Kumarpal Pratibodh

This extensive text is the Kumarpala Pratibodha, authored by Somaprabhacharya and edited by Muniraja Jinavijaya. Published by the Central Library, Baroda, in 1920, as part of the Gaekwad's Oriental Series (No. XIV), this work details the teachings of Jainism imparted by the Jain preceptor Hemacharya to King Kumarpala of Gujarat, and the gradual conversion of the king to Jainism.

Key aspects and content of the work, based on the provided pages, include:

• Nature and Title: The work is titled "Jina-Dharma-Pratibodha" by the author, but the editors retained the title "Kumarpala-Pratibodha" as it appears in the colophon and clearly conveys the subject matter to the general reader.

• Manuscript Material: The primary manuscript used for this edition was a palm-leaf manuscript found in a Jain Bhandar in Patan, the ancient capital of Gujarat. This manuscript, written in Samvat 1458 (A.D. 1402), is noted as one of the last palm-leaf manuscripts written in Gujarat and potentially Western and Northern India, indicating the transition to paper as a writing material. The text on palm leaves is described as being of inferior calligraphy and ink quality compared to older manuscripts, with many obliterations and errors due to the decline of the art of palm-leaf writing and the availability of less qualified scribes. Another, older but incomplete and broken, palm-leaf manuscript from a Bhandar in Patan was also consulted.

• Author: Somaprabhacharya: The author, Somaprabhacharya, was a renowned Jain scholar who composed this work in Samvat 1241 (A.D. 1195), only 11 years after King Kumarpala's death. This places him as a contemporary of both King Kumarpala and his preceptor Hemachandra. He was associated with a prominent poet's family and composed this work for the benefit of Harischandra and Shreedevi, whose father Abhayakumara managed charitable institutions. The work was heard and approved by Hemachandra's disciples: Mahendramuni, Vardhamana, and Gunichandra. The text includes a genealogical tree of Somaprabhacharya's preceptors, highlighting the lineage of learned Jain scholars.

• Other Works by Somaprabhacharya: Besides the "Kumarpala-Pratibodha," three other works by the author are mentioned:

  • Sumatinatha-Charitra: Describing the life of the 5th Jain Tirthankara, Sumatinatha, primarily in Prakrit, containing legends and stories explaining Jain tenets.
  • Suktimuktavali: A collection of 100 miscellaneous verses, also known as "Sindhuraprakara" or "Somashataka," written in the style of Bhartrihari's "Niti-Shataka," focusing on topics like non-slaughter, truthfulness, and purity.
  • Shatartha-Kavya: A unique work consisting of a single verse explained in a hundred different ways, showcasing the author's command of Sanskrit and earning him the nickname "Shatarthika."

• Composition of Kumarpala-Pratibodha: The work is mainly in Prakrit, with some stories in Sanskrit and portions in Apabhramsha, demonstrating the author's proficiency in these languages. The style is described as simple, plain, and easy to understand, without overt displays of specialized learning, as the author's primary goal was religious instruction, not historical narrative.

• Historical Significance: While the work is extensive, the introduction notes a disappointment from a historical standpoint, as it does not offer new historical facts about Kumarapala and Hemachandra that are unavailable in smaller, later works like "Hemachandra-Prabandha" or "Prabandha-Chintamani." Therefore, from a purely historical perspective, the work is considered to have no special importance.

• Importance as a Prakrit Work: The publication of this work is deemed important for the advancement of Prakrit literature, especially with the inclusion of Prakrit language in university curricula.

• Author's Objective: The author explicitly disavows any intention of writing a full life-story of Hemachandra and Kumarapala. His sole objective was to narrate the teachings of Jain religion through these historical figures.

• Historical Portion Summary: The introduction includes a summary of the historical events related to King Kumarapala's succession, his quest for true religion, the early life and lineage of Hemachandra, Hemachandra's influence on King Siddharaja Jayasimha, Hemachandra's teachings to King Kumarpala, Kumarpala's devotion to Jainism through temple building, celebration of festivals, pilgrimage, building of charitable institutions, and his eventual full conversion to Jainism.

• Kumarapala's Life and Conversion: The text details Kumarapala's early life, his religious disposition, his encounters with Hemachandra, and the gradual process of his conversion. It highlights Kumarapala's strict adherence to Jain principles, including his daily routine, his faith in the Namaskara Mantra, and his efforts to spread Jainism.

• Reliability of Historical Information: Despite the limited historical revelations, the information presented is considered thoroughly reliable and trustworthy, as the author was a contemporary of King Kumarapala and possessed intimate knowledge of his private life.

• Contemporary Writers: Three contemporary writers are mentioned as sources for King Kumarapala's religious life: Hemachandra himself, poet Yasapala (author of "Mohaparajaya"), and Somaprabhacharya.

• Kumarapala's Rule: The summary concludes that Kumarapala was a religious Jain ruler, liberal in thought, respectful of all religions, and an ideal ruler who ensured the happiness and contentment of his subjects.

The text also includes extensive Gujarati prefaces and appendices, along with a detailed index of historical names. The pages provided focus heavily on the editorial and scholarly context of the work, the biography of the author, and a summary of the historical narrative concerning King Kumarpala and Hemachandra's influence.