Jain Sahitya Ma Hemkumar Pal Sambandhit Rupak Kathao

This document, "Jain Sahitya ma Hemkumar Pal Sambandhit Rupak Kathao" by Dr. Praflad Patel, explores allegorical stories related to Hemchandracharya and Kumarpal within post-Hemchandracharya Sanskrit Jain literature.

The article begins by highlighting Acharya Hemchandracharya as a monumental figure in Gujarat's religious, cultural, literary, and political history. He is credited with popularizing the term 'Gurjar' and laying the foundation for modern Gujarati language. Hemchandracharya elevated Gujarat's prestige across India through his work "Siddhahem Shabdānushāsan," which celebrated King Siddharaj's victories. He also played a pivotal role in conveying the importance of the great principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) to contemporary Gujarati society. His influence is compared to the Upanishadic concept of the Supreme Being, illuminating all. Despite some controversies surrounding his multifaceted personality, his "otherworldly" nature is acknowledged. Hemchandracharya, a Vitarag (detached) monk, harbored a deep affection for Gujarat, envisioning a land where wealth and knowledge coexisted peacefully.

His achievements are categorized into four areas:

1. Learned Scholar-Poet: He contributed to grammar, prosody, rhetoric, yoga, biographies of Jinas, and logic, aiming to dispel ignorance.
2. Character-Building Monk: He was a spiritual guide.
3. Timely Statesman: He understood the political landscape.
4. Most Importantly, a Spiritual Monk: His actions were driven by a strong sense of public welfare.

Hemchandracharya was not just Kumarpal's guru but the "Kulguru" (family preceptor) of the Gurjar nation. Many writers, from his contemporaries to the present, have honored him. Somaprabhacharya, author of "Kumarpal Prathibodh," stated that Hemchandracharya's works in grammar, prosody, rhetoric, yoga, and Jina biographies aimed to remove the darkness of ignorance from the populace.

As a spiritual leader, Hemchandracharya was the "Pratibodhak" (enlightener) of Maharaja Kumarpal. While he advised Siddharaj on Jainism, he couldn't convert him. However, he succeeded in making Kumarpal a devoted Jain and establishing Jainism as the state religion. The article emphasizes that in ancient times, influencing rulers was often more effective than directly preaching to the masses, and allegorical narratives (Rupak Kathao) were particularly powerful in conveying religious teachings.

The article notes that while Hemchandracharya himself didn't write allegorical works, post-Hemchandracharya Jain creators extensively produced allegorical compositions centering on him and Kumarpal. This indicates the profound influence of Hemchandracharya and the respect for Kumarpal. Starting with Somaprabhacharya, numerous allegorical works about this guru-disciple duo were created until Jinmanda Gani in the 15th century.

The importance of allegorical literature (Rupak Sahitya) in the Jain tradition is then discussed. Similar to English "allegory," these narratives present abstract concepts in concrete forms. Subtle emotions, imperceptible to the senses, become clearer and more understandable when manifested through metaphors and allegories, making them deeply impactful.

Jain Agam literature, such as "Uttaradhyayan Sutra," "Sutrakritanga," and "Jnatadharmakatha," contains allegorical elements, but they are brief, embodied, and riddle-like. The article points to "Upamiti Bhava Prapancha Katha" by Siddharshi (V.S. 1129) as a supreme allegorical religious narrative in Indian literature. Its influence extended across Sanskrit and Prakrit Jain literature until Upadhyay Yashovijayji in the 17th century.

The article then discusses several specific allegorical works related to Hemchandracharya and Kumarpal:

1. Moharajaprajaya by Yashpal: Written by Yashpal, minister to Ajaysinh, a ruler from the Modhvānik clan, this allegorical play was performed during the installation ceremony of Mahavir's idol. The play praises Hemchandracharya, indicating his high status among the people during Ajaysinh's reign. The play is a complete allegory, with characters representing abstract concepts, and depicts the duo of Hem and Kumar favorably. The story involves Kumarpal sending a "Jnana Darpan" (mirror of knowledge) to understand "Moharaj" (King of Delusion). It depicts the exile of King Vivekchandra, Queen Shanti, and their daughter Krupasundari by Moharaj, and Kumarpal's subsequent influence on his queens, leading to their detachment from power and their union with Moharaj to attack Kumarpal. The allegorical depiction of Kumarpal's spiritual journey and his interactions with his senses and their leaders is highlighted.

2. Kumārapālavir (Prakrit) by Somaprabhacharya (V.S. 1241): Written by Somaprabhacharya, a contemporary of Hemchandracharya, this work is a detailed account of how Hemchandracharya influenced Kumarpal and guided him towards Jainism. The poet is deeply impressed by Kumarpal's compassion and Hemchandracharya's teaching power.

3. Avansh Vijnan by Merutunga Suri (V.S. 1361): Merutunga Suri's historical prabandha includes Kumarpal's marriage with Ahimsa Kumari as a pure allegory. Inspired by "Moharajaprajaya," this allegorical element in a historical narrative symbolizes the deep respect for Hem-Kumar. The story describes Ahimsa Kumari, daughter of King Adharma and Queen Virati, becoming a "Vridha Kumari" (old maiden) due to not finding a suitable groom. Kumarpal, inspired by Hemchandracharya's teachings, marries her after accepting her vows: renouncing ill-gotten wealth, exiling vices from the kingdom, and marrying her. This act signifies Kumarpal's adherence to Jain principles, including renunciation of violence, meat, and alcohol.

4. Pravannama by Jayashekhar Suri (V.S. 1462): Jayashekhar Suri, author of "Jain Kumārasambhava," presents the self-realization narrated by Dharmaruchi, a disciple of Lord Padmanabha, in this work. The allegorical narrative depicts the victory of Vivek over Moh, highlighting Kumarpal's birth as a savior for the suffering Earth in the Kali Yuga. The text mentions Kumarpal eradicating the word "mar" (slaughter) from eighteen countries, closing slaughterhouses and liquor distilleries, and a decree that no king before him, not even Shrenik, had achieved such renown. The implicit meaning is that Kumarpal achieved through the blessings of his venerable guru Hem what even the devout King Shrenik couldn't accomplish through non-violence.

5. Kumārapāla Prabandha by Jinmanda Gani (V.S. 1492): This work provides a brief account of events from the founding of Anhilpur Patan in V.S. 802 to V.S. 1230, with allegorical elements. It narrates an incident where Kumarpal sees a beautiful maiden at the door of the Pause halls while performing guru worship. Hemchandracharya identifies her as Krupasundari, daughter of King Adharma and Queen Virati of Vimalchitta city, who is known as "Vridha Kumari" due to not finding a suitable groom. Kumarpal marries her after fulfilling her conditions, including the renunciation of "putra-rahit mritak dhan" (wealth of childless deceased).

In conclusion, the allegorical literature written in Gujarat, centered around Hemchandracharya and Maharaja Kumarpal, holds a unique and significant place in the entire spectrum of Sanskrit literature.