Chaturvinshatiprabandha

The provided text is the Chaturvinshatiprabandha, also known as Prabandhakosha, authored by Shri Rajashekhara Suri and edited with an introduction, notes, and appendices by Prof. Hiralal Rasikdas Kapadia. Published by the Forbes Gujarati Sabha, Bombay in 1932 AD, it is Volume 12 of the Forbes Gujarati Sabha Granthamala.

Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided pages:

Overall Purpose and Content:

The Chaturvinshatiprabandha is a Sanskrit work containing twenty-four "prabandhas" or narratives, primarily focusing on the lives and deeds of prominent Jain monks (Suri) and other significant historical and religious figures. The text aims to present these narratives in an engaging and informative manner, often incorporating Prakrit and Old Gujarati verses within its Sanskrit prose. It serves as a valuable source for the history of Gujarat and Jainism, detailing religious practices, philosophical tenets, and historical events.

Key Features of this Edition:

• Authoritative Editing: Prof. Hiralal R. Kapadia, a distinguished scholar, has meticulously edited the text using three manuscripts and a printed copy.
• Extensive Apparatus: The edition includes a detailed introduction (prastavana), various readings, Sanskrit renderings of Prakrit and Old Gujarati verses, explanatory notes on Jain technicalities, and several appendices.
• Valuable Appendices: Notably, an alphabetical index of rulers, cities, and other significant names is provided, making it an excellent resource for research.
• Unique Presentation: The foreword highlights the unique aspects of this edition, which may be lacking in the previously published "editio princeps" (first edition) from 1921 by Shri Hemachandracharya Granthavali.

Content Breakdown of the Prabandhas (as listed in the Table of Contents):

The work is structured into 24 prabandhas, categorized as follows:

• Ten Prabandhas of Suris (Monks): These are the core of the work, detailing the lives and achievements of important Jain acharyas. The list includes:

  1. Shri Bhadrabahu (and Varaha)
  2. Shri Aryandila Suri
  3. Shri Jivadeva Suri
  4. Shri Aryakhatapatacharya
  5. Shri Padalipta Suri
  6. Shri Vriddhavadi and Siddhasena Suri
  7. Shri Mallavadi Suri
  8. Shri Haribhadra Suri
  9. Shri Bappa Bhatti Suri
  10. Shri Hemachandra Suri

• Four Prabandhas of Poets (Kavi): 11. Shri Harshaviyadhara-Jayantachandra 12. Harihara 13. Shri Amarchandra 14. Digambara Madanakirti

• Seven Prabandhas of Kings (Bhupati): 15. Shri Satavahana 16. Shri Vankachula 17. Shri Vikramaditya 18. Shri Nagarjuna 19. Shri Vatsaraja-Udayana

• Three Prabandhas of Royal Associates/Followers (Rajanga Shravaka): 20. Shri Lakshanasena 21. Shri Madanavarma 22. Shri Ratna 23. Shri Abhada 24. Shri Vastupala

Key Themes and Figures Mentioned:

• Jain Acharyas: The book extensively covers the lives of prominent Jain monks like Bhadrabahu, Aryandila, Jivadeva, Padalipta, Vriddhavadi, Siddhasena, Mallavadi, Haribhadra, Bappa Bhatti, and Hemachandra. These narratives likely highlight their asceticism, scholarly contributions, miracles, and influence on the Jain community and rulers.
• Kings and Rulers: Figures like Vikramaditya, Satavahana, Udayana, Jayantasena, and Vastupala are featured, suggesting interactions between religious leaders and political powers.
• Philosophical and Religious Concepts: The text delves into Jain philosophy, mentioning concepts like "syadvada" (the doctrine of conditioned predication), the importance of vows, ascetic practices, and the path to liberation.
• Historical and Cultural Insights: The prabandhas offer glimpses into the social and cultural life of ancient and medieval Gujarat and India, including aspects of daily life, religious festivals, and the political landscape.
• Literary Merit: The author, Rajashekhara Suri, is recognized for his skill in writing, with the text containing verses in Prakrit and Old Gujarati, and the editor's notes likely shed light on the linguistic and literary aspects.
• Miracles and Supernatural Events: As is common in hagiographical works, the lives of the saints are often embellished with accounts of miracles, divine interventions, and supernatural abilities, which are likely to be detailed in the prabandhas.

Specific Narrative Points Gleaned from the Text:

• Bhadrabahu and Varaha: This prabandha seems to involve the story of two Brahmins, possibly related to the ascetism of Bhadrabahu and a conflict or interaction with a figure named Varaha, who might have been a learned but proud individual.
• Aryandila Suri: This narrative appears to involve a conflict with a Naga (serpent) king and the influence of Aryandila Suri in resolving it, possibly through prayer or divine intervention.
• Haribhadra Suri: The prabandha highlights Haribhadra's intellectual prowess in debating against Buddhists and his ability to influence rulers.
• Vastupala: The prabandha detailing Vastupala's life is extensive, covering his patronage of Jainism, his extensive charitable works, his interactions with rulers like Viradhavala and Jayantasimha, and his building of numerous temples and religious structures.
• Hemachandra Suri: This prabandha likely focuses on Hemachandra Suri's influence on King Kumarapala, his role in the propagation of Jainism, and his renowned literary works.

Foreword and Acknowledgements:

The foreword expresses gratitude to Prof. Kapadia for his scholarly work and to individuals and institutions that provided manuscripts, such as the Bombay Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society and the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute. It also thanks Shri Chaturavijaya for assistance with appendices and proofreading, and Dr. V.G. Paranjpe for the printing work. The Secretary of the Forbes Gujarati Sabha, Harsiddhbhai Vajubhai Divetia, signs the foreword, indicating the Sabha's commitment to promoting Jain literature.

In essence, the Chaturvinshatiprabandha as presented in this edition is a scholarly and comprehensive compilation of narratives about significant figures in Jain tradition and history, offering rich insights into religious, philosophical, and cultural aspects of ancient India.