Haim Saraswat Satra - Book Summary

The book "Shri Haim Saraswat Satra" (also referred to as "Haim Saraswat Satra") is a compilation of reports and essays from a special conference of the Gujarati Sahitya Parishad (Gujarati Literary Society) held in Patan in April 1939. The conference was dedicated to the memory and works of Acharya Hemchandracharya, a prominent Jain scholar and linguist.

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Title: Shri Haim Saraswat Satra (Report and Essay Collection)

Organizing Body: Gujarati Sahitya Parishad (Gujarati Literary Society)

Special Conference: Shri Haim Saraswat Satra

Location: Patan

Date: April 7-9, 1939 (Samvat 1995, Chaitra Maas)

Publisher (Original): Gujarati Sahitya Parishad

Publisher (Reprint): Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mumbai

Key Figures:

Acharya Hemchandracharya: The central figure of the conference, revered as "Kalikal Sarvagnya" (The Omniscient of the Kali Age). His contributions to Gujarati language, literature, history, and Jainism were the focus.
Shri Kanhaiyalal Maneklal Munshi: President of the Gujarati Sahitya Parishad and President of the "Shri Haim Saraswat Satra." He was instrumental in conceiving and organizing this special conference. His prolific writings about Gujarat's history and literature, including novels like "Patan ni Prabhuta," "Gujarat no Nath," and "Rajaadhiraj," were inspired by figures like Hemchandracharya.
Seth Hemchand Mohanlal Zaveri: The benefactor who funded the construction of the "Shri Hemchandracharya Gyan Mandir" (Hemchandracharya Knowledge Temple) in Patan, which was inaugurated during the conference.
Other prominent scholars and dignitaries: Numerous leading literary figures, Jain scholars, and state representatives from Baroda were in attendance, contributing their expertise through lectures and essays.

Purpose and Context: The idea for the "Shri Haim Saraswat Satra" originated in the 13th Gujarati Sahitya Parishad conference held in Karachi in 1937. Kanhaiyalal Munshi proposed this special session in Patan to keep the memory of Acharya Hemchandracharya alive and to celebrate his profound influence on Gujarat's identity. The conference aimed to:

Rejuvenate the legacy of Hemchandracharya, recognizing him as a pivotal figure in Gujarat's intellectual and cultural history.
Highlight his contributions to Gujarati language, literature, and his role in shaping Gujarat's identity.
Provide a platform for scholars to delve into his life, works, and influence.
Coincide with the inauguration of the newly constructed Hemchandracharya Gyan Mandir in Patan, a tribute to his memory and a center for preserving ancient manuscripts.

Structure of the Book: The book is divided into two main volumes:

Volume One: Report (Pages 1-64):
- Introduction: Details the conception and organization of the "Shri Haim Saraswat Satra."
- Day 1 (April 7, 1939): Focused on the inauguration of the Hemchandracharya Gyan Mandir. It included speeches by K. M. Munshi, the welcome address by Seth Keshavlal Amarchand Nagar Sheth, and the report by Seth Hemchandbhai Mohanlal Zaveri. Several dignitaries gave their speeches, highlighting Hemchandracharya's greatness and the importance of the Gyan Mandir.
- Day 2 (April 8, 1939): Dedicated to lectures and essay readings on Hemchandracharya's life and works. The welcome address by Seth Keshavlal Amarchand Nagar Sheth was read, followed by a significant address by K. M. Munshi emphasizing Hemchandracharya's role in shaping Gujarati identity. Many scholars presented their research.
- Day 3 (April 9, 1939): Continued the essay readings and discussions. The presence of the Diwan of Vadodara was noted. The conference concluded with K. M. Munshi's concluding remarks and a vote of thanks.
- Appendices: Included poems dedicated to Hemchandracharya by Umashankar Joshi and Ashok Harsh, and an essay in English by P. C. Diwanji, along with a lecture by Dr. B. Bhattacharya in English.
Volume Two: Essay Collection (Pages 65-328): This volume comprises 23 scholarly essays presented at the conference, covering various aspects of Acharya Hemchandracharya's life and contributions:
- Biographies: Essays by prominent historians like Mohanlal Dalichand Desai and Muni Shri Punyavijayji detailed Hemchandracharya's life.
- Scholarly Analyses: Articles by P. K. Kapadia, Pandit Lalchand Bhagwandas Gandhi, BhaiyaddAllal Pr. Kothari, and Bhogilal J. Sandesara discussed his personality, disciple circle, and historical significance.
- Historical Context: Jinvijay Muni provided insights into King Kumarpal, and Motichand Girdharlal Kapadia explored Hemchandracharya's various works, including "Siddha Hema Shabdanushasan."
- Cultural and Literary Contributions: Prof. Keshavlal H. Kamdar discussed the Solanki era, while Krishnalal Mohanlal Zaveri and Vallabhdas T. Gandhi highlighted Hemchandracharya's comprehensive scholarship and literary services. Ramlal Chunilal Modi explored his role as a historian. Motichand Girdharlal Kapadia analyzed "Siddha Hema Shabdanushasan" and its historical verses. Muni Shri Darshanvijayji discussed King Paramarata Shri Kumarpal. Kanhaiyalal B. Dave examined Hemchandracharya's engagement with Vedic and Brahmanical literature. P. C. Diwanji discussed Jain Puranas and Hemchandracharya's "Trishashthishalakapurushcharitra." Chaturbhai Shankarbhai Patel focused on his contributions to Apabhramsha language, and Keshavram K. Shastri analyzed Gurjar and Nagar Apabhramsha. Dr. Manilal Patel discussed "Deshinamala" and its relation to indigenous words. Dr. B. Bhattacharya's lecture is also included.

Key Themes and Highlights:

Hemchandracharya's Ubiquitous Influence: The conference underscored Hemchandracharya's immense influence not just as a Jain scholar but as a figure who shaped Gujarati language, literature, history, and cultural consciousness.
The "Haim-Yug": The period of Hemchandracharya's prominence, alongside kings like Siddharaj and Kumarpal, was celebrated as a golden age for Gujarat, referred to as the "Haim-Yug" (Hem-era).
Preservation of Knowledge: The inauguration of the Gyan Mandir symbolized a commitment to preserving ancient manuscripts and knowledge, a mission strongly associated with Hemchandracharya's legacy.
Interfaith Harmony and Scholarship: The presence of Jain scholars alongside others, and the appreciation for Hemchandracharya's respect for other traditions (as seen in his "Mahadev Stotra"), highlighted a broader intellectual and cultural engagement.
K. M. Munshi's Vision: Munshi's role in envisioning and leading this conference was acknowledged as crucial in bringing Hemchandracharya's multifaceted contributions to the forefront of Gujarati consciousness. His emphasis was not just on Hemchandracharya's linguistic or literary prowess but on his foundational role in creating Gujarat's distinct identity.
Valuable Historical Document: The report and essays are considered a valuable historical document, offering insights into the intellectual and cultural milieu of Gujarat in 1939, and serving as an invaluable heritage for every Gujarati.

In essence, "Shri Haim Saraswat Satra" is a monumental tribute to Acharya Hemchandracharya, celebrating his intellectual, literary, and cultural legacy, and its profound impact on the history and identity of Gujarat. The conference and the subsequent book served to consolidate and disseminate this knowledge, reinforcing the reverence for this historical figure.