Karpur Mahek

This book, "Karpur Mahek," is a collection of Jain devotional and philosophical texts, primarily translated and commented upon by Pandit Kapurchand Varaiya from Palitana. Published by Shri Rander Road Jain Sangh in Surat, it is part of a larger series titled "Shri Nemi-Vigyan-Kastur-Suris Granth Shreni."

The catalog link provided is https://jainqq.org/explore/032377/1.

Key Aspects and Content:

• Author/Translator: Pandit Kapurchand Varaiya (Palițana) is credited with the translations and commentaries (bhavanuvaad).
• Publisher: Shri Rander Road Jain Sangh, Surat.
• Series: Part of the 49th publication in the Shri Nemi-Vigyan-Kastur-Suri Granth Shreni.
• Spiritual Lineage: The book is dedicated to the gurus of the Nemi-Vigyan-Kastur-Chandroday-Ashokchandra Suri lineage, with particular mention of Acharya Shri Vijay Chandroday Surishwarji Maharaj Saheb and Acharya Shri Vijay Ashokchandra Surishwarji Maharaj Saheb. Acharya Shri Vijay Somchandra Surishwarji Maharaj Saheb provided guidance.
• Content: The book is a compilation of various Jain literary forms, including:
  • Saviya (Savaiyya): Poetic verses, with a specific section featuring "Saviya-ektrisa" (Thirty-one Savaiyya).
  • Prashnottar Ratnamala (Prashnottar Ratnamala): A collection of questions and answers on Jain philosophy and practice.
  • Paramatma Chhatrishi: A collection of verses related to the Supreme Soul.
  • Adhyatma Bavani: Fifty verses on spiritual introspection.
  • Daya Chhatrishi: Sixty verses on the virtue of compassion.
  • Yati Dharma Battishi / Sanjam Battishi: Thirty-two verses on the vows and conduct of ascetics.
  • Hariyali: A section likely containing devotional or philosophical verses.
  • Other texts: Mention of "Hit-shiksha" (Moral Instruction), "Mangalacharan" (Invocation) in Dohas, and further explanations of the questions from Prashnottar Ratnamala.
• Pandit Kapurchand Varaiya's Contribution: The book highlights Pandit Varaiya's dedication to Jain scriptures. He was a professor at the Shri Sukshma Tattva Bodh Jain Pathshala in Palițana from 1945 to 1999 (Vikram Samvat 2000 to 2049). He taught for five to six hours daily and dedicated his free time to proofreading, researching ancient stanzas, sajhayos, stutis, and padas, particularly concerning karma literature. The notes he compiled formed the basis for this eight-part series, with each part named after "Karpur" (referencing his name), such as "Karpur Suvas," "Karpur Raag," "Karpur Sugandh," "Karpur Parag," "Karpur Mahek," "Karpur Saurabh," "Karpur Khushbu," and "Karpur Khushboo."
• Purpose: The primary aim of translating these ancient texts was to make the profound meanings and inner feelings of the original authors accessible to a wider audience, thereby enriching spiritual contemplation and study.
• Dedication: The book is dedicated to Pandit Varaiya's parents, Kapurachand Ranchhoddas Varaiya and Jiviben Kapurachand Varaiya, and other family members.
• Publication Details: The book was published in Vikram Samvat 2068 (2012 CE). It was the first edition with a print run of 500 copies. The price of this volume was Rs. 05-00, while the complete set of eight volumes was priced at Rs. 1000-00.

In essence, "Karpur Mahek" is a significant effort by the Rander Road Jain Sangh and Pandit Kapurchand Varaiya to preserve and disseminate the profound spiritual and philosophical teachings of Jainism through accessible translations and commentaries. The series aims to bring the essence of Jain devotional literature to the masses.