Mahavira Prabandh Kavyo Ka Adhyayana - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mahavira Prabandh Kavyo ka Adhyayana" by Divyagunashreeji, published by Vichakshan Prakashan Trust, based on the provided text:

Book Title: हिन्दी के महावीर प्रबन्ध काव्यों का आलोचनात्मक अध्ययन (A Critical Study of Mahavira Prabandh Kavyas in Hindi) Author: Dr. Divyagunashreeji (M.A., Ph.D.) Publisher: Vichakshan Smriti Prakashan, Ahmedabad First Edition: May 1998

Overview:

This book presents a critical and analytical study of Hindi "Prabandh Kavyas" (narrative poems) that focus on the life and teachings of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Jain Tirthankara. The author, Sadhvi Divyagunashreeji, aims to explore how these poetic works depict Mahavira's life, principles, and their relevance in different contexts, examining both the literary (kala paksha) and thematic (bhava paksha) aspects.

Key Themes and Structure:

The book is structured into four chapters:

Chapter 1: Introduction (Purvabhūmikā)
- Antiquity of Jainism: Discusses the ancient origins of Jainism and the tradition of Tirthankaras, mentioning Rishabhdev, Nami, Nemi, Parshvanatha, and Mahavira.
- Literary Introduction to Prabandh Kavyas on Mahavira: Introduces various poetic works dedicated to Mahavira, including their titles and significance (e.g., Vardhman, Bhagwan Mahavira, Charam Tirthankar Mahavira, Virayan, Shraman Bhagwan Mahavira Charitra, Tirthankar Mahavira, Jai Mahavira, Param Jyoti Mahavira, Trishlanandan Mahavira, and Vardhman Purana).
Chapter 2: Life of Lord Mahavira and Character Portrayals
- Life of Lord Mahavira: Details Mahavira's life, from the pre-birth situation, birthplace, childhood, displays of strength, youth, renunciation, initiation, spiritual practice, to his public welfare activities, final sermons, and nirvana.
- Character Portrayals: Analyzes the depiction of key characters in these kavyas, including:
  - Male Characters: Siddhartha (father), Nandi Vardhan (brother).
  - Female Characters: Trishala (mother), Yashoda (wife), Shachi (Indrani), Chandanbala (chief disciple).
Chapter 3: Thematic Aspects of the Prabandh Kavyas (Bhava Paksha)
- Jain Philosophy in the Kavyas: Explores the presentation of Jain philosophical concepts like God, creation of the universe, Pancha Mahavratas (five great vows), six substances (dravya), seven elements (tattva), karma theory, Syadvada (doctrine of conditional predication), Saptabhangi Nyaya (the sevenfold logic), Aparigraha (non-possession), and the twelve vows (dvādasha vrata).
- National Sentiment in the Kavyas: Discusses the concept of 'Rashtra' (nation), Indian and Western perspectives on nationality, factors supporting nationalism, statesmanship, views on the country, depiction of natural beauty, portrayal of ancient India, patriotic songs, hymns of campaign, depiction of present India, and the perceived lack of national pride. It also analyzes the contemporary situations based on the prabandh kavyas.
- Mahavira Era Circumstances: Examines the political, social (marriage types, child marriage, polyandry and polygamy, widow remarriage, Sati pratha and Jainism, courtesans and prostitutes, purdah system), religious, and economic conditions of Mahavira's time as reflected in the kavyas.
- Feminine Sentiment in the Kavyas: Discusses the status of women during Mahavira's era and their upliftment.
- Nature Depiction in the Kavyas: Analyzes the portrayal of nature during different phases of Mahavira's life: before his conception, at his birth, during his hardships, at the time of Kevala Jnana, his arrival in the forest, and at his nirvana.
- Experience of Rasa (Aesthetic Sentiment) in the Kavyas: Explores the presence and portrayal of various rasas, with a particular emphasis on Shanta Rasa (serene sentiment) as primary, alongside Shringar (romantic), Vatsalya (maternal), Karuna (pathos), Raudra (anger), and Bhayanaka (fear) rasas.
- Atishaya (Miraculous Manifestations): Discusses the description of miraculous events associated with Mahavira's birth (Janmatishaya), Kevala Jnana (Kevalajnanatishaya), and divine interventions (Devatishaya).
Chapter 4: Artistic Aspects of the Prabandh Kavyas (Kala Paksha)
- Language of the Kavyas: Analyzes the linguistic elements, including:
  - Shabda Shakti (Power of Words): Abhidha (literal meaning), Lakshana (figurative meaning), and Vyanjana (suggested meaning).
  - Vocabulary: Use of Tatsama (Sanskrit origin), Tadbhava (evolved from Sanskrit), Deshaj (indigenous), and foreign words, as well as idioms and proverbs.
  - Chhanda (Metre): Matrik (syllabic) and Varnik (alphabetic) metres. It lists specific metres used, such as Chopai, Padakulak, Radhika, Rola, Saar, Chaturpadi, Tribhangi, Doha (for Matrik), and Vamshastha, Drutavilambita, Malini, Shardulavikridita (for Varnik).
  - Alankar (Rhetorical Devices): Discusses the use of Upama (simile), Rupaka (metaphor), Atishayokti (hyperbole), Svabhavokti (natural description), Sandeha (doubt), Vyathireka (contrast), Drishtanta (example), Anupraasa (alliteration), and Udaharana (illustration).

