dada Shri Kalyansurishwarji M. Sa., the able successor of the 17th-century Kriyoddharak Dharmamurti Surishwarji M. Sa., who was instrumental in the revival of ancient Jain scriptures and the upliftment of pilgrimage sites like Jamnagar and Bhadreshwar.
• The birth centenary of the present Acharya Bhagvant Shri Gautam Sagarsurishwarji M. Sa., the leader of the Achalgachchha and a proponent of Kriyoddhar (revival of practices), who was a great ascetic and uplifted Kutch and Halar regions.
• The Silver Jubilee of Acharya Shri GunSagar Surishwarji M. S. receiving the title of Suri (V.S. 2037).
• The memory of major Jinalaya renovations, installations (Anjanshalaka), religious congregations, festivals, and the spread of religious awareness within the Achalgachchha.
• The upcoming Silver Jubilee of Shri Aryarakshit Jain Tattvajnan Vidyapith (Mumbai) and the Decennial Festival of Shri Kalyan-Gautam-Niti Jain Tattvajnan Shravika Vidyapith (Merau).
• The auspicious entry of the Shri Aryarakshit Jain Yuvak Parishad into its fifth year.
• The successful celebration of 11 Shri Kalyan Sagar Suri Jain Religious Knowledge Sessions and the aspiration for continued success.
• The fifth anniversary of the Shri Arya-Jaya-Kalyan Kendra, an organization dedicated to the preservation and propagation of ancient and modern literature and culture.
• The auspicious commencement of the construction of Shri Shatrunjayavatara Adishwar Bahutteer Jinalaya Mahatirtha on the divine land of Kutch, under the inspiration of Acharya Shri GunSagar Surishwarji M. S.

3. Key Figures and Their Contributions: The Granth pays homage to a lineage of highly respected and influential Acharyas of the Achalgachchha:

• Lord Mahavir and Shri Gautam Swami: The text begins by mentioning the 2500th Nirvana anniversary of Lord Mahavir and his first Ganadhar, Shri Gautam Swami, highlighting their significant roles.
• Shri Aryarakshit Suri: Revered as the founder of the Vidhipaksha (Achal) Gachchha, credited with reviving ascetic practices and establishing the Gachchha's unique customs. His efforts were supported by divine intervention from Shri Chakreshwari Devi.
• Shri Kalyansagar Suri: A prominent Acharya known for his intellect, his role in the upliftment of pilgrimage sites like Jamnagar and Bhadreshwar, and his patronage of various religious activities. He is celebrated for his fourth birth centenary.
• Shri Gautam Sagarsuri: An illustrious figure who is credited with the upliftment of Kutch and Halar regions, and whose birth centenary is also commemorated.
• Shri GunSagar Suri: The current Acharya and head of the Achalgachchha, under whose inspiration and guidance this Granth was compiled. His silver jubilee as Suri (V.S. 2037) is also mentioned.
• Shri Kalaprabhsagar: The compiler and editor of the Granth, referred to as "Gunashishu," praised for his diligent work over seven years in compiling this vast and informative text.
• Shri Nitisagarji: A disciple of Shri Gautam Sagarsuri, described as a figure of peace and reverence.

4. Content and Structure: The Granth is a comprehensive collection covering various aspects of Jainism and the Achalgachchha history:

• Historical Account of Achalgachchha: A significant portion of the Granth is dedicated to tracing the history of the Achalgachchha from its origins, detailing the lineage of its Acharyas, their lives, contributions, and the unique customs they established. This includes accounts of key figures like Aryarakshit Suri, Jayasingh Suri, Dharmamurti Suri, Kalyansagar Suri, Gautam Sagarsuri, and the present Acharya GunSagar Suri.
• Devotional Stutis and Songs: The book includes various devotional poems, songs, and tributes in Sanskrit, Gujarati, Hindi, and Kachchi languages, praising the Acharyas and Jain deities.
• Philosophical and Ritualistic Content: It delves into the principles of Jain philosophy, such as the six essential practices (Yatnas), the significance of Samyakattva (Right Faith), and the meaning of the Navkar Mahamantra.
• Illustrations and Biographies: The Granth is enriched with approximately 200 photographs and illustrations of important figures, temples, deities, manuscripts, and events, making it a visually engaging historical document. It also includes brief biographies of the saints and scholars involved.
• Analysis of Jain Literature and Culture: It contains essays by various scholars on topics like the protection of ancient Jain literature, the history of the Achalgachchha, the influence of Jainism on Dravidian culture, the significance of Jain rituals like Navāng Pūjā, and the architectural marvels of Jain temples, particularly in Kutch.
• Supportive Appendices: The Granth includes appendices detailing the lineage of Acharyas, biographical information of monks and nuns, and a list of donors.

5. Key Themes and Values: The Granth emphasizes:

• Adherence to Jain Principles: The importance of adhering to the strictures and conduct prescribed by the Jain Agamas (scriptures), especially concerning ascetic practices and purity of conduct, is a recurring theme. The revival of strict practices by figures like Aryarakshit Suri highlights this.
• Preservation of History and Literature: A significant effort is made to document and preserve the rich history, literature, and traditions of the Achalgachchha. The compilation of palm-leaf manuscripts and the emphasis on scholarly research by figures like Muni Punyavijayji underscore this.
• Devotion to Gurus: The text is replete with tributes, prayers, and devotional songs dedicated to the revered Acharyas, reflecting the deep respect and devotion within the tradition.
• Shasan Prabhavana (Influence of Jainism): The Granth showcases the widespread influence and propagation of Jainism through the efforts of these Acharyas, highlighting their role in converting rulers, promoting vegetarianism, and reviving pilgrimage sites.
• Unity and Community Spirit: The text also touches upon the importance of community efforts, such as the organization of large pilgrimage groups (Chhari Sanghs), the establishment of educational institutions, and the collective participation in religious festivals and conferences.

6. Publication and Compilation: The Granth is a testament to the dedication of the Kalyansagarsuri Granth Prakashan Kendra and the Shri Aryarakshit Jain Tattvajnan Vidyapith. The compilation and editing by Muni Kalaprabhsagarji, who spent seven years on this monumental task, is highly commended. The publisher also acknowledges the contributions of various scholars and devotees who provided articles, photographs, and support.

In essence, "Arya Kalyan Gautam Smruti Granth" is a monumental work that serves as a treasure trove of historical, religious, philosophical, and cultural knowledge pertaining to the Achalgachchha tradition, highlighting the lives and contributions of its revered leaders and the enduring principles of Jainism.