Jinsagarsuri Gitani - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jinsagarsuri Gitani" by Vinaysagar, based on the provided pages:

The book "Jinsagarsuri Gitani" is a collection of devotional songs (Gitas) dedicated to the revered Jain Acharya Jinshagar Suri. The author of these songs is Vadi Harshnandan. The text provides biographical details of both Vadi Harshnandan and Acharya Jinshagar Suri, along with the context and significance of the Gitani compositions.

1. Vadi Harshnandan:

Author of the Gitani: Vadi Harshnandan is identified as the composer of these devotional songs.
Disciple of Mahopadhyay Samaysundarji: He was a prominent disciple of Mahopadhyay Samaysundarji.
Lack of Historical Records: There is a notable absence of precise historical evidence regarding his birth, initiation, conferment of the "Vadi" and "Upadhyay" titles, and his demise.
Inferred Timeline: Based on Jinachandra Suri establishing 44 'Nandis', with 'Nandan' being the 27th, it's inferred that Harshnandan might have received initiation between Samvat 1644 and 1645.
Hypothetical Origin: It's speculated that he might have been a resident of Rajasthan and was initiated at a young age.
Connection to Samaysundarji's Teachings: The text highlights Samaysundarji's profound sorrow over disciples who did not serve their guru in old age, even if they were highly learned or attained prestigious positions. This sentiment is echoed in Harshnandan's devotional works.
Scholarly Acumen: Vadi Harshnandan was a scholar of texts like Chintamani and Mahabhashya.
Known Compositions: His known works include:
- Madhyahna-Vyakhyan-Paddhati (Samvat 1673)
- Rishimandal-Vritti (4 parts, Samvat 1705)
- Sthananga-Gathagat-Vritti (Samvat 1705)
- Uttaradhyayan-Vritti (Samvat 1711)
- Aadinath-Vyakhyan
- Aachardinakarprashasti
- Shatrunjay-Yatra-Paripati-Stavan (Samvat 1671)
- Gaudist (1683) and other stanzas.
Inferred Demise: His demise is presumed to have occurred after Samvat 1712, based on his compositions.
Attribution of Last Work: The last attributed work is by Balchandra, whose identity is unknown.

2. Acharya Jinshagar Suri:

Birth: Born on Kartik Shukla 14, Sunday, in Ashwini Nakshatra, Samvat 1652, in Bikaner. His mother was Mrigadevi and father was Bothra Shah Bachhraj. His birth name was Chola, but he was known as Samal.
Initiation: He received initiation at Amritsar in Samvat 1661 (Magh Sudi 7) from Shri Jinsingh Suriji Maharaj, along with his elder brother Vikram and mother. He was named "Siddhasen."
Spiritual Journey and Accomplishments:
- He performed rigorous austerities like 'Chhamasi Tap' in Bikaner.
- He received his education from the learned Vadi Harshnandan.
- He undertook the pilgrimage to Shatrunjay with Sanghvi Aaskaran.
- He visited various holy sites and cities like Khambhat, Ahmedabad, Patan, Vadli, Sirohi, Jalor, Khandap, Dunada, and Dhanagani.
- He was honored by King Rajsingh of Sirohi.
- He was invited by Emperor Jahangir.
Elevation to Acharya: During a journey to Agra, Jinsingh Suri attained nirvana. Subsequently, Rajsamudraji was made Bhattarak and Siddhasenji was honored with the Acharya title. This event was celebrated by Chopra Aaskaran, Amipal, Kapurchand, Rishabhdas, and Soordas.
Name Change: In Samvat 1674 (Phagan Sudi 7), Hemsuriji of the Punamyagachchha bestowed the 'Surimantra,' and he became known as Jinraj Suri and Jinshagar Suri.
Pilgrimages and Activities: He undertook extensive pilgrimages to places like Jetmal, Metta, Ranapur, Verkana, Tivri, Osian, Dhanagani, and Jaisalmer. He spent his Chaturmas in Metta and Jaisalmer. In Jaisalmer, he delivered discourses on the eleven Angas of the Agamas.
Branch Division: In Samvat 1686, due to mutual disagreements, two branches of the tradition were formed. The 'Aachariya' branch of Jinshagar Suri included the entire discipleship of U. Samaysundarji and the disciples of the eminent Jinachandra Suri. Many towns and their communities began to follow Jinshagar Suri.
Devotion and Generosity: The text details the charitable acts of key disciples and patrons, including Karamasi Shah, Lalchand, Dhanaade, Kapurde, Shanti Das, Kapurchand, Manbai, Udaykaran, Jethmal, Somji, Dhanji, Mulji, Sanghji, Parikh Sonpal, Parikh Chandrabhan, Lalu, Amarsi, Sankarchamal, Parikh Akha, Bachhada Devkarn, Raychand, Gulalchand, and Rishabhdas.
Recognition from Nobility: The Gitani suggests that Nawab Mukarrab Khan also showed him respect.
Installation of Successor: He appointed Jinadharmasuri to his spiritual seat. The installation ceremony was grandly celebrated by Vimalaade (wife of Bhansali Vadhu's son) and Sahajalde (wife of Sadhuva), and the Shravika Devki.
Demise: Due to ill health, he relinquished his responsibilities on Vaishakh Sudi 3. He passed away on Vaishakh Sudi 8, after observing an unbroken fast (anashan uchcharan). He was accompanied by esteemed disciples like Upadhyay Rajasom, Rajasar, Sumatiganin, Dayakushal Vachak, Dharmamandir, Gyandharma, and Sumativallabh. He attained Vaikuntha on Jyeshtha Krishna 3, Friday, Samvat 1719, with great peace.
Funeral Rites: His funeral was grandly conducted by Hathishah. The community spent two hundred rupees to protect cows, calves, and goats. Devotion was offered at the Shantijinalaya.
Legacy: His Charan (footprints) are established in the Shantinath Temple and Rel Dadaji in Bikaner. His compositions, including "Vihraman Bisi" and various stanzas, are available.

3. The Manuscript:

Size and Content: The manuscript measures 25.2 x 4.3, consisting of four folios. The second folio is missing. Each folio has approximately 13 lines, with about 39 characters per line.
Dating: The manuscript is dated to the early 18th century.
Incompleteness: It is an incomplete manuscript.
Attribution of Works: The initial compositions are by Vadi Harshnandan, and the last, the 14th composition, is by Balchand.

4. The Gitani Compositions:

The book then presents several Gitas, each with a devotional theme and attributed to Vadi Harshnandan, praising Acharya Jinshagar Suri. These songs describe:

Devotional Praise: Expressions of love, respect, and admiration for the Acharya.
Auspicious Omens: The interpretation of auspicious signs and omens related to the Acharya's presence or events.
Spiritual Teachings: The importance of dharma, the teachings of the Agamas, and the path to salvation.
Guru's Virtues: Highlighting the Acharya's character, conduct, and spiritual prowess.
Community Devotion: Describing the reverence and celebration by the Jain community.
Personal Devotion: The individual's longing and commitment to serve and honor the Guru.
Biographical References: Incorporating elements of Jinshagar Suri's life, such as his parentage, initiation, and significant journeys.

The Gitas use various musical meters and traditional song structures, often referring to his parentage (Mrigadevi and Vachhraj) and his lineage within the Kharatargachchha. The devotional fervor of the author, Vadi Harshnandan, is evident throughout these compositions.