Gandhar Sarddhashatakam - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Gandhar Sarddhashatakam" by Acharya Shri Jinduttasuri, based on the provided pages.

Book Title: Gandhar Sarddhashatakam (A Hundred and Fifty Verses on the Gandharas) Author: Acharya Shri Jinduttasuri (a disciple of Acharya Shri Jinavallabhsuri, who was the disciple of the commentator of the Nava-angi, Abhayadev Suri) Publisher: Shri Jinduttasuri Gyanbhandar, Surat Edition Year: 1944 (Vikram Samvat 2001)

Introduction and Context:

The provided pages offer an introduction to the "Gandhar Sarddhashatakam" and extensively discuss the significance of Jain literature in general.

The Importance of Literature: The introduction emphasizes the vital role of literature in shaping a nation's identity, fostering enthusiasm, guiding future generations, and preserving the glory of ancestors. It states that the purity, wisdom, and maturity of a nation's literature directly contribute to its ethical strength, capability, and progress.
Jain Literature's Contribution: Jain literature is highlighted as a vast and profound body of work that has touched upon every conceivable subject. It encompasses grammar, lexicography, poetry, rhetoric, drama, prose, philosophy, history, science, architecture, veterinary science, Ayurveda, astrology, and storytelling. The study of Jain literature is deemed essential for understanding the evolution of Indian linguistics and languages like Prakrit, Apabhramsha, Rajasthani, Gujarati, Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, as these texts provide invaluable social, religious, political, and cultural insights into their respective periods.
Accessibility and Impact: Unlike literature primarily written in scholarly languages, Jain literature's significant contribution to vernacular languages made its principles accessible to the masses, mirroring the approach of Bhagwan Mahavir himself. Jain scholars also made efforts to critique and make the literature of other traditions accessible, demonstrating their broad-mindedness.
Historical Significance: The text underscores that much of Jain literature remains unpublished and its publication is crucial for safeguarding Indian culture and heritage. It suggests that the removal of Jain literature from Sanskrit, Apabhramsha, and Prakrit would leave a significant void in Indian literature. European scholars have been captivated by Jain literature, with many earning advanced degrees for their studies on specific aspects of it.
Resolving Historical and Scientific Puzzles: The text provides a compelling example of how Jain literature, specifically the "Suryaprajnapti" and "Jyotishkarandak Kalokprakash," helped solve the complexities of the ancient Vedanga Jyotish text, a feat that eluded prominent scholars like Dr. Thibaut, Sudhakar Dwivedi, Lokamanya Tilak, and R. Shamasastry. This demonstrates the multifaceted importance of Jain literature beyond mere religious doctrine, extending to philosophical, historical, and practical applications.

About the "Gandhar Sarddhashatakam":

Content: The "Gandhar Sarddhashatakam" is described as a work of "Charitanuvad" (biographical narrative) within Jain literature. It provides a commendatory account of the lives of the revered Gandharas (principal disciples of Tirthankaras), Sadhus, Sadhvis, Shravakas, Shravikas, Acharyas, and influential figures like kings and ministers who adorned and promoted the Jain tradition. These biographical accounts shed new light on Indian history and resolve historical complexities.
Structure: While the text mentions that the presented work "Gandhar Sarddhashatakam" primarily offers a remembrance of various Acharyas, with detailed accounts of only a few, it is considered a pioneering effort of its kind. It is composed of 150 Prakrit verses (Gathas) that concisely summarize Jain history.
Author's Inspiration: The inspiration for this work by Acharya Jinduttasuri is speculated to have come from the "Mahapurush Charitra" composed by Chaityavasi Shilanka Acharya, which also covered the lives of many prominent figures.
Historical Value: The "Gandhar Sarddhashatakam" is considered historically significant for its compact compilation of Jain history in 150 Prakrit Gathas, showcasing Jinduttasuri's passion for history. However, the text notes that the historical significance could have been further enhanced if each Acharya's life had been presented with a more detailed and structured biographical sketch.
Title Meaning: The title "Gandhar Sarddhashatakam" is derived from "Gandhar," referring to the chief disciples who "hold the Gaṇa (community)," and "Sarddhashatakam," signifying a collection of one hundred and fifty verses. The title is considered fitting for the content that eulogistically describes these individuals.
Purpose: The primary objective behind composing this work appears to be the expression of gratitude and remembrance towards the ancestors, Gandharas, and benevolent Acharyas, thereby preserving their eternal fame for the contemporary society and bringing them joy.

