Maha Pundit Todarmal - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text about Pandit Todarmal:

This text, titled "Maha Pundit Todarmal" by Hukamchand Bharilla, highlights Pandit Todarmal as a towering figure in Jain Hindi prose writing, with a profound impact on spiritual and literary circles across India. Dr. Gautam is quoted stating Todarmal's high position among Jain Hindi prose writers, noting his extensive contributions in both commentaries and original works. His mastery extended beyond spirituality and Jainism to grammar, philosophy, literature, and principles.

Historical Context and Todarmal's Era:

Pandit Todarmal lived in the latter half of the 18th century CE, a transitional period marked by political instability, sectarian tensions, prevalent romanticism in literature, religious conservatism, economic disparities, and social ostentation. He courageously confronted and challenged these prevailing issues, even risking his life.

Pandit Todarmal's Personality and Contributions:

Todarmal is described as a deeply spiritual individual of serious disposition. He was known for his simplicity, detachment from worldly affairs, determination, humility, discernment, studiousness, innate talent, opposition to outward show, unwavering faith, revolutionary spirit that never compromised on principles, self-realization, captivating public speaking, skillful commentary on doctrinal texts, and philanthropic nature. His pronouncements were considered authoritative in theological matters within the contemporary spiritual community. He was a popular spiritual orator, and his name was used as an attraction to draw large crowds to religious festivals. Despite being a householder, his spiritual inclination was likened to that of an ascetic.

Family and Lineage:

His parents were Jogidasji and Rambhadevi. He belonged to the Khandewal Vaisya caste, Godika gotra (also known as Bhausa or Badjatya), and his descendants were also called Dholaka. While he was a Digambar Jain, there is no mention of his maternal or paternal relatives. He had two sons: Harichand and Gumani Ram. Gumani Ram was also a highly learned and influential spiritual speaker, with even great scholars seeking him to understand the essence of doctrines. Pandit Devidas Godha's commentary on "Siddhantasar Sangrah" clearly mentions this. After Pandit Todarmal's demise, Gumani Ram led the religious revolution initiated by his father, and a sect known as 'Guman Panth' was established in his name.

Education and Language Proficiency:

Pandit Todarmal received his general education in Jaipur, in a spiritual style that he later successfully managed. His predecessor in this style was Banshidharji. Todarmal was an independently knowledgeable person in deep philosophical matters. He himself stated in the introductions to "Nabbisar" and "Kshapanasar" that there were no scriptures describing these matters, nor anyone to explain them.

Besides Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Hindi, he was also proficient in Kannada. He could read and write original texts in the Kannada script and acquired this knowledge and practice independently. He lectured on Kannada texts and could write them in the Kannada script. Bra. Raymal noted that Todarmal possessed seven to eight palm-leaf manuscripts from South India written in the Karnati script, which he read and explained accurately, also writing in the Karnati script.

Life Span and Martyrdom:

Traditionally, his lifespan is said to be 27 years. However, considering his literary contributions and available records, it is strongly believed he lived for at least 47 years. A manuscript of "Charcha Sangrah" by Bra. Raymal mentions that he departed for the heavenly abode after completing 47 years of age, having written commentaries on "Triloksar" (12,000 verses) and "Mokshmarg Prakashak" (12,000 verses). His death date is estimated to be around Vikram Samvat 1823-24, suggesting his birth around Vikram Samvat 1776-77.

According to Pandit Vakhtram Shah, there was an accusation of removing a Shiva lingam, leading to the imprisonment of all lay Jains by the king. Driven by the instigation of wicked individuals, the king sentenced the great virtuous and spiritual master of the Terapanth, Pandit Todarmal, to death. He was reportedly crushed under an elephant's foot, not simply given a death sentence but metaphorically "buried in dirt."

