Kumarsambhavadi Mahakavya Chatushkaritya Stotra Chatushtayi - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Kumarsambhavadi Mahakavya Chatushkaritya Stotra Chatushtayi" by Shilchandrasuri, based on the provided pages:

The book, "Kumarsambhavadi Mahakavya Chatushkaritya Stotra Chatushtayi" (A Collection of Four Hymns Following the Style of Mahakavyas like Kumarsambhava), authored by Gani Ravishagar and edited by Sampradacharya Vijayashilchandra Suri, is presented as a significant contribution to Jain literature.

Context and Significance:

The introduction highlights the richness and creative brilliance of Jain monks who composed works in Sanskrit during the medieval period. It notes that many such works have come to light through manuscripts and printed materials, even surpassing the scholarly contributions already documented in works like the "History of Jain Sanskrit Literature." The publication aims to not only provide information about Prakrit and Sanskrit literature but also to edit and publish existing manuscripts.

Unique Nature of the Work:

This particular work is described as unique because it contains four distinct compositions that are imitations or adaptations of three famous Sanskrit Mahakavyas and one significant Jain Mahakavya. This concept of "imitation" or "avatar" is compared to the practice in Jain art, where miniature paintings are delicate adaptations of larger murals (like Ajanta and Ellora), and "Avatara Chaityas" are miniature representations of pilgrimage sites (like Shatrunjay Avatara Chaitya). Similarly, in literature, this "avatar" concept is seen in numerous solutions or adaptations of Meghaduta.

However, the author of this work goes beyond simple imitations and demonstrates creative ingenuity by adapting the style and spirit of the original Mahakavyas while introducing new characters, contexts, and narratives.

Breakdown of the Four Compositions:

Following the Style of Kalidasa's Kumarasambhava: This composition begins with a phrase similar to the opening of Kumarasambhava ("Astyuttarasyaam dishi...") but shifts the focus to the mountain Raivataka. While Kumarasambhava narrates the story of Shiva and Parvati, this adaptation focuses on Neminath and Rajamati. The parallel is drawn in the description of mountains and the use of the initial word "Asti."
Following the Style of Kalidasa's Meghaduta: This work adopts the Mandakranta meter and the theme of a messenger. In Meghaduta, a Yaksha uses a cloud to send a message to his beloved. Here, the virahini (separated heroine) Rajamati uses the moonlight (Jyotsna) as a messenger to convey her feelings to Neminath. The poem successfully depicts the distressed and compassionate state of the heroine.
Following the Style of Kalidasa's Raghuvamsa: This composition mirrors the first canto of Raghuvamsa in its use of the Anushtubh meter and its commencement with the word "Vak." It describes the lineage of the Ikshvakus, specifically the family of Rishabhadeva, similar to how Raghuvamsa details the Raghava dynasty.
Imitation of a Chapter from Jinashataka: This section is an adaptation of the first chapter of Jinashataka, a Mahakavya by the Jain monk-poet Jambu Naga (10th century CE). Jinashataka is praised for its 25 verses in Sragdhara meter, each describing an aspect of the Jinabuddha's body with rich use of figures of speech and profound meaning. This adaptation focuses on the description of the Jinabuddha's feet in the same meter and format, with 25 verses. The 26th verse explicitly identifies Jinashataka as a Mahakavya and suggests this work might be a "padapurti" (completion of verses).

Author and Lineage:

The author is identified as Gani Ravishagar, a disciple of Pandit Rajpalsuri. The text mentions that Rajpalsuri was a disciple of Vachak Harshasagar. Based on the genealogical information in the Raghuvamsa-style adaptation, the author's guru was Pandit Rajsagar, who was a disciple of Vachak Harshasagar. The text estimates the author's time to be the 17th century and the era of Tapagachchha.

Manuscript and Editing:

The edition is based on a Xerox copy of a manuscript found in the Bhandar of Hathipol Sarai in Udaipur, provided by Muni Shridhurandharvijayji. While deciphering the Xerox copy had some challenges, and a few verses are incomplete, the manuscript is generally considered accurate. The manuscript itself is estimated to have been written in the 17th century, judging by its writing style.

Overall Observation:

The text concludes by observing that Jain monks, following tradition, have studied extensively not only Jain scriptures but also non-Jain Mahakavyas like Raghuvamsa and have produced commentaries and original creative works based on them. This was done without being hindered by sectarian differences, religious distinctions, or differing opinions.

In essence, "Kumarsambhavadi Mahakavya Chatushkaritya Stotra Chatushtayi" is a remarkable Jain work that showcases the deep engagement of Jain scholars with classical Sanskrit literature, demonstrating their ability to emulate and creatively adapt renowned works, thereby enriching Jain literary traditions.