Mahopadhyay Kshamakalyan Ji Rachit Sahity

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about the literary contributions of Mahopadhyay Kshamakalyan Ji:

The text, authored by Mehulprabhsagar and published by the same, is a detailed exploration of the vast literary output of Mahopadhyay Kshamakalyan Ji, a revered scholar and poet within Jainism.

Introduction and Historical Context:

The introduction highlights the significant contribution of Jain followers to the development and enrichment of Indian culture. It emphasizes their role in preserving and enhancing culture through the creation of diverse literature. A list of prominent Jain scholars and writers, including Acharya Haribhadrasuri, Jineshwarsuri, Abhaydeva Suri, Hemchandrasuri, and Mahopadhyay Samaysundarji, sets the stage for the importance of Mahopadhyay Kshamakalyan Ji, placing him in this esteemed lineage.

Early Life and Renunciation:

Mahopadhyay Kshamakalyan Ji was born Kushalchand in 1801 Vikram Samvat in the Malu gotra of the Oswal community, near the village of Kesardesar, close to Bikaner. At the tender age of eleven (1812 Vikram Samvat), he accepted the rigorous path of renunciation (diksha) under the guidance of Vachak Shri Amritdharmji Maharaj, within the lineage of Khartargachhadhipati Acharya Shri Jinlabhsuri Ji Maharaj. The text notes the illustrious and influential nature of the tradition he embraced, known as the Suvihit or Vidhimargi tradition, which has long been recognized for its significant contributions to the development and preservation of Jain literature.

Education and Scholarly Prowess:

His academic journey was as illustrious as his lineage. He studied subjects like philosophy, logic (Nyaya), and literature under the learned Muni Shri Rajsomi Ji Maharaj. He further honed his skills in poetry, prosody, and rhetoric under Upadhyaya Shri Ramvijay Ji Maharaj, gaining a profound understanding of the intricate scriptures. This deep knowledge and understanding enabled him to grasp the responsibilities of governance and culture from a young age.

Literary Contributions:

Mahopadhyay Kshamakalyan Ji was a profound scholar and a highly skilled poet, dedicating 45 years of his life to literary pursuits, earning him a distinguished place among literary figures. His literary contributions are categorized and described as follows:

• Scholarly Discourse and Debates: He was a connoisseur and master of scriptures. His innate talent for scriptural discussions and debates was evident, often leading to decisive victories. The text quotes Panditant Nityanand Shastri, author of the "Kshamakalyan Charitra," comparing him to a roaring lion that swiftly defeats an arrogant elephant with its irrefutable arguments. His profound theoretical knowledge allowed him to answer complex questions without hesitation, and even esteemed Acharyas from his own and other traditions highly valued his opinions. His works in this category include "Prashnottar Sardashatak" and "Prashnottar Shatak," which provide scholarly answers to various queries, citing passages from Agamas, Churnis, Vrittis, and Niryuktis.

• Biographical Works (Charitra Granth):

  • Gautamiya Prakash (1852 Vikram Samvat): A detailed commentary on Rupsingh Gani's "Gautamiya Kavyam." In this work, while explaining the fundamental tenets of Jainism, he effectively refutes other philosophies like Buddhism, Vedanta, and Nyaya, showcasing his extensive scholarship.
  • Yashodhar Charitra (1839 Vikram Samvat): This work narrates the ten lives of Yashodhar, focusing on his atonement for the sin of feeding his son the meat of a chicken. The narrative is characterized by its simple and engaging flow, often adorned with rich rhetoric that captivates the reader.
  • Samaraditya Charitra: He began writing this at the latter part of his life in 1872 Vikram Samvat. His persistent dedication to literary creation, even amidst ill health, highlights his devotion to knowledge. He passed away before completing this work, and it was later finished in 1874 Vikram Samvat by Sumativardhan Gani, a disciple of Vineetsundar Gani, who had also been a student of Mahopadhyay Ji.

• Sermonic Literature (Vyakhyan Sahitya): He authored numerous sermons to explain the significance of various religious observances, providing guidance for lay followers. Notable works include sermons on Paryushana, Holi, Meru Trayodashi, Paush Dashami, Maun Ekadashi, and Chau masil. These sermons, composed in Sanskrit, often incorporate ancient ballads and stories to make the teachings engaging and easy to understand.

• Commentaries (Avachurni):

  • Shripal Katha Avachurni: A commentary on the Prakrit work "Sirival Katha" by Shri Ratnashekharsuri. This work, structured using the Khandanvaya method, utilizes apt synonyms for each word and incorporates proverbs, offering insightful explanations. Examples of such insightful expressions are provided.
  • Ambad Charitra: Written in Marugurjar (Old Gujarati) in 1854 Vikram Samvat, this work is also attributed to him.

