Jindattakhyana Dwaya - Book Summary

This Jain text, titled Jindattakhyana Dwaya, meaning "Two Narratives of Jinadatta," is a collection of two stories about the life and deeds of a merchant named Jinadatta. The book is a publication of the Singhi Jain Shastra Shiksha Pith in Mumbai, with Acharya Jinavijaya Muni serving as the chief editor and supervisor. The text is presented in Prakrit, an ancient Indian language, and has been edited by Pt. Amrutlal Mohanlal Bhojak.

Key aspects of the text based on the provided pages:

Publisher and Series: The book is part of the "Singhi Jain Granthamala" (Singhi Jain Book Series), a significant endeavor to publish ancient Jain scriptures and literary works. The preface mentions that the series aims to preserve and disseminate Jain knowledge across various domains like Agamic, philosophical, literary, historical, scientific, and narrative traditions, in languages such as Prakrit, Sanskrit, Apabhramsha, Old Gujarati, and Rajasthani.
Patronage and Dedication: The Singhi Jain Granthamala was established and published in memory of the late Sadhu Charitra Shrimad Dalchandji Singhi, a resident of Kolkata. The publication is dedicated to his virtuous life and contributions. His son, the late Shrimad Bahadur Singhji Singhi, a philanthropist and lover of literature and culture, was instrumental in its establishment. The series also receives patronage from Shri Rajendra Singhji Singhi and Shri Narendra Singhji Singhi.
Editorial Supervision: Acharya Jinavijaya Muni, an esteemed scholar and honorary member of the German Oriental Society, played a crucial role as the chief editor and supervisor. He was responsible for the selection and dissemination of the Jain manuscripts.
Editorial Process and Publication: The preface by Muni Jinavijaya details the journey of this particular publication. The two Jinadatta narratives were selected from Jain Bhandaras in Patan and Jaisalmer, originally inscribed on palm leaves. Pt. Amrutlal Bhojak, skilled in reading palm-leaf scripts and proficient in Prakrit, was entrusted with the task of transcribing these texts. However, due to various factors, including the ongoing editing and printing of other works in the series, the global Second World War, and India's struggle for independence, the printing of this volume faced significant delays and irregular progress. It took nearly a decade, from its commencement in 1940 to its completion in 1950, with printing being affected by wartime conditions and paper scarcity. The book was finally published in June 1953.
Content and Purpose: The text highlights the significance of the "Jinadatta Ākhyāna" from two perspectives: its narrative value as a Jain story and its importance in Prakrit literature. The editor, Pt. Amrutlal Bhojak, provides a summary of the plot in his introduction. The narratives are noted for being written in a simple and understandable Prakrit, making them accessible to those with a basic knowledge of the language. They are also considered valuable for comparative linguistics due to their rich vocabulary and expressions.
The Story of Jinadatta (Synopsis):
- Previous Life: The narrative begins with the previous birth of Jinadatta as Shivadeva, the son of a merchant named Shivadhana and Yashomati in Dashpura (modern Mandsaur) or Ujjain. After his father's death and subsequent poverty, Shivadeva, along with his mother, works as a servant. He develops a devotion to an ascetic, whom he serves and offers food. After his death, Shivadeva is reborn.
- Current Life and Early Years: Jinadatta is born as the son of a wealthy merchant, Jivadeva, and Jivayasha in Vasantpur. He receives a comprehensive education, including studies in Jain philosophy.
- Marriage and Gambling Addiction: Despite his father's attempts to encourage him to marry, Jinadatta initially resists. However, he becomes infatuated with a beautiful painting of a woman, which leads him to seek her out. This pursuit ultimately results in his marriage to Vimalamati, the daughter of a merchant in Champanagari. Jinadatta develops a gambling addiction, losing a significant amount of wealth.
- Wanderings and Adventures: In an attempt to recover his losses and overcome his gambling addiction, Jinadatta leaves his wife and family. His travels lead him to various cities and situations:
  - He helps a poor merchant, revitalizes his garden, and accompanies him on a sea voyage to Sinhaldvipa.
  - In Sinhaldvipa, he saves the life of Princess Shrimati, who is afflicted by a serpent in her stomach, and subsequently marries her.
  - During a sea journey with Shrimati and the merchant, he is betrayed and thrown into the ocean.
  - Rescued by celestial beings (Vidyadharas), he is taken to Rathanupura, the city of King Ashokashri. There, he marries Angarvati, the king's daughter, after demonstrating his prowess.
  - He later travels with Angarvati towards the southern sea, encountering Vimalamati and Shrimati in Champanagari. To avoid immediate recognition and to devise a plan, he leaves Angarvati asleep and takes on the guise of a dwarf named Vamanaka.
  - As Vamanaka, he impresses the king of Champanagari with his wisdom and skills, including taming a rogue elephant. This leads to his marriage with Ratnasundari, the king's daughter.
  - Jinadatta, now with four wives (Vimalamati, Shrimati, Angarvati, and Ratnasundari), returns to his hometown, Vasantpur, to his overjoyed parents.
- Spiritual Turn: Later, he encounters a learned ascetic named Shubhankara. Through the teachings, Jinadatta understands his past deeds and the origin of his worldly fortunes and misfortunes. Inspired by the teachings, Jinadatta, along with his wives and friends, renounces worldly life and becomes an ascetic.
- Path to Liberation: After practicing severe austerities and dedicating his life to spiritual pursuits, Jinadatta attains a heavenly existence. From there, he will eventually be reborn in a noble family in Mahavideha and attain liberation (moksha).
Editorial Contribution: The editor, Pt. Amrutlal Bhojak, expresses his gratitude to Muni Jinavijaya for the opportunity to edit this ancient Jain narrative and to Pt. Punyavijaya for his assistance in resolving textual ambiguities.
The Significance of the Text: The preface emphasizes that such stories, though perhaps imaginative, are not meaningless. They serve to inspire generosity towards worthy recipients, highlighting the material and spiritual benefits of such acts. The text also underscores the importance of understanding the socio-historical context and the prevailing tastes of the society for which such literature was created. The influence of literature from other traditions on Indian narrative literature is also acknowledged. The editor calls for contemporary Jain scholars and ascetics to engage in similar literary efforts to promote Jainism.

In essence, Jindattakhyana Dwaya is a valuable contribution to Jain literature, preserving a significant narrative in Prakrit that not only recounts the life of Jinadatta through various trials and tribulations but also implicitly conveys moral and spiritual lessons about karma, renunciation, and the pursuit of liberation within the Jain tradition. The publication itself reflects a dedicated effort to bring ancient Jain wisdom to the wider scholarly and spiritual community.