Author's Perspective and Purpose:

Sadhvi Divyagunashreeji expresses her profound respect for Lord Mahavira, seeing him not just as a Tirthankara of Jainism but as a great beacon of spiritual awakening for all humanity. She highlights Mahavira's revolutionary ideas on equality, non-violence (Ahimsa), non-absolutism (Anekantavada), and the empowerment of women, which she believes have universal relevance. Her motivation for this research stems from a deep personal connection to Mahavira's ideals and a desire to explore how these noble principles have been artistically rendered in Hindi literature. She acknowledges the challenges faced as a traveling sadhvi undertaking extensive study but credits her dedication, the inspiration from her guru, Sadhvi Manoharshreeji M.S., and the support of fellow sadhvis and patrons for the completion of this work.

Key Works Analyzed (as per the Table of Contents and content):

The book provides detailed analyses of several significant Hindi Prabandh Kavyas on Mahavira:

Vardhaman Mahakavya by Kavi Anoop Sharma
Bhagwan Mahavira by Kavi Ramkrishna Sharma
Shraman Bhagwan Mahavira Charitra by Abhaykumar Yodhey
Virayan by Kavi Raghuvirsharan "Mitra"
Charam Tirthankar Shri Mahavira by Acharya Shrimad Vidyachandrasuri
Tirthankar Mahavira by Dr. Chhailbihari Gupta
Param Jyoti Mahavira by Kavi Dhanyakumar Jain "Sudhesh"
Jai Mahavira by Manikchand Rampuriya
Trishlanandan Mahavira by Kavi Hazarilal
Vardhaman Purana by Kavi Naval Shah

Methodology and Contribution:

The author meticulously examines each Prabandh Kavya, evaluating its narrative structure, character development, philosophical depth, patriotic themes, and artistic execution. She highlights the poets' skill in weaving together historical facts, philosophical tenets, and poetic embellishments to create a vivid portrayal of Mahavira's life and teachings. The book also delves into the differences and commonalities in the portrayal of Mahavira according to Svetambara and Digambara traditions within these literary works.

Overall Significance:

"Mahavira Prabandh Kavyo ka Adhyayana" is a scholarly work that contributes significantly to Jain literature studies in Hindi. It provides a critical perspective on the poetic tradition dedicated to Lord Mahavira, showcasing the literary achievements of Hindi poets and their contribution to propagating the universal message of peace, non-violence, and spiritual liberation espoused by Mahavira. The book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in Jainism, Hindi literature, and the enduring legacy of Lord Mahavira.