Chando Ratnamala

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Chando Ratnamala" by Sushilsuri:

Title: Chando Ratnamala (छन्दो रत्नमाला) Author: Acharya Shrimad Vijay Sushil Suriji Maharaj Publisher: Acharya Shri Sushil Suri Jain Gyanmandir, Shantinagar, Sirohi (Rajasthan) Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/002289/1

Overview:

"Chando Ratnamala" is a significant work in Jain literature, specifically focusing on the science of prosody (Chandashastra). Authored by the esteemed Jain Acharya Shrimad Vijay Sushil Suriji Maharaj, this book is a valuable contribution to the study of poetic meter and verse composition. It is dedicated to the renowned Jain Acharya Shrimad Hemchandrasurishwarji Maharaj, the "Kalikal Sarvagya" (Omniscient of the Age), who himself wrote a seminal work on prosody, the "Chandanusashanam."

The book is presented as the 76th jewel in the "Shri Nemi-Lavanya-Daksha-Sushil Granthamala." It aims to provide a clear, concise, and authentic understanding of prosody, making it accessible to both beginners and those seeking a deeper knowledge of the subject. The author has meticulously studied various influential Sanskrit works on prosody, such as Chandanusashanam, Vrittaratnakara, Chandomanjari, and Shrutabodha, to create this comprehensive text.

Structure and Content:

The "Chando Ratnamala" is structured into three main sections, or "stabakas" (स्तबक):

1. First Stabaka (प्रथमः स्तबकः): This section serves as an introductory overview of prosody. It covers:

   • Mangalacharan (मंगलाचरणम्): A prayerful invocation to Jain Tirthankaras, Acharyas, and lineage gurus.
   • Definition of Chandas (छन्दसां लक्षणम्): Explaining what constitutes prosody, including the importance of the calculation of syllables, letters, meters, and the rules of pauses (yati) and rhythm (gati).
   • Meaning of the word "Chanda" (छन्दश्शब्दस्यार्थः): Delving into the etymology and philosophical significance of the term, explaining its role in covering and delighting the emotions and rasa.
   • Types of Chandas (छन्दसां भेदाः): Classifying Chandas into Vedic and Laukika (worldly/conventional). The focus is primarily on Laukika Chandas, which are further divided into Matrika (syllable-based) and Varnika (letter-based). The text also mentions a tripartite classification by some Acharyas: Gana-chhanda, Matra-chhanda, and Akshara-chhanda.
   • Knowledge of Laghu-Guru Syllables (लघुगुरुवर्णज्ञानम्): Explaining the distinction between short (laghu) and long (guru) syllables, their measurement (one mātrā for laghu, two for guru), and the conditions under which a syllable becomes guru (e.g., long vowels, anusvāra, visarga, conjunctions).
   • Knowledge of Mātrā (मात्राज्ञानम्): Discussing the concept of mātrā as a unit of measurement for pronunciation duration, equivalent to the duration of a short vowel.
   • Identification of Yuga and Ayuk (युगायुक् संज्ञे): Explaining the terms for even/numbered positions (Yug) and odd/numbered positions (Ayug) in relation to the feet of a verse.
   • Knowledge of Gana (गणज्ञानम्): A detailed explanation of the eight types of ganas (Magana, Yagana, etc.), which are combinations of three syllables, and their formation based on laghu-guru combinations. It also provides the traditional mnemonic "Yamatārājabhānasasalam."
   • Knowledge of Matra-ganas (मात्रागणाः): Discussing the concept of mātrā-gaṇas in Matrika Chandas.
   • Knowledge of Yati and Gati (यतिगत्योर्ज्ञानम्): Explaining yati (pause/caesura) and gati (rhythm/flow) as crucial elements in the recitation and structure of verses.

2. Second Stabaka (द्वितीयः स्तबकः): This section focuses on Matrika Chandas (syllable-based meters). It systematically describes various Matrika Chandas with their definitions and illustrative examples. The key Matrika Chandas covered include:

   • Arya (आर्या) and its nine variations: Pathya, Vipula, Chapala, Mukha-chapala, Jaghana-chapala, Giti, Upagiti, Udgiti, and Arya-giti.
   • Vaktra (वक्त्र) and its variations like Pathya-vaktra and Chapala-vaktra.
   • Achala-dhruti (अचलधृति), Vishloka (विश्लोक), Chitra (चित्र), Padakula (पादाकुलक), Dohadika (दोहडिका), and Vaitaliya (वैतालीय).
   • The section also covers half-samam (अर्धसमम्) meters like Vaitaliya, Oupachandasa (औपच्छन्दसिक), Apatalika (आपातलिका), and Dakshinantika (दक्षिणान्तिका).

