Hemchandracharya Emnu Jivan Ane Kavan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided text about Hemchandracharya's life and work:

The book "Hemchandracharya Emnu Jivan ane Kavan" by Prof. Ramanlal C. Shah, published in honor of Acharya Vijayvallabh Suri, details the life and literary contributions of Hemchandracharya, a pivotal figure in Gujarat's history.

The Golden Age of Gujarat and Hemchandracharya's Role:

The text begins by highlighting the Solanki era in Gujarat as a period of great prosperity, richness, and cultural advancement. This era, spanning approximately three hundred years, was characterized by powerful, benevolent, and visionary kings like Mularaja, Bhima, Karna, Siddharaja, and Kumarpala. These rulers elevated Gujarat's prestige to its zenith. The text asserts that Hemchandracharya, known as the "Kalikal Sarvagna" (Knower of All in the Age of Kali) and a propagator of eras, was instrumental in making Siddharaja and Kumarpala great. His stature in that era is compared to that of Kalidasa during Vikramaditya's reign and Banabhatta during Harshavardhana's reign. Without Hemchandracharya, the text argues, the history of Gujarat, its language, and its literature would be incomplete and shrouded in darkness.

Before Hemchandracharya, Gujaratis were often ridiculed in the markets of Malwa, and Gujaratis were looked down upon for their perceived lack of literary and cultural sophistication. Hemchandracharya, however, awakened the Gujarati people in terms of art, literature, and culture, making it a matter of pride to live in Patan and be called "Pattani." The influence of Gujarati saints, scholars, and soldiers extended beyond Gujarat during his time.

Sources and Legends:

Information about Hemchandracharya's life is available in Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Apabhramsa texts. Key sources mentioned include "Prabhavakcharitra" by Pradyumnasuri, "Prabandhachintamani" by Merutunga Acharya, "Prabandhkosha" by Rajashekhar, and "Kumarpalcharitra" by Jinmandan Upadhyay. Like other revered figures such as Narsinh Mehta, Mira Bai, Tulsidas, Jnaneshwar, Kabir, Chaitanya, Kalidasa, Bhavabhuti, Vikramaditya, and Bhoja, many legends surround Hemchandracharya. Some of these legends are considered unscientific, ahistorical, or outright false due to contradictions in different texts. Miraculous tales like turning a new moon into a full moon, presenting Muhammad Ghori to himself in an airplane, or growing new trees when palm leaves ran out are cited as unbelievable.

Early Life and Renunciation:

Hemchandracharya was born in 1145 Vikram Samvat (VS) on Kartik Sudadi Poonam in Dhandhuka. His father was Chacha and his mother was Chahini (or Pahini). His childhood name was Chang. A significant event in his early life involved Devachandrasuri. Chahini, during a visit to Devachandrasuri, spoke of a dream where she saw a "ratna-chintamani" (jewel of desire). Devachandrasuri, an astrologer, predicted she would give birth to a son like a jewel. Years later, when Devachandrasuri returned to Dhandhuka, Chahini, with her five-year-old son Chang, went to greet him. Chang sat on Devachandrasuri's lap. Devachandrasuri reminded Chahini of her dream and asked for the child. Initially hesitant without her husband's consent, Chahini was persuaded by Devachandrasuri, who interpreted her husband's absence as a divine sign. Ultimately, Chahini handed over her son for spiritual initiation.

Chacha, upon returning from his travels and discovering his son missing, became angry. He traveled on foot to Khambhat and complained to Minister Udayana. Udayana retrieved Chang from Devachandrasuri and returned him to Chacha. Udayana then explained that if Chang remained with them, he might become a wealthy merchant of Dhandhuka, but if given to Devachandrasuri, he would become a great Acharya renowned throughout the world. After much persuasion, Chacha relented and returned his son to Devachandrasuri.

At the age of nine, Chang was initiated, and his name was changed to Somchandra. He diligently studied Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Apabhramsa, along with various other disciplines like grammar, poetics, yoga, logic, history, Puranas, and philosophy. His intellectual growth and radiant personality were evident. When he expressed a desire to go to Kashmir for further studies, his guru advised him that his place was in Gujarat. Recognizing Somchandra's exceptional wisdom and growing brilliance, Devachandrasuri decided to appoint him as his successor. In 1166 VS, at the age of twenty-one, Somchandra was formally installed as an Acharya in Khambhat and renamed Hemchandra. His mother, who had also taken initiation, was present, and they shared a poignant moment. Hemchandracharya then bestowed the title of "Pravartini" upon his mother.

Hemchandracharya's Literary and Political Influence:

This marked the beginning of Hemchandracharya's influential period. He arrived in Patan during the reign of Siddharaja (popularly known as Sadhara Jasang). He participated in a religious debate with Kumudachandra from Banaras, which brought him to Siddharaja's attention. Dissatisfied with his existing court poet Shripala and chief scholar Devabodha, Siddharaja offered Hemchandracharya a prominent position in his assembly.

After conquering Malwa, Siddharaja brought back numerous manuscripts. He encountered the "Bhoja Vyakarana" and learned that in Gujarat, either "Bhoja Vyakarana" or "Karatantra" grammar was in use. Scholars suggested Hemchandracharya was capable of composing a grammar for Gujarat. Siddharaja requested Hemchandracharya to undertake this task, arranging for copies of various grammars from Kashmir and other parts of India. After intensive study, Hemchandracharya composed an excellent grammar, which he named "Siddha-Hema" in honor of King Siddharaja.

