Kalikal Sarvagna Hemchandrasuri

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This compilation, "Kalikal Sarvagna Hemchandrasuri" by Vinaysagar, published by ZZ_Anusandhan, is a detailed exploration of the life, works, and profound influence of the eminent Jain Acharya Hemchandrasuri. The text presents a wealth of opinions from various scholars and historians, highlighting Hemchandrasuri's unparalleled stature in Indian history, Jain tradition, and literature.

Key Aspects of Hemchandrasuri's Life and Influence:

• "Kalikal Sarvagna" (Omniscient of the Age of Kali): This title bestowed upon him signifies his exceptional knowledge and wisdom, considered equal to omniscience in the current era. He is described as a foundational writer of the highest caliber, a master of multiple languages, deeply knowledgeable in all literature, and a prolific creator across diverse subjects.
• Cultural and Linguistic Impact on Gujarat: Hemchandrasuri is credited with providing stability and immortality to the identity, pride, culture, and language of Gujarat. His teachings fostered righteousness, harmony, love for knowledge, tolerance, and broad-mindedness among the people of Gujarat. The text argues that the current refined character of Gujarat's populace, their reduced susceptibility to fanaticism, and their linguistic identity are all indebted to him.
• Literary and Scholarly Prowess: Hemchandrasuri is placed in a similar esteemed position in the court of King Siddharaj Jaysinh during the 12th century as Kalidasa held in Sanskrit literature and Banabhatta in Sri Harsha's court. He was a grammarian, rhetorician, religious preacher, and a great poet of his era, uniting these disciplines within his persona. His work is lauded for its originality and depth.
• Influence on Kings Siddharaj Jaysinh and Kumarpal: Hemchandrasuri played a pivotal role in the lives and reigns of both these powerful Chalukya dynasty rulers. He served as a friend and motivator to Kumarpal, guiding him and influencing his policies. His teachings are credited with transforming Gujarat into a stronghold of Shvetambara Jainism and fostering immense growth in Jain literature during the 12th-13th centuries.
• Moral and Social Reforms: He was an effective reformer, instrumental in discouraging vices. Notably, with the support of Siddharaj Jaysinh and Kumarpal, he successfully implemented prohibition on alcohol and enforced a ban on animal slaughter across Gujarat, leading to significant peace, contentment, and prosperity. This era saw the prevention of life-killing activities for fourteen years across eighteen major kingdoms.
• Spiritual and Intellectual Depth: Hemchandrasuri was a devoted ascetic, a master of scriptures, and a poet. His virtues included self-control, mastery of the senses, chastity, fearlessness, political acumen, devotion to his guru and mother, love for his devotees, and the ability to refute opponents. He was a proponent of religious equality, a worshipper of truth, a propagator of Jainism, and a savior of the land. His detachment from worldly possessions was absolute.

Key Works and Their Significance:

The text lists numerous works by Hemchandrasuri and also chronicles the sources from which his biography is derived. His literary contributions are vast and cover various fields:

• Grammar:
  • Siddhahem Shabdanushasan: Considered his magnum opus, this comprehensive grammar of Sanskrit is noted for its clarity, conciseness, and structured approach, overcoming the limitations of earlier works. It includes seven chapters on Sanskrit and an eighth on Prakrit, including Apabhramsha, which preserved ancient literary forms. It also features extensive commentaries like Laghuvritti, Brihadvritti, and Brihannayasa.
  • Lingānushasan, Unadi Ganavivaran, Dhatupārāyan Vivaran: These supplement his main grammatical work.
• Lexicography (Kosh Granths):
  • Abhidhān Chintāmani Nammala: A highly acclaimed treasury of Sanskrit words, rich in historical and cultural information, with an extensive commentary.
  • Anekārth Kosh: A collection of words with multiple meanings.
  • Nighantu Kosh: A specialized glossary of botanical terms, useful for medical studies.
  • Deshi Nammala: A significant collection of vernacular (deshi) words, crucial for understanding regional linguistic development and preserving endangered vocabulary.
• Poetics and Rhetoric (Alankar Shastra):
  • Kavyānushasan: A comprehensive treatise on poetics, covering definitions of poetry, rasa, alankaras (figures of speech), guna (qualities), doshas (flaws), and dramatic elements. While it draws from earlier works, it also presents original viewpoints and critiques. It is praised for its accessibility compared to Mammat's Kavya Prakash.
  • Chhandonushasan: A detailed study of Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Apabhramsha meters, crucial for understanding Indian prosody, especially in Prakrit and Apabhramsha.
• Epic and Historical Literature:
  • Dvyashraya Sanskrit: A historical epic detailing the Chalukya dynasty alongside grammatical examples from his Siddhahem.
  • Dvyashraya Prakrit: Similar to the Sanskrit version, but illustrating the rules of Prakrit grammar, focusing on the life of Kumarpal.
  • Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Charita Mahakavya: A monumental epic (36,000 verses) narrating the lives of the 63 illustrious figures in Jain tradition, including Tirthankaras, Chakravartis, and other heroes. It's seen as a Jain parallel to the Ramayana and Mahabharata, encompassing mythology, history, and philosophy.
  • Parishishta Parva (Sthaviravali Charitra): A historical account of prominent Jain monks (Acharyas and Shrutakevalis), important for the lineage of Jain tradition.
• Philosophy and Spirituality:
  • Yogashastra: Written at the request of King Kumarpal, this work on Jain Yoga is considered a significant counterpart to Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. It outlines ethical conduct, meditation, and spiritual practices, emphasizing the path to liberation accessible to all.
  • Pramana Mimamsa: A philosophical treatise on Jain epistemology and logic, aiming to strengthen the foundation of Jain logical arguments. It discusses concepts like valid knowledge, perception, and inference.
  • Stotras (Devotional Hymns): Including Vitrag Stotra, Anyayoga Vyavachchheda Dvātrimśikā, Ayogavyavachchheda Dvātrimśikā, and Mahadeva Stotra, which showcase his devotion and his ability to integrate different philosophical perspectives.

Sources for His Biography:

The text lists numerous ancient and medieval works that provide material for Hemchandrasuri's life story, including Kumarapala Pratibodha, Moharaj Parajaya, Prabandha Chintamani, Prabhavak Charitra, and his own works like Dvyashraya Kavya and Parishishta Parva. Modern scholarship, including that of Dr. Bühler and Prof. Manilal Patel, is also acknowledged.

Conclusion:

The compilation emphasizes that Acharya Hemchandrasuri was not merely a scholar but a profound spiritual leader, a cultural architect, and a social reformer whose legacy continues to resonate. His immense literary output, his influence on political and social reforms, and his role in shaping the identity of Gujarat solidify his position as a towering figure in Indian history and Jain tradition. The phrase "Hemochchhishtam tu Sahityam" (The remainder of literature is Hemachandra) is used to describe the vastness of his literary creations.