Balbharata

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Balbharata" by Amarchandrasuri and Shivdatta Pt, based on the provided pages.

Overall Context:

The text appears to be a Jain adaptation or commentary on the Mahabharata, titled "Balbharata." The provided pages are from a publication by Tukaram Javaji, likely a part of a larger collection or series dedicated to restoring and digitizing old Jain manuscripts. The catalog link and publisher information suggest a focus on preserving and making accessible rare Jain literature. The repeated phrase "Aho! Shrutgyanam" (Oh! Knowledge of Scripture) indicates the importance placed on scriptural knowledge and its preservation. The text also highlights the efforts of the "Shri Ashapurana Parshwanath Jain Gyan Bhandar" in digitizing and making these books available.

Key Information and Content:

The initial pages (1-10) consist of a catalog or index, likely detailing a collection of digitized ancient Jain books. The "Balbharata" itself is listed within this catalog. The subsequent pages (11-408) comprise the preface, introduction, and the actual text of the "Balbharata," broken down into its various "Parvas" (sections) and "Sargas" (chapters).

Preface and Introduction (Pages 11-40):

• Author and Work: The preface confirms the author as Amarachandra Sūri and the work as "Balabharatam." It mentions that the work was edited by Pandit Shivdatta and Kashinath Pandurang Parab, and published in 1894 by Tukaram Javaji of the Nirnaya-Sagar Press in Bombay.
• Historical Context: The preface provides a biographical sketch of Amarachandra Sūri, placing him in the context of Jain history and literature. It references the "Prabandhakosha" by Jain Rajasekhara Suri, dating Amarachandra to around 1348 CE. It highlights his poetic prowess, mentioning works like "Kavya Kalpalata," "Chhandoravali," and "Muktawali." The preface also details the legend of Amarachandra receiving blessings from a goddess, which enhanced his poetic abilities.
• Inspiration and Patronage: The text mentions that Amarachandra was inspired by Jinadatta Suri and received patronage from king Visaladeva of Gujarat.
• Literary Aspects: The preface discusses Amarachandra's poetic style, comparing him to other renowned poets like Kalidasa and Ghatta. It notes his ability to weave narratives and describe scenes vividly, even quoting a verse describing dawn.
• The "Balabharata" Text: The introduction details the rediscovery and printing of the "Balabharata." It explains that multiple manuscripts were used for the edition (marked as क, ख, and ग), indicating a scholarly effort to ensure accuracy. The preface also mentions that the original text is quite extensive, containing 42 chapters in its full form.

The "Balabharata" Text (Pages 11-408):

The main body of the text presents the "Balabharata" in Sanskrit verses, organized into "Parvas" and "Sargas." Based on the summaries of the Sargas, the "Balabharata" seems to cover the epic narrative of the Mahabharata, likely focusing on the early parts of the story, including:

• Adi Parva (First Section): This section details the lineage of the Kuru dynasty, the birth of major characters like Bhishma, the Pandavas, and the Kauravas. It includes narratives of significant events such as the chariot of the Sun God, the marriage of Bhishma, the birth of Pandu's sons (Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna), the birth of the Kauravas, and the dice game leading to the Pandavas' exile. The descriptions are rich and poetic, covering mythological events, the characters' origins, and their early lives.
• Sabha Parva (Assembly Section): This section likely continues the narrative, focusing on the events leading up to and including the Sabha Parva of the Mahabharata, such as the assembly hall, the insults faced by Draupadi, and the political machinations.
• Vana Parva (Forest Section): This part of the text depicts the Pandavas' exile in the forest, their interactions with sages, divine beings, and the challenges they faced during this period. It also includes descriptions of various journeys and encounters.
• Virata Parva (Virata's Kingdom Section): This section focuses on the Pandavas' incognito year spent in the kingdom of King Virata, the events that transpired during their time there, and the challenges they faced in remaining hidden.
• Udyoga Parva (Effort Section): This likely covers the events related to the peace efforts and the build-up to the Kurukshetra War, including Krishna's peace mission and the mobilization of armies.
• Bhishma Parva (Bhishma Section): This part probably details the early days of the Kurukshetra War, focusing on the prowess and eventual fall of Bhishma.
• Drona Parva (Drona Section): This section would focus on the role and battles of Drona, the Kuru guru, and his eventual demise.
• Karna Parva (Karna Section): This section would narrate the exploits and tragic end of Karna.
• Shaulya Parva (Shalya Section): This section likely covers the events involving Shalya.
• Souptika Parva (Night Battle Section): This would detail the night raid by the Kuru survivors on the Pandava camp.
• Stri Parva (Women's Section): This part would focus on the aftermath of the war, the mourning of the women, and the funeral rites.
• Shanti Parva (Peace Section): This section likely deals with Yudhishthira's ascension to the throne and the teachings he received from Bhishma regarding Dharma and governance.
• Ashwamedha Parva (Horse Sacrifice Section): This would cover the Ashwamedha Yagna performed by Yudhishthira.
• Ashwamedha Parva (Continuing): The text continues to detail the Ashwamedha sacrifice and its significance.
• Astika Parva (Astika Section): This section appears to relate to the sage Astika and potentially the Mahabharata's inclusion of narratives related to serpents or other mythological elements.
• Prasthanika Parva (Departure Section): This likely describes the departure of Yudhishthira and the Pandavas towards their final journey.
• Swargarohana Parva (Ascension to Heaven Section): This final section would narrate the Pandavas' ascent to heaven.

Key Themes and Aspects:

• Mythological Narrative: The "Balabharata" retells the epic story of the Mahabharata.
• Poetic and Descriptive Language: The text emphasizes poetic descriptions of nature, events, and emotions.
• Jain Perspective: While adapting the Mahabharata, the text might subtly incorporate Jain philosophical or ethical perspectives, although this is not explicitly detailed in the provided summary.
• Preservation of Knowledge: The initiative to digitize and publish these texts underscores a commitment to preserving ancient Jain literature and making it accessible for study and personal use.

In essence, "Balbharata" is a significant literary work within Jain tradition, offering a poetic rendition of the Mahabharata, carefully preserved and presented through scholarly efforts.