Hindi Kavya Ke Vikas Me Shramaniyo Ka Yogadana

This document, titled "Contribution of Jain Shramanis to the Development of Hindi Poetry" by Kanhiyalal Gaud, outlines the significant role Jain nuns (Shramanis) have played in the evolution of Hindi poetry. The author defines literature as the grand expression of internal and external emotions, stating that it is influenced by universal and eternal principles rather than being merely a contemporary supporter of a nation, society, or individual. Human desires, ideologies, and aspirations are presented as literature's lasting wealth, where the confluence of spiritual practice and experience reveals eternal truth and beauty.

The text highlights that Jain Shramanis have expressed their inner truths with authenticity in their works. They have artfully conveyed the reality of spiritual experiences through allegories and metaphorical language. Their spiritual emotions are characterized by a balanced presentation of feelings, achieved by bringing the heart to a level of equanimity. The works exhibit a deep analysis of human emotions, presenting life's joys and sorrows, attractions and repulsions from a philosophical perspective.

The document then proceeds to list and describe the contributions of several Jain Shramanis, tracing their active period from the 14th century to the 21st century:

1. Gunasamriddhi Mahattara: A disciple of Jinachandra Suri of the Khatragachchha. She composed the "Anjana Sundari Charit" in Prakrit, a work of 502 verses detailing the life of Hanuman's mother, Anjana Sundari. It was completed in Jaisalmer in 1477 CE.

2. Sirima Mahattara: A follower of Jinapati Suri. She wrote "Jinapati Suri Bandhamana Gita" around 1233 CE, a composition of 20 verses referencing an event from 1232 CE. The language is described as natural and representative of the prevalent folk songs of the time, spoken by a woman, offering a genuine glimpse into the Maru-Gurjar dialect.

3. Rajalakshmi: A disciple of Shivachoola Mahattara of the Tapagachchha. She composed "Shivachoola Ganini Vijnapti" (20 verses) around 1500 CE. The work discusses the life of Ganini Shivachoola and is noted for its simple language and moderate poetic quality.

4. Padmashri: Composed the character-based poem "Charudatta Charitra" in 1540 CE. The work begins with an invocation to Saraswati and concludes with Charudatta embracing asceticism, setting an example of an excellent character and attaining a higher realm. The poem predominantly uses fourteen meters.

5. Vinayachoola Ganini: A nun from the Agamgachchha community, a follower of Hemal Suri. She composed "Shri Hemaratna Suri-Guru Phagu" around 1513 CE, consisting of 11 verses introducing Hemaratna Suri, a successor of Amarsingh Suri. The composition is considered of average poetic merit.

6. Hemsri: A disciple of Nayan Sundar Ji of the Bada Tapagachchha. Her work "Kanakavati Akhyan," a composition of 367 verses, was created on Tuesday, Vaishakh Sudhi 7, 1644 CE. It begins with an invocation to Saraswati and service to the guru.

7. Hemsiddhi: Associated with the Khatragachchha. She wrote two songs: "Lavanya Siddhi Pahavani Gitam," which introduces Sadhvi Lavanya Siddhi, and "Som Siddhi Nirvan Gitam," an 18-verse composition. The latter is described as poetic, expressing deep affection and devotion towards Som Siddhi.

8. Viveka Siddhi: A disciple of Lavanya Siddhi. Her work "Vimal Siddhi Gitam" is mentioned, detailing Vimal Siddhi's life and her demise in Bikaner.

9. Vidyasiddhi: Her work "Guruni Gitam" is published. While the initial lines are missing, later verses indicate her guru was the daughter of Karmachand of the Saunsuha gotra, and Jinasingh Suri granted her the title of Pahutani. The composition was written in 1699 CE.

10. Harkubai: Associated with the Sthanakavasi tradition. She authored "Mahasati Shri Amruji ka Charitra" (88 verses) in 1820 CE in Kishangarh. She also wrote "Mahasati Ji Chalru Ji Sajhchay."

11. Hulasa Ji: Also from the Sthanakavasi tradition. She composed "Kshama va Tap Upar Stavana" in 1887 CE in Pali.

12. Sarutabai: Associated with Shri Shrimallji Maharaj of the Sthanakavasi tradition around 1900 CE. Her work "Pujya Shri Malji ki Sajhchay" is published.

13. Jadav Ji: A disciple of Rambha Ji, a prominent figure in the tradition of Acharya Shri Ratanchandra Ji Maharaj of the Sthanakavasi tradition. Her works, compiled as "Jain Stavavali," include devotional, narrative, didactic, and philosophical compositions, with a particular success in writing allegories.

14. Arya Parvatavaji: Associated with the tradition of Pujya Shri Amarsingh Ji Maharaj of the Sthanakavasi tradition. She was born in 1911 CE and received initiation in 1924 CE. Her works include "Vritta Mandali" (1940 CE), "Ajitsen Kumar Dhal" (1940 CE), "Sumati Charitra" (1961 CE), and "Aridaman Chaupai" (1961 CE).

15. Bhoor Sundari: Also associated with the Sthanakavasi tradition. Born in 1914 CE, she was inspired by her aunt and took initiation at the age of 11. She was both a poet and a prose writer, with six published works focusing on praise and instruction, and also wrote riddles.

16. Ratnakunwar Ji: A prominent figure in the tradition of Pujya Shri Amolak Rishi Ji Maharaj of the Sthanakavasi tradition. Her work "Shri Ratnachud Manichud Charitra," comprising 51 dhalas, was published in 1992.

The document also mentions Champadevi as a notable lay poet, wife of Lala Sundar Lal Tongya of Delhi. She composed several verses in devotion to Ahant, collected in "Champa Shatak." The text notes that many Jain Shramanis are currently engaged in poetic endeavors across various sects. It further mentions a research paper published in a Udaipur journal detailing the poetic works of several nuns from the Terapanth sect, including Jayashri, Manjula, Sneha Kumari, Kamalashri, Ratnashri, Kanakumari, Phoolkumari, Mohana, Kanak Prabha, Yashodhara, Sumanshri, and Kanakadhi.

In conclusion, the author emphasizes that these Shramani poets hold a unique position in Hindi poetry. Unlike poets who wrote for the entertainment of queens within inner chambers or in competition, these Jain nuns dedicated their writings to preaching a life of purity, equanimity, and virtuous conduct to all living beings. Their teachings, born from personal experiences, directly touch the hearts of the readers.