Hemchandrashabdanushasanam

The provided Jain text is the Śrī Siddha Hemacandra Śabdānuśāsana, a seminal Sanskrit grammar authored by the renowned Jain monk and scholar Acārya Hemacandra Sūri. This particular edition, critically edited by Jaina Muni Jambu Vijaya, is notable for including Hemacandra Sūri's own concise commentary, the Rahasya Vṛtti.

Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided text:

Core Text:

• Title: Śrī Siddha Hemacandra Śabdānuśāsana (Śrī Siddha Hemacandra Śabdānuśāsana)
• Author: Ācārya Śrī Hemacandra Sūri (ācāryabhagvat-kalikālsarvajña-śrīhemacandra-sūri-praṇītaṁ)
• Commentary: Svopajña Rahasya Vṛtti (svopajñarahasyavṛtti-vibhūṣitaṁ) - Hemacandra Sūri's own commentary.
• Critical Editor: Jaina Muni Jambu Vijaya (sampādakaḥ pūjyapāda-gurudeva-munirāja-śrī-bhuvanavijayāntavāsī muni jambuvijayaḥ)
• Publisher: Śrī Hemacandrācārya Jaina Jñānamandira, Pāṭaṇ (prakāśakam śrī hemacandrācārya jaina jñānamandira pāṭaṇ)
• Publication Details: The text is part of the "Sanghamātā Śatavarṣādhikāyu Mātā Sadhvījī Śrī Manoharśrījī Janmaśatābdī Jain Granthamālā" series, specifically as the second volume (puṣpam 2). The first edition was published in Vikrama era 2051 / Vira era 2322 / A.D. 1995.

Key Content and Context:

1. Sanskrit and Prakrit Grammar: The "Siddha Hemacandra Śabdānuśāsana" is a comprehensive grammar of both Sanskrit and Prakrit languages. The presented edition focuses on the first seven Adhyāyas (chapters), which deal with Sanskrit grammar. The eighth Adhyāya is dedicated to Prakrit grammar.
2. Structure of the Grammar: The grammar is organized into eight Adhyāyas, each divided into four Pādas. Each Pāda contains aphorisms (sūtras) explaining grammatical rules. The total number of sutras is 4685, with 3566 for Sanskrit and 1119 for Prakrit.
3. Commentaries of Hemacandra Sūri: Acārya Hemacandra Sūri himself wrote several commentaries on this grammar:
   • Brhadvṛtti: A comprehensive commentary on all eight Adhyāyas.
   • Laghu Vṛtti: A concise commentary on all sutras.
   • Rahasya Vṛtti: A commentary focusing on 1671 important sutras, noted for its selective and essential explanations, making it suitable for a balanced understanding of grammar. This edition specifically features the Rahasya Vṛtti.
4. Critical Edition: Muni Jambu Vijaya's critical edition is based on a sole palm-leaf manuscript written in Vikram era 1218. He acknowledges significant help from his disciples Muni Dharmacandra Vijaya and Muni Puṇḍarīkaratnavijaya, as well as Sādhvī Jinendraprabhāśrī. The computer typesetting was done by Mayur Vrajlal Shah.
5. Dedication and Acknowledgement:
   • The book is dedicated to Muni Jambu Vijaya's spiritual parents: his guru, Munirāja Śrī Bhuvanavijaya Mahārāja, and his spiritual mother, Sadhvī Śrī Manoharśrī Mahārāja.
   • The publication was made possible by the financial support of the Kirtilal Manilal Mehta family, honoring Kirtilal Manilal Mehta and his wife Lilavatiben. Kirtilal Mehta is described as a prominent figure in the diamond industry, a philanthropist, and a freedom fighter, recognized internationally and by governments. Lilavatiben is remembered for her compassionate nature and philanthropic contributions.
   • A detailed biography of Munirāja Śrī Bhuvanavijaya Mahārāja is included, highlighting his spiritual journey, his intellectual prowess, his adherence to Jain principles, and his influence on his disciples, particularly Muni Jambu Vijaya.
   • A "Shraddhanjali" (tribute) is offered to Sadhvī Śrī Manoharśrī Mahārāja, who passed away shortly after the printing of the book. Her long life (over 100 years) and spiritual achievements are celebrated.
6. Historical and Linguistic Significance: The foreword and introductions provide context about Acārya Hemacandra Sūri's life, his compilation of the grammar at the request of King Siddharāja Jayasimha of Gujarat, and the profound impact of this work on the study of Sanskrit and Prakrit languages. The text also touches upon linguistic nuances, such as the evolution of certain grammatical rules and the comparison of different commentary traditions.
7. Content Overview: The book also includes an index of subjects and an alphabetical index of sutras, making it a valuable resource for scholars and students of Jainology and Sanskrit grammar. The table of sutras per pada and adhyaya is also provided.

In essence, this publication of the "Śrī Siddha Hemacandra Śabdānuśāsana" with its "Rahasya Vṛtti" is a significant contribution to the field of Indology and Jain studies, making a classic grammatical text accessible in a critically edited format. It reflects a deep respect for tradition, meticulous scholarship, and the spiritual lineage of the editor.