Gadya Chintamani

This document is the title page and preface of "Gadya Chintamani" by Vadibhasimha, edited by T. S. Kuppuswami Sastri and S. Subhramhanya Sastri, published in Madras in 1902.

Here's a breakdown of the key information:

• Book Title: Gadya Chintamani
• Author: Vadibhasimha
• Editors: T. S. Kuppuswami Sastri and S. Subhramhanya Sastri
• Publisher: G. A. Natesan & Co., Madras
• Year of Publication: 1902
• Series: Sarasvativilasa Series No. 1
• Copyright: Registered, All Rights Reserved

Dedication:

The book is dedicated to Eugen Hultzsch, Esquire, Ph. D., Government Epigraphist, Fellow of the University of Madras, Corresponding Member of the Batavia Society of Arts and Sciences, and of the Royal Society of Sciences at Göttingen. The editors express their high regard and esteem for his "indefatigable researches in the field of Sanskrit literature."

Content of the Preface (from the provided pages):

The preface discusses the author, Vadibhasimha, his other known work "Kshatra Chudamani," and attempts to determine his approximate time period. Key points include:

• Author Identification: Vadibhasimha is identified as a Digambara Jain ascetic, a disciple of Muni Pushpasena. His secular name is believed to be Odayadeva.
• Dating: The editors try to establish Vadibhasimha's period by comparing his literary style and content with other known authors like Harichandra and Kalidasa. They suggest he lived after Bana Bhatta and possibly after Harsha, likely around or after 650 AD. They also discuss a connection to King Bhoja, suggesting Vadibhasimha might have lived after Bhoja (997-1053 AD).
• Literary Style: Vadibhasimha's prose style is compared to that of Bana Bhatta, noting similarities in sentence structure, expression, and descriptions. The preface highlights certain stylistic features and potential "flaws" in his prose, such as excessive use of compound words and long adjectives, making the meaning sometimes difficult to grasp.
• List of Notable Prose Writers: The preface provides a list of prominent prose writers in Sanskrit literature, including Subandhu (Vasavadatta), Bana Bhatta (Kadambari, Harshacharita), Dandin (Dashakumaracharita), Vadibhasimha (Gadya Chintamani), Dhanapala (Tilakamanjari), Agastya (Krishncharita), Vamana Bhatta Bana (Viranarayana Charita), and an unknown author (Shuka Saptati).
• Significance of the Publication: The editors express their enthusiasm for publishing the "Gadya Chintamani" as it was not previously published and holds significant literary and religious value.
• The text itself begins with prayers and blessings, invoking Jinendra, Sarasvati, and Muni Pushpasena. It then introduces King Shrenika and Gandharva, discussing a philosophical query about the nature of ascetics.

In essence, this document is the foundational material for the first printed edition of Vadibhasimha's "Gadya Chintamani," offering scholarly context and appreciation for the work and its author.