Dharmsuri Barmasa

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Dharmsuri Barmasa," by Ramnik Shah, published by ZZ_Anusandhan:

Overview and Significance:

"Dharmsuri Barmasa" (also referred to as "Dharmsuri-Barhanavu") is an ancient Gurjar poem, previously unpublished, dating back to the 12th century. It is presented here for the first time from a palm-leaf manuscript found in the Patan manuscript collection. The text is a "Baramasa" (twelve-month) poem, a genre prevalent in ancient Gujarati, Rajasthani, Hindi, and Bengali literature. While Baramasa poems typically focus on romantic themes (Shringara Rasa), Jain poets adapted this genre to convey messages of detachment and spiritual awakening (Vairagya Bodh).

Themes and Content:

The "Dharmsuri Barmasa" is a Guru-stuti (praise of a spiritual teacher). It is dedicated to Acharya Dharmsuri (also known as Dharamghoshsurishwarji), a prominent figure in the Jain tradition. Acharya Dharmsuri was the chief disciple of Acharya Shilbhadrasurishwarji of the Rajgachchha, and his period is estimated to be around the 12th century CE (circa 1100-1175 CE).

The poem highlights several key aspects of Acharya Dharmsuri's life and influence:

• His Influence and Patronage: The text mentions that rulers of Rajasthan and Malwa respected him. He is credited with converting rulers like Ajayraj, Arnoraj, and Vigrahraj IV of Shakambhari. He also reportedly defeated the Digambara debater Ganchandra in Arnoraj's court.
• Intellectual Prowess: A legend about Dharmsuri's extraordinary memory is recounted: he could memorize 500 verses in just three hours (a quarter of a day). This poetic prowess is evident in the composition of this very Baramasa.
• Legacy and Succession: The poem also references Yashobhadrasuri, a prominent disciple of Dharmsuri, who authored the "Gadyagodavari." It's implied that the author of this Baramasa likely belonged to Dharmsuri's extensive lineage of disciples and grand-disciples.
• Poetic Style and Language: The poem is written in Prachin Gurjar Bhasha (Ancient Gurjar Language), a transitional phase of Old Gujarati and Rajasthani influenced by Apabhramsha. The language is characterized by:
  • Melodiousness (Geyata): Achieved through the skillful use of various metrical patterns.
  • Gentle and Sweet Vocabulary: Possessing a tender and pleasing diction.
  • Pictorial Descriptions: Employing vivid imagery to paint scenes.
  • Skillful Expression of Emotion: Demonstrating a mastery in conveying feelings.
  • This combination makes the "Dharmsuri Barmasa" a unique and noteworthy work among ancient Gurjar poems, even though it's a devotional piece.

Manuscript Details:

• Source: The poem is based on a palm-leaf manuscript (No. 56) located in the Sangh-Bhandar of Patan.
• Collection: This manuscript contains 28 prose and poetry works in Sanskrit, Prakrit, Apabhramsha, etc., dating from the 13th or 14th century.
• Location within Manuscript: "Dharmsuri-stuti" (as it's listed in the index) is found as item number 20, spanning pages 216 to 221.
• Research Basis: The photostat copy of this manuscript is held at the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Bharatiya Sanskriti Vidyamandir, Ahmedabad, and the editing was done based on this copy.

Poem Structure and Themes in the Verses (Illustrative of the Baramasa structure):

The poem follows the traditional Baramasa structure, with verses dedicated to each month of the year. While the full translation isn't provided, the verses touch upon:

• Savan (Month 1): Descriptions of monsoon clouds, lightning, peacock dances, and the yearning for the Guru. The month is associated with nature's beauty, and the poet expresses devotion to Dharmsuri and Yashsur.
• Bhadrapada (Month 2): Mentions the Guru's praises and the miraculous feat of memorizing 500 verses.
• Ashwin (Month 3 & 4): Continues the praise of the Guru and his disciples, highlighting their virtues and beauty.
• Kartik (Month 5): Mentions the auspiciousness of the month and the poet's devotion to Dharmsuri.
• Margashirsha (Month 6): Describes the beauty of the month and the devotion to Dharmsuri and Yashsur.
• Pausa (Month 7): Depicts the winter season, cold weather, and people seeking warmth, while still invoking the Guru's name.
• Magha (Month 8): Continues with winter imagery and the poet's continued devotion.
• Phalguna (Month 9): Captures the vibrancy of spring and the poet's longing for the Guru.
• Chaitra (Month 10): Describes the blossoming of flowers and the poet's continued veneration.
• Vaishakha (Month 11): Mentions the heat of summer, the beauty of flowers, and the poet's unwavering devotion.
• Jyeshtha (Month 12): Describes the intense summer heat and the poet's continuous remembrance of Dharmsuri and Yashsur.

Conclusion:

The "Dharmsuri Barmasa" is a significant contribution to early Gujarati literature, showcasing the Jain tradition's ability to adapt popular literary forms for spiritual purposes. It serves as a profound tribute to the intellectual and spiritual prowess of Acharya Dharmsuri and his lineage, enriching the corpus of Jain devotional poetry. The publication of this ancient text is a valuable endeavor for scholars and devotees of Jain literature.