Hayatakhat Kavya Satik

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Hayatakhat Kavya Satik," based on the given pages:

Book Title: Hayatakhat Kavya Satik Author: Muni Kalyankirtivijay Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan

Overall Description:

"Hayatakhat Kavya Satik" is a Jain text that features a single verse (श्लोक) attributed to a Jain scholar (either a Muni or a layperson, suggested by the inscription "Shri Vitaragay Namah" at the beginning of the commentary). The verse is a prayer addressed to the eight planets (excluding Ketu) – the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, and Rahu. The prayer seeks their protection.

Content of the Verse and Commentary:

The core of the work lies in the prayer to the planets. Each planet is invoked using a unique, compound name formed by combining the word "ata" (meaning to move, roam, or conquer) with a preceding syllable or word that symbolically represents the planet.

The commentary (टीका) provided is extensive and highly scholarly. The commentator first explains the general meaning (ध्वन्यर्थ) of the verse, which is a request for protection from the eight planetary deities.

Subsequently, the commentary meticulously breaks down each word of the verse. It delves into the etymology (व्युत्पत्ति) of these compound names, citing various lexicographical works (कोश) and their authors to justify the interpretations. This demonstrates the commentator's deep knowledge of grammar and linguistics.

Key Interpretations and Etymologies:

• Sun (सूर्य): Referred to as "Hayata" (हयाट). This is derived from "Haya" (horse, or indicating a vast expanse) and "ata" (to move), suggesting the Sun moving through the sky or conquering the world. The commentary cites "Shabdarnava" for the meaning "Mārtāṇḍaḥ kāśyapī sūryo hayāṭo lokatāpanaḥ" (Mārtāṇḍa, the Sun, son of Kashyapa, Hayata, who heats the world).

• Moon (चन्द्रमा): Referred to as "Akhata" (आखाट). This is explained as the Moon moving with the deer (आखु - mouse/deer) on its disc, following the Sun. "Shabdarnava" is cited, defining "ākhu" as a mouse. "Halayudha" is also cited, mentioning "mṛgākhāṭa" for the Moon.

• Mars (भौम): Referred to as "Simhata" (सिंहाट). This is interpreted as Mars (often associated with fierceness, like a lion - "simha") that moves or strikes the earth with its rays or horns. "Dhananjaya" is cited, linking "simha" to a bull and explaining "simhata" as Mars moving in the region below the Saptarishi (Ursa Major). "Sarva" is also cited, identifying "Simhata" as Mars, the son of the earth.

• Mercury (बुध): Referred to as "Gota" (गोट). This is explained as Mercury moving with a green horse ("Gava haridashvena aṭati"). "Anekaarthadhvanimanjari" is cited, linking "Gota" to Mercury, described as having a turmeric-like form. "Shashvata" is also cited for this interpretation.

• Jupiter (गुरु): Referred to as "Ajata" (अजाट). This is explained as Jupiter moving with an elephant ("Ajena pītakariṇā aṭati"). "Kavyoharak" is cited, explaining "Aja" as an elephant. "Kaand" is also cited, identifying Jupiter as "Ajota."

• Venus (शुक्र): Referred to as "Khata" (खाट). This is explained as Venus moving with a white horse ("Khena sve(śvetāśvenā aṭati"). "Shabdarnava" defines "kha" as referring to snakes, kings, the sky, and white horses. "Halayudha" identifies "Khata" as Venus, the preceptor of the gods (Ushana, Bhargava).

• Saturn (शनि): Referred to as "Pata" (पाट). This is explained as Saturn moving with a lame foot ("Pena khañjapādena aṭati") or with a buffalo ("pena mahiṣeṇa aṭati"). "Nikhilartha" defines "pa" as a lotus, donkey, or body, and "pādakhō" as a barbarian. "Shabdarnava" also identifies "Pata" with Saturn, a gambol, and betel nut.

• Rahu (राहु): Referred to as "Sarotaṭa" (सरोटाट). This is interpreted as Rahu moving with a fish ("Mīnenā aṭati"), or simply a fish that moves in water ("sarasi vā tadev aṭatīti sarōṭaḥ mīnaḥ"). "Keshav" defines "Sarota" as fish, a swan, or a sarasa bird. "Kanva" identifies Rahu as "tamassaroṭāṭaḥ" (related to darkness). The commentary notes that Ketu is not included as its description is often presented separately as a detached head of Rahu.

Additional Commentary Points:

• "Sashakti" (सशक्ति): The planets are described as being "with their powers" or "with their wives" (Shodasha Matrikadi). The commentary elaborates that this might suggest the planets are with their respective consorts. It also makes an interesting observation that this might allude to the inability of women to tolerate others' suffering and their compassionate nature, implying their widespread presence.

• "Varanata" (वारनाटा): The planets are also called "Varanata," meaning they perform their functions or "dance" on their respective days.

• "No Avantu" (नः अवन्तु): This is the core request: "May they protect us." The strength of the planets, especially when described as "sashakti," reinforces the plea for their protective power to extend to the devotees.

Origin and Manuscript:

• The text is an edited version based on a microfilm of a manuscript found in the Shri Hemachandracharya Jain Jnanamandir in Patan, bearing the catalog number 391/18370.
• The manuscript consists of a single leaf with writing on both sides.
• The script is described as large and well-formed.
• There is no mention of the author or the date of writing, but the script style suggests it might belong to the 18th century.

In essence, "Hayatakhat Kavya Satik" is a profound devotional and scholarly work that uses intricate wordplay and extensive etymological support from classical Indian lexicography to invoke the protective blessings of the celestial bodies within the Jain cosmological framework.