Literary Works and Styles:

Pandit Todarmal was a spiritual seeker who not only deeply studied Jain philosophy and principles but also wrote about them in the contemporary vernacular. His primary aim was to convey his philosophical insights to the general populace. He wrote detailed, in-depth, yet easily understandable commentaries on ancient Jain texts. These commentaries often contained original ideas, reflecting his independent thinking. Later, based on these ideas, he composed several original works. He authored seven commentary works and five original compositions. His works can be divided into:

Original Compositions: These are in both prose and poetry. His prose is found in four styles:
- Descriptive Style: Simple descriptions of events like Samisharan.
- Epistolary Style: His responses to queries sent by curious individuals. These often exhibit a beautiful blend of logic and experience. A particularly important letter among these is the "Rahasyapoorn Chitti" (Mysterious Letter).
- Diagrammatic (Chart) Style: Using charts to clarify subjects, as seen in the "Arth Sandrishti Adhikar."
- Analytical Style: Detailed discussions of doctrinal topics in a question-and-answer format, supported by logic and examples. "Mokshmarg Prakashak" falls into this category.
Samvegyan Chandrika is written in the analytical prose style. Its 71-page introduction is considered an early form of a modern introduction, which is highly valued in contemporary edited works. This introduction is free of any superficiality, fully revealing the essence of the text and resolving potential difficulties for the reader. The introduction of "Samvegyan Chandrika" holds a similar significance in Hindi introductory literature as "Ardha Kathānak" by Mahakavi Banarasidas does in Hindi autobiographical literature.
Commentary Works: These are in two forms:
- Commentaries on Sanskrit Texts: "Atmanushasan Bhasha Teeka" and "Purusharth Siddhi Upay Bhasha Teeka."
- Commentaries on Prakrit Texts: He wrote commentaries on "Gommatasar Jivkand," "Gommatasar Karmakand," "Labdhisar-Kshapanasar," and "Triloksar."

He initially wrote separate commentaries for "Gommatasar Jivkand," "Gommatasar Karmakand," "Labdhisar," and "Kshapanasar." However, recognizing their interconnectedness and mutual support, he combined them into a single work titled "Samvegyan Chandrika."

Mokshmarg Prakashak:

This is a significant work by Pandit Todarmal, drawing inspiration from the entirety of Jain literature rather than a single text. It was a commendable effort to encompass the vast Jain literature. Although incomplete, it is renowned for its excellence and is highly popular, with numerous editions and translations (including Urdu, Marathi, and Gujarati). Over 51,200 copies have been printed. Thousands of handwritten manuscripts of this work are preserved in Digambar Jain temple scriptorium libraries across India. It remains a popular text for self-study and discourse, and Pandit Todarmal is considered the most widely read scholar in the Digambar Jain community today. The original manuscript and its photoprints are available.

His sentence construction is concise, and his style of presenting subjects is logical and profound, without unnecessary elaboration, yet no topic remains unclear. He consistently moves forward driven by the inspiration to elaborate on the subject. Where elaboration occurs, it brings continuous novelty, making the entire subject comprehensive. The text meticulously addresses every doubt that arises in the reader's mind, with the solution to one doubt often leading to the context for the next. The text's scientific approach and originality are evident. His style is such that even an unfamiliar reader can easily grasp the content. The text is considered an exact reflection of society's contemporary situations and the growing spiritual laxity.

Legacy and Impact:

Pandit Todarmal's greatest contribution lies in bringing the spiritual and philosophical knowledge found in Sanskrit and Prakrit texts into vernacular Hindi prose. He introduced a new perspective to the examination of principles. This innovation is a revolutionary aspect of his work. He, who lived detached from the world's dualities, dedicated himself to self-practice and literary endeavors. Dr. Gautam recognizes him as a creator of prose. His style is exemplified by illustrative, interrogative, and easy-to-understand narratives. He adopted a style that is neither overly scholastic nor burdened with spiritual accomplishments and miracles. His essay on the relationship between his personality and work is found in "Mokshmarg Prakashak." Creating prose as a medium for spiritual thought was a task requiring great insight and effort in his time. His prose style reveals his contemplative character and logical nature. Despite being a spiritual writer, the personal touch in his prose is a unique characteristic.

He achieved in prose what Mahakavi Tulsidas achieved in vernacular poetry with "Ramcharit Manas" – explaining profound spiritual concepts. The passage includes a sample of his language: "To remove passions like 'tate bahar kaha kahiye' and to develop devotion is Somydarshan. To know how to remove passions is Somydhyan. To have passions removed is Somycharitra. This is to be considered Mokshmarg."

The provided text concludes by stating that Pandit Todarmal was not just a commentator but also a profound original thinker in spirituality. His style is clear, and he addresses every issue he tackles with the question "why," leaving no room for doubt.