Bhojprabandh Bhashantar

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bhojprabandh Bhashantar," based on the provided pages:

Title: Bhojprabandh Bhashantar (Translation of Bhojprabandh) Author: Shri Ratnamandir Gani Publisher: Shri Jain Dharm Prasarak Sabha, Bhavnagar Publication Year: Veer Samvat 2450 / Vikram Samvat 1980 (1924 CE) Sponsorship: Seth Nagardas Purushottamdas of Ranpur

Overall Purpose: This book is a Gujarati translation of the original "Bhojprabandh," a historical and literary work detailing the life and anecdotes of King Bhoja. The translation aims to make the rich stories of King Bhoja's generosity, wisdom, and interactions with poets accessible to Gujarati readers.

Key Themes and Content:

1. Introduction (Page 4-6):

   • Emphasizes the rarity and value of the human birth, particularly in Aryavarta (India), and the importance of virtues found in those born in noble families.
   • Highlights Jainism as the supreme religion that accurately describes the four states of existence (heaven, human, animal, hell) and guides towards liberation.
   • Explains the four main pillars of Jainism: Dana (charity), Shila (virtue/morality), Tapa (penance), and Bhava (inner disposition).
   • Prioritization of Dana: The introduction argues for the primacy of charity (Dana) among the four pillars. It explains that while Shila, Tapa, and Bhava primarily benefit the doer, Dana benefits both the giver and receiver, and can be practiced by anyone according to their capacity, even offering fearlessness (Abhaydan).
   • Five Types of Dana: The text outlines five types of charity: Abhaydan (offering fearlessness), Supatra-dan (giving to worthy recipients), Anukampa-dan (giving out of compassion), Uchit-dan (giving what is appropriate), and Kirti-dan (giving for fame). The anecdotes in this "Prabandh" primarily fall under Uchit-dan and Kirti-dan.

2. Author and Context:

   • The original work was composed by Shri Ratnamandir Gani in Vikram Samvat 1157 (1101 CE). He was a disciple of Shri Mandiratna Gani, who was a disciple of Shri Somsundar Guru.
   • The translator acknowledges that the original text compiles numerous stories and anecdotes about King Bhoja from various sources, including oral traditions.
   • The title "Bhojprabandhraj" is given to the original work due to its extensive and detailed compilation of these stories.

3. Historical Setting of King Bhoja:

   • King Bhoja is placed in the context of the Paramar dynasty, with his reign estimated to be around Vikram Samvat 1060 (1003 CE).

4. Structure and Content of the Translation (Summarized by Chapters):

   • Chapter 1 (Page 6-16):

     • Begins with auspicious beginnings and discusses the rarity of human life and the four types of Dharma.
     • Explains the five types of Dana.
     • Details the origin of the Paramar dynasty, tracing it to Vashishtha Rishi and Surya.
     • Introduces King Harsh (father of Munja), the ruling king in Ujjain.
     • Narrates the story of Munja's adoption and his brother Sindhul.
     • Describes Munja's unjust actions towards Sindhul, leading to Sindhul's banishment and acquisition of supernatural powers from a Vetala.
     • Details Munja's eventual harsh treatment of Sindhul (blinding him).
     • Focuses on the birth and upbringing of Bhoja, the son of Sindhul.
     • Mentions a prophecy about Bhoja's long reign and Munja's attempt to kill him.
     • Recounts how Vatsaraj saved Bhoja and how Munja was eventually captured and killed by Tailapadev of Karnataka.
     • Covers the coronation of Bhoja and the establishment of Dharanagari (modern Dhar).
     • Highlights the widespread scholarship and virtue among the populace of Dharanagari, citing examples like a hunter's wife and a shepherd's wife.
     • Includes a story where a Charana from Gujarat praises the beauty and scholarship of Anhilpur Patan, challenging Bhoja's pride.
     • Describes King Bhoja's visit to Patan and his awe-inspiring experiences, ultimately leading him to return to his own capital.

   • Chapter 2 (Page 17-49):

     • Covers Bhoja's coronation and the founding of Dharanagari.
     • Details the story of how Dharanagari was named after a courtesan named Dhara.
     • Emphasizes the high level of education and knowledge among the citizens of Dharanagari, including examples of the intellectual prowess of ordinary women.
     • Recounts the rivalry with Anhilpur Patan, including a description of its prosperity, a challenging riddle posed by King Bhim of Patan, and Bhoja's eventual defeat in battle against Bhim's general Vimala.
     • Details the subsequent attempts by Bhoja to conquer Patan, the political maneuvers involving Damar, and the eventual reconciliation facilitated by Damar's cleverness.
     • Includes the story of King Munja's campaign against Tailapadev, his capture, his affair with Tailapadev's sister Mrinalvati, and his ultimate demise.

