Dellhi Patta Ke Mulsanghiya Bhattarak Prabhachandra Aur Padmanandi - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Dellhi Patta ke Mulsanghiya Bhattarak Prabhachandra aur Padmanandi" by Parmanand Jain:

This text focuses on two significant Jain scholars and spiritual leaders, Bhattarak Prabhachandra and Bhattarak Padmanandi, who were associated with the Delhi Patta (a lineage of pontiffs).

Bhattarak Prabhachandra:

Introduction: The author, Pt. Parmanand Jain Shastri, notes that it's common to find multiple scholars with the same name in Jain history. This article aims to shed light on Bhattarak Prabhachandra of the Mulasangha associated with the Delhi Patta.
Lineage and Ascension: Prabhachandra ascended to the pontificate after Bhattarak Ratnakirti. A pattavali (list of pontiffs) indicates his time on the throne was from 170 to 1385 AD, spanning about 75 years. Another record states his initiation at age 12 and pontifical tenure of 74 years, 11 months, and 23 days, starting from 170 AD (Pausa Sudhi 15).
Historical Context: The text notes a discrepancy in the established timeline for Prabhachandra's pontification. While pattavalis suggest his reign began around 1385 AD, his disciples' inscriptions from 1454 and 1416 AD indicate that Prabhachandra impressed Muhammad bin Tughlaq and defeated debaters. Muhammad bin Tughlaq ruled from 1325 to 1351 AD. The author suggests that Prabhachandra likely ascended the throne around 1385 AD, making the earlier pattavali dates somewhat speculative and not aligning perfectly with historical evidence.
Travels and Influence: Prabhachandra traveled with his disciples through Pattana, Khambhat, Dharanagar, and Devagiri before arriving in Jayanipur (Delhi). He was a learned scholar, commentator, and possessed influence in mantra and tantra.
Interaction with Firoz Shah Tughlaq: An incident is recounted where, at the request of Firoz Shah Tughlaq (who ruled from 1351 to 1397 AD), Prabhachandra wore Raktambar (red) garments and granted an audience within the royal harem. The people of Delhi vowed to consider him a fully clad ascetic. The author points out an error in attributing this event to 1305 AD, as Firoz Shah was not ruling then. This incident might have led to the continuation of the tradition of wearing clothes, despite Prabhachandra allegedly repenting and abandoning them.
Chronological Discrepancies: The author highlights a general tendency for chronological inaccuracies and exaggerations in historical accounts. For example, an event linked to Ragho Chetan during Alauddin Khilji's reign (1296-1316 AD) was mistakenly attributed to Firoz Shah Tughlaq's time.
Commentaries: Prabhachandra is known for his commentary on Poojyapada's Samadhitantra and possibly on Atmanushasana. The Ratnakara Sharavakachara commentary is mentioned by Pt. Ashadharji. The author notes similarities in the introductions and structures of these commentaries, suggesting a single author named Prabhachandra. However, he argues that the author of the Ratnakara Sharavakachara commentary is unlikely to be Raktambar Prabhachandra or the author of Prameyakamala Martanda, as these commentaries lack the intellectual depth and linguistic maturity found in the latter works. He also doubts that the Prabhachandra who was a disciple of Manikyanandi from Dharanagari authored these commentaries.

Bhattarak Padmanandi:

Successor and Attributes: Padmanandi was the scholarly successor to Bhattarak Prabhachandra. He is described with laudatory terms, highlighting his adherence to pure principles, joyful demeanor, enhancement of Syadvada, and purification of the world through Jain teachings. He is praised as a great ascetic, learned in all scriptures, and a benefactor of all.
Ascension and Tenure: His ascension to the pontificate is dated to 1385 AD (Pausa Shukla Saptami). He remained on the throne at least until 1473 AD. The exact duration of his tenure and place/time of demise are unknown. Some scholars estimate his tenure up to 1465 AD, but this lacks strong evidence.
Evidence of Tenure: An inscription from 1473 AD in the Parshvanath Charitra by Padmakirti clearly states that Bhattarak Padmanandi was presiding over the Patta at that time. This inscription also suggests Padmanandi was long-lived, with his lifespan noted as 99 years and 28 days, and his pontifical tenure as 65 years and 8 days.
Succession of Shubhachandra: The text notes that in the Pasnahacariu by Asval Kavi (composed in 1479 AD), Bhattarak Shubhachandra is mentioned as succeeding Padmanandi. Since an inscribed idol from 1474 AD by Padmanandi exists, it is clear he must have installed Shubhachandra on his Patta sometime between 1474 and 1479 AD.
Disciples and Lineages: Padmanandi had several disciples, whom he educated to become scholars. Bhattarak Shubhachandra was his direct successor. Three other disciples established three separate lineages of Bhattarak positions, which further branched out. Bhattarak Shubhachandra was associated with the Delhi tradition. Bhattarak Sakalkirti (who studied under Padmanandi for eight years, gaining knowledge in religion, philosophy, prosody, poetry, grammar, lexicon, and literature) established the Idar seat, and Devendrakirti established the Surat seat. As Padmanandi belonged to the Mulasangha, his lineage contributed to the expansion of the Mulasangha tradition.
Works and Patronage: Padmanandi authored several works, including Deva-Shastra-Guru Puja (Sanskrit), Siddha Puja (Sanskrit), Padmanandi Shravakachar Saroddhara, Vardhamana Kavya, Jirapalli Parshvanath Stotra, and Bhavana Chaturvimsati. The author notes that while Padmanandi's name is mentioned in some of these, others clearly mention Bhattarak Prabhachandra, making the attribution of those to Padmanandi uncertain without solid proof.
Shravakachar Saroddhara: This Sanskrit work in verse, with three chapters, provides a good exposition of the duties of a lay follower. It was inspired by Saha Vasadhar of the Lambakanchuka lineage. The inscription mentions Vasadhar's grandfather, who authored the now-unavailable Sapakarasara. Vasadhar was described as wise, pious, devout, compassionate, friendly, free from false beliefs, and pure-hearted. He also inspired Dhanpal, a disciple of Prabhachandra, to compose Bahubali Charitra in Apabhramsa in 1454 AD.
Vardhamana Kavya: Another work, Vardhamana Kavya or Jinaatri Katha, describes the life of Lord Mahavir. Its exact composition date is unknown, but manuscripts date from 1518 and 1522 AD.
Influence and Legacy: Padmanandi traveled extensively, working for public welfare and guiding people through literature and teachings. His disciples and their successors significantly served Jainism and culture. His lineage played a crucial role in the propagation of Jain culture through literary production, compilation of scriptures, and installation of idols. Padmanandi, being a Mulasangha scholar, followed the Digambara tradition, called himself a muni, and observed prescribed conduct to the best of his ability. His disciples and grand-disciples contributed extensively to Jain literature in Apabhramsa, Prakrit, Sanskrit, Rajasthani, and Gujarati.
Historical Incident (Balaatkaar Gana): An incident at Girnarji is recounted where a delegation from Delhi accompanied by Bhattarak Padmanandi encountered a Shvetambara delegation. A dispute arose over who would perform the first worship. To resolve it, a proposal was made that whichever delegation could claim to be 'Adya' (first) from Sarasvati would go first. Bhattarak Padmanandi caused the stone Sarasvati to utter the words 'Adya Digambara', leading to the Digambaras performing the worship first. This event is cited as the origin of the fame of the Balaatkaar Gana. The author clarifies that this event is linked to Bhattarak Padmanandi and not the ancient Acharya Kundakunda, as it is a later occurrence.
Idol Installations: Padmanandi was also an installer of idols and performed many such ceremonies in various places. The text provides two examples of inscriptions of idols installed by him.

In essence, the article meticulously examines the lives, tenures, contributions, and historical contexts of Bhattarak Prabhachandra and Bhattarak Padmanandi, highlighting their scholarly prowess, their interactions with historical figures, and their roles in the propagation and continuation of Jain traditions within the Mulasangha and the Delhi Patta lineage. It also critically analyzes the chronological discrepancies and textual attributions related to these important figures.