Gandharwad Kavyam

This Jain text, titled "Gandharwad Kavyam" by Sushilsuri and published by Sushilsuri Jain Gyanmandiram, is a Sanskrit poetic work that delves into the lives and teachings of the eleven principal disciples (Gandharas) of Lord Mahavir Swami. The book is part of the "Shri Nemi-Lavanya-Daksha-Sushil Granth Ratna Mala."

Here's a breakdown of the content based on the provided pages:

Core Subject Matter:

• The Gandharas: The central theme is the conversion and subsequent roles of Lord Mahavir's eleven chief disciples, who were prominent Brahmin scholars before their renunciation.
• Lord Mahavir's Teachings: The book elaborates on how Lord Mahavir addressed the philosophical doubts and confusions of these scholars, resolving them through his profound wisdom and divine speech.
• The Ganadharas' Conversion: The text details the process by which these eleven scholars, initially filled with intellectual pride and skepticism, were convinced of Lord Mahavir's omniscience and the truth of his teachings, leading to their acceptance of Jainism.
• Key Philosophical Concepts: The book touches upon important Jain philosophical themes such as the soul (Atman), karma, merit (punya) and demerit (papa), heaven, hell, and liberation (moksha).
• Sanskrit Poetry: The primary content is in the form of Sanskrit verses, making it a poetic exploration of these events and concepts.

Structure and Content Overview (as indicated by the page sections):

• Title and Author: The book is clearly identified as "Sri Gandharwad Kavyam" authored by Pujyacharya Shrimad Vijay Sushil Suri.
• Table of Contents (Page 2): Indicates the structure includes:
  1. "Shri Gandharwad Kavyam" (verses 1-136)
  2. "Shri Gandharwad" (Sanskrit prose 1-56)
  3. "Shri Gandharwad" (Hindi prose 1-146)
  4. "Anupam Shasan-Prabhavana" (Influence on the Faith, pages 147-206) - This likely details the spread and impact of Jainism.
• Invocation/Praise (Page 3): Begins with a devotional invocation to Lord Gautam Swami (Indrabhuti), the chief of the Gandharas, praising his omniscience and spiritual powers.
• Dedication (Page 8): The "Shri Gandharwad Kavyam" is dedicated to Param Pujya Shrimad Indrabhuti Gautamswami Maharaja in commemoration of his 2500th Nirvana anniversary.
• Description of Gautam Swami's Life (Page 9): Highlights the miraculous and extraordinary nature of Gautam Swami's life, mentioning how his ego, attachment, and sorrow all contributed to his spiritual growth and knowledge.
• Introduction/Foreword (Page 10-14):
  • Introduces the author, Acharya Shrimad Vijay Sushil Suri, as a prominent Jain scholar and poet who has enriched Jain literature in Hindi.
  • Explains the "Gandharwad" as a famous narrative within Jain literature, with various scholarly commentaries.
  • Narrates the context of the story: Lord Mahavir arrives in Apapapuri, where the wealthy Brahmin Somil invites eleven learned Vedic scholars, including Indrabhuti Gautam. Upon seeing Lord Mahavir's assembly, they decide to debate and defeat him. They enter his assembly, filled with pride, but are astonished when Lord Mahavir addresses them by name and reveals their inner doubts. Lord Mahavir resolves their doubts, explaining they arose from misunderstanding the true meaning of the Vedas. Their pride diminishes, and they become devoted disciples. These eleven Gandharas became knowers of the Dvadasanga and Chaturdasha Purva scriptures.
  • Highlights the author's psychological approach in presenting this narrative.
  • Mentions the philosophical subjects covered in a simple and eloquent manner.
  • Details the book's structure: Sanskrit verses, Sanskrit prose translation, and Hindi commentary, comparing these three sections to the confluence of sacred rivers.
  • States the purpose of the "Kavyam" is to foster universal love, well-being, humanity, and the triumph of virtues like forgiveness over anger, contentment over greed, and humility over ego.
  • Presents a sample of the Sanskrit verse and praises the author's ability to convey profound meaning in few words, akin to Milton.
  • Notes the author's prolific writing in Hindi for the benefit of the masses, despite being Gujarati-speaking.
  • Includes a sample Hindi passage about Gautam Swami's life.
  • Appreciates the author's ability to present complex philosophical subjects in an engaging style.
  • Describes the author's inner strength and spiritual essence, reflected in his literary works.
  • Emphasizes the inclusion of praises for the eleven Gandharas and devotional hymns, enriching the "Kavyam" with devotional fervor.
  • Concludes by wishing the author's pen continues to illuminate the world with literary works for universal welfare.
• Praise for the Lineage (Pages 18-25): Several pages are dedicated to praising the gurus in the lineage leading to the author: Shrimad Vijay Nemisurishwarji, Shrimad Vijay Lavanyasurishwarji, Shrimad Vijay Dakshsurishwarji, and finally Shrimad Vijay Sushilsurishwarji himself. Other influential disciples and supporters are also acknowledged.
• Appreciation and Endorsements (Pages 15-17): These pages likely contain endorsements or appreciations from scholars like Pt. Shrilal Shastri M.A., highlighting the book's value for scholars and seekers of self-knowledge.
• Table of Contents for the Sanskrit Prose (Page 35): Lists the chapters dedicated to each of the eleven Gandharas, their names, and the specific doubt they held.
• Table of Contents for the Hindi Prose (Page 35): Similarly lists the chapters covering the Gandharas in Hindi.
• Devotional Stanzas (Pages 39-41): Contains prayers and eulogies to the Tirthankaras and the Gandharas.
• Detailed Descriptions of Each Gandhara (Pages 41-85): The bulk of the work is dedicated to poetic descriptions of each of the eleven Gandharas, detailing their conversion narrative and resolving their specific doubts based on Vedic interpretations. Each section appears to follow a similar pattern:
  • Introduction of the Gandhara and their initial doubt.
  • Lord Mahavir's response, often quoting or reinterpreting Vedic verses.
  • The Gandhara's eventual realization and acceptance of Jainism.
  • Their subsequent initiation and role as a disciple.
• Gautam Swami's Special Stanzas (Pages 171-172): Includes hymns dedicated to Gautam Swami, his mantra, and a stanza praising his virtues and influence.
• Praise for the Lineage of Gurus (Pages 173-174): A hymn dedicated to Acharya Shrimad Vijay Nemisurishwarji, highlighting his contributions and the lineage.
• Concluding Sections (Pages 86-96): Includes concluding remarks, a list of patrons and supporters, and a brief overview of the "Anupam Shasan-Prabhavana."

Key Contributions of the Book:

• Poetic Presentation: It offers a classical Sanskrit poetic rendition of the significant event of the conversion of the eleven chief disciples, making it accessible and engaging for those who appreciate poetry.
• Resolution of Doubts: It addresses fundamental philosophical doubts prevalent in the Vedic era and shows how Jainism, through Lord Mahavir, provided clarity and resolution.
• Author's Legacy: It showcases the literary prowess and devotional depth of Acharya Shrimad Vijay Sushil Suri, who has compiled and presented this ancient narrative in a structured and beautiful manner.
• Comprehensive Coverage: The inclusion of Sanskrit verses, prose translations, and Hindi explanations makes the work valuable for both scholars and general readers interested in Jain philosophy and history.