Hemchandracharya - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the book "Hemchandracharya" by Dhoomketu, based on the provided Gujarati text:

Book Title: Shree Hemachandrāchārya Author: Dhoomketu Publisher: Gurjar Prakashan, Ahmedabad Overview: This book is a biography of the renowned Jain scholar and spiritual leader, Acharya Hemchandracharya, written by the acclaimed Gujarati author Dhoomketu. The book aims to present a balanced and insightful portrayal of Hemchandracharya's life, his immense contributions to Gujarati literature and culture, and his profound impact on the spiritual and intellectual landscape of ancient Gujarat.

Key Themes and Content:

Hemchandracharya's Significance: The book emphasizes Hemchandracharya's status as a pivotal figure in Gujarati history and culture, often referred to as "Kalikalsarvajna" (omniscient of the current age). He is presented not just as a Jain monk but as a central pillar of Gujarat's intellectual and spiritual renaissance, influencing kings, scholars, and society at large.
Historical Context (Solanki Era): The biography is set against the backdrop of the glorious Solanki dynasty, particularly the reigns of Siddharaja Jayasinh and Kumarpala. Dhoomketu meticulously details the political, social, and cultural milieu of this era, highlighting Gujarat's prosperity, its maritime trade, and its intellectual vibrancy. The book underscores the period's emphasis on bravery, ambition, and cultural refinement.
Hemchandracharya's Early Life and Calling: The text delves into Hemchandracharya's (born Chandradeva) childhood, his virtuous mother Pahinidevi, and the prophecy of his future greatness. It narrates the pivotal moment when, at a young age, he displayed an innate spiritual inclination, leading to his formal initiation into Jain monasticism under the guidance of Acharya Devachandrasuri. The book highlights the sacrifices made by his parents, particularly his mother, in dedicating him to a spiritual path.
Intellectual and Literary Contributions: A significant portion of the book focuses on Hemchandracharya's monumental literary and scholarly achievements.
- Siddha-Hema Shabdanushasana: This magnum opus, a comprehensive grammar of Sanskrit and Prakrit, was commissioned by King Siddharaja Jayasinh. The book details the immense effort and dedication involved in its creation, its reception, and its lasting impact on the standardization and enrichment of the Gujarati language.
- Other Works: The summary mentions other significant works like Abhidhanachintamani (a lexicon), Anekarthasangraha (a thesaurus of word meanings), Niganthashisha (on medical terms), Kavyanushasana (on poetics and rhetoric), Chhandanushasana (on prosody), and the historical epic DvAyashraya (describing the history of the Solanki dynasty alongside grammar). The sheer volume and diversity of his literary output are presented as a testament to his prodigious intellect.
Influence on Kings and Society: The biography vividly illustrates Hemchandracharya's profound influence on the rulers of Gujarat, particularly Siddharaja Jayasinh and Kumarpala.
- Siddharaja Jayasinh: The book describes Hemchandracharya's intellectual prowess and diplomatic skills in engaging with the ambitious Siddharaja, even impressing him with his poetic verses. The interaction highlights Hemchandracharya's ability to navigate the complex political landscape while maintaining his spiritual integrity.
- Kumarpala: The narrative extensively covers Hemchandracharya's role in shaping Kumarpala's reign. It details how Hemchandracharya's teachings, particularly on ahimsa (non-violence) and compassion, influenced Kumarpala's transformation from a warrior king to a devout follower of Jain principles. The book emphasizes Kumarpala's adoption of policies like the "Amarighoshana" (proclamation against animal sacrifice) and his respect for all religious traditions, reflecting Hemchandracharya's broad philosophical outlook.
Dignified and Insightful Narrative Style: Dhoomketu's writing is praised for its "shraddhapurna" (full of reverence) and "kushelata" (skillful) approach. The book is noted for avoiding artificiality and presenting historical facts with depth and emotion. Dhoomketu's ability to bring historical events and personalities to life, and to reveal the hidden truths within legends, is particularly highlighted.
Broader Philosophical and Societal Context: The book goes beyond mere biography to explore the philosophical underpinnings of Jainism, especially the principles of Syadvada (manifold aspects of truth) and ahimsa, and how these principles were integrated into the fabric of Gujarati society during Hemchandracharya's time. It also touches upon the importance of intellectual humility and selfless service.
The "Kalikalsarvajna" Title: The book implicitly explains why Hemchandracharya earned the title "Kalikalsarvajna," attributing it to his unparalleled scholarship, his ability to understand and guide individuals from all walks of life, and his profound wisdom that transcended the limitations of his era.
Legacy and Conclusion: The book concludes by reiterating Hemchandracharya's enduring legacy as a "Sanskar-Nirmata" (creator of culture) and a "Jivan-Kala-Vir" (hero of the art of living). His influence on the Gujarati language, literature, and the very ethos of Gujarati society is portrayed as a timeless contribution.

Publisher's Note: The publisher, Gurjar Prakashan, expresses pride in presenting this biography as part of a memorial series honoring influential figures, particularly highlighting their commitment to publishing quality literature at affordable prices. The book has seen multiple printings, indicating its popularity and enduring relevance.

Author's Note (Lekhak nu Nivedan): Dhoomketu expresses his initial apprehension in undertaking such a significant biography, acknowledging the vastness of Hemchandracharya's intellect. He credits the encouragement of friends and scholars like Muni Punyavijayji for helping him complete the work. He also mentions his interactions with Muni Punyavijayji in Patan, which provided him with valuable insights. Dhoomketu emphasizes his effort to present a balanced view, avoiding sectarianism while respecting the sentiments of the tradition.

Foreword (Aamukh) by Muni Punyavijay: Muni Punyavijayji hails Hemchandracharya as a guiding light of Gujarat, responsible for instilling culture, knowledge, and piety. He notes that despite numerous biographies, Dhoomketu's work offers a unique perspective born of deep reverence and skill. He highlights the meticulous research that went into the book, drawing from ancient and modern historical literature. Muni Punyavijayji also praises Dhoomketu's approach to addressing controversial topics, such as Kumarpala's conversion, with grace and depth.

In essence, "Shree Hemachandrāchārya" by Dhoomketu is presented as a scholarly yet accessible biography that not only chronicles the life of a great Acharya but also paints a vibrant portrait of Gujarat's Golden Age, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between spiritual leadership, royal patronage, and cultural flourishing.