Kalpasutra Lekhan Prashasti - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Kalpasutra Lekhan Prashasti" by Vinaysagar, based on the pages you've shared:

Title: Kalpasutra Lekhan Prashasti (Praise for the Writing of the Kalpasutra) Author: M. Vinaysagar Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan (as indicated by the catalog link) Context: The text focuses on the significant role of the Kalpasutra within the Śvetāmbara Murtipujaka community, particularly during the Paryusana festival. It highlights the preservation and creation of multiple copies of this important scripture, including elaborately illustrated ones written with golden, silver, and mixed inks.

Key Points from the Text:

Importance of the Kalpasutra: The Kalpasutra is central to the Śvetāmbara Murtipujaka tradition, being recited during the Paryusana festival and on the day of Samvatsari. Numerous copies exist in various Bhandars (libraries), with many beautifully illustrated and written in precious inks.
Role of Acharya Jinabhadrasuri: The text emphasizes the significant contributions of Acharya Jinabhadrasuri in the 15th century. Recognizing the needs of his time, he not only consecrated numerous temples and installed thousands of idols but also established Bhandars in important cities like Khambhat, Patan, Mandavgadh, Devagiri, and Jaisalmer for the preservation of literature. The "Lekhan Prashastis" (inscriptions detailing the creation of manuscripts) confirm that he not only commissioned copies of the Kalpasutra on palm leaves and paper but also actively revised them with his monastic disciples.
The Jaisalmer Bhandar: The Jaisalmer Bhandar is highlighted as a repository of Acharya Jinabhadrasuri's work and a testament to his enduring legacy. This Bhandar has been utilized by many Jain Acharyas, scholars, and external learned individuals.
Hariraj and the Golden Kalpasutra: The text details that under the guidance of Acharya Jinabhadrasuri, a wealthy merchant named Hariraj, son of Narasingh of the Rankā gotra, commissioned a Kalpasutra manuscript written in golden ink with illustrations in the year Vikram Samvat 1509 (1509 CE). The "Prashasti" (eulogy or inscription) for this particular manuscript was written by Pandit Munisomani and consists of 36 verses. This inscription also documents the lineage of the patron (Hariraj) and the succession of his guiding Acharyas.
Genealogy and Patronage: A significant portion of the text is dedicated to tracing the lineage of Hariraj.
- It mentions the establishment of the Rankā gotra by Acharya Jindattasuri in the Upeśavansha.
- It traces the ancestry back to Joshdev, then to Gajudev, Gandadev, and Dhandhal (who later adopted the name Padmakirti as a monk).
- It highlights the philanthropic activities of Ambā, Jinda, and Mulraj (brothers and cousins of Dhandhal's father) in consecrating Jain idols.
- It recounts the significant pilgrimage (Sangh Yatra) to Shatrunjaya and other holy places in VS 1436, led by Acharya Jinrajsuri, with an expenditure of 50,000 rupees, sponsored by these individuals.
- Dhandhal's wife was named Shri, and they had two sons, Jaysingh and Narsingh.
- Mohan’s sons, Kihata and Dhanyak, also led pilgrimage groups and were instrumental in consecrating a Jain temple and numerous idols in Jaisalmer in VS 1473 with their relatives.
- The text then details the descendants of Jaysingh, including his wives Siru (Sarasvati) and others, their sons Rupa and Thilla, and their progeny.
- It specifically details the lineage of Narasingh, whose wife was Dheerini. Their sons were Bhoja and Hariraj. Hariraj's wife Meghai was the daughter of Karna of the Parakh dynasty.
Hariraj's Family and Religious Activities: Hariraj had three sons (Jeeva, Jindas, Jagmal) and one daughter (Mankai). The text mentions his wife Kuttigdevi, Jindas's consort Jasmade, and the sons of Narasingh (Sahaskiran, Soora, Mahipati) and their descendants. Hariraj is described as a virtuous individual who actively participated in pilgrimages, organized temple worship, and promoted Jain Dharma with his family.
The Acharya Lineage (Khartar Gachha): The text meticulously lists the succession of prominent Acharyas of the Khartar Gachha, starting from Sudharma Swami (fifth Ganadhara of Bhagwan Mahavir Swami) and his lineage. Key figures mentioned include Haribhadrasuri, Udyotansuri, Vardhmansuri, Jineshwarsuri (who received the "Khartar" title), Jinachandrasuri, Abhaydevasuri (commentator on the Navangi), Jinvallabhasuri, Jindattasuri (Yugpradhan), and a long line of subsequent Acharyas culminating in Jinabhadrasuri. The text reiterates that it was under the instruction of these Acharyas, particularly Jinabhadrasuri, that Hariraj commissioned the Kalpasutra in golden ink.
Additional Inscriptions and Sponsorships: The text presents details from other inscriptions found at Jaisalmer, corroborating Hariraj's extensive patronage of Jainism. These inscriptions mention the consecration of various idols (Ādināth, DharmaNāth, Namināth) by Hariraj and his family members (including his brother Bhoja and other relatives) under the guidance of Acharyas from the Khartar Gachha, specifically mentioning Jinabhadrasuri and Jinachandrasuri, with specific dates of consecration (e.g., VS 1493, 1528, 1536).
Clarification on Munisomganiji: The author, Vinaysagar, clarifies an earlier misattribution in the Khartar Gachha Sahitya Kosh regarding the discipleship of Munisomganiji. Through a copy provided by Upadhyay Bhuvanachandji Maharaj, it is established that Muni Meru (who wrote a commentary on the Uttaradhyayan Sutra in VS 1544) was a disciple of KamalsamyamUpadhyay, not a direct disciple of Jinabhadrasuri. However, the initiation (diksha) might have been granted by Jinabhadrasuri under the name Somandi. The author expresses gratitude for this clarification.
Works of Munisomganiji: The text notes two works attributed to Munisomganiji in the Khartar Gachha Sahitya Kosh: "Ransinghnarendrakatha" (VS 1540) and "SansarDava Padpurti Stotra."
Manuscript Details: The "Lekhan Prashasti" itself is described as being on three pages, with a size of 10x4, approximately 8-9 lines per page, and 28-30 characters per line, written in golden letters. The author confesses that he cannot recall the current location of this specific manuscript, despite having copied it during his 60 years of literary service. He notes that it is not mentioned in published Jain book inscription collections.

Overall Significance:

The "Kalpasutra Lekhan Prashasti" by Vinaysagar serves as a valuable historical and genealogical record. It highlights the vital role of scholarly Acharyas in preserving and promoting Jain scriptures, the significant patronage of wealthy merchants, and the meticulous documentation of these activities through "Prashastis" and inscriptions. The text underscores the artistic and spiritual value placed on manuscripts like the Kalpasutra within the Jain tradition, as evidenced by the use of precious materials and detailed artistic embellishments. It also sheds light on the important religious and cultural centers and the lineages of key families and monastic orders within the Śvetāmbara sect.