Commentaries (Vritti):

The text details several commentaries on the "Gandhar Sarddhashatakam," highlighting its importance and utility:

Brihad Vritti (Great Commentary):
- Author: Shri Sumati Gani, a learned and talented disciple of Acharya Shri Jinapatisuri.
- Completion: Started in Vikram Samvat 1295 at Stambhatirtha and completed in Mandap Durga (Mandavgad).
- Description: This is the oldest and largest commentary, comprising approximately 12,000 verses. It was composed during a period of extensive travel and amidst a lack of readily available literary resources, showcasing Sumati Gani's versatile genius. The commentary provides a beautiful and detailed exposition of the 150 verses, sometimes introducing new insights. Written in Sanskrit prose, it is considered an excellent example of Sanskrit prose, reminiscent of Kadambari and Gadya Chintamani. It is rich in alliteration, ornaments, and draws upon the works of literary scholars like Rudrat, Mammata, and Amarasimha. It also references grammatical scholars and the likely lost lexicon "Shabdaratna Pradeep." Historically, it offers extensive material on the history of Gujarat, with a detailed and entertaining description of Anhilpur Patan.
- Publisher's Note: The publication of this important Vritti was made possible through the efforts of Muni Sukhsagarji, who prepared the press copy from 8-10 ancient manuscripts.
Laghu Vritti (Short Commentary):
- Author: A disciple of Shri Jineshwara Suri (disciple of Shri Jinapati Acharya Suri).
- Purpose: This is a concise version of the Brihad Vritti, created at the request of Prabhuddha Samruddhi Ganini.
- Revision: Edited by Pandit Padmakirti Gani.
- Significance: It is a simplified form of the Brihad Vritti, ensuring the knowledge of ancestral figures for Kharatar Gachchha monks who might not be able to study the larger commentary.
Present Vritti (Padmamanidra Gani's Commentary):
- Author: Muni Shri Padmamanidra, disciple of Acharya Shri Devatilaka Upadhyaya.
- Completion: Vikram Samvat 1676, Paush Shukla 7.
- Significance: This commentary was previously unknown and is dedicated to literature enthusiasts. It is a concise summary of the Brihad Vritti, compressing a 12,000-verse work into 2369 verses while maintaining its flow. The author's unique talent is evident in this challenging task. It contains numerous historical details and a collection of verses from poets whose works are otherwise lost to time. The commentary mentions a poet named "Mokshraja," whose historical details are currently unavailable.
- Publication: This publication is a result of the discovery and diligent work of Muni Sukh Sagarji Maharaj, who compiled and cross-referenced it with other manuscripts.

Biographical Details of Prominent Acharyas (as mentioned in the introduction):

The introduction provides brief historical and biographical details of various significant Acharyas and figures in Jain history, starting from Tirthankaras and Gandharas up to the authors of the commentaries. Key figures discussed include:

Tirthankaras and Gandharas: Mention of the 24 Tirthankaras, specifically Rishabhanatha and Bhagwan Mahavir. Gautam Swami, Sudharma Swami, Jambu Swami, Prabhava Swami, Shayyambhav Suri, Yashobhadra Suri, Sambhutivijaya, Bhadrabahu Swami, Sthulibhadra, Aryamaha-giri, Aryasuhasti, Aryamangu, Aryasudharma, Bhadra-gupta, Vajraswami, Aryarakshita, Umaswati Wachak, Haribhadra Suri, Shilanka Acharya, Devacharya, Sumati Gani, Nemichandra Suri, Udyotana Suri, Vardhamana Suri, Jineshwara Suri, Buddhisagara Suri, Jinabhadra, Abhayadeva Suri, Devabhadra Acharya, Jinavallabha Suri, and Jindatta Suri.
Historical Context: The lives and contributions of these Acharyas are placed within their historical contexts, including interactions with rulers, participation in philosophical debates, and the spread of Jainism.
Key Themes: The narratives highlight the importance of renunciation, austerity, spiritual knowledge, ethical conduct, and the propagation of Jain principles. The struggles against opposing viewpoints and the eventual triumph of truth are recurring themes.
"Khartara" Title: A significant portion discusses the origin and significance of the title "Khartara," acquired by Jineshwara Suri through a philosophical debate, and the subsequent establishment of the Kharatara Gachchha. The text also addresses the historical evidence and debate surrounding the early usage of this term.

The "Gandhar Sarddhashatakam" itself, therefore, serves as a valuable historical and literary document, preserving the lineage and contributions of key figures in Jainism, explained through scholarly commentaries.