The text praises the grammar, and Siddharaja displayed its first manuscript on an elephant through the city of Sufi Nagar, announcing its completion. The grammar was formally recited in the scholarly assembly. Three hundred scribes were employed to create copies, which were distributed throughout India. A beautifully crafted manuscript was placed in the royal library, and "Siddha-Hema" began to be taught in Gujarat. The scholar Kakal was appointed to teach it. This recognition spurred Hemchandracharya to create other works.

Siddharaja was so impressed by Hemchandracharya's brilliance that he became his friend and guide. This led to Siddharaja's increasing devotion to Jainism. Hemchandracharya wrote the epic "Yashray" in Sanskrit, chronicling Siddharaja's life and the Solanki era. Siddharaja would visit Jain temples with Hemchandracharya, and Hemchandracharya accompanied Siddharaja on pilgrimages to Somnath. In an era of religious intolerance, Hemchandracharya transcended sectarianism. He bowed to the Shiva lingam at Somnath, reciting: "Trai vaishnava va shaiva va namastasmai" (Whether Vaishna, Shaiva, or others, I bow to Him). Hemchandracharya was also the one who explained the importance of universal religious harmony to Siddharaja, believing that no single religion holds the sole truth and that true understanding comes from studying all religions with equal regard.

Hemchandracharya and Kumarpala:

Siddharaja had no heir, and his nephew Kumarpala succeeded him. This marked the third phase of Hemchandracharya's life. Whether through astrological foresight or simply out of humanity, Hemchandracharya, disguised as a wandering monk, hid Kumarpala in a shelter to save him from Siddharaja's men who were trying to assassinate him. Kumarpala never forgot this favor. After the initial fifteen years of consolidating his reign, Kumarpala began to act according to the wishes of his guru, Hemchandracharya.

Following Hemchandracharya's directives, Kumarpala banned animal sacrifice, gambling, hunting, meat consumption, and alcohol in his kingdom. He stopped the animal sacrifice to the royal goddess Kandeshwari and the confiscation of property from childless widows. His devotion to Jainism led him to build numerous Jain temples and earn the title of "Parmartha" (Benefactor of Humanity). Like Siddharaja, Kumarpala also had no children. In his later years, facing despair, Hemchandracharya composed the "Yogashastra" to provide solace to his mind.

Later Life and Legacy:

Hemchandracharya's entire life was dedicated to diligent work. He lived a long life. Foreseeing his end, he began a fast unto death. He had already informed his disciples. He passed away in 1229 VS at the age of 84.

Hemchandracharya's contribution to literature is immense. His versatile genius can be appreciated not only in the context of Indian literature but also in world literature. His fame is known among scholars of ancient languages and literature worldwide. It is noted that in modern times, the first comprehensive review of his life and literature was by a German scholar, Dr. Bühler. Kanaiyalal Munshi aptly recognized him as Gujarat's great luminary.

Somaprabhasuri summarized Hemchandracharya's literary contributions in a single verse: "He composed new grammar, new prosody, the celebrated great poem Yashray, new poetics, new Yogashastra, new logic, and new biographies of Jinendra – by what means has he not dispelled the delusion of the people?" This signifies that Hemchandracharya left no stone unturned in contributing to every field of literature in his time.

He authored the grammar "Siddha-Hema-Shabdanushasana," which remains a foundational grammar for Prakrit and Apabhramsa languages, even to this day. Its rules, especially for Apabhramsa, are considered authoritative. The dohas used as examples in his grammar, illustrating themes of love, valor, and romance, are more recognized as excellent poetry than mere grammatical examples. These dohas provide insight into the era and the detailed observation of even worldly matters by the ascetic Hemchandracharya.

Beyond grammar, he compiled lexical works like "Anekaarthasangraha," "Abhidhana-Chintamani," and "Desha-Namamala." He created three dictionaries from different perspectives. Following "Siddha-Hema Shabdanushasana," he authored "Ling-anushasana," "Chhanda-anushasana," and "Kavya-anushasana." He wrote the epic "Yashray" in Sanskrit and Prakrit, using verses that also served as examples for grammatical rules. His other significant works include "Yogashastra," "Mahaviracharita," and the monumental "Tri-Shashti-Shalaka-Purusha-Charitra," comparable to the Puranas. Thus, he made unique contributions across various literary branches. Hemchandracharya was a great scholar, lexicographer, poet, and grammarian. His unparalleled genius effortlessly navigated the dry subject of grammar and the aesthetically pleasing realm of poetry. He dedicated approximately 64 years of his life to the service and worship of literature, ushering in a distinct literary era.

Hemchandracharya was great not only as a Jain Acharya and prolific writer but also as a human being. He was highly capable, brilliant, and humble. With his broad heart and generosity, he won over adversaries like Devabodha and Shripala. Although an ascetic, he took an interest in worldly affairs, yet without being tainted by worldly colors, he infused worldly activities with the hue of his asceticism. He remained above sectarianism. During his lifetime, he influenced not one but two kings, skillfully and compassionately guiding them to act according to his wishes. He had millions of followers but never aspired to establish a separate sect. His disciples were ceaseless in singing his praises, some reciting lines like "Vimohita-Vibhrama-Manjari: Shrimad-dham" (meaning unclear without context, but implying deep admiration) and remembering him every morning for years. Hemchandracharya can be confidently called a great human being not just of Gujarat, not just of India, but of the world. Bows to such a great luminary!