Hirsundaramahakavyam Part 2

Here's a comprehensive summary of Shri Hir Sundar Mahakavyam - Part 2, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Hir Sundar Mahakavyam - Part 2 (सटिप्पणीकं 'हीरसौभाग्य' उपरि-लघुवृत्तिसमेतम्) Author(s): Pandit Shri Devvimal Gani (कर्ता पण्डित श्रीदेवविमलगणि) Edited by: Muniratnakirtivijay (संपादकः मुनिरत्नकीर्तिविजयः), guided by Shri Vijaysheelchandra Suri. Publisher: Shri Jain Granth Prakashan Samiti, Khambhat Publication Year: 2005 CE (2061 VS)

Overall Purpose: This book is the second part of the Shri Hir Sundar Mahakavyam, a significant Jain epic. It continues the narrative and commentary on the life and teachings of Jagadguru Shri Hiravijayasuriji Maharaj, a prominent Jain Acharya. The publication is dedicated to the fourth centenary of Jagadguru Hiravijaya Suri's ascension to heaven.

Key Content and Themes (Based on the Summarized Sections):

1. The Editor's Preface (सम्पादकीय):

   • The editor expresses joy at the publication of the second part, following the first part released in 1995 (VS 2052).
   • He acknowledges the nine-year delay in publication and apologizes, attributing it to his own laziness and lack of commitment, rather than making excuses.
   • He emphasizes that this work was undertaken out of deep respect, faith, and reverence for Jagadguru, and guided by his spiritual teachers.
   • The editor highlights the benefit of concentration and focus experienced while engaging with such scholarly works, calling it the greatest gain of "Swadhyaya" (self-study).
   • He views this project, though perhaps small in the vast field of research, as a significant learning experience, providing a foundation for deeper exploration into the subject and offering a unique joy in engaging with the life events of Jagadguru.
   • He praises Jagadguru's life as one of universal fame and pure conduct, characterized by detachment, impartiality, and self-awareness. His virtues, not his actions, were his true identity, making him truly exceptional ("Avadhu! Nirapeksh virala koi").
   • The editor notes that the work describes Jagadguru's penance and self-study, inspiring awe and respect. He contrasts his own worldly pursuits with the profound spirituality of the Acharya, who was revered by gods.
   • Jagadguru's life is presented as a prime example of true sainthood and self-realization, marked by victory over worldly attachments ("Moh"). He balanced immense responsibility as the leader of two thousand monks and the impact on the Jain community and society with a life of knowledge, penance, and inner purity.
   • The editor mentions the Acharya's numerous fasts (upavas, ayambil, etc.) and his practice of penance through taking "prashchit" (atonement) from his gurus. A significant aspect was his immense "Swadhyaya" (scriptural study), totaling four crore verses over his 56 years of monastic life, which equates to approximately 2000 verses daily. This devotion to knowledge was inseparable from his very breath and was driven by an irrepressible desire for self-awakening and sainthood.
   • Jagadguru's life is held up as an ideal example of leadership and monastic conduct, invaluable for those seeking spiritual liberation and virtuous living.
   • The editor acknowledges the contribution of various libraries and institutions that provided access to manuscripts.
   • He notes that the commentary (Laghu Vritti) on Hira Sauhagya extends up to the ninth verse of the eleventh canto. The subsequent verses and commentary are similar to the original Hira Saundar.
   • The text discusses the verses and their order in Hira Sundar and Hira Sauhagya, stating that the commentary follows the order of Hira Saundar. It also mentions footnotes for textual variations and a star (*) marking verses that are identical in both texts.
   • Appendices are mentioned, including a list of verses not present in Hira Saundar or in a different order, citations used in the commentary, and possible original sources.

