Hemsiddhi

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Hem Siddhi" by Vinod Kapashi, published by the Zaveri Foundation, based on the provided pages. The book is a tribute to Acharya Hemchandracharya, often referred to as "Kalikal Sarvagnya" (Omniscient of the Kali Era).

Title: Hem Siddhi (હમ સિદ્ધિ હેમ સિદ્ધિ) Author: Vinod Kapashi Publisher: Zaveri Foundation Purpose: To provide an overview of the life and works of Kalikal Sarvagnya Hemchandracharya and a brief appreciation of his literary creations.

Core Message and Author's Intent (Page 7): The author, Vinod Kapashi, humbly presents this book as a tribute to Hemchandracharya, acknowledging his own limited knowledge compared to the vastness of the Acharya's wisdom. The aim is to introduce Hemchandracharya's life and significant works to a general audience, providing a taste of the vast literature he produced. The author aims to offer a concise overview of the Acharya's life, briefly touch upon his major works, and highlight their essence rather than delve into complex scholarly analysis. The book also includes a list of Hemchandracharya's literature preserved in Britain, some of which may not be easily accessible in India. The author also expresses gratitude for the assistance received, particularly from Shri Kumarpal Desai and Shri Kirtibhai Zaveri.

Key Sections and Content:

1. Introduction to Hemchandracharya (Pages 10-12):

• Birth Details: Born in Dhandhuka (Gujarat), Kartik Sud Purnima, VS 1145 (1088 AD). His parents were Chaching and Shahini (or Pahini). His guru was Devchand Suri. He took initiation at age 8, named Somchandra. Became Acharya at age 17 in VS 1164. Left his mortal body in VS 1229 (1173 AD) at the age of 84.
• Titles and Acclaim: Referred to as "Kalikal Sarvagnya" (Omniscient of the Kali Era). Praised by scholars like Shri Dhumketu, Muni Jinvijayji, Muni Punyavijayji, Pandit Someshwar Dev, Pandit Shivdatt Sharma, Somprabh Suri, Devchand, Ramchand, and K.M. Munshi. He is called the "Father of Gujarati Language" and "Light of Gujarat."

2. Life and Impact (Pages 13-39):

• Pioneer of Gujarati: Hemchandracharya is credited with shaping and elevating the Gujarati language. His influence awakened Gujarat's cultural consciousness and nurtured the virtues of its people, emphasizing non-violence, purity, and ethical conduct.
• Influence on Kings: His impact extended to the great rulers Siddharaj Jaisinh and Kumarpal, who witnessed his profound influence.
• Holistic Influence: He wasn't just a religious figure but a social reformer who deeply integrated with the lives of the people. His advocacy for non-violence and vegetarianism significantly impacted Gujarat's culture, cuisine, and daily life.
• The Solanki Era: His works provide invaluable insights into the history and life during the Solanki dynasty, particularly the reigns of Siddharaj and Kumarpal. This era is described as a "Golden Age" for Gujarat.
• Genealogy and Historical Context: The text traces the lineage of the Chalukya (Solanki) dynasty, starting from Mulraj, and details the reigns of Chamund, Bhimdeva, Karna, Siddharaj, and Kumarpal. It mentions significant events like Mahmud Ghazni's invasion and the destruction of the Somnath temple.
• Spiritual Lineage: The text outlines Hemchandracharya's guru parampara, starting from Shri Datta Suri to Devchand Suri.
• Birth and Early Life: Details his birth in Dhandhuka, his parents' names, and the prophetic dream of his mother. It describes how his guru identified his potential and foresaw his future greatness. His initial reluctance to be separated from his parents and his father's eventual acceptance after counsel from Minister Udayan are narrated.
• Initiation and Education: He received his initiation at age 8 and was named Somchandra. He spent his formative years in rigorous study.
• Encounter with Kumudchandra: A significant event mentioned is his participation in a debate with the Digambar Acharya Kumudchandra, where he contributed to Dev Suri's victory.
• Quest for Knowledge: His journey to Kashi to worship Goddess Saraswati and the boon he received are described.
• Ascension to Acharya: The narrative details how he earned the name Hemchandra through his association with wealth (Hem) and his guru's recognition. He was appointed Acharya at Nagoor village on Akshay Tritiya, VS 1164.
• Relationship with Siddharaj: The text describes his first meeting with King Siddharaj, where Hemchandracharya impressed the king with his poetic talent. Their relationship grew, and Hemchandracharya became a key advisor in Siddharaj's court.
• Dwayashraya and Siddhahem: Siddharaj requested Hemchandracharya to compose a grammar that would elevate Gujarat's literary status. This led to the creation of "Siddhahem Shabdanushasan," a monumental work on Sanskrit and Prakrit grammar, which greatly enhanced Gujarat's prestige. The king famously carried this grammar on his royal elephant in a grand procession.
• Influence on Kumarpal: Hemchandracharya played a crucial role in Kumarpal's life, even hiding him from Siddharaj. He also predicted Kumarpal's ascension to the throne. Kumarpal's reign was a period of great prosperity and adherence to Jain principles, largely due to Hemchandracharya's guidance.
• Social Reforms: Kumarpal, influenced by Hemchandracharya, implemented significant reforms, including the prohibition of animal sacrifice and the promotion of vegetarianism. His reign saw the construction of numerous Jain temples and other welfare activities.
• Interfaith Harmony: Hemchandracharya's "Mahadeva Stotra" and his statement in a Shiva temple illustrate his inclusive approach and respect for other religions. He believed that the essence of divinity lies in the absence of attachment and aversion, regardless of the deity's name.
• Wisdom and Wit: Several anecdotes showcase his sharp intellect, witty responses, and ability to handle complex situations with grace.
• Death: Hemchandracharya anticipated his death six months in advance and died at the age of 84 in VS 1229 (1173 AD) in Patan. Kumarpal himself attended his funeral.

