Kavivar Samaysundar - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Kavivar Samaysundar" by Mohanlal Dalichand Desai, based on the provided PDF excerpts:

The text introduces Kavivar Samaysundar, a prominent Jain poet, placing him within the context of Jain religious and literary traditions, particularly during the 17th century (Vikram Samvat 17th century). It highlights the enduring nature of Jain monastic life and the significant contributions of Jain monks to Indian culture and literature.

Key aspects covered in the text include:

1. Jain Monasticism and its Cultural Role:

Jain monks are described as peripatetic mendicants adhering to strict rules.
Their tradition of traveling and preaching, with a mandatory four-month stay (Chaturmas) in one place, has continued for over 2500 years since Lord Mahavir.
Jainism's emphasis on ahimsa (non-violence) is credited with ending violent rituals in India and mitigating caste-based oppression.
Jain monks have consistently contributed to literature, including poetry, drama, and storytelling, throughout various centuries.

2. The Role of a Poet:

Poets are presented as those who articulate the beautiful but inexpressible sentiments of common people, giving them immortal form through their words.
Jain monks, like wandering birds, have spread their poetic messages across different regions and lands.

3. Introduction to Kavivar Samaysundar:

Name: Kavivar Samaysundar.
Period: 17th century Vikram Samvat.
Key Dates:
- Received the title of Vachakacharya-Upadhyay in Lahore in VS 1949 (this seems like a typo and likely refers to a date related to his life, perhaps around VS 1649 or later, as the text focuses on the 17th century).
- His first known work, 'Bhavshatak', was composed in VS 1641, suggesting he was around 21 years old then, implying a birth year of around VS 1620.
- His last known work dates to around VS 1697, indicating a lifespan of approximately 80 years (VS 1620-1700).

4. Historical and Social Context of the 17th Century:

Gachchha (Sectarian) Disputes: The text details the long-standing rivalry and conflict between the Kharatar and Tapagachchhas within the Shvetambara tradition. It mentions the significant issue of Dharmasagar Upadhyay's work "Kumatikadmudal" (Pravachan Pariksha), which accused other Jain sects and beliefs, causing widespread agitation and the intervention of prominent Acharyas like Vijaya Dansasuri and Hira Vijaya Suri to restore peace.
Mughal Era: The 17th century was a prosperous period in India under the rule of Mughal emperors Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan. This era brought stability and peace, fostering the growth of literature in various languages.
Patronage of Jainism by Mughals: Prominent Jain monks like Hira Vijaya Suri, Shanti Chandra, Jinachandra Suri, and Padmasundar Upadhyay successfully explained Jainism to Emperor Akbar, earning his respect and obtaining favorable decrees (firmans) for Jain pilgrimage sites, restrictions on animal slaughter, and support for Jain institutions. Jahangir and Shah Jahan also showed sympathy towards Jainism.
Religious and Literary Awakening: This period witnessed a significant awakening in other religions and a surge in literary production across India. The text briefly mentions contemporary figures like Dadu Dayal, Sundardas, and Tulsidas in Hindi literature, and Vishnu Das, Mukteshwar, Namdev, Tukaram, and Samarth Ramdas in Marathi literature.

5. Jain Contributions to Gujarati Literature:

The text argues against the notion that Gujarati literature declined in the 17th century, asserting that Jain poets actively maintained and enriched the literary tradition.
It highlights the prolific output of Jain poets in the 16th and 17th centuries, emphasizing their role in preserving and expanding Gujarati literary heritage.

6. The Rise of Narrative Literature (Katha Sahitya):

The 17th century saw a significant trend among Jain monks to incorporate folk tales into their poetry.
The text contends that Jain poets preceded popular poets like Premanand and Shamlal Bhatt in adapting stories into poetic forms.
It provides a list of numerous Jain poets and their works (e.g., Sinhkushal, Udaybhanu, Kushallabh, Devshil, Hemanand, Ratnasundar Upadhyay, Devshrj, Ahirkalash, Mangal Manik, Hemratan, Sarang) who contributed to narrative poetry, including adaptations of popular tales like Vetala Panchavishi, Simhasana Battisi, and Sudhabahottari.
The author refutes the idea that Shamlal Bhatt was the original narrative poet, suggesting that his stories might have been influenced by earlier Jain works.

7. Samaysundar's Lineage and Gachchha:

Samaysundar belonged to the Kharatar Gachchha within the Shvetambara Murtipujaka sect.
He traces his guru lineage back to Lord Mahavir, mentioning key figures like Devacharya, Nemiyank, Utansuri, Vardhamanasuri, Jineshwara Suri, Jinchandra Suri, Abhayadeva Suri, Jinavallabha Suri, Jinsundatta Suri, and ultimately his own guru, Sakalchandra Upadhyay.
He identifies himself as a disciple of Sakalchandra Upadhyay, who became an Upadhyay.

