Kavichakravarti Shree Jayshekharsuri Par Fagukavyo

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on the Fagu Kavyas dedicated to Achalgacchashwar Shree Jaykirti Suri and Kavi-Chakravarti Shree Jaishekarsuri:

The text is an excerpt from the "Shree Arya Kalyan Gautam Smruti Granth" and presents two Fagu Kavyas (poems celebrating spring) and their scholarly context.

Introduction and Scholarly Context:

• The term "Fagu" (or "Phagu") is noted as being old and relevant to spring festivals.
• The origin of Fagu poetry in Gujarati literature is attributed to Muni, with its beginnings in the last quarter of the 14th century Vikram era.
• The word "Phagu" itself is linked to the festival of spring, as indicated in Hemchandrasuri's "Deshi Namamala."
• Fagu Kavyas are described as unique, descriptive, and rich in language, adorned with poetic devices like rhyme and alliteration, captivating the reader.
• Jain monks (Munis) have contributed significantly to Gujarati poetry, and the interest in Fagu Kavyas has grown in recent years.
• Specific Fagu Kavyas are mentioned as being composed for prominent figures like Lord Neminath, Sthulabhadra, and other Ganadharas (chief disciples).
• The two presented works are highlighted as noteworthy examples of ancient Fagu Kavyas.

Fagu Kavya dedicated to Achalgacchashwar Shree Jaykirti Suri:

• This Fagu Kavya is presented as being composed by an unknown disciple of Shree Jaykirti Suri, who lived in the 15th century Vikram era.
• Shree Jaykirti Suri became the head of the Achalgacch in Anhilpur Patan in Samvat 1473.
• He is known for his commentary on the Shree Uttaradhyayan Sutra, was a disciple of Merutunga Suri, and the guru of Shree Jaykesari Suri.
• The Fagu Kavya begins with an invocation to the first Jin (Adinath Dev) and then praises Shree Jaykirti Suri, the leader of the Achalgacch, calling him a "guru of the Ganadharas."
• It describes his auspicious presence in Anandpur and his immense glory, comparing him to the sun and a steadfast pillar of the Achalgacch.
• The poem mentions his birth from the lineage of Maharaj Bharmal of the Sangh, his adherence to difficult vows, and his immense wisdom.
• It details an event where Shree Jaykirti Suri arrived in Anhilpur, bringing joy to the Sangh.
• The poem describes a grand celebration in Samvat 1373 (likely a typo and should be 1473 based on the introduction) with invitations sent far and wide.
• Devotees from various regions gathered, enjoying dramatic performances and the praise of bards.
• The sounds of drums, trumpets, and auspicious conches filled the air, creating a joyous atmosphere.
• The poem then shifts to a detailed description of spring, with the blooming of various flowers like Ketaki, Padal, Jasmine, and others, creating a vibrant and fragrant environment.
• It portrays the sounds of cuckoos and the interplay of birds, the gentle southern breeze, and the pleasant scent of flowers.
• The poem describes the blooming of lotus flowers, the playful dance of peacocks, and the enchanting atmosphere of spring, with the god of love (Kamdev) appearing ready to strike.
• It mentions the importance of the Guru's teachings and the pursuit of knowledge for spiritual liberation.
• The Fagu concludes with a strong affirmation of devotion to Shree Jaykirti Suri, comparing him to the moon, a treasure of knowledge, and a beacon of light, essential for the Achalgacch and the welfare of humanity.

Fagu Kavya dedicated to Kavi-Chakravarti Shree Jaishekarsuri:

• This Fagu Kavya is believed to have been composed by an unknown disciple of Shree Jaishekarsuri as a eulogy.
• Shree Jaishekarsuri was a disciple of Shree Mahendrasuri of the Achalgacch and is considered a pioneer poet of the Gujarati language.
• He made significant contributions to Prakrit, Sanskrit, and Gujarati literature in both prose and poetry.
• He was a contemporary of Munishekhar Suri, Merung Suri, and Maantunga Gani, and his disciples like Dharamshekhar Suri were also renowned scholars.
• The text briefly lists some of Shree Jaishekarsuri's major works, including:
  • Shree Jain Kumar Sambhava Mahakavya (Sanskrit)
  • Dhamil Charitra (Sanskrit verse)
  • Upadesh Chintamani (Prakrit, 450 verses)
  • Prabandh Chintamani (Sanskrit verse)
  • Atmabodh Kulak
  • Nal Damayanti Charitra (Sanskrit verse)
  • Trivan Deepak Prabhandh (Gujarati verse), which earned him the title of "Pioneer Gujarati Poet."
• He is credited with over fifty other works, including Fagu Kavyas and Sanskrit hymns.
• The text also references Fagu Kavyas composed by Shree Jaishekarsuri being published elsewhere.
• It mentions that Shree Manikyasundarsuri, known for his Gujarati prose work "Pruthvichandra Charitra," was a student of Shree Jaishekarsuri.
• The Fagu Kavya itself begins with an invocation to Adinath Dev and then praises Shree Jaishekarsuri, mentioning that even reciting his name can ward off negative influences.
• It highlights Shree Jaishekarsuri's profound knowledge of scriptures, poetic meters, and rhetorical devices.
• The poem lists his significant literary achievements, including his mastery of various poetic forms and his prolific writing.
• It describes the beauty of spring in detail, with a focus on the blooming of flowers, the chirping of birds, and the pleasant weather.
• The poem then delves into the intricate descriptions of women adorned for spring festivities, their makeup, jewelry, and graceful movements.
• It portrays the allure of women and the overwhelming power of love, emphasizing the importance of chastity and self-control.
• The poem praises Shree Jaishekarsuri as a unique warrior of virtue whose wisdom conquers all obstacles.
• It highlights his ability to use his poetic skills to entertain and enlighten the minds of the people.
• The Fagu concludes by reiterating Shree Jaishekarsuri's prominence in the Achalgacch and his vast influence across different regions, praying for his continued well-being and praising those who read and recite his Fagu.

Editors' Note and Colophon:

• The editor expresses hope that the publication of these two beautiful Gujarati poems will be useful to scholars and historians.
• The text includes colophons indicating that the manuscript was written and compiled by Muni Kalaprabhsagaren in Samvat 2029 (1972 AD) in Kotda (Kutch), a disciple of Achalgacch Muni Shree Dev Shree Gun sagar Surishwar.
• It also mentions a previous transcription in Samvat 1967 (1910 AD) by Shah Motichand Mulji at the behest of Maharajshree Gautam Sagarji.
• The presence of scribal errors in the original manuscript is acknowledged, with efforts made to correct them.

In essence, the text presents a valuable scholarly introduction and the devotional Fagu Kavyas honoring two important Jain Acharyas, providing insights into their lives, literary contributions, and the cultural context of Fagu poetry.