Ketlik Aetihasik Aprakat Krutio

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Ketlik Aetihasik Aprakat Krutio" (Certain Historical Unrevealed Works), based on the given pages:

Overall Purpose:

The text serves as an introduction and overview of several historical, yet previously unrevealed or lesser-known, works related to Jainism. The overarching theme is to connect ancient Jain history with the present by showcasing valuable literary and architectural contributions made by past acharyas (scholars/leaders). The compilers emphasize that any such material, regardless of its specific philosophical affiliation within Jainism (or even other philosophies), is valuable as it presents factual evidence.

The document highlights specific works, providing brief descriptions of their content, historical context, authors (where known), and significance.

Summary of Each Identified Work:

1. Rajnaprabhasuri Stotram (रत्नप्रभसूरिस्तोत्रम्):

   • Author: Devatilaka (देवतिलक).
   • Subject: This is a hymn dedicated to Sri Keshigadhar, who was a disciple of Shubhavdatt (a Ganadhar in the tradition of Lord Parshvanath) and was followed by Haridattasuri, Aryasamudrasuri, and Shrikeshigadhar. The hymn particularly focuses on Rajnaprabhasuri, a disciple of Shreyansprabhusuri (a successor of Shrikeshigadhar). Rajnaprabhasuri was renowned for enlightening 125,000 lay followers and establishing the Oswal community.
   • Content: The poem narrates significant events from Rajnaprabhasuri's life, including:
     • Reviving the son of Minister Ahada after a snakebite.
     • Simultaneously consecrating two idol images of Lord Vir (Mahavir) in two different cities (Korantnagar and Upkeshnagar) through his yogic powers.
     • Making Devi Satyika a person of right faith (Samyakdrushti).
   • Significance: The Stotra praises the Guru's greatness and concludes with a brief but beautiful description of the fruits of reciting the hymn. The manuscript itself is described as beautiful, and its colophon (Pushpika) is noteworthy.

2. Hirviharvibhushan-Shri Rishabhdevstavanam (हीरविहारविभूषण-श्रीऋषभदेवस्तवनम्):

   • Author: Not explicitly mentioned, but possibly Ratnachandra (Upadhyaya) based on the term 'Ratnasudhakara'.
   • Subject: This is a devotional hymn praising Lord Rishabhdev (Adinath). It also makes a passing mention of the Hirvihar Jain temple.
   • Context: The Hirvihar temple was constructed in the Suratan Nizam Pura area in Samvat 1675 (1618 AD) under the guidance of Upadhyaya Nemisagarji. The principal idol is of Lord Adinath.
   • Content: The hymn praises Lord Adinath while also briefly documenting the architecture of the Hirvihar temple.
   • Dating: It is believed to have been composed around Samvat 1675, as the records indicate that Upadhyaya Ratnachandra consecrated the footrests of Upadhyaya Vidyasagarji, Upadhyaya Lakshmisagarji, and Upadhyaya Nemisagarji in the Hirvihar temple in the same year.
   • Significance: The text is presented as a source of information for the Hirvihar temple, as other details about it are not readily available. It encourages researchers to consult the Hirvihar Stavan for more information.

3. Hiravijayasuri Swadhyay (हीरविजयसूरिस्वाध्याय):

   • Author: Vidyakushal (विद्याकुशल), a disciple of Acharya Hiravijayasuri.
   • Subject: This is a Swadhyay (a form of devotional chanting or study) dedicated to the great Acharya Hiravijayasuri, a prominent figure in Jain history.
   • Context: Hiravijayasuri was a highly influential acharya, and many scholars composed works about him. Most of these are compiled in "Hir Swadhyay Parts 1-2" by Mahabodhvijayji. However, many smaller and larger works remain unpublished. This text presents one such unpublished work.
   • Dating: Composed on Chaitra Sud 5, Samvat 1617 (1560 AD).
   • Content: While praising Hiravijayasuri, the author weaves in the names of his spiritual lineage: Anandavimlasuriji, Upadhyaya Vidyasagarji, Vijaydansuriji, Upadhyaya Dharmasagarji, Hiravijayasuri, and Ruparishiji. It consists of 11 verses.
   • Significance: It's presented as an example of the numerous works dedicated to Hiravijayasuri, highlighting the continued reverence for him.

4. Vijayaprabhasuri Stotra (विजयप्रभसूरिस्तोत्र):

   • Author: The author's name is kept secret, but he is a disciple of Virsagar. The name "Kripasagar" is suggested based on the word 'Krupambho', but confirmation requires more information.
   • Subject: A hymn in praise of Vijayaprabhasuri.
   • Context: Vijayaprabhasuri belonged to the Tapa Gaccha lineage, succeeding Senasuri and Vijaydevsuri. He was born in Manoharpur, Kutch, in Samvat 1677 (1720 AD) and took diksha at the young age of 9. He became known as Virvijay after diksha, received the Panyas pad in Samvat 1701, and the Acharya pad in Samvat 1710, after which he was known as Vijayaprabhasuri. His name appears in ancient idol inscriptions and book colophons.
   • Content: The hymn praises his virtues. The author also demonstrated his talent by composing it as a "Kamalbaddha chitrakavya" (a poetic composition arranged in a lotus-like pictorial form).
   • Significance: Showcases the artistic and devotional compositions dedicated to important Jain acharyas.

5. Dharmalakshimi Mahattara Stuti (सटीक) (धर्मलक्ष्मीमहत्तरास्तुति (सटीक)):

   • Author: Jnanasagar Suri (ज्ञानसागर सूरि) is believed to be the author, based on the verse and the last verse using the term 'Gyanadiratnakar'.
   • Subject: A hymn praising Dharmalakshmi Mahattara, a respected Sadhvi (female ascetic).
   • Context: The text notes the Jain tradition of acknowledging the favors of benefactors, similar to how Haribhadrasuri and Balachandrasuri remembered the contributions of lay patrons. It is believed that Jnanasagar Suri composed this hymn in his commentary on the "Vimalnath Charitra" to remember Dharmalakshmi's contributions.
   • Content: The hymn describes the virtues of the Sadhvi. It is noted that such elaborate works dedicated to female ascetics in Sanskrit or Gujarati are rare. The work is described as beautiful, and the author has provided a difficult interpretation (Vishmarsh) with the original text for easier understanding.
   • Significance: This hymn is presented as a unique and valuable composition due to its subject matter (praising a Sadhvi) and its intricate poetic structure, including a commentary. The text also discusses the meaning of the word "Dharmalakshmi" in both a religious and a possible colloquial sense.

Acknowledged Institutions:

The compilers express gratitude to the following institutions for providing access to these works:

• Shri Surendranagar Jain Sangh Gyanbhandar
• Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi's Bhandar - Limbdi
• Shri Hemchandracharya Jain Gyanbhandar - Patan
• Shri Tapovan Jain Gyanbhandar - Navsari
• Shri Nemi-Vigyan-Kastursuri Gyanmandir - Surat

Overall Contribution:

This document is a valuable contribution to Jain historiography and literature, bringing to light several important, previously less accessible, works. It demonstrates the rich literary traditions and the deep respect and devotion Jain scholars and followers have for their spiritual leaders and important figures. It also highlights the importance of preserving and studying these ancient manuscripts for understanding the historical development of Jainism and its cultural impact.