Hemchandracharyani Sahitya Sadhna - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Hemchandracharyani Sahitya Sadhna" by Kumarpal Desai, based on the provided pages:

This book, "Hemchandracharyani Sahitya Sadhna" (The Literary Endeavor of Hemchandracharya), by Kumarpal Desai, is a tribute to the immense literary and scholarly contributions of Acharya Hemchandracharya, a pivotal figure in Jainism and the cultural history of Gujarat. The author extols Hemchandracharya as a "Kalikal Sarvajna" (Omniscient of the Kali Yuga), a title that encapsulates his profound knowledge and influence across various domains.

Hemchandracharya: A Multifaceted Genius and Architect of Gujarati Identity

The text portrays Hemchandracharya as a towering intellectual and spiritual leader who illuminated all aspects of contemporary life in Gujarat during the Solanki era. He is credited with ushering in the dawn of the Gujarati language and is considered the first herald of Gujarat's unique identity. His scholarship set an unparalleled standard for Gujarati intellect, placing him among the great scholars of India. His influence permeated the era's learning, political power, social customs, daily life, language, literature, civilization, and culture. This leads to the question of whether to call him a "Jyotirdhar" (light-bearer), a "Yugapravartak" (epoch-maker), a "Mahasamarth Sarasvat" (great and capable scholar), or a "Jivankaladhar" (master of the art of living).

Esteem and Recognition from Contemporaries and Scholars

Leading scholars and writers have lauded Hemchandracharya. Dr. Peters called him an "Ocean of Knowledge." Pandit Becherdas Doshi referred to his profound scholarship as a "Living Dictionary." Muni Punyavijayji recognized his equal-mindedness and anekanta (non-one-sidedness) perspective as the "Embodiment of Syadvad Knowledge." Prominent Gujarati writers like Kanhaiyalal Munshi and Dhumketu also paid glowing tributes. Munshi hailed him as the "Chief among Gujarat's literary masters and a Jyotirdhar who laid the foundation of Gujarat's identity." Dhumketu, his biographer, called him a "great man of any era." While some saw him as a successor to figures like Sidhhem, Divakar, and Aryasuhasti, others compared him to Patanjali, Panini, Mammata, Pingalacharya, Bhatti, or Amarasimha for his literary achievements. The title "Kalikal Sarvajna" is considered an umbrella term that encompasses all these accolades. Indeed, Dewan Bahadur Krishnalal M. Zaveri felt that even a higher title would not be an exaggeration.

Impact on Gujarati Culture and Society

Hemchandracharya's influence extended beyond religious spheres. He transcended narrow sectarian boundaries to become a cultural beacon, a supreme scholar, and a respected royal advisor through his discipline, literature, and asceticism. He provided guidance on life, governance, and even warfare to kings and commoners. Despite his detachment, he was a shrewd pragmatist and a scholar of immense practical knowledge. His scholarship wasn't confined to books; it actively contributed to the upliftment of the people's identity. Without seeking personal gain, he dedicated his life to establishing wealth (Shri) and knowledge (Saraswati) at the foundation of Gurjar culture. He was a creator of culture for kings and people, a selfless ascetic, a time-sensitive political strategist, and a spiritually ascending traveler.

The book delves into how he achieved so much in various fields for seven decades, including how he instilled the spirit of non-violence, echoing Ashoka's edicts, in the land of Gujarat. The cultural golden age of Gujarat during the Solanki period is aptly named the "Hem Yug" (Hem's Era) due to his multifaceted genius. He firmly established the two core pillars of Gurjar culture: non-violence and the Anekanta philosophy. The text notes a continuity between Hemchandracharya's work and Mahatma Gandhi's application of these principles in all aspects of life in modern times.

Literary Diversity and Scholarly Approach

Hemchandracharya's literary output is astonishingly diverse, covering poetry, logic, lexicons, yoga, prosody, rhetoric, history, puranas, and grammar. His works demonstrate knowledge of esoteric subjects like mantras, tantras, sculpture, medicine, machinery, astrology, warfare, botany, physiognomy, and alchemy. The sheer volume and substance of his literature suggest a mind characterized by deep contemplation, unparalleled creativity, and profound aesthetic sensibility. His writing style is praised for its clarity, systematic organization, and comprehensive discussion of subjects, making complex topics accessible.

Mastery of Languages and Linguistic Contributions

He demonstrated effortless command over Sanskrit, Prakrit, Apabhramsha, and Deshya (vernacular) languages. His Prakrit grammar is considered a unique and unparalleled work in Indian literature, covering all forms of Prakrit. He wrote extensive commentaries on his own works and was the first to highlight the heart-touching essence of folk literature by quoting from lost texts. He set a standard for organizing and presenting complex subjects in a clear and systematic manner. His extensive vocabulary, elegant style, and comprehensive understanding of subjects are particularly evident in his critical works.

