Jinmahendrasuriji Ko Preshit Prakrit Bhasha Ka Vignapti Patra

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Jinmahendrasuriji ko Preshit Prakrit Bhasha ka Vignapti Patra" by Vinaysagar, focusing on the content and context of the letter and the genre of "Vignapti Patra" (formal notification/request letter) within Jain tradition:

Book Title: Jinmahendrasuriji ko Preshit Prakrit Bhasha ka Vignapti Patra (A Notification Letter in Prakrit Language Sent to Shri Jinmahendrasuriji) Author: Vinaysagar Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan

Overall Summary of the Genre:

The text introduces "Vignapti Patra" as a distinct literary form within Jain tradition. While it falls under the broader scope of literature, it doesn't have a specific classification within traditional Sahitya Shastra (science of literature). The author highlights that this genre was nurtured and flourished specifically by Jain scholars. The text identifies two primary categories of Vignapti Patra:

1. Letters sent by Jain Monks (Muni): These are formal letters written by monks to their Acharyas (spiritual leaders) or Ganadhara (chief disciples of Tirthankaras). They could be in prose, poetry, or a mix of both, often adorned with complex sentence structures and literary embellishments. These letters typically documented their spiritual activities during Chaturmas (four-month rainy season retreat), travel accounts, sermons, significant societal practices, and the propagation of Jain dharma. They also included details about scriptural studies and teaching.

   • Structure: These letters often began with a remembrance of Tirthankaras, Ganadhara, and Acharyas, followed by praise for the current head of the lineage (Gachchha Nayak), an elaboration on the significance of the destination city, formal salutations to the Acharya by name, and then details about the sender monks. They frequently contained historical narratives and concluded with well wishes and blessings.
   • Length and Style: These letters could vary in length, from brief to extensive. An example of a large letter is mentioned, written by Acharya Jinodaysuri from Aṇahilpur Pāṭan to Pujya Lokahitacharya in Ayodhya in Vikram Samvat 1441. This letter, predominantly in prose, imitated the styles of eminent poets like Baṇ, Daṇḍi, and Dhanpal, featuring ornate language and historical references, including pilgrimage details. Another notable example is the "Vignapti Triveni" written in Vikram Samvat 1484 by the scholar Upadhyay Jayasagar to Gachchadhipati Jinabhadrāsurī from Mālikavāhanpur in Sindh. Some smaller letters were composed as poetry or in the style of epic poems. Many also incorporated visual poetry or had visual elements interspersed. Prominent authors in this category include Vinayavijayopadhyāya and Meghavijayopadhyāya.

2. Letters sent by the Jain Community (Sangh) to Leaders and Acharyas: These are visually rich and attractive, often embellished with pictures. Their size could be very large, resembling a detailed horoscope, with widths of 10-12 inches and lengths extending up to 108 feet, often joined together in bundles.

   • Visual Content: These letters typically start with depictions of auspicious symbols like Kalasha, Ashtamangala, Fourteen Mahāsvapna (great dreams), and Tirthankaras. They then illustrate palaces of kings, bustling city markets, temples of various religions, water bodies, street performers, and dancers. Following this, they portray Jain religious processions, monks, and the lay community.
   • Written Content: The letters then proceed to describe the Acharya to whom they are addressed, using their most laudatory titles and names. They extensively praise the Acharya's virtues, describe the devotees, and narrate religious activities. The primary purpose is a detailed and fervent request for the Acharya to visit their city. The letters conclude with the signatures of prominent lay leaders from that city. These visually driven letters often contain religious and social historical information, as well as political history.
   • Language and Form: They often begin in Sanskrit and conclude in local (Desya) languages. While many are pictorial, some are unillustrated, and such letters are rare.

Summary of the Specific Letter Discussed:

The focus of the article is on a specific letter of the first type (sent by a monk). This letter was written by Pandit Jayashekhar Muni from Pāli to the Gachchha leader Shri Pujya Jinamahendrasuriji, who was residing in Jaisalmer, in Vikram Samvat 1897.

• Unique Feature: The primary distinction of this letter is that it is written entirely in Prakrit language.

