Jayshekharsuri Krut Tribhuvan Dipak Prabandh

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about "Tribhuvan Deepak Prabandh" by Jayshekharsuri, as presented by Mokshgunashreeji:

The text is a scholarly analysis of the Tribhuvan Deepak Prabandh, a significant literary work by the revered Jain poet Jayshekharsuri. It is considered a guiding pillar in medieval Gujarati literature.

Author and Context:

• Jayshekharsuri was a prominent poet whose works include "Prabodh Chintamani." The "Tribhuvan Deepak Prabandh" is believed to have been composed after "Prabodh Chintamani," likely in the later part of Jayshekharsuri's life, evidenced by the maturity of his language.
• While the exact composition date of "Tribhuvan Deepak Prabandh" is not mentioned, it is estimated to have been written shortly after "Prabodh Chintamani," which was completed in VS 1462.

Title and Names:

• The poet himself mentions the title of the work as "Tribhuvan Deepak Prabandh" in the concluding verses.
• Manuscripts confirm this title with phrases like "Iti Tribhuvan Deepak Prabandh: Sampurna."
• Interestingly, some manuscripts also refer to the work as "Antarang Chopai" in their colophons, though it's unclear if this was an original title given by the poet or a later addition.
• The text notes that the phrase "Harshi Hans Vicharu" (thought of the swan with joy) in the eighth verse has led some scholars to suggest "Hans Vichar" as a possible title, connecting it to the central character being a "Paramhansa" (supreme swan/soul).
• Another proposed title is "Paramhansa Prabandh." However, the analysis concludes that the poet-given title, "Tribhuvan Deepak Prabandh" (Lamp of the Three Worlds), is the most appropriate and recognized.

Content and Themes:

• The core theme of the "Tribhuvan Deepak Prabandh" is the attainment of the Paramhansa state, which signifies the liberation of the soul.
• The introductory verse (verse 8) hints at the narrative: "Punhya Pap be bhai talai, disai mukh yaar; Savadhan te sambhalau harshi Hans vicharu." (Merit and demerit are removed, the face of the beloved is seen; Listen attentively with joy to the thought of the swan.) This suggests a journey of spiritual purification.

Relationship with "Prabodh Chintamani":

• Jayshekharsuri wrote two major works on a similar theme: "Prabodh Chintamani" in Sanskrit and "Tribhuvan Deepak Prabandh" in Gujarati.
• It is strongly believed that "Prabodh Chintamani" was written first, and "Tribhuvan Deepak Prabandh" was composed later to reach a wider audience. "Prabodh Chintamani" is a lengthy work with seven sections, while "Tribhuvan Deepak Prabandh" is shorter, comprising 432 verses.
• The author suggests that "Prabodh Chintamani" might have been a response to Krishnamiśra's "Prabodh Chandrodaya," and similarly, "Tribhuvan Deepak Prabandh" served as a Gujarati counterpart.
• A significant portion of the text is dedicated to a detailed comparison between the two works, highlighting how "Tribhuvan Deepak Prabandh" closely follows "Prabodh Chintamani" in many verses and thematic elements.
• However, Jayshekharsuri made several notable changes and adaptations in "Tribhuvan Deepak Prabandh." These include:
  • Character Name Changes: For instance, Vimalbodh's daughter is named 'Taruci' in "Prabodh Chintamani" but 'Sumati' in "Tribhuvan Deepak Prabandh." The king's wife is named 'Jadata' in the former and 'Durmati' in the latter.
  • Omissions and Additions: Some detailed descriptions from "Prabodh Chintamani" are omitted or simplified in "Tribhuvan Deepak Prabandh." Conversely, some elements are unique to the Gujarati work.
  • Symbolic Replacements: Certain symbols or characters are replaced with more fitting equivalents in the Gujarati version, reflecting the poet's nuanced understanding and suitability for the language and context. For example, "Mishradrishti" (mixed view) as Moh's minister becomes "Mithyadarshan" (false view) in the Gujarati text.
  • The changes are interpreted as evidence of the author's meticulous thought process and potentially indicate that "Tribhuvan Deepak Prabandh" was written after "Prabodh Chintamani."

Literary Merit and Style:

• Jayshekharsuri is praised for his exceptional poetic talent, evident in his vivid descriptions, use of metaphors, similes, and other figures of speech.
• The work is rich with rhetorical devices such as varnanupraas (alliterative repetition), upama (simile), and rupak (metaphor).
• The text highlights the poet's ability to express profound truths and philosophical insights in concise and impactful language, leading to many of his lines becoming subhashitas (wise sayings).
• The poet's sharp observation skills are showcased through numerous analogies and examples that illustrate complex ideas.
• The work also serves a didactic purpose, emphasizing themes of renunciation, detachment, self-control, equanimity, and devotion.
• The "Prabandh" genre typically refers to historical narratives, but here it is used for a metaphorical tale, justified by the presence of king-like figures, battles, and courtly events, albeit in a symbolic sense.
• The poem is composed in various meters like Doha, Chopai, Ghaula, Chhappai, and songs, reflecting a diverse metrical structure. It also incorporates prose-like passages, termed boli.

Impact and Legacy:

• "Tribhuvan Deepak Prabandh" is considered a seminal work in Gujarati literature, influencing later allegorical poems.
• Scholars like Keshavlal Dhruv and Lalchand Gandhi have lauded the work for its masterful weaving of plot, characterization, and metaphorical unfolding. Dhruv even stated that Jayshekharsuri's status as a Gujarati poet is elevated by this single work.
• The analysis concludes that "Tribhuvan Deepak Prabandh" is an excellent example of a rupakakavya (allegorical poem) in Gujarati, and its comparable works in terms of length and quality are rare. The poet's original creative genius shines through this work, making it appear as an independent masterpiece, even without knowledge of its Sanskrit predecessor.

In essence, the "Tribhuvan Deepak Prabandh" is a profound allegorical narrative by Jayshekharsuri, celebrating the spiritual journey towards liberation. It is a testament to his poetic prowess and philosophical depth, holding a significant place in medieval Gujarati literature, and drawing inspiration from, yet distinctively adapting, his earlier Sanskrit work, "Prabodh Chintamani."