Digvijaya Mahakavya - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Digvijaya Mahakavya" by Meghvijay, Ambalal P Shah, published by Singhi Jain Shastra Shiksha Pith Mumbai, based on the provided pages:

Overall Presentation and Context:

The text is a scholarly edition of the Digvijaya Mahakavya, a significant work of Jain literature. The publication is part of the esteemed "Singhi Jain Granthamala" series, dedicated to preserving and disseminating Jain scriptures, philosophy, literature, history, science, and narratives in various Prakrit, Sanskrit, Apabhramsha, and ancient Gujarati Rajasthani languages. The series was established by the philanthropic Singhi family in memory of the late Dalchand Ji Singhi. The current edition is meticulously edited by Pandit Ambalal Premchand Shah.

Author and Work:

Author: Mahopadhyay Meghvijay Ganivarachita (composed by Mahopadhyay Meghvijay Ganivarachita). Meghvijay Ganivarachita is described as a prolific and learned Jain scholar of his time, excelling in grammar, poetry, astrology, and spiritual philosophy. His compositions are considered exemplary in the Jain tradition, with his works spanning across various subjects, making him possibly the last such versatile Jain author of note.
Work: Digvijaya Mahakavya (The Great Epic of Digvijaya). This epic poem is a biographical account focusing on the life and conquests (in a spiritual and cultural sense) of Acharya Vijayprabh Suri, the successor of Acharya Vijaydev Suri. The work is noted for its elaborate descriptions, use of complex poetic devices, and detailed accounts of places and events. It is considered a substantial contribution to Jain literature, especially in the genre of biographical epics.

Key Figures and Family Legacy (Singhi Jain Granthamala):

Dalchand Ji Singhi: The esteemed founder of the Singhi Jain Granthamala. He was a highly successful businessman from Bengal who rose from humble beginnings to become a multi-millionaire through his industriousness. He was known for his generosity, integrity, and deep faith, often performing charitable acts secretly. He passed away in 1944 at the age of 59.
Bhadur Singh Ji Singhi: The son of Dalchand Ji Singhi. He was instrumental in establishing the Granthamala and actively supported its mission, dedicating a significant part of his life to its development and publication. He had a profound interest in Jain literature and sought to expand its reach. He passed away in July 1944, just before the publication of this volume.
Rajendra Singh Ji Singhi and Narendra Singh Ji Singhi: The other sons of Dalchand Ji Singhi, who continue to support and manage the Granthamala, upholding their father's legacy.

Content and Structure of the Digvijaya Mahakavya:

The Digvijaya Mahakavya is a substantial work divided into eighteen sections (Sargas). The provided text details the first ten Sargas:

Sarga 1: Jambu-dvipa Varnano (Description of Jambu-dvipa): This introductory section likely sets the cosmic stage, describing the central continent of Jambu-dvipa, a foundational concept in Jain cosmology, likely detailing its geography, celestial beings, and mythical elements. The Sarga begins with invocations and descriptions of various Tirthankaras.
Sarga 2: Sri Bharata Varnano (Description of Sri Bharata): This section focuses on Bharata Kshetra, the earthly realm where the Tirthankaras manifest. It likely elaborates on the geography, kingdoms, and significant events within this region, possibly introducing the lineage or context for the main protagonist.
Sarga 3: Sri Virasya Bhagavatō Digvijaya Varnano (Description of the Digvijaya of Lord Mahavir): This Sarga shifts focus to the spiritual and physical journeys of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara, and the founder of the current Jain spiritual lineage. It details his teachings, conquests over worldly passions (Digvijaya in a spiritual sense), and the establishment of the Jain order.
Sarga 4: Kathānāyakaguroḥ Digvijaya Varnano (Description of the Digvijaya of the Hero's Guru): This section delves into the life and spiritual achievements of the guru of the epic's hero. The hero's guru is identified as Acharya Vijaydev Suri, and the Sarga likely describes his spiritual conquests and influence.
Sarga 5: Kathānāyakasya Uttarāśā Vijayavarnano (Description of the Hero's Victory in the Northern Direction): This Sarga likely details the hero's (Acharya Vijayprabh Suri's) spiritual journeys and influence in the northern regions, highlighting his achievements and the spread of Jain teachings.
Sarga 6: Kathānāyakasya Īśāna Digvijaya Varnano (Description of the Hero's Victory in the Ishana Direction): This Sarga continues the narrative of the hero's spiritual travels, focusing on his activities and influence in the northeastern (Ishana) direction.
Sarga 7: Paścimadigvijayo Nāma Saptamaḥ Sargah (The Digvijaya in the Western Direction): This section recounts the hero's spiritual conquests and influence in the western regions, likely including descriptions of important Jain sites and encounters.
Sarga 8: Sri Shivapurīsthita Śadveśvara Pārśva Varnano Nāma Aṣṭamaḥ Sargah (Description of Lord Parshva at Shivapuri): This Sarga shifts focus to a specific important location, Shivapuri, and the veneration of Lord Parshvanath there. It might highlight the spiritual significance of the place and the rituals or events associated with it.
Sarga 9: Prasthāna Varnano Nāma Navamaḥ Sargah (Description of the Departure): This Sarga likely describes the hero's departure from a significant place or the commencement of a major journey, possibly marking a new phase in his spiritual mission.
Sarga 10: Nagara Varnano Nāma Daśamaḥ Sargah (Description of Cities): This section provides detailed descriptions of various cities encountered during the hero's travels, likely highlighting their architectural beauty, cultural significance, and Jain temples or communities within them.

Editorial and Scholarly Aspects:

Editor: Pandit Ambalal Premchand Shah (Nyaya-Vyakaran Tirth). The editor's contribution is significant, involving meticulous research, collation of manuscripts (from Agra's Vijaydharma-Lakshmi-Gyanmandir and Pune's Bhandarkar Institute), and providing critical notes on difficult words and verses. The editor also attributes the detailed commentary on the original Sanskrit text to Mahopadhyay Meghvijay himself, further enhancing the value of the edition.
Additional Content: The volume includes introductory essays (Prastavika and Prastavana) by the chief editor Muni Jin Vijay, detailing the Singhi Jain Granthamala's history, the life of Bahadur Singh Ji Singhi, and the significance of Meghvijay Ganivarachita's works. A valuable appendix (Parishisht) is included, containing the lineage (Pattavali) of the Kharatara Gachha's Acharyas from Hirvijay Suri to Vijayprabh Suri, along with biographical details.

Overall Significance:

The Digvijaya Mahakavya, as presented in this edition, is a rich repository of Jain history, philosophy, and poetic artistry. It sheds light on the lives and spiritual achievements of prominent Jain Acharyas and contributes to the understanding of Jain cultural geography and religious practices. The meticulous work of the editor and the philanthropic backing of the Singhi family ensure the preservation and accessibility of this important text for future generations.