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Bhuvanbhanaviyam Mahakavyam

Added to library: September 1, 2025

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First page of Bhuvanbhanaviyam Mahakavyam

Summary

The provided Jain text, "Bhuvanbhanaviyam Mahakavyam" by Kalyanbodhivijay, published by Divya Darshan Trust, is a comprehensive biographical epic poem dedicated to the life and teachings of Acharya Shri Hemchandrasurishwarji Maharaj, who later became known as Acharya Shri Vijay Bhuvan Bhanusurishwarji Maharaj. The catalog link provided (https://jainqq.org/explore/009538/1) offers a glimpse into this extensive work.

This summary is based on the provided pages and covers key aspects of Acharya Shri Bhuvanbhanusurishwarji's life and contributions:

I. Biographical Overview of Acharya Shri Bhuvanbhanusurishwarji Maharaj:

  • Name: Acharya Shri Vijay Bhuvanbhanusurishwarji Maharaj
  • Birth Details:
    • Birthday: Chaitra Vad 6, Samvat 1967 (April 19, 1911)
    • Birthplace: Ahmedabad
    • Mother: Buri behan
    • Father: Chimanbhai
    • Siblings: Brothers Shantibhai, Popatbhai (Muniraj Shri PadmVijayji), Chatur bhai, Jayantibhai (Muniraj Shri Tarunvijayji); Sisters Shardaben, Vasuben, Babiben (Hansakirti Shreeji).
    • Mundane Name: Kantilal
  • Education and Early Life:
    • Passed Government Diploma in Accountancy (G.D.A. - equivalent to C.A.).
    • Passed Institute of Bankers (England) with honors.
    • Passed Institute of Incorporated Secretaries (England) with honors.
    • Served at Central Bank of India, Ahmedabad branch.
  • Spiritual Journey:
    • Accepted Chaturth Vrat (a specific set of vows) at age 23 in Samvat 1990, Asho Vad 6.
    • Initiation (Diksha): Posh Sud 12, Samvat 1991 (December 16, 1935) at Chanasma.
    • Renunciation ceremony: Maha Sud 10, Samvat 1991 at Chanasma.
    • Gani Pad: Maha Sud 10, Samvat 1991.
    • Panyas Pad: Vaishakh Sud 6, Samvat 2015 (May 2, 1960) at Surendranagar.
    • Acharya Pad: Magshar Sud 2, Samvat 2029 (December 7, 1972) at Ahmedabad.
    • Gachhadhipati Pad: Posh Sud 12, Samvat 2046 (January 8, 1990) at Erode.
  • Spiritual Achievements and Contributions:
    • Completed 100 Olines (a specific form of penance) and 108 Olines.
    • Total years in asceticism: 43 years (including 23 years as Acharya).
    • Total lifespan: 92 years.
    • First Chaturmas: Patan.
    • Last Chaturmas: Surat.
    • Number of disciples initiated by him: Over 30 monks and nuns.
    • Number of consecrations (Pratishtha) performed: Over 12 places.
    • Number of Anjanshalaka ceremonies performed: Over 20 places (including Jaipur, Calcutta, Kanpur, Bhadravati, Karnataka, Erode, Madras, Shirdi, etc.).
    • Number of places where he performed Upadhan (a special ritual) under his guidance: Over 20 places.
  • Literary Works and Contributions:
    • Authored 82 Gujarati books, 27 Hindi books, 1 Marathi book, and 4 English books.
    • Edited, researched, translated, and recreated over 50 Sanskrit-Prakrit texts.
    • Initiated "Divya Darshan" (a spiritual publication) in Samvat 2008, Bhadarva Sud 1 (August 21, 1952).
    • Initiated "Tirthankar Divya Darshan" in Samvat 2044, Bhadarva Sud 5.
    • Published periodicals: Divya Darshan (Gujarati, weekly) and Tirthankar Divya Darshan (Hindi, fortnightly).
    • Proficient in multiple languages: Sanskrit, Prakrit, Gujarati, Hindi, English, Marathi.
    • Authored educational texts like "Prakrit Niyamavali," "Sanskrit Niyamavali," "Nyayabhūmikā," "Prakaran Dohana," "Tattvārtha Usha," etc.
    • His most popular literary works include "Paramtej," "Uchcha Prakashana Panthē," lectures on "Yoga Drishti Samuchchaya," "Dhyan ane Jivan," "Amichand ni Amidrashti," "Sitaji na Pagle Pagle," "Pratikraman Sutra Chitra Album," "Jain Dharma no Saral Parichay," etc.
    • His artistic creations include Jain Chitralī, Mahavir Charitra, Pratikraman Sutra Chitra Album, Gujarati-Hindi Balpothi, sets of 12 and 18 photos of great personalities' lives, Hemchandrasuri life sketches, and art galleries dedicated to Mahavir and Prem Surishwarji Maharaj.
  • Key Principles and Qualities:
    • Guru Paramparā, Vinaya (humility), Tapa (penance), Samyam Shuddhi (purity of conduct), Tyāga (renunciation), Titiksha (forbearance), Kshama (forgiveness), Jnana (knowledge), Vairagya (detachment), Prabhubhakti (devotion to God), Shuddha Kriya (pure actions), Apramattata (vigilance), Brahmacharya (celibacy), Shastra Nishtha (adherence to scriptures), Sangha Vatsalya (affection for the community), Shraman Ghadtar (training of monks), Nirgramana Kaushalya (skill in renunciation).
    • Noted for qualities like low vision, detachment, pure begging, writing even in moonlight, Ashtapad Ji's puja, profound Pratikraman, daily readings, detachment emanating from discourses, inspiring camps, and simplicity.
  • Spiritual Activities:
    • Conducted 23 Chaturmases in Gujarat, 7 in Rajasthan, 22 in Maharashtra, 1 in Uttar Pradesh, 1 in Bengal, and 2 each in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
    • Organized the first camp in Nashik in Samvat 2010 (May 1954).
    • Organized the last camp in Surat during the Chaturmas of Samvat 2048 (Sunday camp).
  • Beloved Aspects & Causes for Joy:
    • Training of monks, chanting of scriptures, teaching of monks, subtle adherence to vows, praise of others' virtues, Anekānta-Syādvāda, character building of youth.
    • Attaining the life of renunciation, building unity within the community, closing slaughterhouses, serving Gurus, purity of temple wealth, acceptance of renunciation by seekers, understanding of Tattvas, obtaining the essence of prayers.
  • Points of Disapproval & Sorrow:
    • Disrespect (Ashatana) in temples through acts like using brooms.
    • Negligence in practices like Pramarjana by monks.
    • Denial of Siddhantas.
    • Prohibition of child initiation.
    • Separation from Guru.
    • Disunity within the community.
    • Demise of virtuous monks.
  • Intellectual Pursuits:
    • Studied and taught Sanskrit, Prakrit, Grammar, Poetry, Nyaya (logic) and the six schools of philosophy, 45 Agamas, Yoga, Spirituality, Renunciation, Biographies, and preached hundreds of texts.
  • Personal Practices:
    • Intense devotion to God.
    • Unwavering devotion to Jinagya (teachings of Jinas).
    • Performing Anjanshalaka, consecrations, and great Pujas like Ashtapad Ji with immense devotion.
    • Maintaining purity in Samyama, maintaining a pure diet, adhering to the eight principles of Pravachana Mata, and unwavering commitment to Mahavratas.
    • Practiced intense penances like 108 Olines of Vardhaman Tapa, Chalhath, Upvas, etc.
    • Minimal sleep, extreme vigilance, practicing 18 hours of Sadhana daily, performing Pratikraman even while standing during illness.
  • Demise:
    • Date of Demise: Chaitra Vad 13, Samvat 2049 (April 19, 1993)
    • Time of Demise: 1:30 PM
    • Place of Demise: Ahmedabad
    • Cremation Place: Ahmedabad - Pankaj Society, near Bhatta, Paldi.
    • Successor: Siddhanta Diwakar Poojya Acharya Shri Vijay Jayghoshsurishwarji Maharaj.

