Chaturvinshati Sandhan Kavya

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about the Chaturvinshati Sandhan Kavya:

The document, from the Jain Education International, discusses a remarkable Jain work titled "Chaturvinshati Sandhan Kavya" (चतुर्विंशतिसंधान काव्य).

Key Information about the Kavya:

• Author: Pandit Jagannath (पं० जगन्नाथ), a disciple of Bhattarak Narendrakirti (भट्टारक नरेन्द्रकीर्तिके शिष्य). He lived around the Samvat year 1711 (सं० १७११).
• Concept: This is an extraordinary poetic work where a single stanza (श्लोक) is interpreted to have twenty-four different meanings (चौबीस अर्थ). These multiple meanings are specifically designed to praise each of the twenty-four Jain Tirthankaras, from Rishabhdev (वृषभादि) to Mahavir (महावीर पर्यन्त).
• Commentary: Pandit Jagannath himself composed a commentary on this Kavya named "Swopagya" (स्वोपज्ञ) to ensure the authenticity and clarity of its meanings. In this commentary, the poet, referred to as "Kavichakravarti" (कविचक्रवर्ती), elaborates on the twenty-four interpretations for each verse.
• Publication: The Kavya was published in 1921 by Raoji Sakharamji Doshi from Sholapur.
• Example Verse: A sample verse (Sragdhara meter) is provided, showcasing the poet's skill in creating multiple layers of meaning. The text explains that by writing this verse 24 times, the poet has written praise for all the Tirthankaras.
• Methodology: Pandit Jagannath, possessing a profound command over Sanskrit and its polysemous nature, intentionally referred to the use of an "Ekakshar Kosh" (एकाक्षरकोष) – a lexicon of single letters or words. This was to preempt criticism and ensure the validity and superiority of his work against potential skepticism regarding its multifaceted interpretations.
• Completion: The composition was finished on Vaishakh Sudī 5, Samvat 1699 (वैसाख सुदी ५ सं० १६९९) on a Sunday, in Ambavatpur (अम्बावत्पुर), Rajasthan. This location is believed to be near Takshakpur (तक्षकपुर), a significant center for Jain manuscript copying and creation, and home to Bhattarak Narendrakirti's renowned school.
• Family and Lineage:
  • Pandit Jagannath belonged to the Khandewal (खण्डेलवाल) lineage, Soganī gotra (सोगानी गोत्र), son of Shah Pomraj Shresthi (शाह पोमराज श्रेष्ठि).
  • His younger brother, Vadiraj (वादिराज) (Samvat 1729), was also a profound Sanskrit scholar. Vadiraj authored a commentary on Vāgbhaṭṭālaṅkāra called "Kavyachandrika" (काव्यचन्द्रिका) and the "Gyan Lochan Stotra" (ज्ञानलोचन-स्तोत्र).
  • Pandit Jagannath's approximate birth year is Samvat 1660 (सं० १६६०).
  • Vadiraj held a high position during the reign of King Jaysingh and had four sons: Ramchandra, Lalji, Nemidas, and Vimaldas.

Other Works by Pandit Jagannath:

The document lists six known works by Pandit Jagannath:

1. Chaturvinshati Sandhan Kavya with Swopagya commentary.
2. "Sukhanidhan" (सुखनिधान), composed in Samvat 1700 in Tamalpur. He was honored with the title "Kavichakravarti" in this work.
3. "Shrringar Samudra Kavya" (शृंगारसमुद्रकाव्य), mentioned in "Sukhanidhan."
4. "Shvetambar Parajay" (श्वेताम्बर पराजय) (also known as "Kevali Mukti Nirakaran" - केवलीमुक्तिनिराकरण), which refutes the concept of the Kevali's (liberated souls) eating. This was composed on Diwali, Samvat 1703.
5. "Neminarendra Stotra" with Swopagya commentary (नेमिनरेन्द्रस्तोत्र-स्वोपज्ञटीका), mentioned in "Shvetambar Parajay."
6. "Sushsenacharita" (सुषेणचरित्र), a copy of which was made in Samvat 1842 and is preserved in the Mahendrakirti Bhandar at Amer monastery.

Significance and Recommendation:

The text reiterates that the "Chaturvinshati Sandhan Kavya" clearly demonstrates how each verse yields twenty-four meanings, each praising a different Tirthankara. The author strongly advocates for the wider propagation of such literary gems from Sanskrit literature, even suggesting their introduction to foreign scholars.