Hemchandracharya No Deshi Shabdasangraha Ek Parichaya - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Hemchandracharya no Deshi Shabdasangraha Ek Parichaya" by Shantibhai Acharya:

The book is an introduction to the Deshi Shabdasangraha (Collection of Indigenous Words), a significant work by the great Jain Acharya Hemchandracharya, edited by Pandit Becherdasji. The author, Dr. Shantibhai Acharya, begins by introducing Hemchandracharya as a multi-talented figure who influenced Gujarat during the Solanki era, earning the title "Kalikal-Sarvagnya" (Omniscient of the Current Age) for his contributions to political, social, and religious spheres, and for being a visionary of Gujarat's identity.

A Glimpse into Hemchandracharya's Life:

The text details Hemchandracharya's life, noting that biographies exist in various Indian languages and even in German by Dr. Buehler. Born in 1089 AD (Sambat 1145) in Dhandhuka, Saurashtra, his mother, Pahini Devi, was a devout Jain householder. A dream of a radiant gem, which she shared with her Guru Devachandrasuri, was interpreted as a premonition of a great soul who would illuminate Gujarat. This soul was to be her son, Changdev.

Changdev, at a young age, was found seated on the Guru's religious seat. Recognizing his spiritual potential, Devachandrasuri explained to Pahini Devi that her son was destined for spiritual greatness. Moved by her devotion, Pahini Devi dedicated Changdev to the Jain faith. The Guru then took the child to Stambhirth (modern Khambhat), where he entrusted Changdev to the charge of the minister Udayan. Although Changdev's father initially sought his return, Udayan, convinced of the child's destined greatness, persuaded him to allow Changdev to remain in the service of the faith. This act of parental sacrifice is highlighted as a foundation for Gujarat's emerging identity.

Changdev, under the tutelage of Devachandrasuri, was initiated and named Somachandra. He achieved the status of Acharya at the age of 21. The text laments the lack of detailed information about the 16 years between his initiation and his acharya-ship, suggesting it might be found in unpublished manuscripts. It speculates that during this period, Somachandra likely undertook rigorous study in grammar, lexicons, poetry, philosophy, and history, preparing him for his later prolific work.

Somachandra Becomes Acharya Hemachandra:

In 1110 AD (Sambat 1166), Somachandra was formally invested as Acharya Hemachandra by his Guru Devachandrasuri. His mother, Pahini Devi, witnessed this occasion with tears of joy, while Hemachandra himself honored his mother's earlier sacrifice. Hemachandra then ordained Pahini Devi as a leading nun.

Hemachandra's Influence and Major Works:

Hemachandra, residing in Stambhirth, heard of the glory of Patan, the capital under the powerful Solanki king Siddharaja Jayasimha. Attracted by Patan's vibrant political, economic, social, and religious life, Hemachandra eventually moved there. Although the exact date of his arrival is not recorded, several factors are suggested: the allure of Patan's fame, the desire to participate in scholarly debates in the royal court, a mention in Buehler's account suggesting his presence at a debate between Kumudachandra and Jain Acharya Devsuriji of Patan, or an invitation from the literature-loving king Siddharaja.

The meeting between King Siddharaja and Acharya Hemachandra was immensely beneficial for Gujarat's identity. Hemachandra's most significant work, the grammar Siddha-Hema Shabdanushasana, was a direct result of this association, named in honor of King Siddharaja and Hemachandra himself. He went on to compose many other influential works that brought glory to Gujarat:

Vyāshraya (in Sanskrit): A twenty-chapter work detailing the glorious history of the Solanki rulers, from Mulraj to Siddharaja and Kumarapala.
Kumarapalacharita (Vyāshraya, in Prakrit): An eight-chapter work in Prakrit, describing the life of King Kumarapala, incorporating examples from Siddha-Hema.
Yogashastra: A simplified explanation of Yoga philosophy, specifically written for King Kumarapala, focusing on the human mind.
Abhidhānachintāmaṇi Nām Mālā: A Sanskrit lexicon similar to the Amarakosha, listing synonyms for words.
Anekārthasangraha: A collection of words with multiple meanings.
Deshi Nāmamālā: A compilation of commonly used indigenous words.
Nighantukosha: A lexicon of medical terms.
Triṣaṣṭiśalākāpuruṣacharitra: A biographical account of sixty-three great men, including Tirthankaras and Vasudevas, containing many narratives and historical value, particularly for information about Kumarapala. It also showcases Hemachandra's poetic skill.

The author mentions that the actual number of verses composed by Hemachandra is often exaggerated, referencing the works of Muni Jinvijayji and Muni Punyavijayji. The article emphasizes the need for a re-publication of Hemachandra's complete literature by scholars of Sanskrit and Prakrit, who are dedicated and free from sectarian biases, to make this great personality accessible in contemporary times.

Introduction to Deshi Shabdasangraha:

The text then focuses on the Deshi Shabdasangraha, published by the University Granth Nirman Board, Ahmedabad, in 1974, and edited by Pandit Becherdasji. The editor, in his preface, raises questions about the authenticity of the book's title, noting that verses within the work suggest names like 'Ratnāvali' and 'Deshi Sad'sadgaha' (Deshi Shabdasangraha). He explains that the work, as part of the 'Siddha-Hema Shabdanushasana', was written by Hemchandracharya at the inspiration of King Siddharaja, with "Siddha" referring to the king and "Hema" to the author.

