Jindasgani

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about Acharya Jindas Gani Mahattar, translated into English:

This document from the book "Jindasgani" by Nandlal B. Devluk, published by Jain Education International, focuses on the prominent Jain scholar and commentator, Acharya Jindas Gani Mahattar.

Historical Context and Identity:

• Acharya Jindas Gani Mahattar is considered a contemporary of Acharya Mantung Suri, who in turn was contemporary to King Harshadev of Kashi. King Harshadev's coronation is stated to be in 608 CE. This places Acharya Mantung Suri, and likely Jindas Gani Mahattar, in the 12th century of the Jain Nirvan era (or the 7th century of Vikram era).

Literary Significance and Expertise:

• Acharya Jindas Gani Mahattar holds a distinguished position within the Shvetambar Jain tradition as a renowned commentator on Agamic literature. He is most famous for his "Churni" literature.
• His guru was Gopalgan Gani Mahattar, who was a scholar of the Vanijyakul, Katicgan, and Vajra-shakha traditions and knowledgeable about his own time and others.
• His vidya-guru (spiritual teacher in learning) was Pradyumna Kshama Shraman.
• He received the title of "Gani" from his guru and "Mahattar" from the public.
• Based on Churni literature, his father's name is inferred to be Nag and his mother's name to be Gopa. He had seven brothers.

Unique Introduction and Identity:

• Jindas Gani Mahattar identified himself in the "Nandi Churni" and provided a clue to his name in the "Uttaradhyayan Churni" by mentioning his guru, lineage, and branch.
• In the beginning of the "Nishith Churni," he mentions Pradyumna Kshama Shraman as his vidya-guru.
• At the end of the "Nishith Churni," he gave a mysterious and cryptic introduction to his name. The text details a complex method involving specific letters from different vowel and consonant categories, their positions, and vowel modifications to arrive at his name, which is implied to be "Jindas." This stylistic approach to self-identification is noted as rare in literary history.

Contribution to Churni Literature:

• Jindas Gani Mahattar's contribution to "Churni" literature is exceptionally vast. Churni literature is characterized by its commentarial prose, often in mixed Prakrit, and is more expansive than "Niyukti" literature. Its prose format allows for a detailed expression of meaning.
• He wrote Churnis for a significant portion of the Agamas. The text lists 23 Agamas for which Churnis exist, with the first eight attributed to Jindas Gani Mahattar.

Key Churni Works by Acharya Jindas Gani Mahattar:

The document specifically details his contributions to the following Agamas:

1. Nandi Churni:

   • Based on the original Sutras.
   • Historically significant, containing the history of the Mathura Agam Vachana.
   • The list of Acharyas following Lord Mahavir Swamy provides valuable chronological information for the Jain Shasan.
   • Composed in VS 733.

2. Anuyogdwar Churni:

   • Based on the original Sutras.
   • Defines terms like "aram," "udyan," and "shibika."
   • Includes descriptions of the seven musical notes and nine types of emotions (rasas).
   • Useful for understanding Jain philosophical concepts like "Atmankul," "Ullehdhankul," and "Pramanankul."

3. Avashyak Churni:

   • Follows the verses of the Niyukti.
   • Also utilizes verses from the Bhashya and Sanskrit verses.
   • Rich in narrative content.
   • Contains the complete life story of Shri Rishabhdev Prabhu, details of his travels, various incidents involving influential Acharyas like Vajjraswami, Arya Rakshit, and Vasensuri, and the historical accounts of the great war between Chetaka and Kenik, and the "Seven Nidhan."

4. Dashavaikalik Churni:

   • Primarily follows the terms of the Niyukti.
   • Explains terms like "Dharmadrum" based on the Nikshepa method.
   • Includes the biography of Acharya Shyyambhav Suri.
   • Discusses various aspects of monastic conduct.
   • The narratives are particularly influential, and the mention of the "Jainipahud" text is historically significant.

5. Uttaradhyayan Churni:

   • Based on the verses of the Niyukti.
   • Provides new origins of many words in the Prakrit language.
   • The stories are touching.
   • Mentions Gopalgan Gani Mahattar of the Vanijyakul, Katicgan, and Vajra-shakha as his guru at the end of the Churni.

6. Acharang Churni:

   • Based on the verses of the Acharang Niyukti.
   • Though written in Prakrit prose, it quotes important Sanskrit verses at various points.
   • Characterized by a unique style in defining each word.
   • Provides explanations for textual variations of the Nagajuniya Agam Vachana.
   • Offers knowledge of ancient Indian culture and traditions of different countries, including descriptions of the customs of Gollandesh.

7. Sutra-krtanga Churni:

   • Similar to the Acharang Churni, it's important for understanding Indian culture.
   • Discusses countries like Gollandesh and Tamralipti, their traditions, customs, and human relationships.
   • Also covers various topics like "Tirthasiddha" and philosophical subjects such as "Vaiyaikvad," atheism, Samkhya philosophy, theism, and fatalism.

8. Nishith Churni:

   • Considered a mature work of Acharya Jindas Mahattar.
   • Based on the original Sutra, Niyukti, and Bhashya verses.
   • During the recitation of the Namaskar, the commentator offers special salutations to Pradyumna Kshama Shraman as "arthadata" (one who provides wealth/meaning) after Arihant, Siddha, and Sadhu.
   • This work has 20 "Uddeshaks" (sections).
   • It extensively discusses the rules and prohibitions related to monastic conduct, providing full guidance on the "Utsarg Marg" (general path) and "Apavad Marg" (exceptionary path).

Influence on Later Scholars:

• Acharya Haribhadra Suri based his works, such as Avashyak Niyukti Teeka and Nandi Sutra Teeka, on the Churnis of Acharya Jindas Gani.
• He also prepared the model for the "Mahanishith Sutra" and presented it to Acharya Jindas Gani for review.
• The "Tirthakalpa" mentions that Acharya Jindas Gani Mahattar restored the "Mahanishith Sutra" in Mathura through rigorous penance and spiritual practice.
• According to the Nandi Churni, Acharya Jindas Mahattar lived in the eighth century of the Vikram era.

The text concludes by mentioning Acharya Haribhadra Suri Maharaj (also known as "Yakinimhattarasuri") as a great scholar, exponent of fourteen Vidyas (including Vedas), who achieved immense knowledge through his literary creations. He is praised for his impartial criticism, tolerance, profound erudition, strong arguments, unparalleled genius, balanced and unbiased analysis, and mastery of language, all of which are etched in gold in the history of Indian literature. He consistently used respectful terms like "Maharshi" and "Mahamuni" for his opponents.