Ketlik Laghu Rachanao - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Ketlik Laghu Rachanao" by Shilchandrasuri, based on the catalog link and the digitized pages:

The book "Ketlik Laghu Rachanao" by Shilchandrasuri, published by ZZ_Anusandhan, presents a collection of short Gujarati poetic compositions derived from miscellaneous writings. The preface, written in Gujarati, introduces the reader to the nature and content of these compositions.

General Introduction to the Compositions:

The preface highlights that these are brief poetic works compiled from various sources, offering a glimpse into Jain devotional literature.

The compositions included are:

Shrigautamswami-Chaupai: This is the first composition. It focuses on Gautam Swami, the chief disciple of Lord Mahavir. The author is identified as Muni Jayasagar, and the work is estimated to be from the 18th century or later.
Gahuli (Song) in praise of Sudharmaswami: This second composition is a hymn praising Sudharmaswami, the fifth disciple of Lord Mahavir and the first Acharya of the current Jain ascetic tradition.
Second Gahuli in praise of Sudharmaswami: The third composition is also a gahuli (song) dedicated to Sudharmaswami. It describes his 36 qualities, presenting them in four different ways. Due to this, it is given a descriptive title: "Shattrinshakachatuskagarbhita-Guhali-Geet" (A Song containing the essence of 36 qualities in four ways). The preface notes that such public compositions often do not mention the author's name.
"Saudharmaganadharbhas" (A Discourse/Song of Saudharmaswami): This fourth composition is also a gahuli. It is titled "Saudharmaganadharbhas". It also describes the 36 qualities of the Acharya. Notably, it includes a description of a gahuli made with kumkum (red powder), covered with akshat (uncooked rice grains), and topped with a coconut, which is considered a significant detail.
"Gautam Bhas" (A Discourse/Song of Gautam Swami): This fifth composition is a gahuli dedicated to Gautam Swami. Similar to the third gahuli, it mentions the practice of using kumkum and akshat to create a gahuli. An important observation is made that there is no mention of inscribing the "Siddhashila" (the liberated soul's abode) along with the kumkum.

Commonality and Authorship:

The preface points out a significant commonality among compositions 2, 3, 4, and 5: the word "Jainashasan" appears at the end of the last verse. This leads to the speculation that these four compositions may have the same author. These works are also believed to be from the 19th century.

Page 2: Shrigautamswami-Chaupai

This page contains the full text of the Shrigautamswami-Chaupai. It begins with a salutation to Gautam Swami, describing him as a repository of virtues, the ornament of the lineage, and someone who has attained perfect knowledge and bliss. It further details:

Gautam Swami's virtues and fame as a Ganadhar (chief disciple).
The author's devotion and daily reverence.
His birth in the Vasubhuti family, son of Indrabhuti, and his auspicious name, Gautam.
An incident where Gautam Swami fed thousands of ascetics with a single meal.
His possession of divine knowledge and charitable nature.
His worship of Jin Bimbas (idols of Jinas) on the peak of Ashtapad mountain, meditating on the liberated souls.
His worship of 24 Jinas on a lotus made of gold, and his adherence to excellent penance.
A mantra for invoking Gautam Swami after worshipping the Arhats.
The benefits of chanting Gautam Swami's name, such as achieving royalty, success, treasures, and overcoming obstacles.
The blessings of the divine cow Kamadhenu and protection from misfortunes when Gautam Swami is pleased.
He is compared to a wish-fulfilling jewel, bringing wisdom and fulfilling desires.
The composition concludes with the author, Shri Jayasagar, stating that these verses bring prosperity.

Page 3: Gahuli and Bhas Songs

This page begins with "Gahuli Ane Bhas Geeto" (Gahuli and Bhas Songs).

