Chandonushasanam

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Chandonushasanam" by Anantchandravijay, based on the provided catalog link and the text itself:

Title: Chandonushasanam (छन्दोऽनुशासनम्) Author: Acharya Hemachandracharya (विरचित छन्दोऽनुशासनम् [ स्वोपज्ञवृत्ति सहित ]) Editor/Compiler: Muni Shri Anantchandravijayji (संपादक मुनिश्री . अनंतचंद्रविजयजी) Publisher: Shri Chandroday Charitable and Religious Trust (प्रकाशक : श्री चंद्रोदय चेरीटेबल एन्ड रीलीजीयस ट्रस्ट) Publication Year: V.S. 2045 / Veer Samvat 2515 / 1988 CE Price: Rs. 4000 Location: Ahmedabad

Overview:

"Chandonushasanam" is a significant Jain text authored by the renowned scholar Acharya Hemachandracharya, a prominent figure of the 12th century in Gujarat, India. This particular edition has been meticulously edited and published by Muni Shri Anantchandravijayji and sponsored by the Shri Chandroday Charitable and Religious Trust. The book is a treatise on Chandashastra, the science of prosody or metrics in Sanskrit and Prakrit literature.

Key Themes and Content:

1. The Science of Prosody (Chandashastra): The core of the text is dedicated to explaining the rules, structures, and classifications of poetic meters (chandas). It delves into the intricacies of Sanskrit and Prakrit prosody, which are essential for understanding and composing poetry, epics, and religious verses.

2. Acharya Hemachandracharya's Contribution: The book highlights the profound scholarship of Acharya Hemachandracharya, who is revered as "Kalikal Sarvagnya" (Omniscisient of the Kali Age) for his extensive contributions to Jain literature, grammar, philosophy, and linguistics. His work on prosody, "Chandonushasanam," is considered a comprehensive and authoritative text.

3. Structure of the Book: The book follows a systematic structure:

   • Aashirvachan (Blessings): Includes blessings and introductory remarks.
   • Purovachanam (Foreword): A foreword often written by a senior scholar or spiritual leader, setting the context.
   • Jivan Parimal Suvas (Life's Fragrant Essence): Likely a biographical sketch or tribute to a significant personality, possibly a patron of the publication, like Seth Jamnabhai Bhagubhai.
   • Sampadakiy (Editorial): An editorial note from the editor, Muni Shri Anantchandravijayji, explaining the purpose and significance of the re-publication.
   • Prastavna (Preface): A detailed introduction to the subject of prosody, its importance in literature, and the specific contribution of Hemachandracharya.
   • Mulgranth aur Teeka (Original Text and Commentary): The main body includes the original verses of "Chandonushasanam" by Hemachandracharya, along with his own commentary (svopajña-vritti).
   • Parishisht (Appendices): The appendices likely contain supplementary information, indexes, or glossaries, possibly covering meter classifications, examples, and scriptural references.

4. Detailed Analysis of Metres: The "Chandonushasanam" meticulously classifies and explains various Sanskrit and Prakrit meters. This includes:

   • Classification based on Structure: Vritta (fixed quantitative meters) and Jati (fixed syllabic meters).
   • Components of Prosody: Discussion of laghu (short) and guru (long) syllables, matras (syllable duration), gana (metrical feet), yati (caesura), and yati (pause).
   • Specific Meters: The text enumerates and explains a vast array of meters, including Vedic and Laukika (classical) meters, with their specific patterns, rules, and examples. It covers Samavritta (all lines equal), Ardhasamavritta (first and third lines similar, second and fourth similar), and Vishama Vritta (all lines different). It also delves into Matra-vritta (syllable-timed meters) and Akshara-vritta (syllable-counted meters), as well as meters found in Prakrit and Apabhramsa languages.

5. Scholarly Approach: The editor, Muni Shri Anantchandravijayji, emphasizes making this profound and often inaccessible text available to students, scholars, and enthusiasts. The publication includes a detailed preface and notes in Gujarati to aid comprehension. The commentary (vritti) by Hemachandracharya himself is also included, providing deep insights into the original sutras.

6. Patronage and Significance: The publication is a tribute to the 9th birth centenary of Acharya Hemachandracharya. The generous support from the Seth Jamnabhai Bhagubhai Religious Trust underscores the importance placed on preserving and disseminating Jain knowledge. The book is seen as a valuable resource for reviving and promoting the study of ancient Indian prosody and literature within the Jain tradition and beyond.

In essence, "Chandonushasanam" is a foundational text on Indian prosody, meticulously preserved and presented through the dedicated efforts of the editor and publisher. It offers a deep dive into the complex world of poetic meters as understood and codified by the brilliant Acharya Hemachandracharya, serving as an invaluable resource for literary and spiritual study.