Pandit Becherdasji considers the Deshi Shabdasangraha to be a crowning achievement among Hemachandra's many works in Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Apabhramsha. The author expresses deep admiration for the editor's dedication, noting that Panditji undertook this task with failing eyesight. The publication was made possible by the foresightedness of the then Vice-Chancellor of Gujarat University, Shri Ishwarbhai Patel.

Details of the Deshi Shabdasangraha:

Title: The work has been found with three names: Ratnavali, Deshi Sadasadgaha, and Deshi Namamala. Verse 783 clearly indicates the title "Ratnavali Deshi Shabdan Sangraha," suggesting the full title might have been 'Ratnavali Deshi Shabda Sangraha'. The editor adopted the shorter title "Deshi Shabdasangraha."
Content: The original text contains 783 verses and 622 illustrative verses.
Manuscripts: The editing relied on two manuscripts: one from Patan dated 1666 VS and another from Pune dated 1658 VS.
Author: Verse 783 clearly identifies "Shri Hemchandramunipati" as the author. However, Pandit Becherdasji presents evidence from the Pune manuscript suggesting the reading 'Shri Hemchandramunivachana' (by the words of Muni Hemchandra), leading him to hypothesize that someone else might have composed it under Hemachandra's guidance. He supports this by analyzing Hemachandra's critique of the word 'rolamba' (bee) in this collection, noting that Hemachandra himself considered 'rolamba' a Sanskrit word in his own work Abhidhānachintāmaṇi, thus calling himself "gatanugatik" (following tradition). Panditji argues that Acharya would not criticize himself in this manner, hinting at the possibility of another author. He seeks further research on this matter.
Editor's Tribute to the Collector: Regardless of the author, the collector (whoever it may be) is described as an exceptional scholar of Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Deshi Prakrit languages, who meticulously examined numerous indigenous word collections and critically analyzed various opinions.
Analysis of Words: The text provides examples of the collector's meticulousness in analyzing words like 'saraha' (snake), comparing it with 'payalay' and citing the views of other collectors. Similarly, the analysis of 'samucchani' (related to 'bahvariya' meaning 'many') highlights the collector's correction of what he believed to be spelling errors and his clarification of the correct meaning. Hemachandra, in his preface, acknowledges that such minor errors are common in indigenous word collections but writes to aid researchers.
Structure of the Collection: The entire collection is well-organized. The author points out that this systematic arrangement was unprecedented in previous indigenous word collections, making it easier for scholars to find words. The inclusion of illustrative verses clarifies the usage and meaning of words. Both unicomponent and polysemous words are included. The original verses are in Prakrit, with commentaries by Hemachandra himself in Sanskrit.
Challenges in Word Determination: The text notes that during the time of its creation, comparative methods for determining word pronunciation and meaning were not available, and reliance was often placed on oral traditions.
Origin of Deshi Words: The author explains that Deshi Prakrit is a specific form of Prakrit language. Deshi words are those whose root and suffix components cannot be easily identified. Examples like 'dudana', 'hilola', and 'ghoho' are given, with their potential roots in 'durdina', 'hallola', and 'gos' respectively. The text mentions that many such words have become distorted over time.
Sources of Deshi Words: The text suggests that Deshi Prakrit literature was as esteemed as Sanskrit and Prakrit literature. It mentions the work 'Tarangavati' by Padaliptasuri, said to be in Deshi Prakrit, and the references to numerous Deshi word collections by collectors like Drona, Avantisundari, Abhimanachinha, Shilanka, Dhanapala, Satavahana, Gopala, Devaraja, and Pathodukhala, indicating the widespread popularity of Deshi Prakrit literature.
Writing System: The text outlines the Prakrit writing conventions followed, such as the absence of certain vowels and the use of 's' instead of 'sh' and 'ṣ'. The words are arranged into eight categories based on their initial letters, following a phonetic order.
Selection of Words: Hemachandra states that he included words not present in the Siddh-Hema grammar or commonly found in Sanskrit lexicons. He also subtly suggests that words whose meaning could be derived through indirect or figurative senses were not included.
Editor's Contribution and Personality: The summary extensively details the life and dedication of the editor, Pandit Becherdasji. It mentions his humble beginnings, overcoming financial hardship, his education, and his deep commitment to spiritual texts, especially the Agamas. His active participation in the Indian independence movement, his imprisonment, and his subsequent career path are highlighted. The author reminisces about Panditji's tireless work on the Deshi Shabdasangraha in his later years, emphasizing his meticulousness and passion.
Editorial Specificities: The edition by Pandit Becherdasji is praised for its careful selection of useful textual variants, unlike previous editions which were full of them. The inclusion of Gujarati translations for the illustrative verses and comparative notes is highlighted as a first. Etymological notes are also provided at the end of the book, suggesting that a large portion of Deshi words might have derived from other languages.
Utility of the Study: The collected Deshi words provide insight into the archaic usage of words in various languages, aiding in understanding their meanings. References to geographical locations within the verses help in identifying places. The collection also offers information about customs, festivals, social practices, and games.

In conclusion, the article serves as an in-depth introduction to Hemachandra's Deshi Shabdasangraha, highlighting its scholarly significance, the life and dedication of its editor, and its valuable contribution to linguistic and cultural studies.