First Gahuli (Saudharmaganadharbhas): Set to the tune of "Ramchand ke Vagi," this song praises Sudharmaswami, the fifth Ganadhar, residing in Champapuri. It describes how he has renounced anger, ego, attachment, and greed, possesses complete scriptural knowledge, and is praised by the Jinas. It mentions him abandoning five transgressions (ashrav), five senses, five types of negligence (pramada), and five impurities, as well as ten types of vows and six types of carefulness (jayana). His virtues are compared to the sun, moon, and rain, and he teaches the essence of the soul while seated on a lotus. The song also mentions Queen Chelnaka's devotion and the richness of King Shrenik's treasury. It concludes by stating that devotion to the Jain teachings eradicates sins and that the Saudharmaswami composed this gahuli.
Second Gahuli (Shattrinshakachatuskagarbhita-Guhali-Geet): This composition begins with Queen Chelnaka bringing a gahuli for the Guru. It praises Sudharmaswami, the fifth Ganadhar, and describes his 36 virtues, which are pure and adorned with spiritual merit. It mentions his mastery over scriptural sayings, his adherence to the 14 types of pure conduct (pratirupa) and ten types of virtues like patience, and his deep understanding of the 12 bhavanas (contemplations). It highlights his practice of faith, knowledge, and conduct, along with virtues like truth and equanimity, and his freedom from the 16 types of passions (kashaya). The song further describes his teachings on nine elements of religion, his severe ascetic practices, and his avoidance of nine transgressions. It then describes a ritualistic gahuli being made with akshat and a coconut placed on it, adorned with virtues. It concludes by stating that the Saudharmaswami sings this song, and the practice brings prosperity to the Jain tradition.

Page 4: Saudharmaganadharbhas

This page contains another composition titled "Saudharmaganadharbhas," set to the tune of "Aa Chhe Lal." It praises the Ganadhar in Rajagriha, his luminous personality, and his teachings. It describes:

Gautam Swami arriving to meet the Guru, dispelling karmic impurities.
His control over the five senses, adherence to the five vows, and his stature as an influential figure.
His attire and the practice of creating a gahuli with kumkum and akshat.
The ritual of "lunchna" (a devotional gesture) with silver and gold flowers, fostering the glory of the Jain teachings.
The joy experienced by devotees and celestial beings who sing the praises of the Lord of the Jain teachings.

Page 5: Gautamabhas and Glossary

Gautamabhas: This composition is dedicated to Gautam Swami. It describes him as a jewel of Rajagriha, adorned with virtues, and residing in a beautiful temple. It mentions his control over senses and adherence to vows, as well as his eight influential qualities. It also details the practice of preparing a gahuli with kumkum and akshat, and the devotion shown by the queen of Magadha, who prepares it with adornments. The verse compares the devotee to a thirsty chakora bird receiving nectar from the moon-like face of the Guru. It concludes by stating that celestial and human women, united in devotion, sing the praise of the Lord of the Jain tradition.
Glossary of Difficult Words: This section provides meanings for a few difficult words encountered in the text, such as:
- Nyane: With knowledge
- Niyalbadi: Having inherent strength/capacity
- Gelith: With joy/happiness
- Sadhava: Auspicious, fortunate
- Sohav: Auspicious
A note indicates that many other words are specific Jain terminology and their meanings can be understood from the context.

Page 6-12: Appendices and Book Reviews/Discussions

The remaining pages (6-12) contain supplementary material that appears to be discussions, annotations, or related academic content rather than part of the original "Ketlik Laghu Rachanao" text itself. These sections include:

Trunk Note (1) on the Guru-Disciple Tradition of Upadhyay Shri Yashovijayji: This details the lineage of Upadhyay Yashovijayji, tracing it back to Samvat 1866 and mentioning a disciple who wrote a manuscript in Mumbai at the Shri Godi Parshvanath temple.
Discussion (2) on the Study of Kavyanushasan: This section is a critical analysis by Muni Trailokyamandana Vijaya regarding Prof. Rasiklala Ch. Parekh's edition of Hemachandracharya's Kavyanushasan. It points out errors in the published text and critiques Dr. Nandis's translation and commentary, arguing that it misinterprets Hemachandracharya's work and unfairly criticizes his scholarship. The author defends Hemachandracharya's adherence to established literary traditions and critiques Dr. Nandis's modern interpretations as being flawed and incomplete. This section is a significant portion of the document and delves deeply into textual criticism and comparative literary analysis.

In essence, "Ketlik Laghu Rachanao" is a collection of devotional Gujarati poems primarily focused on the glories of prominent Jain figures like Gautam Swami and Sudharmaswami, with a particular emphasis on the devotional practice of creating symbolic offerings (gahulis). The appended academic discussion adds another layer of scholarly engagement with Jain literature and textual analysis.