   • Chapter 3 (Page 71-117):

     • Starts by describing King Bhoja's initial stinginess due to bad company, followed by a scholar-brahman's advice that reawakened his generosity.
     • Highlights Bhoja's extensive donations, including to poets like Gopal who composed in local languages.
     • Mentions Bhoja's acquisition of "Svarnasiddhi" (golden supernatural power) through a yogi.
     • Details his marriage to Bhagyasundari, his unjust suspicion and subsequent banishment of her, and her eventual vindication through the minister's efforts.
     • Covers his marriage to Madanamanjari.
     • The Story of King Bhoja's Greed and Renunciation: A significant portion discusses King Bhoja's immense wealth and the potential downsides of attaching too much importance to it, contrasting it with the ephemeral nature of worldly possessions. This leads to a turning point where he seeks spiritual guidance and renounces worldly attachments, aiming for ultimate liberation.
     • The Story of the Scholar Brahmin's Advice: A scholar Brahmin chastises Bhoja for his greed and lack of appreciation for learned people, highlighting the importance of charity and the transient nature of wealth. This advice profoundly impacts Bhoja, leading to his transformation.
     • The Story of King Bhoja's Generosity: The chapter emphasizes King Bhoja's immense generosity, recounting instances where he bestows lavish gifts upon poets, scholars, and even ordinary individuals based on their wit or merit.
     • The Story of King Bhoja's Marriages and Personal Life: Details his marriage to Bhagyasundari, the unfortunate events stemming from his suspicion, and his eventual reconciliation with her. It also mentions his marriage to Madanamanjari.

   • Chapter 4 (Page 91-137):

     • Focuses on the stories and contributions of various poets and scholars who frequented King Bhoja's court.
     • Includes detailed anecdotes about poets like Kridachandra, Rajashekhar, Damodar, Ekans, Aprashikha, Sarvavidwan, Vararuchi, Shankar, Malayasimha, Vijay, Vishnu, Somnath, and Jayadeva.
     • Highlights their wit, poetic skills, and the immense wealth and honors bestowed upon them by King Bhoja.
     • Discusses King Vikramaditya's generosity in a brief comparison and mentions Siddhsen Diwakar's role in constructing a Jain temple.

   • Chapter 5 (Page 120-155):

     • Continues with more anecdotes about poets and scholars like Dhanpal, Viragya, Pardeshi Vadi, Radhavedh, Abhiri, Dharmanirnaya, Sambhavdev, Vikramaditya, and Siddhsen Diwakar.
     • Features stories illustrating King Bhoja's discerning judgment and his appreciation for different forms of learning and art.
     • Includes narratives about the family of a scholar, the miraculous abilities of a Mantrik Kavi, and the wisdom of a simple brahmini.

   • Chapter 6 (Page 163-197):

     • Presents more stories and poems from various poets, including Malakar's wife, Gopal Kavi, Bhaskar Shakatya, Bij Damodar, Muchukund, Magh Pandit, and others.
     • Details the interactions between King Bhoja and these poets, showcasing their intellectual sparring and the king's renowned generosity.
     • Significant focus on Kalidasa, his interactions with King Bhoja, his poetic genius, and the king's immense appreciation, sometimes bordering on excessive favoritism.
     • Includes the story of Kalidasa being accused of illicit relations with Queen Leelavati, his subsequent banishment, and the eventual resolution of the misunderstanding.
     • Features the poets Bavanamarga, Damodar, Magh, and others, highlighting their unique skills and the king's appreciation.
     • Mentions the story of the learned poetess Sita and the blind Saravasti Bhatt.
     • Includes anecdotes about Jayadeva, Harivarma, and the poets of the "Pachas Padi" tradition.

   • Chapter 7 (Page 201-228):

     • Concludes the collection of poet's anecdotes with stories about Rameshwar, Govind, Devraj, and the "Two Charans" (storytellers).
     • Details the intriguing episode of Bhimaraja of Patan secretly visiting King Bhoja's court and the subsequent events.
     • Explains the origin of King Karna and his conflict with King Bhoja.
     • Describes King Bhoja's death and the subsequent capture of his kingdom by Karna.
     • The text concludes with a brief mention of Karna's generosity towards poets and the end of the "Prabandh."

5. Sponsor's Contribution (Page 12-16):

   • The preface expresses immense gratitude to Seth Nagardas Purushottamdas of Ranpur for his financial support, which enabled the printing and publication of this translation.
   • It provides a brief biography of Seth Nagardas Purushottamdas, highlighting his philanthropic activities, business acumen, travels, and dedication to Jain principles and education. The publication of this book is presented as another act of his generosity, with the aim of using any proceeds for further book publishing.

6. Comparison with a Previous Translation:

   • The preface mentions that a translation by R.M. Dwivedi was published in 1891 CE. However, it states that the original text available to Dwivedi was incomplete, resulting in an incomplete translation.
   • It also points out that Dwivedi's language was heavily Sanskritized, making it less accessible to readers solely familiar with Gujarati. Furthermore, the lack of understanding of Jain terminology led to gaps and errors in his translation.
   • This new translation by Jain Dharm Prasarak Sabha is presented as a more complete, accurate, and accessible version, prepared with care by Shastri Jethalal Haribhai.

Overall Significance: "Bhojprabandh Bhashantar" serves as a valuable repository of stories that not only illuminate the reign of King Bhoja but also offer insights into the cultural, literary, and religious landscape of ancient India from a Jain perspective. It celebrates the virtues of generosity, wisdom, and the pursuit of knowledge, while also subtly promoting Jain values through the choice and presentation of the anecdotes. The sponsorship of Seth Nagardas Purushottamdas underscores the Jain community's commitment to disseminating knowledge and spiritual literature.