II. The "Bhuvanbhanaviyam Mahakavyam" and its Commentary (Vartik):

The text highlights that the creation of this Mahakavya is intended to illuminate the life of Acharya Shri Bhuvanbhanusurishwarji Maharaj for centuries. The author emphasizes the enduring nature of Sanskrit language, which can be beneficial for thousands of years, unlike Gujarati, which can become difficult to understand within 100-200 years.

The Mahakavya's cantos are named "Bhanu" (rays), depicting the rays of Bhuvanbhanu through 108 verses in various meters. The work is described as rich in wordplay, poetic beauty, alliteration, rhetorical devices, and moral sayings, making it captivating.

A significant aspect is the "Vartik" (commentary) written by the author himself. The Vartik explains that it is not a mere commentary but an analysis of the explicitly stated, unstated, and implicitly understood meanings within the Mahakavya. It clarifies the propriety of Acharya Shri's actions based on scripture and logic, providing justifications for concepts like seeing the Guru as the Supreme Being, devotion to the Guru, the significance of various stanzas, the purity of rituals, impartiality, compassion for those who err, meticulous adherence to vows, guiding disciples, and self-dedication.

The Vartik addresses and refutes criticisms from opposing philosophical viewpoints like Charvaka (materialism), Shaiva Darshan (belief in salvation after leaving monkhood), Vedanta, and Shunyavada (nihilism), asserting the validity of Acharya Shri's life and activities. It also details lesser-known aspects of his childhood, his aspirations for renunciation, and the successful realization of those aspirations, aligning with the views of Haribhadrasurishwarji and others.

