Dhatu Parayan - Book Summary | JainGPT

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Dhatu Parayan" by Acharyashri Hemchandracharya, edited by Muni Munehandravijaya. The provided text is a scan of a book that meticulously details the Sanskrit roots (dhatus) used in grammar, specifically within the framework of Hemchandracharya's Siddha-Hem-Shabd-Anushasan.

Here's a breakdown of the summary based on the provided pages:

Overall Purpose and Context:

The book, "Dhatu Parayan," is a commentary or elaboration on the root words (dhatus) presented in Hemchandracharya's foundational grammar text, "Siddha-Hem-Shabd-Anushasan."
Its publication is a significant contribution to Jain literature and scholarship, aiming to make rare and ancient texts accessible through digitization (DVDs) and online downloads (www.ahoshrut.org).
The project is supported by various Jain sanghs and individuals dedicated to preserving and promoting Shrut-Gyan (knowledge gained through scriptures).

Key Content and Structure:

The scanned pages reveal a highly detailed and systematic grammatical treatise focused on Sanskrit verbs (dhatus). The structure appears to be:

Introduction and Acknowledgements (Pages 1-5, 11-17):
- Introduction of the book and its significance in the context of preserving ancient Jain scriptures.
- Acknowledgement of the inspiration and support from prominent Jain Acharyas like Shri Kalapurnasurishwarji, Shri Kalaprabhasurishwarji, and Shri Munechandrasuriji.
- Mention of the publisher: Shahibaug Girdharnagar Jain S M P Sangh.
- The catalog link provided (jainqq.org) suggests this is part of a larger digital library of Jain manuscripts.
- Page 2, 18-30 and subsequent pages list numerous other Jain texts that were digitized as part of the "Aho Shrut Gyanam Granth Jino-ddhar" project, indicating a broader mission of preservation. Page 10 specifically lists "Dhatu Parayan" as item #214.
The Dhatu Parayan Text Itself (Pages 44 onwards):
- Title: Dhatu Parayanam (धातु पारायणम्)
- Author: Acharya Hemchandracharya Virachitam (कलिकालसर्वज्ञ - आचार्य शिरोमणि श्रीमद् हेमचन्द्रसूरि भगवद् विरचितम्)
- Editor/Compiler: Muni Munichandra Vijaya (सम्पादकः - पूज्यपाद सङ्घस्थविर - आचार्यदेवेश श्रीमद् विजयभद्रसूरीश्वर शिष्यरत्न पूज्य मुनिराज श्री जिनचन्द्र विजयान्तेवासी मुनि मुनिचन्द्रविजयः)
- Publication Details: First published in 1979 (Veer Samvat 2505, Vikram Samvat 2035). The publisher is Shri Shahibaug Girdharnagar Jain Shvetambar M.S. Sangh, Ahmedabad.
- Content Focus: The core of the book is a detailed analysis of Sanskrit verb roots (dhatus). This analysis includes:
  - Classification of Roots: The text meticulously categorizes the Sanskrit roots based on grammatical classes (ganas), primarily the Bvadi-gana (भूवादिगणः) which contains the first 1028 roots. The text later moves into other ganas like Adadi-gana (अदादिगणः), and potentially others as indicated by the extensive lists in the preliminary pages.
  - Root Forms and Meanings: For each root, the text provides its grammatical form, its various meanings (e.g., 'भू' meaning 'to be,' 'to exist,' 'to occur'), and different semantic nuances based on context or prefix usage.
  - Derivational Analysis: It details the process of deriving words from these roots, including the application of grammatical rules (sutras), suffixes (pratyayas), and verbal forms (e.g., perasmaipadi, atmanepadi).
  - Discussions on Variations: The text acknowledges and discusses differences in opinion among various grammarians (e.g., Panini, Kashakritsna, Katyayana) regarding the root classification, meanings, and grammatical forms. It often cites "Eke" (some), "Anye" (others), or specific grammarians when presenting differing views.
  - Examples and Usage: Numerous examples from classical Sanskrit literature are used to illustrate the usage of the roots and their derived forms.
  - Cross-References: The text likely includes references to the sutras from the Siddha-Hem-Shabd-Anushasan that govern the verb forms and derivations.
  - Appendices (Parishisht): The text mentions the use of various manuscripts (talpatri, kagadpatri) and printed versions in its compilation. It also refers to detailed descriptions of these in the Sanskrit preface and possibly appendices that list the sources.
Grammatical Structure and Terminology:
- The text employs rigorous Jain and Sanskrit grammatical terminology.
- It adheres to the traditional classification of Sanskrit verbs into ten ganas, with a particular focus on the first gana, Bvadi-gana.
- It discusses the concept of "dhatu-patha" (list of roots) and its importance in grammar.
- It delves into the complexities of verb conjugations, including tense, mood, voice (active/passive), and the influence of prefixes (upasargas).
- The detailed analysis, especially on pages 45 onwards, lists hundreds of roots with their meanings and grammatical derivations, illustrating the depth of the work.
Key Concepts Mentioned:
- Shruta-Gyan (श्रुतज्ञानम्): Emphasized as the knowledge obtained through scriptures, highlighting the importance of preserving and accessing these texts.
- Moksha (मोक्ष): The ultimate goal in Jainism, often linked to the mastery of grammar for understanding scriptural teachings.
- Vyakaran Shastra (व्याकरण शास्त्र): The science of grammar, considered essential for understanding the nuances of Sanskrit and Prakrit languages used in Jain Agamas and commentaries.
- Dhatu Patha (धातुपाठ): The foundational list of Sanskrit verb roots.
- Siddha-Hem-Shabd-Anushasan (सिद्धहेम शब्दानुशासन): Hemchandracharya's comprehensive grammar work, which this book elaborates upon.
- Gana (गण): Grammatical classification of roots. The text mentions the Bvadi-gana (भूवादिगण) and the concept of ten ganas versus nine ganas.
- Parasmaipada (परस्मैपद): Active voice verbs.
- Atmanepada (आत्मनेपद): Middle voice verbs.
- Ubhaya-pada (उभयपद): Verbs that can take either voice.
- Kridanta (कृदन्त): Words derived from roots by applying krt suffixes.
- Unadi Sutras (उणादि सूत्र): Sutras dealing with specific word derivations.

Significance:

The "Dhatu Parayan" is a valuable resource for scholars, students of Jainism, linguists, and anyone interested in Sanskrit grammar and the rich literary heritage of Jainism.
The effort to digitize and make such texts available is crucial for the continuity of this knowledge.
The sheer detail and scholarly depth of Hemchandracharya's work, as presented and edited in this volume, underscore his status as a prolific and influential grammarian and philosopher.

In essence, the scanned pages provide a glimpse into a monumental work of Sanskrit grammatical scholarship, deeply rooted in Jain tradition, that meticulously analyzes and explains the fundamental building blocks of the Sanskrit language – the verb roots. The project's aim to digitize and disseminate these texts is a testament to the Jain community's commitment to knowledge preservation.