Heervijaysuri Na Char Prakrit Swadhyaya

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Heervijaysuri na Char Prakrit Swadhyaya" by Shilchandrasuri, based on the provided pages:

This work, "Heervijaysuri na Char Prakrit Swadhyaya" (Four Prakrit Devotional Compositions on Shri Hirvijaysuri), presents four devotional hymns in Prakrit dedicated to the great Jain Acharya, Jagadguru Shri Hirvijaysuri, who lived in the 16th century and is renowned for his influence on Emperor Akbar. These compositions are described as unknown and each appears to exist in only one manuscript.

The introduction by the editor, Pandit Shilchandra Vijay, provides context and authorship details for each of the four swadhyayas (devotional studies/hymns):

First Swadhyaya:

• Authorship: Believed to be composed by the famous Upadhyay Shri Dharmasagarji, based on the last (15th) verse.
• Content: This swadhyaya praises the Acharya by engaging in a concise, theoretical, and logical discussion on the greater value and importance of devotional worship through inner feeling (bhava-puja) compared to worship through material offerings (dravya-puja).

Second and Third Swadhyayas:

• Authorship: Composed by the well-known poet Muni Ganipadmashagarji. Both he and Dharmasagarji were disciples and contemporaries of Acharya Shri.
• Content of the Second Swadhyaya: The author identifies himself as a disciple of Dharmasagarji in the 10th verse ("vachak Dharmasagar-shishya"), although his name is clearly stated in the colophon. The composition is filled with ornate praise.
• Content of the Third Swadhyaya: In the first verse, the author remembers 'Dharmasagarji' in his wordplay. In the final verse, he refers to himself as 'Muni Paum' (Muni Padm). The colophon also clearly states his name. Both compositions are replete with decorative praise.

Fourth Swadhyaya:

• Authorship: Attributed to Vijaychandra Vibudh, a disciple of Hirvijaysuri, as indicated by verse 40.
• Content: This is the longest of the four, comprising 41 verses, and includes historical facts.
  • Verses 1-7: Provide a general description of the Acharya's birth and his attainment of the title of Suri (spiritual leader).
  • Verse 8: Continues the praise of his virtues.
  • Verse 9: Mentions the Acharya's Chaturmas (a four-month rainy season retreat) at the port of Gandhar.
  • Verse 10: More praise.
  • Verse 11: Refers to Akbar's invitation.
  • Verses 12-22: Detail his travels and arrival in Fatehpur. Noteworthy is the mention of 'Sarotara' as 'Suratarnagar' and 'Sirohi' as 'Shivpuri'.
  • Verse 23: Describes the meeting with Akbar.
  • Verses 24-32: Depict the events of his 'pratibodh' (enlightenment/conversion) of the Shah (Akbar). These include:
    • Prohibiting fish catching in a lake (Dhamar) (verses 25-26).
    • Banning cow slaughter (verse 26).
    • Declaring a prohibition on animal slaughter during Paryushana (verses 27).
    • Granting the title 'Jagadguru' (Guru of the Universe), releasing prisoners, and giving a boon of fearlessness to birds (verse 28).
    • Issuing a permanent decree for 12 days for Paryushana (verse 30).
    • The Acharya himself abstaining from meat for 7 days each month (verse 32).
  • Verse 31: Mentions the Shah establishing an idol, which the editor interprets as the Shah's consent to consecrations performed by lay followers (shravakas) (verse 34).
  • Verse 32 (7-day monthly meat abstinence): This detail is considered credible because historians like Al-Badayuni and Vincent Smith have recorded that the Shah abstained from meat for 6 months of the year. This abstinence might have been influenced by the Acharya's initial meetings. This specific mention of 7 days of meat abstinence per month is only noted by this particular swadhyaya author.
  • Remaining Verses: Briefly mention some religious activities and praise.

The introduction also acknowledges the institutions that provided manuscript copies: the Shri Atmaramji Jain Gyanmandir in Vadodara for the first two compositions, and the Shri La. Da. Bharatiya Sanskriti Vidyamandir in Ahmedabad for the latter two.

Following the introduction are the actual Prakrit verses of each of the four swadhyayas, presented with their respective titles and attributions, as provided in the Gujarati text.

In essence, this publication provides scholarly access to four rare devotional hymns celebrating the life, virtues, and significant historical impact of Acharya Hirvijaysuri, particularly his influential interactions with Emperor Akbar and his role in promoting Jain principles of non-violence and ethical conduct.