Bharat Bahubali Mahakavyam

The "Bharat Bahubali Mahakavyam" is a significant Jain text authored by Sulochanashreeji and published by Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana. The text itself is a Gujarati translation and commentary on the original Sanskrit work "Shri Bharat Bahubali Mahakavyam" by Shri Punyakushalgani.

Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided pages:

Core Subject: The text is a Kavyam (epic poem) that focuses on the life and events surrounding Bharat and Bahubali, two prominent figures in Jain tradition, particularly known for their valor and eventual renunciation.

Original Work and Translator:

• The original author of the Sanskrit Mahakavyam is Shri Punyakushalgani.
• The Gujarati translation and commentary have been done by Vidushi Sadhviji Sulochonashreeji.

Author/Commentator (Sulochonashreeji): The preface provides a detailed biography of Acharya Shri Vijay Bhadraguptasurishwarji Maharaj, who is the inspiration and guiding force behind this publication. He was a prolific writer, having authored around 100 books. His literary journey began at a young age and encompassed various subjects, including Jain philosophy, Indian and Western philosophy, poetry, and literature. He was known for his loving nature, cheerful disposition, and dedication to the Jain tradition. His work was often published in Hindi, Gujarati, and English. The preface notes his passing on November 19, 1999, in Shyamal-Ahmedabad, despite facing physical ailments. This work is dedicated to his divine feet.

The Mahakavyam (Epic Poem) Itself:

• Original Author: Shri Punyakushalgani, a disciple of Pandit Somkushalgani, who was a disciple of Shri Vijay Sen Surishwarji Maharaj.
• Time of Composition: The composition began in VS 1941 (1884 AD) and was completed in VS 1959 (1902 AD).
• Structure: The original Mahakavyam follows the traditional eight cantos, but this work has 18 cantos.
• Verse Count: It contains a total of 1535 verses.
• Meter Variety: The poem exhibits a good variety of meters across its cantos, including Anushtup, Rathoddhata, Vanshsth, Swagata, Praharshini, Viyogini, and Indravilambita.
• Commentary (Panjika): A Sanskrit commentary (Panjika) exists for this work, but it is only available up to the eleventh canto, and even that is incomplete for the third canto.
• Previous Publication: A Hindi translation by Muni Dulahraj, edited by Muni Nathmalji, was previously published. However, this Gujarati publication aims to make the work accessible to Gujarati readers.
• Content: The poem is noted for its literary descriptions, though the narrative content is relatively limited. The style is compared to that of the great poet Kalidasa. It beautifully portrays the love between brothers Bharat and Bahubali, describes their water sports and forest excursions, and details Bharat's four types of battles. The arrival of deities and their interactions are also mentioned. The text emphasizes the importance of studying such Mahakavyas for expanding knowledge of Jain literature, Sanskrit language, and the lives of great Jain personalities.

Significance of the Gujarati Translation: Sadhviji Sulochonashreeji undertook the Gujarati translation with immense enthusiasm, even in her old age. She is described as a great lover of knowledge and persistent in her efforts. She has previously translated significant works like "Heer-Saurabhya," making this "Bharat Bahubali Mahakavyam" another valuable contribution to Jain literature accessible to the Gujarati-speaking community.

Publisher and Publication Details:

• Publisher: Shri Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust, Kamboinagar, Mehsana - 384002, Gujarat.
• First Publication: March 2000.
• Copies Printed: 500.
• Price: Rs. 120.00.

Dedication: The book is dedicated to the divine feet of Pujya Acharya Bhagwant Shri Vijay Bhadraguptasurishwarji Maharaj Saheb, acknowledging his immense contribution to Jainism through his literary creations and spiritual influence.

Overall Summary: "Bharat Bahubali Mahakavyam" is a monumental Jain epic poem, originally in Sanskrit by Punyakushalgani, now made accessible in Gujarati through the dedicated translation and commentary of Sadhviji Sulochonashreeji. The work details the profound love between brothers Bharat and Bahubali, their divine lineage, their life events, and the philosophical underpinnings of Jainism through rich literary descriptions. It's presented as a significant text for studying Jain history, philosophy, Sanskrit language, and the lives of Jain luminaries, inspired by the legacy of Acharya Shri Vijay Bhadraguptasurishwarji Maharaj. The preface also highlights the valuable contributions of the Tejapan tradition in making this text popular and accessible.