Chopanna Mahapurushona Charit

Certainly, here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Chopanna Mahapurushona Charit" (The Lives of Fifty-Four Great Men) based on the provided text and catalog link:

Book Title: Chopanna Mahapurushona Charit (ચોપન્ન મહાપુરુષોનાં ચરિતનો) Author: Hemsagarsuri (આ. શ્રી હેમસાગર સૂરિ) Publisher: Devchand Lalbhai Pustakoddhar Fund (શેઠ દેવચંદ લાલભાઈ જૈન પુસ્તકાદ્ધાર ફંડ) Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/004850/1

Overview:

"Chopanna Mahapurushona Charit" is a significant Jain text that chronicles the lives and deeds of fifty-four illustrious individuals in Jain tradition. Authored by Hemsagarsuri, it serves as a Gujarati translation and compilation of the original Prakrit work by Shilank-Shilacharya. The book, published by the Devchand Lalbhai Jain Pustakoddhar Fund, aims to provide spiritual guidance and moral lessons through the exemplary lives of these great souls.

Key Themes and Content:

1. The Fifty-Four Great Men: The central focus of the text is the detailed biographies of 54 Mahapurushas (great individuals). According to Jain tradition, particularly referencing the Samavaya-Sutra, this number signifies:

   • 24 Tirthankaras (Spiritual Leaders)
   • 12 Chakravartis (Universal Monarchs)
   • 9 Baladevas (Divine Heroes)
   • 9 Vasudevas (Divine Heroes)
   • (The text mentions that the lives of Prat-Vasusudeva are not counted separately, implying they are either included or considered secondary in this context).

2. Spiritual and Moral Guidance: The text aims to provide guidance for aspiring souls and the wider Jain community (Chaturvidh Shri Sangh). It emphasizes the rarity of human birth and the acquisition of the necessary conditions for spiritual progress (Aryakshetra, Dharma-Anukool Samagri, Guru-Samagam).

3. The Author and Translator: The Gujarati translation and compilation were undertaken by Acharya Shri Hemsagarsuri, a disciple of Acharya Shri Anand Sagarsurishvarji. He is also known for his translations of other significant Jain works like "Prakrit Paumariy," "Prakrit Samaraichchhakaha," and "Sanskrit Sativivaran Yogashastra." Pandit Lalchandra Bhagwandas Gandhi served as a co-editor.

4. Inspiration from Past Acharyas: The text acknowledges the rich tradition of Jain literature, mentioning eminent Acharyas like Aryabhadrebahu Swami, Sthulabhadra, Kalkacharya, Aryarakshitsuri, Siddhasena Divakara Suri, Malavadi Suri, Jinabhadra Gani Kshamashramana, Devardhi Gani Kshamashramana, Haribhadra Suri, Udyotan Suri, Shilankacharya, Siddharsi Gani, Maldhari Hemachandra Suri, K.S. Hemchandracharya, and Udayavijaya Suri, who have contributed immensely to the Shasan (Jain teachings).

5. Shilankacharya's Original Work: The original Prakrit text, "Chauppanna-Mahapurisa-Charia" (ચઉપન્ન-મહાપૂરિસ-ચરિય), was authored by Shilankacharya (also referred to as Shilank-Shilacharya or Tatvadi-Vimalamati Kavi Shilank). It is noted that the text is in prose and verse and comprises approximately 11,000 verses. The author mentions the existence of a palm-leaf manuscript copied in Vikram Samvat 1227 (1171 AD) during the reign of Maharaja Kumarpal, which is preserved in the Bada Bhandar of Jaisalmer Fort.

6. Linguistic and Literary Style: The original work is in Prakrit, and Shilankacharya is praised for his exceptional poetic skill, rich use of figures of speech (Shabdalankar and Arthalaṁkar), and descriptive narratives. The Gujarati translation aims to convey this richness.

7. Historical Context: The preface touches upon the potential lineage of Shilankacharya, possibly connecting him to the Nivritti Kul, a lineage prominent after the second century of Vikram Samvat. The establishment of Patan by Vanraj Chavda and its connection to Shilagunsuri is also mentioned.

8. Content Details: The book includes:

   • Mangal Stuti and Katha-Pitha: Opening prayers and introductory narratives.
   • Descriptions of the Universe: Details about the structure of the universe (Lok) with its various divisions (Alok, Urdhva Lok, Tiryak Lok) and regions (Rathnaprabha, etc.).
   • Chronology and Time Cycles: Explanation of Avsarpini and Utsarpini Kalachakras and the concept of Kulakaras.
   • Biographies of Mahapurushas: The index (Anukramanika) provides a detailed list of the lives covered, including Tirthankaras, Chakravartis, Vasudevas, and Baladevas, along with various instructive stories and allegorical tales. Notably, the lives of Rishabh Swami and Bharat Chakravarti, Ajit Swami, Sagar Chakravarti, Sambhavnath, Abhinandan Swami, Sumatinath, Padmaprabh, Suparshva Swami, Chandraprabha, Suvidhinath, Shitalnath, Shreyansnath, Tripṛiṣṭha Vasudeva, Achal Baladeva, Vasupujya Swami, Dṛiṣṭa Vasudeva, Vijay Baladeva, Vimal Swami, Svayambhu Vasudeva, Bhadra Baladeva, Anantnath, Purushottam Vasudeva, Suprabha Baladeva, Dharmnath, Purushsimha Vasudeva, Sudarshan Baladeva, Madhva Chakravarti, Sankar Kumar Chakravarti, Shantinath, Kuthu Swami, Aranath, Pundarik Vasudeva, Anand Baladeva, Subhum Chakravarti, Dhar Vāsudeva, Nandimitra Baladeva, Mallinath, Munisuvrata Swami, Neminath, Krishna Vasudeva, Bala Deva, Brahmadata Chakravarti, Parshvanath, Mahavira, Rishabh Swami, Bharata Chakravarti, Ajit Swami, Sagar Chakravarti, Sambhavanath, Abhinandanath Swami, Sumatinath, Padmaprabh, Suparshva Swami, Chandraprabha, Suvidhinath, Shitalnath, Shreyansanath, Trivṛiṣṭha Vāsudeva, Achal Baladeva, etc., are covered.
   • Didactic Stories: The text is replete with stories illustrating karmic consequences, virtues, vices, and the path to liberation. Examples include stories about virtuous actions, consequences of actions, and the importance of right faith (Samyaktva).
   • Specific Tales: The summary of the index highlights narratives like the story of the "Mayavi Mitra" (Illusory Friend), Dhan Sarthavaha, Vishnu, Vibhudananda Nataka, and numerous other tales explaining various aspects of Jain philosophy and ethics.

9. The Gujarati Translation: The translation is noted for its clarity and aims to make the profound teachings accessible to Gujarati readers. The translator-editor, Hemsagarsuri, is commended for undertaking this challenging task, especially considering the intricate descriptions and literary devices employed in the original work.

10. Purpose of Publication: The Devchand Lalbhai Jain Pustakoddhar Fund's initiative in publishing this work underscores their commitment to preserving and disseminating Jain scriptures and literature for the benefit of the community.

In essence, "Chopanna Mahapurushona Charit" by Hemsagarsuri is a comprehensive and spiritually enriching compilation that presents the lives of pivotal figures in Jainism, offering profound insights into dharma, karma, and the path to spiritual liberation.