Haimbruhatprakriya Mahavyakaranam - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Haimbruhatprakriya Mahavyakaranam" by Girijashankar Mayashankar Shastri, based on the provided pages.

Book Title: Haimbruhatprakriya Mahavyakaranam (also referred to as Shri Haimabṛhatprakriyā Mahāvyākaraṇam) Author: Girijashankar Mayashankar Shastri Publisher: Girijashankar Mayashankar Shastri Publication Year: Vikram Samvat 1987 (1931 CE) Edition: First Edition Print Run: 50 copies

Overview:

The text is a significant work on Jain grammar, specifically a comprehensive study of the "Haima Vyakarana" (Grammar of Hemachandra). The title itself, "Haimbruhatprakriya Mahavyakaranam," suggests a broad and detailed exploration of the principles and processes (prakriya) of Hemachandra's comprehensive grammar (bṛhat Mahāvyākaraṇam).

Key Features and Content:

Comprehensive Nature: The book is presented as a "Mahāvyakaranam" (Great Grammar), indicating its ambition to cover the entirety of grammatical science as established by Acharya Hemachandra. This includes various aspects of Sanskrit grammar.
Haimapañcapāṭhī Samalankṛtā: The text is adorned with the "five parts of Haima," which are identified as:
- Haimasūtrapāṭha (Collection of Hemachandra's grammatical sutras)
- Gaṇapāṭha (List of word-groups or classes)
- Dhātu pāṭha (Lexicon of verbal roots)
- Paribhāṣā pāṭha (Collection of grammatical rules and definitions)
- Lingānuśāsana (Grammar of gender)
Structure and Organization:
- Detailed Table of Contents (Viṣayākram): The initial pages provide a meticulous index of topics covered, divided into two halves: Purvārddha (First Part) and Uttarārdha (Second Part). This highlights the exhaustive nature of the work.
- Topics Covered: The table of contents reveals a systematic organization covering:
  - Purvārddha (First Part): Introductory material, Phonetics (Samjñā Prakaraṇam), Grammatical Rules (Paribhāṣā Prakaraṇam), Sandhi (vowel and consonant sandhi, Ra-sandhi, Sya-sandhi), Nominal Declensions (ending in vowels and consonants for all three genders), Indeclinables (Avyaya Prakaraṇam), Feminine Suffixes (Strīpratyaya Prakaraṇam), Case Endings (Kāraka Prakaraṇam), Compounds (various types of samāsa like Bahuvrīhi, Avyayībhāva, Tatpuruṣa, Dvandva), Compounds' endings (Samāsānta), Compounds with retained pronouns (Aluksamāsa), and Compound combination rules (Samāsābhaya vidhi).
  - Uttarārdha (Second Part): Verbal Roots (Ākhyāta Prakaraṇa), covering various classes of roots (Bhvādi, Adādi, etc.), Verbal suffixes, Passive voice formations (Ātmanepada, Parasmaipada, Bhāvakarma Prakriyā), Compound verbs (Kṛdanta, Kr̥tyapratyayaprakaraṇam, Pūrvakṛdanta, Uṇādi, Uttarapadakṛdanta).
- Appendices (Pariśiṣṭāni): The text includes appendices containing corrections, errata (Shuddhipatra), and supplementary explanations of specific sutras, indicating a meticulous editorial process.
- Vaiya-karaṇa Nyayādars'a (The Mirror of Grammatical Principles): An important feature is the inclusion of "Śrī Vaiyākaraṇa Nyayādarśākhya Grantharatnam," a treatise on grammatical principles and logic, which clarifies difficult sections and offers deeper insights. This work is appended at the end.
- Index of Formulas and Roots: The text also features alphabetical indexes of formulas (Haimasūtrāṇām Akarādikram Sūcī) and roots (Akarādikrameṇa Haimadhātusūcī), enhancing its utility for reference.
Editorial Approach:
- Tippa-kena Viśadīkṛta: The compiler, Girijashankar Shastri, explicitly states that difficult passages are clarified with notes (ṭippa-kena).
- Purpose of the Work: The compiler mentions the intention to make the study of Hemachandra's grammar more accessible, especially for those with less advanced intellects, by presenting the "prakriyā" (process or methodology) in a simplified yet comprehensive manner. He acknowledges the complexity of the original grammar and aims to provide a clearer exposition.
- Guidance and Blessing: The publication is made under the "sadupadeśa" (good counsel) of Shri Vijaynitisūriśvara, indicating a respected Jain scholar's endorsement.
Inclusion of Key Grammatical Concepts:
- Mangala (Auspicious Invocation): Like traditional Sanskrit texts, it begins with an auspicious invocation and explanation of the significance of "Aham" (I) as representing the Supreme Being and the initial seed of Siddha Chakra.
- Siddha Sāyvādāt (Siddhi from Syādvāda): The explanation of "Siddhi" is linked to Syādvāda (the Jain doctrine of manifold predications), highlighting the philosophical underpinnings of the grammar.
- Detailed Explanations of Terms: The text provides elaborate definitions and explanations of grammatical terms like Sanjñā (names/categories), Sandhi rules, Vyuṭpatti (derivation), Lopa (elision), Āgama (insertion), Ādeśa (replacement), Vṛddhi (vṛddhi augmentation), Guṇa (guṇa augmentation), Upasarga (prefix), Gati, and the concepts of Sthāna (place of articulation) and Āsyaprayatna (manner of articulation).
Commentary and Explanation:
- The text is described as being "Vaiya-karaṇa Nyayādars'ālan-kṛtā" (adorned with the Vaiya-karaṇa Nyayādarśa), indicating that a significant commentary on grammatical principles is incorporated. This commentary clarifies subtle points and provides logical reasoning for grammatical rules.
Historical Context: The publication date (1931 CE) places it in a period where scholarly efforts were dedicated to preserving and disseminating traditional Indian knowledge, including Sanskrit grammar, within the Jain tradition. The mention of specific printing presses ("Utkṛṣṭa Mudrāṇālaya") and prices (sārdha rūpyakapanchakam) adds historical detail.
Dedication and Patronage: The work is presented with the "sadupadeśaḥ" (auspicious guidance) of Acharya Maharaj Shri Vijaynitisūrīśvarjī, highlighting the patronage and scholarly support it received within the Jain monastic order. The author also expresses humility and seeks blessings and corrections from learned individuals.

Overall Significance:

"Haimbruhatprakriya Mahavyakaranam" is a scholarly endeavor to provide a comprehensive and accessible guide to Hemachandra's monumental work on Sanskrit grammar. It serves as a valuable resource for students and scholars of Jainism and Sanskrit linguistics, offering detailed explanations, logical analyses, and a structured approach to understanding the intricacies of grammar. The inclusion of the Vaiya-karaṇa Nyayādarśa further elevates its importance as a work that not only presents rules but also explains their rationale and interconnectedness.