Kuvalayamala Katha Sankshep

Based on the provided text, here's a comprehensive summary of the Kuvalayamala Katha and its context, as presented in the introductory pages and a fragment of the text itself:

Book Title: Kuvalayamala Katha Sankshep (Summary of Kuvalayamala Story) Original Author: Udyotansuri (or Uddyotanasuri) Author of the Summary/Re-publication: Ratnaprabhvijay Publisher: Singhi Jain Shastra Shiksha Pith, Mumbai Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/001869/1 Edition Context: This appears to be a re-publication under the "Prachyasahitya Punah Prakasan Shreni Granthanka-6" (Ancient Literature Re-publication Series, Book Number 6). It is dedicated to the memory of revered Acharya Dev Shrimad Vijayamudrachandrasurishwarji Maharaja and mentions other respected gurus like Shrimad Purnachandrasurishwarji Maharaj and Shrimad Muktiprabhasurishwarji Maharaj, indicating a connection to a specific Jain lineage or tradition (likely Tapagachha, given the mention of Tapagachhadhipati Shrimad Vijayaramchandrasurishwarji Maharaja). The re-publication was supported by the Shri Siddhigiri Chaturmas - Upadhanatap Aradhak Samiti, Palitana.

Introduction/Preface (Kishchit Prastavik): The extensive preface (spanning pages 6-19) by Muni Jin Vijay (the editor/publisher of this particular edition) provides crucial historical and scholarly context for the Kuvalayamala.

Key Points from the Preface:

• Significance of Kuvalayamala: The Kuvalayamala is described as a "Mahajyotirdhar" (great beacon) of the Jain tradition and a "Mahakatha" (grand narrative) composed in Prakrit. It is noted as a unique "Campū" (a literary genre combining prose and poetry).
• Historical Context and Dating:
  • Udyotansuri, also known as Dakshinyachinha Suri, composed the Kuvalayamala in Javalipur (modern Jalore) around 1180 years ago (i.e., approximately 700 Śaka year, which translates to Vikram Samvat 835 or 19th century CE).
  • The text is a "Champu" composition in Prakrit.
  • The author, Udyotansuri, was a disciple of Virabhadrasuri.
• Discovery and Preservation:
  • The preface highlights the long-standing scholarly interest in publishing this ancient text.
  • It mentions the existence of at least two ancient manuscripts: one in Pune and another in Jaisalmer. The Jaisalmer manuscript is described as palm-leaf and ancient, dating back to the 12th century CE. The Pune manuscript is on paper and seems to be a copy of an older manuscript, possibly from the 16th century CE.
  • The preface author, Muni Jin Vijay, initially planned to edit this work around 45 years before the preface was written, during his collaboration with the late Chimanlal Dahyabhai Dalal, who worked on the "Gaikwad Oriental Series."
  • Muni Jin Vijay's personal journey to Germany in 1928 to interact with Indologists like Prof. Jacobi and Prof. Luders, who had shown great interest in the Kuvalayamala, further fueled his resolve to publish it.
  • He also notes the influence of Mahatma Gandhi's movement, which led to his imprisonment, during which he planned to focus on the publication of the Kuvalayamala upon release.
  • The establishment of the Singhi Jain Gyanpeeth at Vishvabharati, Shantiniketan, in 1931, provided an opportunity to finally undertake the publication.
• Editorial Process and Challenges:
  • The preface details the meticulous process of editing the text, involving comparing and collating two different manuscript versions. The Jaisalmer manuscript, though palm-leaf, was not very clear, requiring the use of a magnifying glass and constant comparison with the Pune manuscript.
  • The preface author expresses gratitude to Dr. Adinath Nemnath Upadhye, an M.A., D.Litt. scholar from Rajaram College, Kolhapur, for his dedicated work in editing the original Sanskrit text.
• Content and Themes:
  • The Kuvalayamala itself is a vast and complex work, containing numerous stories, descriptions of places, various literary techniques, and philosophical discussions.
  • The preface mentions the author Udyotansuri's own confidence in the text's value, stating that reading or hearing it would lead to Samyaktva (right faith) for the spiritually inclined and strengthen it for those already possessing it.
  • It also serves as a linguistic resource, detailing dialects, grammar, and poetic meters like Vadanaka and Gatha.
  • The text includes a significant passage (pages 7-14 of the provided text) where Udyotansuri discusses the dating of Acharya Haribhadrasuri, referencing his Samacharakaha and his relationship with Muni Siddharsi (author of Upamiti Bhava Pracharya Kathanam). Udyotansuri's dating of Haribhadrasuri to the 9th century CE contradicts earlier traditions and the views of scholars like Dr. Hermann Jacobi, who placed Haribhadra in the 10th century CE. Udyotansuri's reasoning is based on Haribhadra's clear mention of Udyotana Suri's work and the completion date of Kuvalayamala (Shaka Samvat 700, one day prior to its completion).
  • The text is rich with vivid descriptions, including the changing seasons and natural landscapes. It also delves into the philosophical concepts of Purusharthas (goals of human life) – Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha.
  • The author Udyotansuri believed the work was divinely inspired by the goddess Saraswati.
  • The text is noted for its intricate storytelling, with stories within stories, which makes it complex for the average reader.
• Later Sanskrit Adaptation: The preface mentions a metrical Sanskrit prose adaptation of the Kuvalayamala by Ratnaprabhsurishvara, who lived around the beginning of the 14th century CE. This adaptation is considered helpful for those unfamiliar with Prakrit.

Fragment of the Text (Pages 21-44 of the provided text):

This section provides the beginning of the Kuvalayamala itself, starting with invocations and praise of the Jinas (Tirthankaras), followed by the initial narrative.

• Opening Invocation: The text begins with Om Namo Veetaragaay (Salutations to the One who is free from attachments and aversions) and the invocation of Jinendra, praising Lord Rishabhdeva, highlighting his divine attributes and auspicious qualities.
• Introduction to the Narrative: It then transitions into the story, emphasizing the rarity and importance of the Kuvalayamala as a literary work.
• Philosophical and Ethical Discussions: The fragment includes discussions on the Purusharthas (Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha) and their relative importance. It emphasizes Dharma as the ultimate goal.
• Narrative Elements: The text begins to describe the world, seasons, and the inherent cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (Samsara), illustrating the concept of Karma. The story structure is hinted at, with the author's intention to describe the narrative in a way that is both beneficial and pleasing.
• Linguistic Style: The language is Prakrit, with rich descriptive passages and a narrative style that incorporates both prose and poetry (as is characteristic of the Champu genre). The preface mentions the difficulty in reconstructing the original text due to textual variations and the need for careful critical editing.

Overall Purpose: The Kuvalayamala is presented not just as a story but as a didactic work that imparts moral, philosophical, and spiritual lessons within an engaging narrative framework. The preface underscores the effort involved in making this significant Jain text accessible to a wider audience for study and appreciation.