Jainendra Mahavrutti

Summary of Jainendra Mahavrutti

This document is the first edition of Jainendra Mahavrutti, a commentary on Jainendra Vyakarana, authored by Pujyapada Devanandi and commented upon by Acharya Abhaynandi. It was published by Bharatiya Gyanpith in Kashi (Varanasi) in November 1956. The catalog link provided is jainqq.org/explore/090209/1.

The summary below focuses on the core content and historical context presented in the introductory and summary sections (Bhumika and Do Shabd) and the brief descriptions of related texts and concepts, as the main body is the Sanskrit text of the grammar itself.

Key Points:

• Importance of Grammar: The introduction highlights the ancient and crucial role of grammar ('Vidyasthan' or 'Shabdavidya') in India, essential for the pure understanding of language. Grammar is considered superior to other branches of knowledge ('uttara vidya'). It helps in understanding the internal structure of language and the dynamic process of word formation.
• Historical Context of Sanskrit Grammar:
  • Sanskrit grammar studies have a history of nearly three thousand years.
  • Panini's Ashtadhyayi is presented as a comprehensive treatise on Sanskrit grammar, covering both Vedic and Laukik Sanskrit.
  • The text mentions eight prominent grammarians, including Indra, Chandra, Kashakritsna, Shapishali, Shakatayana, Panini, Amara, and Jainendra, citing a verse from Pandit Bopadeva's Mugdhabodha.
  • It notes that before Panini, other grammars existed (Indra, Shakatayana, Shapishali, Kashakritsna), and their influence is evident in Panini's work. However, these earlier grammars are no longer available.
  • After Panini, the development of grammar primarily occurred through Vritti, Vartika, and Bhashya, with Katyayana's Vartikas and Patanjali's Mahabhashya being significant.
• Emergence of Jainendra Vyakarana:
  • The revival of new grammatical works began around the Kushan period, with Sanskrit regaining prominence as a literary and court language.
  • Buddhists and Jains adopted Sanskrit extensively, creating substantial literature.
  • Chandragomin's Chandran Vyakarana and Pujyapada Devanandi's Jainendra Vyakarana are identified as two major grammars from the Gupta era (around the 5th century CE).
  • Evidence suggests Pujyapada Devanandi lived in the latter half of the 5th century CE, supported by mentions of esteemed Jain Acharyas like Siddhasena and Samantabhadra in his work, and the founding of the Dravida Sangha by his disciple Vajranandi in 466 CE.
• Jainendra's Approach:
  • Jainendra Vyakarana is considered the first in a series of new grammars that continued into the medieval period, following the Gupta era.
  • It largely follows Panini's grammatical framework and material, retaining most of Panini's rules.
  • Devanandi omitted certain Vedic and svar (tone) related rules, deeming them less relevant for his era.
  • He meticulously preserved Panini's 'Ganapatha' (list of roots and words for specific rules).
  • Jainendra incorporated new forms established by Katyayana's Vartikas and Patanjali's Mahabhashya into its sutras, contributing to its popularity.
• Abhaynandi's Mahavrutti:
  • Abhaynandi's commentary, the Mahavrutti, is a substantial work of approximately 12,000 verses, similar in scope to Vamana-Jayaditya's Kashika Vritti on Panini.
  • It effectively incorporated valuable material from Katyayana's Vartikas and Patanjali's Mahabhashya.
  • A notable feature of Abhaynandi's commentary is its use of examples incorporating Jain figures, concepts, and places, demonstrating the integration of Jain tradition within the grammatical framework.
• This Publication:
  • The Bharatiya Gyanpith publication is a revised and complete edition of Jainendra Vyakarana along with Abhaynandi's Mahavrutti, filling a gap as earlier publications were incomplete.
  • The editing process involved consulting manuscripts from Pune (Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute) and Kashi.
• Other Jain Grammatical Works: The text also briefly mentions other Jain grammars and commentaries like 'Shakadraya' (with the 'Chintamani' commentary), 'Shabdarnava' (by Gunananandi), 'Panchavastu' (by Shruta-kirti), 'Laghu Jainendra' (by Padmachandra), and 'Jainendra Prakriya' (by Pandit Vanshidhar Nyaytirtha).
• Unique Features of Jainendra: The summary notes that unlike Panini, Jainendra doesn't have independent sections for 'Ekshesha' (equating identical words in specific contexts) but addresses it through a specific sutra, emphasizing natural usage. It also notes the absence of separate 'Lingānushasan', 'Shiksha', 'Dhatupatha', and 'Ganapatha' in the available Jainendra texts, though it's believed they existed earlier.
• Devanandi's Other Works: Pujyapada Devanandi is also credited with 'Sarvarthasiddhi' (commentary on Tattvarthasutra), 'Samadhitantra', 'Ishtopadesha', and 'Dashabhakti'. Lost works include 'Shabdāvatāra Nyas' and 'Jainendra Nyasa'.
• Dating of Devanandi and Others: The introduction discusses the scholarly debate surrounding Devanandi's timeframe, suggesting the late 5th century CE, and places Siddhasena and Samantabhadra as his predecessors or contemporaries.
• Prakriyā-baddha Tika: The text mentions a commentary called 'Prakriya-baddha' by Shruta-kirti, which is useful for beginners.
• Shabdārnava: Gunananandi is identified as the author of 'Shabdarnava', a modified version of Jainendra's sutra text, possibly with its own commentary.
• Historical Context of Examples: The 'Do Shabd' section elaborates on how Abhaynandi incorporated specific Jain references into his examples, such as mentioning Jain Tirthankaras (Samantabhadra, Rishabhanatha) and historical figures (Siddhasena, King Shrenik, Bharata, Bahubali).

In essence, the Jainendra Mahavrutti is a significant Jain grammatical text that builds upon the foundation of Panini's grammar while incorporating unique elements from Jain tradition and adapting to the linguistic needs of its time. The Mahavrutti by Abhaynandi is a crucial commentary that preserves and elaborates upon this important work.