Jinduttasuri Ka Jain Dharma Evam Sahitya Me Yogdan

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jinduttasuri ka Jain Dharma evam Sahitya me Yogdan" (Contribution of Acharya Shri Jindattasuri to Jain Dharma and Literature) by Dr. Smitpragnashreeji, published by Vichakshan Prakashan Trust. The summary covers the key aspects of the book, as detailed in the provided pages.

Book Title: युगप्रधान आचार्य श्री जिनदत्तसूरि का जैन धर्म एवं साहित्य में योगदान (Contribution of Yugpradhan Acharya Shri Jindattasuri to Jain Dharma and Literature) Author: डॉ. स्मितप्रज्ञाश्री एम.ए., पीएच.डी. (Dr. Smitpragnashree M.A., Ph.D.) Publisher: विचक्षण स्मृति प्रकाशन, अहमदाबाद (Vichakshan Smriti Prakashan, Ahmedabad) Publication Year: 1999

Overall Scope: The book is a doctoral dissertation approved by Gujarat University, focusing on the significant contributions of Acharya Shri Jindattasuri (also known as Dadaji) to Jainism and its literature. It aims to bring to light the lesser-known literary works of this influential monk, analyzing his life, teachings, and literary output within the context of his time.

Key Themes and Content:

1. Introduction of Acharya Shri Jindattasuri:

   • He is hailed as a "Yugpradhan" (era-leader) and "Dadaji" (grandfatherly figure), indicating his immense influence and revered status.
   • He lived during the 12th century CE and was a contemporary of the great Jain scholar Acharya Hemchandrasuri.
   • His primary work area was Western India, especially Gujarat and Rajasthan.

2. Historical and Socio-Religious Context (Chapter 1):

   • The book details the political landscape of Western India during the Solanki dynasty's rule in Gujarat, highlighting kings like Siddharaj Jaisingh and Kumarapala.
   • It describes the social conditions of the time, including the caste system, the status of women, prevalent customs like swayamvara (bride's choice) and polygamy, and the general societal beliefs.
   • The artistic and literary environment of the era, which flourished under royal patronage, is also discussed.
   • Crucially, it outlines the religious situation, noting the prevailing influence of various Jain traditions and the emergence of reformist movements.

3. The Problem of Chaityavasa and the Rise of Khartargachha (Chapter 2):

   • A significant portion of the book is dedicated to analyzing the Chaityavasa tradition, where Jain monks resided in temples. This practice, prevalent in the Shvetambara tradition, led to accusations of laxity, moral decline, and deviation from strict Jain monastic principles (suvihit marg).
   • Acharya Haribhadrasuri (8th century) is mentioned as an early critic of Chaityavasa.
   • The book traces the origins and development of the Khartargachha, a sect that emerged in opposition to the perceived degeneration associated with Chaityavasa.
   • It details the contributions of key figures in the Khartargachha lineage leading up to Jindattasuri, including Acharya Vardhamanasuri, Acharya Jineshavarasuri, Acharya Abhaydevasuri, and Acharya Jinavallabhasuri.
   • Acharya Jineshavarasuri is credited with initiating the movement against Chaityavasa and establishing the Vasati marg (residence outside temples).
   • Acharya Abhaydevasuri is highlighted for his extensive commentaries (Navangi Tika) that preserved Jain Agamic literature.
   • Acharya Jinavallabhasuri continued the reformist efforts, emphasizing adherence to scriptural practices and opposing the deviations of Chaityavasa.

4. Biography of Acharya Shri Jindattasuri (Chapter 3):

   • His birth in Dhokla (Dhavalakka), Gujarat, in 1132 VS (1075 CE) to parents Vachhigsaha and Bahadadevi.
   • His childhood promise and early inclination towards spirituality.
   • His initiation into monkhood at the age of nine, named Somachandra Muni, under Upadhyay Dharmadeva.
   • His mastery of Jain scriptures, philosophy, grammar, and logic.
   • His appointment as an Acharya in 1169 VS (1112 CE) at Chittor, succeeding Jinavallabhasuri.
   • His extensive travels and missionary work across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Malwa, Sindh, and Delhi, where he gained numerous followers and established Jain temples and upasrayas (monastic dwellings).
   • His strong opposition to Chaityavasa and promotion of the pure Vasati marg.
   • His renowned miracles and supernatural abilities, attributed to his rigorous ascetic practices.
   • His significant role in converting large populations, including the legendary figure of winning over lakhs of followers and establishing new gotras (lineages), particularly among the Oswal community.
   • His interactions and influence on rulers like Arnoraja of Ajmer and Kumarapala of Gujarat, leading to their patronage of Jainism.
   • The conferment of the title "Yugpradhan" upon him due to his era-defining contributions.
   • His passing away in Ajmer in 1211 VS (1154 CE) at the age of 79.
   • His lasting legacy and continued veneration in the form of numerous Dadawadis (shrines dedicated to him).