• Content:

  • Beginning: The letter starts with two Sanskrit verses in the Shardulavikridita meter. The first verse praises Lord Parshvanath, and the second indicates the intention to write this notification letter in Prakrit at the feet of Pujya Shri Jinamahendrasuriji, who was observing Chaturmas in Jaisalmer.
  • Main Body (Prakrit): The core of the letter is in Prakrit. It begins with salutations to Lord Shantinath and then proceeds to laud the virtues, greatness, and fame of the Acharya, referred to as "Jangamyugapradhan Shri Jinamahendrasuri." The letter expresses the profound respect and devotion of the Shri Sangh of Pāli.
  • Report on Pious Activities: The letter details the religious activities observed during the Paryushana festival. This includes penance (tapas), vows (niyam), fasting (upvas), and repentance (pratikraman). Nine recitations of the Kalpa Sutra were completed successfully. Many laypeople renounced activities like consuming root vegetables and eating at night after listening to sermons. Numerous individuals undertook various forms of penance (Chhath, Ashtam, Dasham, Dwadash, etc.). A laywoman named Champa completed a month-long fast (Masakhaman). Seventy-one laypeople performed the Samvatsarik pratikraman. After the pratikraman, four laymen (Golechha Bhairodas, Chhotmal Umedmal Kataria, Guman Chand Balaahi, Shobhachand Sukalchand Chopra) distributed coconuts as a mark of honor. On the fifth day, a Swadharmivatsalya (fellowship meal for co-religionists) was held, with 300 laypeople participating.
  • Scriptural Study: The letter mentions that, from Ashadh Sudī 2, Wednesday, Jayashekhar Muni has been lecturing on the Achārāṅga Sūtra, and the Mahipal Charitra is being narrated in meditation. Many people attend these lectures. Currently, the lectures are on the second section of the second chapter of the Āchārāṅga Sūtra, titled "Lokavijaya."
  • Request for Forgiveness and Affection: The monks humbly request forgiveness for any unintentional mistakes or disrespect shown by the laypeople during the year. They express their dependence on the Acharya and request him to continue showering his affection. They acknowledge the blessings of the people of Jaisalmer who can regularly see the Acharya and hear his divine words. They also convey greetings to the accompanying scholars like Sagar Chand Gani.
  • Later Sections (Rajasthani and Marwari):
    • Rajasthani Request: Following the Prakrit section, there is a plea in Rajasthani language from the Shri Sangh. It states that the Acharya's decision to send Pandit Nemichandji, Manroopji, Nagarajji, and Jasrajji to their region has greatly illuminated the Jain dharma, providing benefits from lectures and spiritual contemplation. Previously, the rights of the Upāshraya (monastic dwelling) and the traditions of the Kharatargachchha were disrupted. Their arrival has resolved all these issues. The Sangh requests the Acharya to permit these scholars to stay in the Pāli region for two to three years, believing it will lead to the region's improvement and more souls embracing the dharma.
    • Signatures: The letter concludes with the signatures of 28 prominent individuals from Pāli, written in Marwari (Mundia) script.

• Historical Context and Biographical Information:

  • Jayashēkhara Muni: The text provides biographical details about Jayashekhar Muni. He was initiated in Vikram Samvat 1879 at Bikaner by Shri Jinaharshasuri, with his pre-initiation name being Jasraj. He belonged to the Jinachandra Suri branch and was a disciple of Sumatibhaktimuni.
  • Shri Jinamahendrasuri: Information about the recipient, Shri Jinamahendrasuri, is also given. He was born in Samvat 1867 in Alay, Marwad, with the birth name Manroop. He was initiated in Samvat 1885 in Nagaur and was enthroned as the head of the Khartargachchha's tenth branch in Mandovar in 1892, with significant royal and monastic attendance. This branch is also known as the Mandovari branch.
  • Notable Events: The article mentions a significant pilgrimage to Shatrunjaya organized by the Bafana family (known as Patwa) under the guidance of Shri Jinamahendrasuri, which involved a large contingent of monks and laypeople, with extensive security arrangements and a considerable expenditure. The Patwa family is also noted for building impressive Havelis in Jaisalmer and establishing numerous centers. The text also notes Shri Jinamahendrasuri's visits to Bombay and his role in consecrating various temples and 'Viharas' (monastic buildings). He passed away in Mandovar in 1914. His disciples who succeeded him were Jinamuktisuri, Jinachandrasuri, and Jinadharanendrasuri. The current state of this lineage is described as diminished.

Conclusion:

The article "Jinmahendrasuriji ko Preshit Prakrit Bhasha ka Vignapti Patra" by Vinaysagar offers a detailed insight into the historical and literary significance of "Vignapti Patra" in Jainism. It particularly highlights a unique letter written entirely in Prakrit, preserving not only religious activities and scriptural studies but also social and communal requests. The text also provides valuable biographical information about the key figures involved, enriching the understanding of the religious and social landscape of that era.