2. The Introduction (प्रस्तावना - From Part 1):

   • Jagadguru and Hira Sauhbagya:
     • Jagadguru Shri Hiravijaysurishwarji Maharaj is described as an influential religious figure and a brilliant Jain Acharya of the 16th century.
     • His life and work, filled with non-violence, compassion, and a desire for world welfare, have been documented in numerous works, both during his lifetime and thereafter.
     • He is recognized as a "lokavallabh yugapurush" (a man of the epoch beloved by the people) due to his deep study, asceticism, character, intelligence, magnanimity, leadership skills, ability to reconcile different factions, and firmness when necessary. These qualities earned him respect even from opponents.
     • His works include the Jagadguru Kavya, Shri Hiravijaya Sari Rasa, and numerous other compositions like Hira Sari Swadhyaya, devotional songs (sajjhayo), verses (sloka), assemblies (mandavna), and treatises (prabandh), showcasing his popularity.
     • The pinnacle of these works is the Hira Sauhbagya Mahakavya. This epic, comprising seventy cantos and around 10,000 verses with its commentary, is compared favorably to ancient Sanskrit epics like Magha and Naisadha. Its author, Pandit Shri Devvimal Gani, displays exceptional poetic talent.
     • The Hira Sauhbagya Mahakavya itself is considered fortunate, having gained popularity immediately after its creation. It's referenced in the Tapgachchh Pattavali (dated 1648 VS), indicating its widespread recognition.
     • While the number of surviving manuscripts is limited, the decline in its study in later centuries is attributed to the general decline of Sanskrit studies, not a lack of popularity of the work or its hero.
     • In recent years, the study of this epic has revived, becoming comparable to the study of other major Mahakavyas. The printing of Hira Sauhbagya and Vijay Prashasti by Nirnaysagar Press made scholars realize their equality with the "Panch Mahakavyas" (Five Great Epics).
   • Hir Sundar: The Precursor to Hira Sauhbagya:
     • Hira Sauhbagya is described as the "second incarnation" of the Hira Sundar Mahakavya.
     • It's suggested that Devvimal Gani initially intended to name it Hira Sundar Kavya. Evidence for this includes the availability of manuscripts titled Hira Sundar Kavya and drafts of Hira Sundar with variations from Hira Sauhbagya.
     • However, possibly influenced by Soma Sauhbagya or the desire for a more beautiful name, or to immortalize his mother "Sauhbagyadevi," the author changed the name to Hira Sauhbagya.
     • Not only the name but also the verses were significantly altered.
     • The introduction details the available manuscripts of Hira Sundar Kavya (from Bhavnagar and Idar). The Idar manuscript, though only containing one canto, is noted as being in the author's own handwriting, evident from the marginal notes of variant readings. This suggests the author's direct involvement in refining the text.
     • The publication aims to present the original text of Hira Sundar with its commentary (Laghu Vritti) and Hira Sauhbagya.
     • The editor notes discrepancies in the numbering of cantos in some manuscripts.
     • The publication of Hira Sundar provides the original verses and commentary where they were missing in the printed Hira Sauhbagya, and also corrects many errors found in the printed version.
     • The introduction concludes by expressing the editor's commitment to fulfilling the trust placed in him by his Guru and seeking further blessings for future endeavors.

3. The Mahakavya: The text then presents the verses of the Mahakavya, starting with Namaskar (Adoration) and the Ninth Canto (नवमः सर्गः), followed by the Tenth Canto (दशमः सर्गः), and the Eleventh Canto (एकादशः सर्गः). These cantos detail various aspects of the Acharya's life, travels, interactions with Mughal emperor Akbar, and the establishment of Jain principles and practices. The language is highly ornate Sanskrit poetry, employing extensive metaphors and similes.

Specific details from the Cantos (Illustrative, as the text is extensive):

• Ninth Canto: Deals with the manifestation of the governing deity of the Faith, answering the Guru's question, proceeding to Chandra Tara Stambha, the cessation of darkness, the dawn of the sun, Shri Vijay Sen Suri's anointment, the arrival of Meghji Rishi, the journey to Gandharpur, description of Delhi and its region, Akbar's query, Akbar's court, and the description of virtues of Shri Hiravijay Suri.
• Tenth Canto: Focuses on Akbar's assembly, the establishment of rules for hunting, blessings for all creatures, the journey to Tirtha, arrival in Gujarat, details of the Jaziya tax, offering the Shatrunjay mountain, and description of Shatrunjay mountain.
• Eleventh Canto: Covers the arrival in Shivpuri, the royal celebration of Suratrana, donations and propagation of faith in Aauva, the arrival of Sangh from Nagpur and Vikrampuri, the journey to Phalwardhi Parshvanath, sending Mahopadhyaya Shri Vimalharsh Gani and Pandit Singhvimal Gani, meeting the king, hearing the account, returning to Abhiramavada, welcoming the Sangh, ceremonies with the king, discussion of the Tirtha, and the king's blessings.

Overall Impression: The Hir Sundar Mahakavyam - Part 2 is a work of immense scholarly and devotional value, meticulously detailing the life and influence of Jagadguru Shri Hiravijayasurishwarji Maharaj. The commentary and the introductory sections highlight the importance of this epic in Jain literature and the enduring legacy of the Acharya. The poetic descriptions are rich and elaborate, aiming to capture the spiritual and worldly achievements of the Great Guru.