Kadambari Part 02

Added to library: September 2, 2025

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First page of Kadambari Part 02

Summary

Certainly, here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Kadambari Part 02" by Hitvardhanvijay, published by Kusum Amrut Trust, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Kadambari Part 02 Author: Hitvardhanvijay Publisher: Kusum Amrut Trust Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/002412/1

Overall Summary:

This publication, "Kadambari Part 02," presents the Uttarabhaga (Northern Part) of the renowned Sanskrit epic "Kadambari." The work is presented with a detailed commentary (Tika) crafted by the esteemed Jain scholars, Mahopadhyaya Bhanuchandra and Mahopadhyaya Siddhichandra. The compilation and editing of this specific edition have been meticulously undertaken by Muni Hitvardhanvijay, under the auspices of the Kusum Amrut Trust in Vapi.

Key Aspects and Content:

  1. Authorship and Lineage:

    • The original "Kadambari" epic is attributed to the great poet Banabhatta and completed by his son, Bhushana Bhatta.
    • The accompanying commentary (Tika) is a monumental work by Mahopadhyaya Bhanuchandra and Mahopadhyaya Siddhichandra, Jain scholars who were highly respected and honored by Emperor Akbar Jalaluddin and his successor Jahangir.
    • The current edition's editor and compiler is Muni Hitvardhanvijay, a disciple of esteemed Acharyas and monks.
  2. Content of the "Uttarabhaga" (Northern Part):

    • This volume focuses on the latter half of the "Kadambari" narrative.
    • The text details the continuation and conclusion of the epic's intricate story. It is a continuation of the narrative that likely began in a preceding volume ("Purvabhaga").
    • The table of contents (Page 7) indicates a wide range of episodes covered, including:
      • The beginning of the narrative and its introduction.
      • The journey to the Achchoda lake.
      • The visit to the hermitage of Mahaveta.
      • The story of Vaishampayana.
      • The reconciliation of Vaishampayana with Mahaveta.
      • The tragic events surrounding Kadambari's grief and the eventual demise of Chandrapida and Vaishampayana, leading to Kadambari's subsequent actions.
      • The intervention of Kapinjala and the unfolding of events related to Pundarika and Kadambari's fates.
      • The eventual resolution and happiness for Chandrapida and his companions.
  3. The Commentary (Tika):

    • The Tika by Bhanuchandra and Siddhichandra is highly praised for its depth, clarity, and the vast vocabulary it elucidates. It is described as a "boon" for those who appreciate linguistic richness, noting that no word from the original text was overlooked in the commentary.
    • The commentary is significant as it is considered the earliest and most comprehensive one on the Kadambari, making its publication timely and essential.
  4. Purpose and Publication:

    • The Kusum Amrut Trust, through this publication, aims to make this significant Jain text accessible to the wider readership, particularly for study and spiritual pursuit.
    • The publication emphasizes that the books are intended for "knowledge-wealth" (Jnana Dravya) and encourages readers to use them for study and to consider them a form of spiritual donation.
    • The publication is dedicated to sadhus and sadhvis and Jain knowledge repositories across India.
  5. Historical and Scholarly Context:

    • The "Kadambari" itself, composed around the mid-7th century CE, is considered a masterpiece of Sanskrit literature, holding a prominent place among Mahakavyas.
    • The text references the lineage of poets like Dandi and Subandhu, who preceded Banabhatta.
    • The commentary's creation is placed in the latter half of the 17th century Vikram era (corresponding roughly to the 17th century CE).
  6. Editorial Notes and Information:

    • The publication provides detailed bibliographic information, including the language (Sanskrit), classification (Parts 1 & 2), creators of both parts, the approximate period of the original work's creation (mid-7th century CE), and the time of the commentary's creation (latter half of the 17th century Vikram era).
    • It also mentions the first printed edition in 1940 from Nirnaya Sagar Press, Mumbai.
    • The current edition's publication date is noted as Ashadh Sud 2, 6th day, Wednesday, 13-7-2005.
    • The value of the book (both parts) is listed as Rs. 365/-.

In essence, this publication is a scholarly and devotional effort to bring forth a crucial part of the "Kadambari" epic, complete with a vital Jain commentary, making it available for the study and edification of the Jain community and literary scholars.