Major works like "Siddhhem Shabdānushāsan," the epic "Jayashray Mahakavya," and "Trishashtishalākāpurushcharitra" stand as pillars of his genius. Even a short devotional poem like "Anyayogavyavachchhedikā" (with thirty-two verses) showcases his brilliance. He is credited with bringing a "waterfall of Saraswati" to the arid land of Gujarat, nurturing the nascent Gujarati language with knowledge, scholarship, and classical rigor. While King Guhasena of the Maitraka dynasty is known to have composed in Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Apabhramsha, Hemchandracharya went further by creating grammars and lexicons for all three, making study materials readily available and earning the respect of non-Jain scholars as well.

The "Siddhhem Shabdānushāsan": A Landmark Achievement

The book elaborates on the monumental "Siddhhem Shabdānushāsan," a grammar that significantly influenced the Solanki era. It highlights the patronage of King Jayasingh Siddharaj, who, after defeating Malwa king Yashovarma and bringing back his vast library, was inspired to commission a grammar superior to Bhoj's "Sarasvatikanthabharana." Hemchandracharya meticulously collected manuscripts from various sources, including eight grammars from Kashmir, to compile "Siddhhem Shabdānushāsan."

This grammar is praised for its conciseness, clarity, and systematic organization, overcoming the flaws of earlier works such as excessive detail, obscurity, and lack of logical flow. A unique feature is that Hemchandracharya himself authored all five components of the grammar: the Sutrapath, Unadisutra, Linganushasan, Dhatuparayana, and Ganapath. This comprehensive approach surpassed the practice of earlier grammarians who often left parts of their works to their successors. "Siddhhem" is considered a significant grammar after Panini's Sanskrit grammar, with its sutras designed for easier comprehension by students. He retained existing sutras where they were sufficient and added original sutras to improve clarity. The work was likely completed in stages, with the main sutras and a concise commentary written first, followed by the extensive commentary and other parts. The complete "Panchangi Vyakarana" (grammar with five parts) was composed in 125,000 verses.

The Eighth Chapter: A Gateway to Prakrit and Apabhramsha

The eighth chapter of "Siddhhem" is particularly notable for its discussion of Prakrit and Apabhramsha. Hemchandracharya's Prakrit grammar is considered the most complete and systematic among all Prakrit grammars. His Apabhramsha grammar provided a rich insight into Apabhramsha literature. Despite its brevity, it covered all aspects of the language. "Siddhhem" remains unparalleled in its treatment of Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Apabhramsha. F. Kölhorn described it as "The best grammar of the Indian Middle Ages." The grammar disseminated the fame of both King Siddharaj and Acharya Hemchandracharya throughout India. Its grand procession on an elephant symbolized the beginning of the establishment of learning in Gujarat. Siddharaj had numerous copies made and distributed them across India and beyond, marking the first time Gujarati scholarship extended its reach internationally.

Lexicographical Contributions: Illuminating Language

Hemchandracharya's lexicographical works aimed to simplify language study and activate grammatical knowledge. He believed lexicons were essential for both students and scholars. He authored three Sanskrit lexicons: "Abhidhanchintamani," "Anekarth Sangraha," and "Nighantu Shesha." For Prakrit and Deshya languages, he created "Deshinaam Mala" and "Rayavali."

Abhidhanchintamani: This lexicon is invaluable for history and linguistics, presenting words commonly used by poets. It also offers culturally significant content, containing words not found in other lexicons. It aimed to list synonyms for words, similar to Amarakosha, but with a significantly larger vocabulary and more synonyms. The text provides detailed comparisons of the number of synonyms for various deities and elements in Amarakosha versus Abhidhanchintamani. The lexicon is divided into six sections and includes etymological, mixed, and conventional words.
Anekarth Sangraha: While "Abhidhanchintamani" listed multiple words for a single meaning, "Anekarth Sangraha" lists multiple meanings for a single word, making them complementary. It is divided into seven sections and includes an appendix of indeclinables ("Anekarth Shesha"). The text notes the lineage of the commentary on this work, attributing it to Hemchandracharya's disciple Mahendrasuri.
Nighantu Shesha: This is primarily a botanical lexicon useful for the study of medicinal sciences. It is divided into six sections, detailing plants, shrubs, creepers, vegetables, herbs, and grains.
Deshinaam Mala: Created with the Prakrit grammar in "Siddhhem" in mind, this lexicon collected words in use that did not conform to grammatical rules. It contains approximately 3,978 words, including Tatsam, Gabhit Sambhav, Sanshayukt Tadbhav, and Deshi words. This work also demonstrates the antiquity of some Gujarati words and is valuable for comparative linguistics.

Poetics and Prosody: Crafting Literary Excellence

Hemchandracharya also made significant contributions to poetics and prosody with his "Kavyanusasan" and "Chandonusasan." M. Winterritz noted their encyclopedic erudition and practical utility.