8. Samaysundar's Travels and Works:

The text details Samaysundar's extensive travels across Gujarat, Rajasthan, and other parts of India, noting the places where he resided or composed his works (e.g., Ahmedabad, Khambhat, Sanghaner, Agra, Multan, Nagaur, Patan).
His travels influenced his language, incorporating regional dialects and Persian words.
He is known to have composed numerous works in both Sanskrit and Gujarati.

9. Samaysundar's Sanskrit Works:

Bhavshatak (VS 1641)
Rupmala Vritti (VS 1663)
Kalikacharya Katha (VS 1666)
Samachari Shatak (VS 1672)
Vishesh Shatak (VS 1672)
Vichar Shatak (VS 1674)
Ashtalakshi (VS 1649), a significant work which was personally approved and presented to him by Emperor Akbar.
Visamvadak Shak (VS 1685)
Gathasahasri (VS 1686)
Jayantyadana Stotra Vritti (VS 1687)
Dashavaikalik Sutra Par Shabdarth Vritti (VS 1691)
Vrittaratnakar Vritti (VS 1694)
Kalpasutra par Kalpakalpalata Vritti (VS 1685)
Navatattva Par Vritti
Vir Charitra Stavan par Tika
Vīratva Vritti
Raghuvanśa Vritti

10. Samaysundar's Gujarati Poetic Works:

Chovisi (twenty-four Tirthankaras' hymns, VS 1658)
Shambapradhyumna Prabandh (VS 1658) - a significant work of narrative poetry.
Dan Shila Tap Bhavana Samvad (VS 1662) - a philosophical dialogue on the four cardinal virtues.
Char Pratyeka Buddh ne Ras (VS 1665) - a poetic narrative about four enlightened beings.
Pashavidhi Stavan (VS 1667)
Mṛgavati Chitra Ras (VS 1668) - a narrative poem about Queen Mṛgavati.
Kurma Chhatrishī (VS 1668) - a poem about universal life.
Punyas Trai Chhatrishī, Shila Chhatrishī, Shosh Chhatrishī, Kshama Chhatrishī (VS 1668 onwards) - poems focusing on virtues.
Shila Sut Priyamelaka Ras (VS 1672) - a narrative on the virtue of charity.
Nal Damayanti Ras (VS 1673) - a poetic adaptation of the Nal-Damayanti story.
Punyasara Charitra (VS 1673)
Ranpur Stavan (VS 1676) - a hymn about the Ranpur temple.
Valkalchiri Ras (VS 1681) - a narrative poem composed at the request of Karamsandh.
Ekadashi (Mauna Ekadashi) Vriddha Stavan (VS 1681)
Vastupal Tejpal ne Ras (VS 1682) - a brief account of the activities of Vastupal and Tejpal.
Shatrunjay Ras (VS 1682) - a short poem describing the significance and temples of Shatrunjay.
Sitaram Prabandh Chopai (VS 1683) - a significant work on the Jain version of the Ramayana.
Bavara Vrata Rasa (VS 1685)
Gautam Prachha (VS 1686)
Sthavavastha Chopai (VS 1681)
Champak Shreni ni Chopai (VS 1658) - a narrative on charity.
Dhanadatta Chopai (VS 1696) - a narrative on ethical business practices.
Sadhu Vandana (VS 1697)
Papa Chhatrishī (VS 1698)
Sushada Ras (not found)
Pujya Rishi no Ras (describing the penance of a monk)
Numerous short poems like Sajhayo, Stavan, Pad focusing on virtues, legends, and religious themes.

11. Samaysundar's Literary Style and Impact:

The text highlights Samaysundar's skill in composing in various Indian languages and dialects, adapting to different melodies and poetic meters.
His Sitaram Prabandh Chopai is particularly praised for its detailed narrative, poetic skill, and its ability to rival Premanand's works in certain aspects.
The author emphasizes that understanding Jain literary contributions is crucial for a complete history of Gujarati literature and refutes any notion of Jain literature being solely devotional, showcasing their engagement with popular narratives and diverse themes.

In essence, the text is a biographical and critical introduction to Kavivar Samaysundar, positioning him as a significant poet and scholar within the Jain tradition, who significantly contributed to Gujarati and Sanskrit literature during a vibrant historical period. It underscores the active role of Jain monks in preserving and enriching India's cultural and literary heritage.