Dwashraya Kavya Na Ek Padyani Shankaspad Vrutti Paratve Vicharna

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text:

The text, titled "Dwashraya Kavya na Ek Padyani Shankaspad Vrutti Paratve Vicharna" (Consideration Regarding a Doubtful Commentary on a Verse from the Dwashraya Kavya) by Shilchandrasuri, from the publisher ZZ_Anusandhan, is a scholarly examination of a specific verse and its commentary within the renowned "Dwashraya Mahakavya."

The author, Shilchandrasuri, begins by acknowledging the "Dwashraya Mahakavya," a significant work by Shri Hemchandracharya. This epic poem details the lives of the Chawda and Solanki kings of Gujarat, with its language being explained and supported by Hemchandracharya's own grammar text, "Siddha-Hema-Shabd-Anushasan." The commentary on "Dwashraya" by Shri Abhayatilakagani is described as clear and helpful for understanding both the meaning of the verses and their grammatical structures. However, Shilchandrasuri notes that this commentary, while excellent, cannot be considered exhaustive, as further analysis from the perspectives of poetic elements and figures of speech is still needed. Nevertheless, Abhayatilakagani's commentary is currently the most valuable resource for unlocking the meaning of "Dwashraya."

The text then focuses on the first canto of "Dwashraya," which describes the city of Anhilpur-Patan. This description, spanning from the fourth to the 130th verse, is highlighted as particularly engaging and imaginative. The commentator (Abhayatilakagani) has made a commendable effort to capture this richness.

The core of Shilchandrasuri's critique lies with the commentary on verse number 58. The verse is presented as:

"न यथा कोऽपि संस्कर्ता संचस्कार यथा न च । अरोचकी गुणेष्वा संस्कर्तुं यत ते तथा ।।" (Verse 58)

The commentary by Abhayatilakagani on this verse is translated and summarized by Shilchandrasuri as follows: "In this city, there is no relish for grains [of food], perhaps due to a lack of hunger. 'Arochaka' (meaning lacking relish) here refers to a state of not being hungry, or it could be derived from the grammatical rule (of Panini) stating that 'Arochaka' implies absence of hunger. The people here, due to this lack of hunger, used 'samskara' (seasoning/improvement) like Hing (asafoetida) and Kapoor (camphor) in virtues (dish-like preparations), to such an extent that no one before had ever done so, nor would anyone in the future."

Shilchandrasuri strongly disagrees with this interpretation, deeming it "extremely rustic, absurd, and something that would bring disrepute to the city rather than praise." He questions how the commentator arrived at such a meaning.

Shilchandrasuri proposes that verse 58 should be considered a "highly refined piece of suggestive poetry (dhvani-kavya)." He suggests that the word 'gana' should be interpreted as "virtues" or "good qualities" rather than "groups" of people or things. Furthermore, he argues that 'arochaka' should not be understood as the "Arochaka" disease mentioned in Ayurveda, but rather as someone who "lacks interest or relish in virtues."

With this reinterpretation, Shilchandrasuri argues that the verse conveys a powerful positive message:

"The people of this city were so virtuous that even those who were 'arochaki' (disinterested or lacking in virtues, i.e., wicked or ordinary people) would, upon seeing these virtuous individuals, strive to develop such virtues within themselves to an extent that no one before had ever done, nor would anyone in the future."

If this meaning is accepted as true, Shilchandrasuri suggests the commentary should be revised as follows:

Revised Commentary (as proposed by Shilchandrasuri): "Here [in this city], regarding the acquisition of virtues/good qualities ('ganeshu' - towards the virtues), the 'arochaki' - those who are disinterested in virtues, i.e., wicked or ordinary people ('nirguno va janah') – even such ordinary people, to instill virtues ('samskaram adhatum') within themselves ('nijatmani'), strive ('yatate') in such a way ('tena prakarena'), with such haste and intensity of feeling ('tvaraya tatkyena tivrabhavadina va'), that no one in the past ('purva') had ever done so, nor will anyone in the future ('bhavishyatile') ever make such an effort."

In essence, Shilchandrasuri's essay is a critical analysis that aims to correct a perceived misinterpretation of a significant verse in the "Dwashraya Mahakavya," advocating for a more profound and positive meaning that elevates the city and its people, rather than attributing to them an absurd practice.