Ek Vignapti Patra - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ek Vignapti patra" by Ratnakirtivijay, based on the provided pages:

Overview of the Text:

"Ek Vignapti patra" (A Letter of Intimation/Declaration) is a poetic composition of 48 verses, written by Muni Vinayavardhan and dedicated to his guru, Acharya Shri Vijaysinghsuri Maharaj. The text is a "vignapti," which is a formal letter or petition, likely submitted to the Acharya. The manuscript was received in its original form. The verses are structured in a unique "vardhamanakshara" style, where each verse (or a pair of verses) is written with an increasing number of letters, starting with one, then two, then three, and so on, per stanza, creating a poetic and intricate composition. The author, Muni Vinayavardhan, demonstrates significant knowledge of Sanskrit literature and poetic ornaments.

Context and Content:

Recipient and Author: The letter is written by Muni Vinayavardhan to his Guru, Acharya Shri Vijaysinghsuri Maharaj.
Guru's Location: The Acharya is currently residing in Medta, while Muni Vinayavardhan is observing Chaturmas (a four-month period of religious retreat and study) in Tharadh.
Subject Matter: The "vignapti" describes various aspects:
- Description of Sacred Places: It includes descriptions of Jin (Tirthankara) temples, idols, and the city itself.
- Personal Devotion and Activities: The author details his own spiritual practices, including his Swadhyaya (self-study) during the Chaturmas.
- Observance of Festivals: It mentions the observances and spiritual activities during the Paryushana festival.
Poetic Style and Structure:
- Vardhamanākṣara: The most distinctive feature is the "vardhamanākṣara" style, where the number of syllables or letters increases sequentially in each verse or stanza.
- Verse Count: The total number of verses is 48, with 38 in the first part and the remaining 10 in the latter part.
- Repetition of Letters: Approximately every letter appears in two verses.
- Poetic Merit: The composition is described as highly poetic and a testament to the author's expertise in Sanskrit literature and prosody.
Manuscript Condition and Editorial Notes:
- Incompleteness: Verse 43 has a gap of approximately 4 letters, and there are other minor inaccuracies, suggesting that the manuscript is a copy of the original.
- Synonyms: For clarity of meaning, synonyms for many words are provided in the annotations (tippan).
- Prosody Research: An attempt has been made to match the verses to specific meter names found in prosody texts. However, the meters for verses 12, 13, 14, 17, 29, 36, 43, 44, and 46 could not be identified. A directive from Pujya Shri Shilchandra Maharaj suggests that the meter names should be within the verses themselves, leading the editor to believe that the missing meters are likely present in those verses.
Date of Composition: The manuscript mentions "Samvat 1701" (1701 Vikram Samvat), indicating the date of writing. It's also suggested that the original "vignapti" might have been written earlier.

Detailed Breakdown of Verses (as indicated by numbering and annotations):

The provided text includes verses numbered from 1 to 48, with some internal referencing of meters.

Verse 1: Starts with auspicious greetings ("Swasti Shri...") to the great divine beings, the Naabheya (Jinas born in the Nabhi dynasty), and those worthy of contemplation.
Verses 2-11: Introduce the "Vardhamanākṣara" style, with verses progressing from single letters/syllables to more complex constructions, often within specific meter types like 'Yamaka' or 'Kāminīpragītakīrtana'.
Verses 12-30: These verses describe the city of Medta, likely where the Acharya is residing. They paint a picture of the city, its temples, idols, and the virtues of its inhabitants. Specific descriptions include:
- Medta: Mentioned as a prominent city (Page 4, Verse 28).
- Marudev: A reference to Marudev, likely a significant figure associated with the city or a temple.
- City Features: Descriptions of temples, idols, and the general prosperity and spiritual atmosphere of the city.
- Various Metrical Forms: Many verses are followed by the names of specific Sanskrit meters (e.g., Shrivrittam, Narivrattam, Kanyavrattam, Panktivrattam, Shivaradnavrittam, Yashah, Sajya, Bandhavyah, Granth, Mati, Chitrapadavrattam, Pramānikavrattam, Chandrika, Bhadrikavrattam, Manoramavrattam, Kayā, Pratimā, Rukmavati Vrattam, Shubha, Grha, Vruttāvrattam, Bharata, Svarga, Anukulavrattam, Hatta, Vikraya, Shobhanavikreyā, Vanik, Purnāh, Mālatīvrattam, Dāna, Ujjvalāvrattam, Ruchirāvrattam, Chandrikakr̥ttam, Apārajitā vrittam, Parvat, Meruh, Panchachāmaravrattam, Hastī, Narābhyōhitam, Strībhyōhitam, Strī, Br̥hat, Mālā, Srāgdhārāvrattam, Janma, Patram, Pūjya, Bhadraka vrattam, Nara, Api Nischayārthē, Br̥hat, Samagra, Nābhah, Vīra, Mukha, Mārga, Chāritra, Padya, Gr̥ha, Jagati, Kalpavrkṣah, Shreṣṭha, Kraun̄chapadā vrittam).
Verses 31-32: These verses seem to focus on the devotees and their practices, mentioning specific devotee names (Jāvad-Bhāvad) and the adherence to Jain principles.
Verses 33-36: These verses describe acts of devotion, respect, and penance.
- Verse 33: Depicts a devotee paying respects to the Guru.
- Verse 34: Mentions the continuation of devotional practices in the presence of the Sun.
- Verse 35: Highlights the study of important Jain texts like Uttaradhyayana, Kalpasutra, and Pancastavaka, and the dissemination of spiritual knowledge.
- Verse 36: Details the auspicious observance of the Paryushana festival, including fasting, reading the Kalpasutra, giving alms, and serving ascetics, attributing these good deeds to the grace of the lineage.
Verse 37: Praises the Acharya, Shri Vijaysinghsuri, calling him the crest-jewel of the lineage and a source of bliss for the world.
Verses 38-41: These verses seem to be praising the Acharya's greatness and achievements, possibly through metaphors and allegorical descriptions of conquering foes or spreading his influence.
Verses 42-45: Further eulogize the Acharya, highlighting his virtues, spiritual prowess, and the respect he commands.
- Verse 42: Addresses the Acharya as "Nayaka," a leader, and a gem of the lineage, acknowledging his virtues and accomplishments.
- Verse 43: Praises the Acharya's pure and glorious form.
- Verse 44: Describes the Acharya's profound knowledge and wisdom.
- Verse 45: Mentions bowing down to the Acharya's feet and the presence of significant religious sites.
Verse 46: Compares the Acharya, Shri Vijaysinghsuri, to Gautama Swami (the chief disciple of Lord Mahavir), highlighting his role as a spiritual leader and purifier.
Verse 47: The author expresses his humble submission and asks for the Guru's forgiveness for any shortcomings in his composition, acknowledging that his work is dependent on the grace of his spiritual predecessors.
Verse 48: The author humbly requests that any flaws or errors in his poetry, its meaning, or its meter be forgiven and borne by the respected elders. He states that this letter was written with sincerity.

In essence, "Ek Vignapti patra" is a devotional and commendatory letter from a disciple to his Guru, expressing profound respect and admiration. It also serves as a detailed account of the disciple's spiritual activities during a Chaturmas and praises the spiritual lineage and the excellence of Jain practices. The unique "vardhamanākṣara" style makes it a remarkable piece of Jain literature, showcasing the author's scholarly abilities.