5. Literary Contributions (Chapter 4):

   • This chapter is extensive and details the vast literary output of Acharya Jindattasuri across Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Apabhramsha languages.
   • Sanskrit Works:
     • Ajita-Shanti Stotra: Praising the 2nd (Ajitanath) and 16th (Shantinath) Tirthankaras, noted for its lyrical quality and use of various meters.
     • Chakreshwari Stotra: Praising the Yakshini Chakreshwari, the guardian deity of the first Tirthankara.
     • Sarvajin Stuti: A hymn praising all 24 Tirthankaras and his gurus.
     • Vira Stuti: Praising Lord Mahavir.
     • Vimshika: A short work with 20 verses, though only three are currently known.
     • Padavyavastha: A work detailing procedural rules for monastic hierarchy and welcoming ceremonies.
   • Prakrit Works:
     • Ganadhar Sardhasataka: A significant work comprising 150 verses praising the Ganadharas (disciples of Tirthankaras) and the lineage of Khartargachha gurus up to Jinavallabhasuri. It serves as a historical and devotional chronicle.
     • Suguru-santhava-Sattariya (Ganadhar Saptatika): Similar to the above, praising the Ganadharas and highlighting the importance of good gurus.
     • Sarvadhisthayi Stotra: A comprehensive prayer invoking various deities, guardian spirits, and celestial beings for the well-being of the Jain community.
     • Suguru-paratantrya Stotra (Mayarahim): Emphasizing the importance of obedience to one's guru.
     • Vighnavinashi Stotra: A prayer for removing obstacles and ensuring the prosperity of the community.
     • Shrutastva: A work detailing Jain scriptures, Angas, Upangas, and other influential texts.
     • Saprabhava Stotra: A hymn invoking powers for well-being.
     • Parshvanatha Mantra Garbhit Stotra: A hymn believed to contain mantras for Parshvanatha, though its authorship is sometimes questioned.
     • Chaityavandana Kulaka: Discusses aspects of Jain conduct, temple visit etiquette (Chaityavandana), the types of temples (Chaityas), forbidden foods (Abhakshya), and the importance of Sammyaktva (right faith).
     • Sandeh Dolavali: A work in question-and-answer format, addressing doubts of householders regarding Jain practices and the conduct of gurus.
     • Utasutra-padodghatana Kulaka: Critiques improper practices in temples and argues against the presence of Chaityavasis in Jinayatanas.
     • Upadesha Kulaka: Explains the role and nature of Yugapradhana Acharyas.
     • Shanti Parva Vidhi: A ritualistic text.
     • Vadikulaka: Discusses the concept of protection and the importance of patrons and gurus as guardians.
     • Aratrika Vrittani: A text related to temple rituals.
   • Apabhramsha Works:
     • Upadesha Rasayana Ras: An early and significant Ras (folk-style narrative poem) in Apabhramsha, offering moral and spiritual guidance. It emphasizes the preciousness of human life and the importance of following true gurus.
     • Charchari: A work criticizing the Chaityavasa practices and promoting the Vasati marg. It explains the nature of Charchari as a ritualistic dance/song form and its potential for misuse, advocating for its reform.
     • Kalswaroop Kulaka: Focuses on societal and religious degradation, the importance of good gurus, and ethical conduct, also highlighting astrological influences.

6. Analysis of Literary Style and Purpose:

   • The author emphasizes Jindattasuri's ability to use simple, accessible languages (Prakrit and Apabhramsha) to convey profound philosophical and ethical teachings to the common populace, making his literature both scholarly and widely appreciated.
   • His literary works aimed to revive pure Jain practices, combat Chaityavasa and its associated laxities, promote adherence to scriptural norms (Vidhi Marg), and foster devotion and ethical living.
   • The book highlights the use of various poetic meters, figures of speech (alankaras like Upama, Rupaka, Shlesha, Atishayokti, Virodhabhasa), and their effectiveness in conveying the message.

7. Conclusion (Chapter 5):

   • The concluding chapter summarizes Jindattasuri's enduring legacy as a reformer, scholar, poet, and spiritual leader who significantly impacted Jainism and its literature.
   • It reiterates his pivotal role in revitalizing Jain practices and his contributions to shaping the cultural and religious landscape of Western India.
   • His life and works are presented as an inspiration for moral and spiritual upliftment.

Overall Contribution of the Book: This work provides a scholarly and detailed examination of Acharya Jindattasuri's multifaceted contributions. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding a critical period in Jain history, the Khartargachha's role in reform, and the literary achievements of an era marked by socio-religious challenges. The book sheds light on the philosophical depth, ethical guidance, and literary artistry embedded in Jindattasuri's extensive body of work.