Chandappahasami Chariyam

The provided Jain text, "Siri Candappahasami Chariyam" (The Biography of Sri Chandraprabhasvami), authored by Jasadevsuri, is a significant biographical work of the eighth Tirthankara in Jainism. Edited by Pt. Rupendra Kumar Pagariya and published by L. D. Institute of Indology, Ahmedabad, in 1999, this book is part of a series on Tirthankara biographies.

Key Aspects of the Work:

• Narrative Scope: The text comprises approximately 6,400 verses in Prakrit, with occasional Sanskrit and Apabhramśa verses. Its language and narrative style are noted for their simplicity and lucidity.
• Author and Context: The author, Jasadevasuri, was a learned scholar who lived around V.S. 1178 / A.D. 1122. He began composing this work while residing in a temple built by the Seth Shridhaval Bhandashalik in Ashavallipur and completed it in the city of Anhilwad Patan during the reign of Siddharaja Jaising. The foreword mentions that the author's descriptions incorporate many contemporary social and religious situations, making the book valuable for cultural and comparative studies.
• Manuscript: Only one palm-leaf manuscript of this work is known to exist, housed in the Jesalmer Jnanabhandara. Pt. Rupendra Kumar Pagariya meticulously edited the text based on this sole manuscript and provided an extensive introduction.
• Literary Merit: The work is described as a significant unpublished biographical narrative and a Mahakavya (epic poem). It adheres to the criteria of a Mahakavya, being divided into ten occasions (Parvas) and featuring Chandraprabhsvami, a courageous and virtuous Tirthankara, as the hero. The text highlights the prevalence of Shanta (peaceful), Shringar (romantic), and Veera (heroic) rasas (emotions), with Shanta rasa flowing through most of the chapters.
• Content and Themes: The narrative covers various aspects of the Tirthankara's life, including his birth, youth, renunciation, asceticism, and attainment of liberation. It also delves into Jain principles such as the transience of worldly existence, the importance of detachment, the consequences of actions (karma), the path to salvation, and the virtues of spiritual discipline. The author has enriched the work with sub-stories and exemplifications to illustrate these teachings. The text includes detailed descriptions of social and religious life, the natural world, warfare, marriage, separation, and various human experiences. It also touches upon Jain cosmology and philosophy, such as the nine tattvas, eight karmas, and the nature of the soul.
• Previous Lives: The text recounts several of Chandraprabhsvami's previous lives, tracing his spiritual journey through different births and the karmic causes and effects that shaped his destiny. These narratives often serve to highlight key ethical and spiritual lessons.
• Inspiration and Influence: Jasadevsuri was inspired by Acharya Vijayasingh Suri, who had composed a Sanskrit Prabandha Mahakavya. Jasadevsuri states that he chose Prakrit for his work and structured it into ten Parvas.
• Value and Purpose: The book is intended to be useful for students of medieval narrative literature and culture. It aims to explain Jain principles and conduct through stories and sub-stories, making them accessible and understandable. The foreword expresses the hope that this work will be beneficial to scholars and readers interested in Jain traditions and medieval Indian culture.

In essence, "Siri Candappahasami Chariyam" is a comprehensive and scholarly presentation of the life and teachings of Lord Chandraprabhasvami, offering insights into both Jain philosophy and the cultural milieu of medieval India.