• Works on Conduct and Rituals (Vidhi Granth): His active engagement in religious practices is evident through works like "Sadhu Vidhi Prakash" in Sanskrit and "Shravak Vidhi Prakash," "Shraddh Alochan Vidhi," "Prayashchit Vidhi," "Dwadash Vrat Tippanak," and "Pratikraman Hetu Vichar" in Marugurjar. These texts meticulously detail, with scriptural evidence, the daily routines and rituals for both ascetics and householders, outlining the proper sequence of activities.

• Works on Logic (Nyaya Granth): He provided a "Phakkika" (commentary) on Annambhatta's renowned "Tark Sangraha," successfully simplifying its principles in clear language using the Khandanvaya method. A "Muktakavali Phakkika" on the "Nyayasiddhantamuktavali" is also mentioned as being available in manuscript libraries.

• Devotional Literature (Bhakti Sahitya):

  • Trailokya Prakash: A collection of Sanskrit hymns praising the twenty-four Tirthankaras, composed in various meters, presenting a beautiful expression of devotional fervor. The work is lauded for its linguistic elegance, poetic beauty, and profound poetic expressions.
  • Jain Tirthavali Dwātrimshikā: This work enumerates and praises Jain pilgrimage sites. In verses 24-25, it clarifies the nature of revered idols, stating they should be consecrated by pure ascetics, have aesthetically pleasing forms that conceal the hidden parts, be free from the influence of those with incorrect views, and be devoutly praised by those with right faith.
  • Other devotional works include "Moun Ekadashi Stuti," a commemorative hymn for "Dada Gurudev," and an octet expressing devotion to his Gurus, showcasing his gratitude.

Influence and Legacy:

Even in the feudalistic era of his time, his spiritually inclined personality managed to impress royalty. The Rawal Mulraj of Jaisalmer was so deeply impressed and close to him that Mahopadhyay Ji composed a separate treatise titled "Vigyanchandrika" specifically for him. His core principles were the pursuit of self-control and the propagation of the Jinashasana (teachings of the Jinas). He was also keenly aware of the past, documenting the glorious history of the Khartargachh in the "Khartargachh Pattavali," thereby demonstrating his knowledge of history and expressing his reverence for past Acharyas.

• Musical Literature (Geya Sahitya): To disseminate the truths of the Jain Agamas to the common people, he composed numerous didactic songs in popular forms like Prabandh, Chopai, Sajjhay, Vinti, Pad, Chhodaliya, and Vivahlo. His compositions include the "Thavachchaputra Angar Chhodaliya," "Aimatta Sajjhay," "Sudarshan Seth Sajjhay," "Jinasagna Sajjhay," "Bhagavati Sutra Sajjhay," "Guru Vandan ke Battis Dosh ki Sajjhay," "Sthulibhadra Sthapana Geet," and "Hiteshiksha Battisi." These songs often recount historical events from the lives of great souls.

  • Over a hundred "Paramatma Bhakti Stavan" (hymns of devotion to the Supreme Being) and "Chaitya Vandan" (worship of temples) are also available, providing information about his travels, consecrations in various cities, and pilgrimage journeys.

• Establishment of a Knowledge Repository: He established a "Gyanbhandar" (knowledge repository) in Bikaner, which is now preserved in the larger "Vrihad Gyanbhandar Bikaner."

• Widespread Travels and Influence: Mahopadhyay Ji traveled extensively throughout Rajasthan, Gujarat, Bengal, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and other regions.

• Blessing of Vasakshep Churna: The sacred "Vasakshep Churna" used by the ascetics and nuns of the Khartargachh in the present day was consecrated by Mahopadhyay Ji following all rituals. His name is invoked during every ritualistic ceremony, including diksha, mahadiksha, yogarohan, and padarohan, as per the guru tradition. The text notes this as a rare instance of such an honor within the entire Jinashasana.

Passing and Commemoration:

Mahopadhyay Ji passed away in Bikaner on the 14th of Paush Vadya, 1873 Vikram Samvat. The text notes that his 200th death anniversary fell on Wednesday, December 28, 2016. The All India Khartargachh Youth Council's convention in Durg city, under the direction of Khartargachhadhipati Shri Jinmaniprabh Suriji Maharaj, organized various devotional and appreciative activities across India to commemorate this occasion.

Unpublished Works and Compilation:

It is mentioned that many of his compositions remain unpublished. Out of the approximately 180 known works, the author has compiled 121 shorter works. The text concludes with a heartfelt tribute, offering "beautiful floral tributes" at the feet of Mahopadhyay Ji on the occasion of his 200th death anniversary.