3. Major Works of Hemchandracharya (Detailed Descriptions):

• Siddhahem Shabdanushasan (Pages 70-73): A monumental work on Sanskrit and Prakrit grammar, comprising eight chapters (seven on Sanskrit and one on Prakrit). It contains 4685 sutras and is considered a foundational text for understanding these languages. It incorporates principles of Syadvada (theory of manifold aspects).
• Dwayashraya (Pages 75-84): A significant epic poem that serves a dual purpose: detailing the history of the Solanki dynasty and illustrating the rules of grammar from Siddhahem. It has Sanskrit and Prakrit versions, providing historical and linguistic insights into the period.
• Desi Nam Mala (Pages 88-93): A lexicon of archaic Prakrit and Gujarati words, compiled with assistance from various earlier works. It provides valuable linguistic data for researchers and offers glimpses into the language and life of the time.
• Abhidhan Chintamani, Anekaarth Sangrah, Nighantushesh (Pages 94-95): These are important Sanskrit lexicographical works. Abhidhan Chintamani lists words with multiple meanings, Anekaarth Sangrah explains various meanings of a single word, and Nighantushesh is a lexicon of plants and herbs.
• Anya Yog Vyavchhed Dwattrishika (Pages 95-99): A concise work in 32 verses, refuting other philosophical schools and establishing the validity of Jain philosophy, particularly the doctrine of Syadvada. It delves into the nature of soul, consciousness, and the limitations of other philosophical systems.
• Praman Mimansa (Pages 98-103): A treatise on logic and epistemology, discussing the nature of knowledge and valid means of acquiring it (pramanas). It categorizes pramanas into direct (pratyaksha) and indirect (paroksha) knowledge and explores their subdivisions.
• Kavyanusashan (Pages 101-107): A comprehensive work on the science of poetry, discussing poetic elements like alamkaras (figures of speech), rasa (emotions), guna (qualities), dosha (flaws), and poetic devices. It draws from earlier works on poetics and provides numerous examples.
• Chhandonushasan (Pages 108-109): A detailed work on prosody, covering various Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Apabhramsha meters. It systematically explains the structure and rules of poetic meters.
• Shri Mahadev Stotra (Pages 124-129): A devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Shiva, demonstrating Hemchandracharya's broad religious outlook and his belief in the underlying unity of different deities. He defines "Shiva," "Maheshwar," and "Mahadeva" in a way that aligns with Jain principles of detachment and universal welfare.
• Vitarag Stotra (Pages 109-123): A highly devotional work comprising 188 verses dedicated to the Vitaraga (detached) Lord. It explores the nature of the soul, the path to liberation through yoga and Jain principles, and the qualities of the Tirthankaras, with detailed descriptions of their divine attributes (atishayas) and the significance of the Kalikala (the current era).
• Yog Shastra (Pages 130-158): A major work on Yoga, composed at the request of King Kumarpal. It covers various aspects of Yoga, including asanas (postures), pranayama (breath control), meditation (dhyana), and ethical conduct (yama and niyama). It emphasizes the importance of mental purification and equanimity (samabhava) for spiritual progress and describes the four types of meditation: Pindastha, Padmastha, Rupastha, and Rupatita. It also delves into Shukla Dhyana, the highest state of meditation.
• Shri Vir Jin Stotra (Pages 46-47): A devotional tribute to Lord Mahavir Swami, part of the Parishisht Parva.
• Sakalarhat Stotra (Pages 41-45): A hymn in praise of all the Arhats (Jain Tirthankaras).

4. Appendices:

• Sanskrit Lyrics: Translations of some verses from various works.
• List of Works: A list of reference books and works related to Hemchandracharya, including those by Indian and Western scholars.

Overall Impression: "Hem Siddhi" portrays Hemchandracharya as a multifaceted genius – a grammarian, poet, historian, logician, philosopher, social reformer, and a devoted Jain monk. The book highlights his profound influence on the language, culture, and politics of Gujarat, cementing his legacy as a pivotal figure in Indian history and Jain tradition. The author's humble approach and the comprehensive coverage of Hemchandracharya's life and works make this book an insightful tribute.