3. Third Stabaka (तृतीयः स्तबकः): This section deals with Varnika Chandas (letter-based meters). It provides the definitions and examples for a wide array of popular Varnika Chandas. The author has selected 108 important Chandas for detailed explanation. Some of the prominent Varnika Chandas covered include:

   • Short verses (Agra-rupa): Such as Shri (श्री), Stri (स्त्री), Mad (मद), Nari (नारी), Mrigi (मृगी), Madan (मदन), Kanya (कन्या), Sumati (सुमति), Pankti (पंक्ति), Priti (प्रीति), Madhyā (मध्य), Shashivadana (शशिवदना), Vidyullekha (विद्युल्लेखा), Vasumati (वसुमती), Vimla (विमला), Sunanda (सुनन्दा), Madaleka (मदलेखा), Lalita (ललिता), Hansamala (हंसमाला), Bhramaramala (भ्रमरमाला), Chitrapada (चित्रपदा), Vidyunmala (विद्युन्माला), Naracha (नाराच), Manavaka (माणवक), Hansakata (हंसकत), Samanika (समानिका), Pramāriṇikā (प्रमारिएका), Simhalekha (सिंहलेखा), Vitana (वितान), Hasamukhi (हसमुखी), Vrihattika (वृहत्तिका), Bhujagashishubhruta (भुजगशिशुभृता), Kanaka (कनक), Shuddha-virada (शुद्धविराड्), Panava (पणव), Chitragati (चित्रगति), Mayurasarini (मयूरसारिणी), Rukmavati (रुक्मवती), Mattā (मत्ता), Manoramā (मनोरमा), Upasthita (उपस्थिता), Nilaya (निलया).
   • Trishṭubh meters: Indravajra (इन्द्रवज्रा), Upendravajra (उपेन्द्रवज्रा), Upajati (उपजाति), Sumukhi (सुमुखी), Dodhaka (दोधक), Shalini (शालिनी), Vātormi (वातोर्मी), Shri (श्री), Bhramaravilassita (भ्रमरविलसित), Rathoddhata (रथोद्धता), Swagata (स्वागता), Vrinta (वृन्ता), Bhadrika (भद्रिका), Shyēnikā (श्येनिका), Mouktikamala (मौक्तिकमाला), Upasthita (उपस्थिता), Chandravartma (चन्द्रवर्त्म), Vamshastha (वंशस्थ), Indravamsha (इन्द्रवंशा), Totaka (तोटक), Druta-vilambita (द्रुतविलम्बित), Puta (पुट), Pramudita-vadana (प्रमुदितवदना), Jaloddhatagati (जलोद्धतगति), Bhujanga-prayata (भुजङ्गप्रयात).
   • Jagati meters: Sragviṇī (स्रग्विणी), Priyamvada (प्रियंवदा), Manimala (मणिमाला), Lalita (ललिता), Mouktikadam (मौक्तिकदाम), Tamarasam (तामरसं), Pramitakshara (प्रमिताक्षरा), Vaishvadevi (वैश्वदेवी), Malati (मालती), Kshama (क्षमा), Praharshaniya (प्रहर्षणीय), Ruchira (रुचिरा), Sudanta (सुदन्त), Mattamayura (मत्तमयूर), Asamvada (असंवाधा), Aparajita (अपराजिता), Vasanta-tilaka (वसन्ततिलका), Shashikala (शशिकला), Srag (स्रग्), Manigunanaikara (मणिगुणनिकर), Malini (मालिनी), Tunaka (तूणक), Prabhadrakam (प्रभद्रकं), Chandralekha (चन्द्रलेखा), Vanini (वाणिनी).
   • Atishakvari meters: Panchachamara (पञ्चचामर), Shikharini (शिखरिणी), Harini (हरिणी), Prithvi (पृथ्वी), Mandakranta (मन्दाक्रान्ता), Chitralekha (चित्रलेखा), Shardulavikriditam (शार्दूलविक्रीडितम्), Meghavisphujita (मेघविस्फूजित).
   • Trishṭubh-related meters: Vrutta (वृत्त), Sragdhara (स्रग्धरा), Bhadraka (भद्रक), Madira (मदिरा), Ashvalalita (अश्वललित), Tanvi (तन्वी), Kraunchapada (क्रौञ्चपदा), Bhujanga-vijrumbhita (भुजङ्गविजृम्भित).
   • Dandaka Vrittas (दण्डकवृत्तानि): The text also briefly mentions Dandaka verses, characterized by their extended length, and provides names like Chandavrushti-prapatanamadandaka.

Key Features and Significance:

• Clarity and Simplicity: Acharya Sushil Suriji Maharaj has crafted the book in simple Sanskrit, making it understandable for those new to the study of prosody.
• Authenticity: The work draws heavily on established Sanskrit texts, ensuring the accuracy and authenticity of the metrical descriptions and examples.
• Practical Approach: The book includes numerous examples, often accompanied by explanations and sometimes even newly composed verses by the Acharya, to illustrate the application of metrical rules. The use of tables further simplifies the complex subject matter.
• Contribution to Jain Literature: "Chando Ratnamala" fills a vital need for a clear and accessible guide to prosody within the Jain tradition, particularly for scholars and students interested in Jain poetic and literary heritage.
• Dedication to Hemchandracharya: The book's dedication to Hemchandracharya underscores the continuation and reverence for the rich tradition of Jain scholarship in the field of grammar and prosody.
• Editorial Excellence: The editing by Muni Shri Jinottam Vijayji Maharaj is praised for its thoroughness and clarity. The publication process was also supported by various individuals and institutions, highlighting a collaborative effort in bringing this valuable work to light.
• Scholarly Depth: The book showcases the author's mastery as a poet, a scholar of the scriptures, and an insightful commentator, revealing a multifaceted understanding of the subject.

In essence, "Chando Ratnamala" is a comprehensive and accessible treatise on Sanskrit prosody, authored by a distinguished Jain Acharya. It serves as an invaluable resource for understanding the structure, beauty, and rules of poetic composition, enriching the study of literature within the Jain context and beyond.