Bharatiya Sahitya Ma Jain Vangamay Nu Sthan

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text in English:

The text, "Bharatiya Sahitya ma Jain Vangamay nu Sthan" (The Place of Jain Literature in Indian Literature) by R. P. Mehta, highlights the significant and pervasive contribution of Jain scholars and writers to the landscape of Indian literature. The author asserts that no literary domain was left unexplored by Jain acharyas, whose work is characterized by exceptional talent, creative power, and an ideal life philosophy, creating a flow of literature beneficial to the public, pure, and tasteful.

The book emphasizes that Jain literature composed in Sanskrit holds a considerable and undeniable place in Indian literature. Jain Purana narratives and history have been artistically presented in Sanskrit Mahakavyas (epic poems). Specific examples are provided:

• Mahakavyas (Epic Poems):

  • Jayasimha Nandi (7th century): His "Varangacharitra" in 31 cantos narrates the legend of Varanga.
  • Kanaksena Vadiraaj (5th century): His "Dhanadhara Charita" in 4 cantos deals with the same subject.
  • Manikyasuri (11th century): Wrote another epic titled "Dhanadhara Charita" on the same theme.
  • Harishchandra (11th century): His "Dharmashambhudaya" in 21 cantos chronicles the life of the Tirthankara Dharmanath, incorporating respectful references from Hindu scriptures and Puranas.
  • Vagbhatta of Gujarat (died 1140): His "Nemimata Nirvana" in 15 cantos narrates the life of the 22nd Tirthankara, Neminath, blending Puranic tradition with medieval classical form.
  • Hemachandra: His "Yashascharitra" (1143) in 20 cantos presents episodes from Chalukyan history as examples for his grammatical sutras. Dr. Bhagavat Sharan Upadhyay notes its unique position in the tradition of Shastrakavya (didactic poetry).
  • Neer Nandi (died 13th century): His "Chandaprabhacharita" in 18 cantos details the life of the 8th Tirthankara, Chandrprabhu, depicting Indra's incarnation as a Jina.
  • Abhayadevasuri (1221): His "Jayantavijaya" in 19 cantos narrates the legend of King Jayanta.
  • Vastupala, minister of Siddharaaja (1221-42): His "Naranarayananda" in 16 cantos focuses on the friendship between Krishna and Arjuna.
  • Udayaprabhasuri: His "Dharmabhudaya" (1240) describes the West Indian pilgrimage undertaken by Vastupala.
  • Balachandra Suri (1244): His "Vasant Vilas" in 14 cantos chronicles the life of Vastupala.
  • Devaprabhasuri (mid-13th century): His "Pandavacharita" narrates the story of the Pandavas.
  • Dharmakumara (1277): His "Shalibhadra Charita" has 7 cantos.
  • Jayashikharisuri of Khambhat (1304): His "Jain Kumar Sambhava" in 11 cantos imitates Kalidasa's work and deals with the birth of Bharata, son of Rishabhadeva. Editor Munishri Vikramvijayji considers it a source of immense pleasure for scholars.
  • Charitrasundar Gani (mid-15th century): His "Mahipal Charitra" has 14 cantos.
  • Meghavijay Gani (1671): His "Devanandabhudaya" in 7 cantos describes the life of Vijayadevasuri.

• Stotra (Hymns/Praise Poems): Jain hymnists have strived to rival poets of other sects from ancient times.

  • Acharya Somaprabha (2nd century): His "Swayambhu Stotra" and "Jinstuti Shataka" showcase skillful composition.
  • Vidyananda Patrakesari (6th century): His 50-verse "Patrakesari Stotra" praises Lord Mahavir.
  • Siddhasena Divakara (676): His "Kalyanmandir Stotra" (44 pages) is the most popular ancient Jain hymn, rumored to have transformed Shiva idols into Tirthankara images.
  • Acharya Mantunga (7th century): His "Bhaktamar Stotra" is highly revered by both Jain and non-Jain communities, with numerous commentaries available.
  • Bappabhatta (744-834): His "Chaturvimsatika," a 96-verse poem adorned with Yamaka (rhyming), is noted.
  • Shri Shobhan Muni (1045-1144): His "Stutichaturvimsatika" was translated into German by Dr. Jacobi.
  • Acharya Hemachandra: His "Vitrag Stotra" and "Dvatrimshika" are praised by Shri Anadshankar Dhruv for their beautiful synthesis of devotion and contemplation, making them not only spiritual but also excellent literary works.
  • Shripal, the blind court poet of Siddharaaja (1125): His "Chardeshita Smriti" has 29 verses.
  • Pandit Meghavijay Gani (first half of 17th century): Composed "Chaturvimsati Jinanananda Stuti."

• Sandesh Kavyas (Message Poems): About seven Jain Sandesh Kavyas have been composed, similar to Kalidasa's "Meghaduta."

  • Vikram, son of Sangana (1270): His "Naimin" from Kathiawar-Gujarat is noted by Dr. Ram Kumar Acharya for its greater Prasad (clarity and beauty) compared to other Sandesh Kavyas and for reflecting the author's sensitivity.

• Campu Kavyas (Prose-Verse Compositions): These are often based on Jain Puranas.

  • Somadeva Suri: His "Yashastilaka Campu" (959) is a unique and respected work in Indian literature. Divided into eight sections, it recounts the story of King Yashodhara and is considered the most famous Sanskrit Campu Kavya, according to Shri N. K. Devraj.
  • Harishchandra (11th century): His "Jivandhara Campu" in 11 sections narrates the life of Prince Jivandhara, expressing religious sentiments poetically.

• Prabandhas (Biographical and Historical Narratives): Shri Sushil Kumar Dey identifies two distinct characteristics of Jain Prabandhas: interesting subject matter and readable style.

  • Merutunga's "Prabandha Chintamani" (1305): Highly valued for its historical material related to Gujarat's history, as noted by Shri Durgashankar Shastri.
  • Rajshekhar Suri's "Prabandha Kosha" (1348): Mentioned by Shri Harshiddhbhai Divetia.

• Sanskrit Dramas: Jain creators have contributed to the development of Sanskrit drama.

  • Yashaschandra Tripathi (1094-1142): His "Mudrita Kumudachandra" is associated with an event in Siddharaaja's court.
  • Devachandra (1151): A disciple of Hemachandra, his "Chandralekhavijaya" is linked to Kumarapala's marriage.
  • Ramachandra (late 12th century): Another disciple of Hemachandra, his six-act drama "Satya Harishchandra" is praised for its clear depiction of events and rapid progression.
  • Yashpal, governor of Tharad (1174): His five-act unfinished drama "Moharajaparajaya" deals with Kumarapala's Jain initiation and reforms. Shri Ambalal Premchand Shah rightly notes its importance for understanding the social life of 12th-century Gujarat.
  • Ramabhadra Muni (1184): His six-act play "Prabuddha Rohineya" depicts the transformation of the dacoit Rohineya under Mahavir's influence, artistically highlighting the superiority of Jainism.
  • Jaysurisingh of Khambhat (1230): His five-act play "Hammirmadamardana" is considered significant for its contemporary subject matter and historical depiction, as opined by Shyam Sharma.

In conclusion, the text emphasizes that Jain authors have made valuable contributions across various forms of Sanskrit literature, including Mahakavyas, Stotras, Sandesh Kavyas, Campu Kavyas, Prabandhas, and dramas. This contribution is so significant that it is stated that no living being should suffer and all should live happily and prosperously. The text ends with a philosophical quote attributed to Jainacharya Shrimad Jayantasen Suri about achieving purity and freedom from impurities.