Bhav Pradip

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bhav Pradip" by Vinaysagar, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Bhav Pradip (भावप्रदीप) Author: Kavi Hemratna (कवि हेमरत्न) Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Type of Work: Question-Answer (Prashnottara) Poetic Work, considered a form of Chitrakavya (आदि चित्रकाव्य).

Introduction and Context:

The text "Bhav Pradip" is a poetic work by Kavi Hemratna, falling under the category of Prashnottara Kavya (question-answer poetry). This genre, along with riddles and samasyapurti (completing verses), has been a source of literary entertainment for scholars for centuries. Chitrakavya, which includes these types of works, is classified under Shabdalamkara (verbal embellishments) by rhetoricians. The most detailed known work on Chitrakavya is Dharmadasa's "Viddhadhmukhamandana," which describes 69 types of question-answer poems. Jinavallabh Suri (12th century) is considered a prominent poet in this tradition with his work "Prashnottaraikashatishatak Kavya." "Bhav Pradip" likely belongs to this same Chitrakavya tradition or Jinavallabh Suri's lineage.

Author and His Background:

• Kavi Hemratna: He belonged to the Purnimagachha (पूर्णिमाच्छ) sect. Although the Gachha (sect) is not explicitly mentioned in "Bhav Pradip," it is known from other sources.
• Guru: Hemratna's guru was Padmaraj (पद्मराज), who is referred to as 'Vachak' (वाचक) in "Gora Badil Charitra" and may have later become an 'Upadhyay' (उपाध्याय).
• Teacher (Acharya): In his self-written manuscript of "Bhav Pradip," Hemratna names his Acharya as Devtilak Suri (देवतिलकसूरि). However, another manuscript mentions his Acharya as Gnanatilak Suri (ज्ञानतिलकसूरि) with slight variations in the second stanza.
• Inspiration: The work was written through the grace of "Narmadacharya" (नर्मदाचार्य), whose identity is a subject for research.
• Other Information: No other biographical details about Hemratna are available.

Details of the Work "Bhav Pradip":

• Date of Composition: Vikram Samvat 1638 (विक्रम संवत १६३८), Ashvin Shukla Dashami (आश्विन शुक्ला दशमी).
• Place of Composition: Bikaner (बीकानेर).
• Commissioned by: Mantishwar Karmachandra (मन्त्रीश्वर कर्मचन्द्र), son of Sangramsingh (संग्रामसिंह) of the Bachhavat (बच्छावत) lineage. Karmachandra was a senior minister in Bikaner, a friend of Bikaner ruler Rai Singhji, a shrewd politician, and a person of great repute. He was also a favorite of Emperor Akbar and the Subedar of Pokaran.
• Significance of the Commission: The fact that Hemratna, belonging to the Purnimagachha, composed this work at the request of Karmachandra of the Kharataragachha (खरतरगच्छ) indicates the liberal attitude of the time towards inter-sect cooperation in literary pursuits. It showcases Hemratna's broad-mindedness.
• Structure and Content: The work comprises 121 or 124 verses. It is a question-answer poem where the question and its answer are contained within the same verse. Unlike "Prashnottaraikashatishatak," it does not provide brief answers in various jatis after the verse.
• Poetic Style: The poet has freely employed various meters (chhands) such as Anushtup (अनुष्टुप्), Upajati (उपजाति), Vanshatha (वंशस्थ), Bhujangaprayata (भुजङ्गप्रयात), Shardulvikridita (शार्दूलविक्रीडित), and Sragdhara (स्रग्धरा). The verses often present riddles or explain the reason behind a specific action or expression, as described in the examples provided in the text.
• Manuscripts: The oldest two manuscripts are located at the Rajasthan Prachya Vidya Pratishthan, Jodhpur (राजस्थान प्राच्य विद्या प्रतिष्ठान, जोधपुर). One is a self-written copy by the poet, and the other is a later copy. The self-written manuscript includes two extra verses in the preface, and in the second manuscript, Hemratna is also referred to as an Acharya.

Hemratna's Other Works:

While Hemratna has no known Sanskrit works, he has several works in Rajasthani.

• Gora Badil Charitra (गोरा बादिल चरित्र): A historical chaupai (traditional narrative poem). It was composed in 1645 (V.S. 1645) in Sadri (सादड़ी) at the request of Tarachand Kavadia (ताराचन्द कावड़िया). Tarachand was a close associate of Maharana Pratap, a benefactor, and the younger brother of the famous Bhamashah. He held a significant position in Sadri.
• Other Works: Hemratna also has other works such as Abhaykumar Chaupai (अभयकुमार चौपई), Mahipal Chaupai (महीपाल चौपई - V.S. 1636), Shailavati Katha (शीलवती कथा - V.S. 1613, Pali), Leelavati Katha (लीलावती कथा - V.S. 1613), Ramarasa (रामरासौ), and Sita Charitra (सीता चरित्र). These are mentioned by Muni Jinvijayji in his analysis of "Gora Badil Charitra."

Analysis of Sample Verses (Illustrative Examples):

The provided verses offer a glimpse into the nature of the Prashnottara Kavya. They present a question about a specific scenario, often a perplexing or unusual situation, and then provide the reasoning or explanation for it. For instance:

• Verse 9: Asks why Ganesh touched his tusks. The answer explains it was due to fear when his mother, Parvati, held him close, and he mistook her breasts for elephants' tusks.
• Verse 11: Describes a new bride looking in the mirror. The question is why, despite being alone, she felt shy. Verse 12 answers that seeing her beloved husband's reflection in the mirror caused her shyness.
• And many other such riddle-like questions and answers related to human emotions, actions, and everyday life.

Conclusion:

"Bhav Pradip" is a significant work in Jain literature, contributing to the tradition of Prashnottara Kavya. It showcases the poetic skill of Kavi Hemratna and provides insights into the social and religious milieu of his time, particularly the inter-sect harmony. The work is characterized by its intricate questions and elegant answers, employing a variety of Sanskrit meters.