Jain Siddhant Kaumudi

This document is the front matter and catalog of a Jain text titled "Jain Siddhant Kaumudi" (Jain Siddhanta Kaumudi) by Ratnachandraswami, published by Bhairavdan Sethia. The text appears to be a grammar of the Ardhamagadhi language, which is significant in Jain literature.

Here's a breakdown of the provided pages:

Page 1:

• Title: Jain Siddhant Kaumudi (Ardhamagadhi Grammar)
• Author: Ratnachandraswami
• Publisher: Bhairavdan Sethia
• Sponsorship: The text is presented as a "Jirnoddhar" (restoration/republication) of the text "Aho Shrutgyanam." It is sponsored by the disciples of Pujya Sadhvi Shri Nityanandashriji M.S.A. of the Sagariji community, specifically Sadhvi Shri Kalplatashriji, Sadhvi Shri Nayajnyashriji, Sadhvi Shri Samayajnyashriji, Sadhvi Shri Sansayamitashriji, and Sadhvi Shri Viragdarshitashriji, in commemoration of their religious vows.
• Publication Year: Samvat 2068 (2012 CE).
• Further Sponsorship: Shri Madhi Jain Sangh, Madhi (Gujarat) contributed from their knowledge fund.
• Coordinator/Institution: Shah Babulal Saramel Bedavala of Shri Ashapuran Parshvanath Jain Gyanbhandar, Ahmedabad. Contact details are provided.

Pages 2-8: These pages contain a catalog of books that have been scanned and made into DVDs as part of the "Aho Shrutgyanam Jirnoddhar" project. This project aims to preserve and make accessible old and rare Jain texts. The catalog is divided into sets (Set No. 1, 2, 3, 4), with each entry listing:

• Serial Number: (e.g., 001, 020, 055, 091, 127, 147)
• Book Title: Various Jain philosophical, grammatical, astronomical, architectural, historical, and literary works.
• Author/Commentator/Editor: The responsible scholars or institutions.
• Language: (e.g., Sanskrit, Prakrit, Gujarati, Hindi, English)
• Page Count: The number of pages in the book.

Specifically, on Page 8, Entry #147 is:

• Book Title: Jain Siddhant Kaumudi (Ardhamagadhi Grammar)
• Author: Ratnachandra Swami
• Publisher: Bhairodan Sethia

Pages 9-11: These pages show the cover of the book "Jain Siddhant Kaumudi" (Jain Siddhanta Kaumudi).

• Title: Jain Siddhanta Kaumudi (Ardhamagadhi Grammar)
• Author: Shatavadhani Panditmuni Shri Ratnachandra Swami Virachita
• Publisher: Sethia Jain Granthmala
• Publication Details: Printed at Sethia Jain Printing Press, Bikaner. It mentions the first edition, publication year as Veer Nirvana Samvat 2452 (Vikram Samvat 1982 / 1922 CE), with a print run of 1000 copies and a price.

Pages 11-164 (and beyond): These pages contain the actual content of the "Jain Siddhant Kaumudi" grammar. It appears to follow the structure of Panini's Ashtadhyayi, with chapters (Adhyaya), sections (Pada), and sutras (rules). The initial pages cover:

• Page 11: An introduction explaining the necessity of a grammar for the Jain canon's language (Pravachan Bhasha) to understand its profound truths, which are expounded in Prakrit. It highlights that while many Prakrit grammars exist, they primarily focus on Maharastri Prakrit and not the specific language of the Jain Agamas.
• Page 12: Discusses various existing Prakrit grammars and the need for a new grammar that specifically addresses the Jain canon's language. It notes that Hemachandra's grammar, while improved, still has limitations in fully representing the Jain language.
• Pages 13-14: Explains that most Prakrit grammars focus on Maharastri Prakrit, as seen in Dandini's Kavya Darsha. It emphasizes that while ancient texts use Prakrit, the term "Prakrit" generally refers to all languages other than Sanskrit, including Sauraseni, Magadhi, Paishachi, Apabhramsa, etc.
• Page 14: Discusses the name of the Jain canonical language as "Ardhamagadhi" or "Aprakrit." It quotes from texts like Samayanga and Bhagavati Sutra to explain that Ardhamagadhi is a language that does not possess all the complete characteristics of Magadhi but incorporates some features of Magadhi and others.
• Page 15: Further elaborates on the meaning of "Ardhamagadhi" as a language that is "half Magadhi," implying a mix of Magadhi and other Prakrits. It cites the use of "Arhat" speaking in "Ardhamagadhi" language.
• Pages 15-30 (and continuing extensively): This section provides a detailed comparison between Ardhamagadhi and Maharastri Prakrit, highlighting grammatical differences in:
  • Phonology: N sound vs. L sound, changes in consonants.
  • Morphology: Differences in case endings for masculine, feminine, and neuter nouns, verb conjugations, use of pronouns, and specific word forms.
  • Syntax: Differences in sentence construction and the use of certain grammatical constructs.

Overall Significance:

"Jain Siddhant Kaumudi" by Ratnachandraswami is a significant work in Jain scholarship as it attempts to provide a systematic grammatical analysis of the Ardhamagadhi language, which is crucial for understanding the Jain Agamas. The project of restoring and republishing old Jain texts, as indicated by "Aho Shrutgyanam Jirnoddhar," highlights the effort to preserve and disseminate this valuable linguistic and religious heritage. The catalog further showcases the extensive collection of Jain literature being preserved.