Furthermore, the Vartik highlights Acharya Shri's contributions to the development of discipleship, his dedication, humility, service, and the attainment of Guru's grace. It points to his extraordinary knowledge, perseverance, community building, the initiation of camps, protection of young initiates, and the fulfillment of Vardhaman Tapa as key factors contributing to his excellence.

The Vartik also includes a brief mention of Acharya Shri Bhuvanbhanusurishwarji's younger brother and first disciple, Pandit PadmVijayji, along with his significant achievements.

The text also notes the author's attempt to justify the use of specific grammatical constructions (like sāpekṣa samāsa) within the Mahakavya, citing authoritative texts and linguistic principles. It also addresses poetic flaws (kāvya doṣa) and counters monistic viewpoints (ekāntavāda) with the principles of Anekānta.

Finally, the author expresses gratitude to those who assisted in the research and acknowledges the support of various scholars and institutions. The overarching wish is for the light of Bhuvanbhanu to dispel darkness and spread enlightenment.

III. Detailed Table of Contents (Bhanu-wise breakdown):

The provided text includes a detailed table of contents, organizing the Mahakavya into "Bhanus" (rays or chapters), each covering specific aspects of Acharya Shri Bhuvanbhanusurishwarji's life and teachings. These include:

  • Prathamo Bhanu: Mangal (auspicious invocation), Guru Garima (glory of the Guru), Charitra Prarambh (beginning of the biography), Tirth Varnan (description of holy places).
  • Dwitiyo Bhanu: Griha Nirgam (leaving home), Pravrajya Prarthanam (request for renunciation), Sadguru Sammati (Guru's consent), Mahabhinishkraman (great renunciation), Samarpan (dedication), Gurukrupa Prapti (attainment of Guru's grace), Samyam Sthan Sparsha (touching the place of asceticism), Deekshit Nam Sthapan (naming of the initiated), Aajnayoga (following Guru's command).
  • Tritiyo Bhanu: Vairagya (detachment), Guru Garima (glory of the Guru), Pratyuttar (reply), Sangharsh (struggle), Chitr-Nirmapan (creation of paintings), Dharmashibir (religious camps), Bal Diksha Raksha (protection of child initiation), Guru Bhakti (devotion to Guru), Param Pratikraman (supreme self-reflection), Vardhaman Tapah Siddhi (accomplishment of Vardhaman penance), Suri Pad Prapti (attainment of Suri title).
  • Chaturtho Bhanu: Jnana Char (conduct of knowledge), Darshan Char (conduct of perception), Charitra Char (conduct of behavior), Tapa Achar (conduct of penance), Virya Char (conduct of spiritual strength), Shattrinsad Gun Sampat (thirty-six virtues).
  • Panchamo Bhanu: Bhuvanbhanu Bhaktamar (Praise of Bhuvanbhanu in the form of Bhaktamar verses), Saapeksha Samas (syntactical analysis), Utsootra Pratikar (countering incorrect teachings), Sangharsh (struggle), Pratyuttar (reply), Vichitra Rang Rachana (various art compositions), Anekantvad (multi-faceted doctrine), Shunya-vada Vivad (debate on nihilism).
  • Shashtho Bhanu: Utsootra Pratikar (countering incorrect teachings), Pravachan Prabhavana (propagation of teachings), Bhaanu Bandh (connection with Bhanu), Virodhalankar Kulak (collection of paradoxes), Satchitra Nirmapan (creation of true paintings), Jiva Daya (compassion for living beings), Moksha (liberation).
  • Saptamo Bhanu: Sanyam (restraint), Samata (equanimity), Parama Bhakti (supreme devotion), Vairagya (detachment), Moksha (liberation), Guru Seva (service to Guru).
  • Ashtamo Bhanu: Samadhi Maran (contemplative death), Bhakta Vilap (devotee's lament), Smriti Mandir (memorial temple), Divya Prabhav (divine influence).
  • Navamo Bhanu: Prashasti (eulogy/conclusion).

IV. Vartik's Significance:

The Vartik is presented as crucial for providing the proper context and understanding of the Mahakavya. It argues that while the Mahakavya narrates the grand events, the Vartik delves into the underlying philosophical and logical justifications, offering a deeper insight into the spiritual and practical aspects of Acharya Shri's life. It aims to dispel doubts, clarify meanings, and provide a comprehensive appreciation of his exemplary conduct and profound wisdom. The Vartik emphasizes that this commentary is essential for discerning the true essence and impact of Acharya Shri's teachings, making the Mahakavya more accessible and impactful for spiritual seekers.

In essence, "Bhuvanbhanaviyam Mahakavyam" is a tribute to a remarkable Jain scholar and spiritual leader, Acharya Shri Bhuvanbhanusurishwarji Maharaj, detailing his extensive life, profound spiritual practices, significant literary contributions, and lasting influence on Jainism. The accompanying Vartik serves as a critical tool for understanding and appreciating the depth and breadth of his legacy.