Khartar Gaccha Ke Acharyo Sambandhi Katipay Agyat Aetihasik Rachnaye - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, focusing on its historical and literary significance:

Book Title: Khartar Gaccha ke Acharyo Sambandhi Katipay Agyat Aetihasik Rachnaye (Certain Unknown Historical Compositions Related to the Acharyas of the Khartar Gaccha) Author(s): Agarchand Nahta, Bhanvarlal Nahta Publisher: Z_Mahavir_Jain_Vidyalay_Suvarna_Mahotsav_Granth_Part_1_012002.pdf and Mahavir_Jain_Vidyalay_Suvarna_

This work by Agarchand Nahta and Bhanvarlal Nahta is a significant contribution to the history of the Khartar Gaccha, one of the major branches of the Svetambara Jain Sangh. The authors highlight the glorious and impactful history of the Khartar Gaccha, particularly its role in reviving Jainism during a period of decline caused by "shilathachar" (laxity in conduct) and the "dense darkness of chaityavas" (a concept referring to the perceived degradation of religious institutions).

The text emphasizes that the Khartar Gaccha's great luminaries, from Shri Vardhamanasuriji to Shri Jinpatisuriji, revitalized the Jain faith through their exemplary character. They authored commentaries on Agamas, composed sophisticated prose works on various subjects, engaged in philosophical debates in royal courts, converted thousands to Jainism, established "vidhichaityas" (religious sites with specific rituals) to rectify societal issues, and guided beings toward the path of liberation.

The authors then delve into the challenges of researching Khartar Gaccha history, mentioning the previously published "Gurusavali" from the Singhi Jain Granthamala and its translation by the Dada Jinsurishyam Ashtam Shatabdi Mahotsav Samiti. They note that the early history, up to Jinshreshthasuriji (the second), was compiled by Jinpalopadhyaya based on the "Ganadhar Sardhashatak Brihad Vrutti." The lineage continues up to Yugapradhan Shri Jinsurisuriji. Jinpalopadhyaya's further compilation, commissioned by Saha Hema, extended the chronicle to 1305 Vikrama Samvat. Later chronicles, from Shri Jinkushalsuriji's successors up to Shri Jinpadmasuriji, were pieced together from various sources, with one crucial manuscript found in Shri Kshamakalyanji's repository. Subsequent histories were compiled from later pattacharis (lineage records) and translations.

A pivotal discovery that brought forth much new and unknown material was the Mahavijnyapti Lekh of 1430 Vikrama Samvat. However, the history of figures like Shri Jinlabdhisuriji remained obscure until now. The authors mention their prior publication of historical Jain poetic material and their continuous search for more.

The core of this publication revolves around the discovery of "Shri Jinbhadrasuri Swadhyay Pustika" (a collection of spiritual texts compiled by Shri Jinbhadrasuri), written in 1490 Vikrama Samvat. This manuscript was located in the Azimganj Badi Poshala. After a 30-year search, the authors, with the help of others, finally obtained copies of this Pustika. This discovery led to the identification of several previously unpublished and historically crucial compositions related to the Khartar Gaccha acharyas.

These newly discovered works, all in Prakrit and following a similar style, are:

Shri Jinpatisuri Suguru Panchashika (55 verses): Attributed to a disciple of Shri Jinpatisuri, this work details his birth, initiation, appointment as Acharya, erudition, victories in debates, and compares him to revered figures like Gautamswami and Sthulibhadra. It highlights his status as a "Yugapradhan" (leader of an era).
Shri Jinshreshthasuri Chatusaptatika (74 verses): The author is unnamed. It describes his birth, initiation by Shri Jinpatisuri, mastery of scriptures, travels, and his installation as Acharya Shri Jinshreshthasuri.
Shri Jinprabhoasuri Chatusaptatika (74 verses): Composed by Vivekasamudra Gani, this details the birth, initiation by Shri Jinshreshthasuri, and succession of Shri Jinprabhoasuri. It mentions his literary works and influential role.
Shri Jinkushalsuri Chahuttari (74 verses): Authored by Tarunprabhacharya, this provides a detailed account of Shri Jinkushalsuriji's birth, upbringing, initiation by Shri Jinchandrasuri, his extensive learning under Vivekasamudra Gani, his installation as Acharya, travels, and his profound influence. It also mentions his composition of various works and his passing.
Shri Jinlabdhisuri Chahuttari (74 verses): Also by Tarunprabhacharya, this is considered the most significant among the newly discovered works as it provides crucial information about Shri Jinlabdhisuriji, whose biography was previously incomplete and fragmented. It details his birth, initiation by Shri Jinchandrasuri, rigorous studies, receiving the title of Upadhyaya from Shri Jinkushalsuriji, and his subsequent succession as Acharya Shri Jinlabdhisuri. The text describes his extensive travels and propagation of the faith, establishment of religious institutions, and his peaceful demise.
Shri Jinlabdhisuri Stupa Namaskar (4 verses) and Shri Jinlabdhisuri Nagpur Stupa Stavana (8 verses): These shorter works provide brief summaries of the events mentioned in the "Chahuttari," confirming his birth, initiation, titles, and death.

The authors also mention that Shri Jinkushalsuriji's "Shri Jinchandra Suri Chatusaptatika" was also found in the same manuscript, which they had previously published.

The Pustika itself, compiled by Shri Jinbhadrasuri, a renowned Acharya who established numerous knowledge repositories, is described as a collection of important religious texts. The Pustika's colophon provides details about its writing and transcription.

In conclusion, this publication by the Nahta brothers is invaluable for shedding light on previously unknown aspects of the Khartar Gaccha's history, particularly through the detailed biographical information of its prominent Acharyas provided in these newly discovered Prakrit compositions. These works are not only historically significant but also offer insights into the religious and literary traditions of the period.