Kavyanusasan: This work, accompanied by his own commentary, deals with the principles of poetry. It is divided into eight chapters and contains 208 sutras. The text discusses the purpose of poetry, a poet's talent, poetic merits and demerits, rasas, bhavas, word and sense embellishments, and types of poetry and drama, citing earlier authorities. It features numerous examples from various poets and works, showcasing Hemchandracharya's extensive literary knowledge. He synthesized the principles of earlier rhetoricians like Anandavardhana, Abhinavagupta, and Mammata. The book's structure reflects a pedagogical approach, guiding students from grammar to lexicons and then to the study of poetry. The text also analyzes Hemchandracharya's classification of figures of speech, noting his tendency towards conciseness and occasional simplification that might overlook subtle distinctions.
Chandonusasan: This work, considered the "Pingala of Sanskrit-Prakrit languages," discusses all prevalent meters in Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Apabhramsha with examples. It also includes historical details through verses praising Siddharaj and Kumarpal. The text highlights the need for understanding Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Apabhramsha prosody for studying modern prosody, finding that "Chandonusasan" is the sole source for such scholarly critique.

The "Dvyashray" Mahakavyas: Histories in Verse

Hemchandracharya's "Dvyashray" Mahakavyas are unique historical epics that seamlessly blend grammar and history.

Sanskrit Dvyashray: Composed to illustrate the sutras of "Siddhhem Shabdānushāsan," this epic narrates the history of the Chalukya dynasty from Mularaj Solanki to Kumarpal. It is a significant historical document, also known as "Chaulukya Vamshotkirtan," reflecting the social, religious, and political conditions of the era. The first 14 cantos were likely completed by 1199 AD, during Siddharaj's reign.
Prakrit Dvyashray: This is considered an independent Prakrit epic, serving as an illustration for the Prakrit grammar in the eighth chapter of "Siddhhem." It focuses on the life of King Kumarpal, with the first six cantos illustrating Maharashtri Prakrit and the remaining two covering other Prakrit dialects. The epic, in about 747 verses, depicts events like the grandeur of Anhilpurpatan, Jinpratima, Kumarpal's victories, and the teachings of Shrutadevi to Kumarpal, showcasing his poetic skill and mastery of various rasas.

Both "Dvyashray" epics are lauded for their historical value and for capturing the essence of Gujarat's identity and pride. The Sanskrit "Dvyashray" is noted for its historical emphasis, while the Prakrit "Dvyashray" prioritizes poetic elements.

Other Significant Works

The book also touches upon other important works:

Trishashtishalākāpurushcharitra: This vast epic, comprising over 36,000 verses, narrates the lives of 63 "Shalākāpurushas" (distinguished individuals) in Jain tradition, from Rishabhdeva to Mahavir Swami, including Tirthankaras, Chakravartis, Vasudevas, Baladevas, and Prativasudevas. It's a compendium of Jain narratives, history, mythology, and philosophy, displaying a mature and comprehensive approach.
Parishishta Parva: Following the "Trishashtishalākāpurushcharitra," this work details the lineage of Jain monks after Mahavir Swami, including figures like Sudharmaswami, Jambuswami, and Bhadrabahuswami, interspersed with historical accounts of kings like Shrenik, Samprati, Chandragupta, and Ashoka.
Praman Mimamsa: This five-chapter treatise on epistemology, also known as "Vadanushasan," discusses the nature of proof, its divisions, inference, fallacies, and debate. Its incomplete nature suggests it might have been his last work. It reflects his keen understanding of various philosophical schools and his adherence to Anekantavada and Nayavada.
Yogashastra: Inspired by King Kumarpal's interest in yoga, Hemchandracharya composed this work, offering guidance on yogic practices for both householders and ascetics. It includes moral teachings, ethical principles, and yogic techniques, integrating Patanjali's Ashtanga Yoga with Jain principles.
Stotras (Hymns): Hemchandracharya also composed various hymns, characterized by a blend of devotional fervor and intellectual rigor. Notably, his "Ayogavyavachchhedikadvātrishikā" and "Anyayogavyavachchhedikadvātrishikā" critically examine different philosophical schools before extolling Jainism. His "Vitragastotra" expresses deep devotion, while his "Mahadevastotra" reflects a syncretic view of deities.

Legacy and Enduring Influence

In conclusion, the book emphasizes Hemchandracharya's unparalleled contributions as a creator, collector, and synthesizer of Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Apabhramsha languages. His works reveal his deep-rooted identity, the glory of the Solanki era, and a fervent dedication to knowledge. He was a poet, editor, lexicographer, grammarian, historian, social reformer, and yogi, demonstrating his genius across all these domains. His vast literary output is an encyclopedic treasure trove, requiring lifetimes of research. Hemchandracharya's profound knowledge, noble asceticism, mastery of various disciplines, practical wisdom, and political acumen are evident in his writings. He demonstrated the high value of scholarly asceticism. His passing at the age of 84 marked a significant loss to the world of scholarship, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and guide. The book also laments the loss of some of his works and the lack of preservation efforts, urging a greater appreciation for his immense literary heritage.