Jinchandrasuri Ki Shreshth Rachna Samverangshala Aradhana - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Samverangshala Aradhana" by Shri Jinchandrasuri, as presented by Lalchandra Bhagwan Gandhi:

The text introduces Shri Jinchandrasuri, a prominent Jain Acharya, and his significant work, Samverangshala Aradhana.

Author and Background:

Shri Jinchandrasuri was a successor to Acharya Jineshwar Suri. While a detailed biography isn't available, it's mentioned that Jineshwar Suri adorned him and Abhayadev with the Suri title due to their merit. Jinchandrasuri eventually rose to the position of Yugapradhanacharya (Foremost Acharya of his era).
He was a master of eighteen name-lists and an expert in all scriptures.
The Samverangshala Aradhana, comprising eighteen thousand stanzas, was composed by him in Samvat 1125 (Vikram era). It is described as a staircase to the palace of liberation for virtuous beings.
Jinchandrasuri also authored works like "Panch Parmesthi Namaskar Phal Kulak," "Kshapak Shiksha Prakaran," "Jeev Vibhaga," "Aradhana," and "Parshva Stotra."
His disciple compiled a 300-stanza "Dincharya" (Daily Routine) based on his scriptural discussions in Jawalipur.

The Samverangshala Aradhana:

This work is considered a highly important and detailed treatise on its subject.
It was composed in Prakrit language in Samvat 1125.
The original manuscript is dated Samvat 1207.
The work's meaning is revealed as an "Aradhana" (practice/worship) which attained perfection 1125 years after the reign of King Vikram.
The text is praised by later scholars and Acharyas. For example, Sumatigani (in Samvat 1265) and Jinadattasuri (in the 12th century) lauded its vastness and purpose of inspiring "samvega" (spiritual fervor).
The Samverangshala is described as a vast, beautiful fortress that protects virtuous beings from the fear of passions and vices.
It is a compilation of profound teachings, drawing essence from the original scriptures like a gardener gathering flowers.

Historical Context and Research:

The author, Lalchandra Bhagwan Gandhi, recounts his research on the text, starting with a difficult study of manuscripts in the Jaisalmer fort library in 1916.
He notes that a report on "Samveg Rangshala" was published, mentioning its composition in 1125 CE and a manuscript from 1207 CE.
He later worked on the "Jaisalmer Durg-Jain Granth Bhandar Suchipatra" and found a 347-leaf palm-leaf manuscript of the Samverangshala.
The text mentions a later reference indicating it was compiled by Abhayadevasuri at the request of the Acharya, with Shri Jinachandrasuri being the principal author.
Later scholars like Gunachandragani and Chandratilak Upadhyay also mentioned and praised the work in their writings.

Structure and Content of Samverangshala Aradhana: The treatise is divided into four main Skandhas (divisions), each further broken down into various Dwaras (sections/topics), explained with numerous examples and analogies:

Parikarma Vidhan (Ritualistic Preparation/Foundation): This Skandha comprises 15 Dwaras covering: Arh (the Tirthankara), Linga (symbols), Shiksha (discipline), Vinaya (respect), Samadhi (equanimity), Mano'nushasti (mind control), Aniyt Vihar (unfixed wandering), Raja (kings/rulership), Parinam (consequences), the ten places of material investment for householders, consideration of 17 types of death, death in the Mohaniya Karma, Shreni (lineage/steps), Bhavana (contemplation), and Samlekhana (fasting unto death).
Parigrahan Sankraman (Acquisition/Understanding of Belongings/Knowledge): This Skandha has 10 Dwaras: Disha (directions), Kshama (forgiveness), Anushasti (instruction), Susthit (good dwelling), Upsampada (initiation), Pariksha (examination), Pratilekhana (copying/recording), Prichha (inquiry), Pratiksha (waiting), and Jotane Wale (those who plough/cultivate).
Mamatva Vyachchhed (Cessation of Attachment/Possessiveness): This Skandha includes 9 Dwaras: Alochna Vidhan (confession), Shayya (bed), Sanstarak (rugs/bedding), Niryamak (guides), Darshan (vision/perception), Hani (loss), Pratyakhyan (renunciation), Kshama-panA (asking forgiveness), and Kshama (forgiveness).
Samadhi Labh (Attainment of Equanimity/Peace): This Skandha has 11 Dwaras related to attaining peace: Anushasti (instruction), Pratipatti (understanding), Smarana (remembrance), Ayushya Parigyan (understanding lifespan), Samata (equanimity), Dhyan (meditation), Leshya (subtle states of mind), Aradhana-phal (fruit of worship), Samveg (spiritual fervor), Hetu-phal (cause and effect), and Vijadhana (overcoming obstacles).

Key Teachings and Significance:

The work emphasizes the rarity of human life and the importance of using it wisely for spiritual progress.
It highlights that true well-being and liberation come from the destruction of karma, which is achieved through pure adoration.
The text is considered the foundational scripture for various smaller "Aradhana" texts.
It aims to guide both ascetics and householders in their spiritual practices.
The author stresses the necessity of studying, teaching, and spreading this text, as it is beneficial to oneself and others.

Publication History:

The Samverangshala Aradhana was first published incomplete (about 3000 stanzas) from the Jinadattasuri Gnana Bhandar in Surat.
The complete work, comprising 10,053 stanzas and 53 Prakrit gathas, was later revised and edited by Hem Vijayji and Babuprasad Savchand, and published in Samvat 2025 (1968 CE) by Kantilal Manilal Jhaveri in Mumbai.

Author's Personal Connection: Lalchandra Bhagwan Gandhi mentions his personal involvement in researching and promoting this text, including compiling lists of Jain manuscripts and writing articles about its significance and related topics in various publications. He expresses a wish that the four-fold Jain community actively promotes this scripture for their own benefit and the welfare of others.