Mahopadhyaya Jaysagar

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about Mahopadhyaya Jaysagar, drawing from the information presented across the pages:

The text, "Mahopadhyaya Jaysagar" by Agarchand Nahta, published by Z_Manidhari_Jinchandrasuri_Ashtam_Shatabdi_Smruti_Granth_012019.pdf, focuses on the life and contributions of Mahopadhyaya Jaysagar, a significant scholar within the Kharatargachch sect of Jainism.

Introduction and Early Information:

• The Kharatargachch sect, in addition to its Acharyas, produced many influential scholars who actively propagated dharma and contributed to literature. However, information about such prominent scholars is often scarce as their details are not typically included in the Pāttāvalī (lineage records) which primarily focus on Acharyas.
• Initial information about Mahopadhyaya Jaysagar was limited. Munishri Jinvijayji, in his 1916 publication "Vigyapti-Triveni," noted that no details about Jaysagar's birthplace or parents were available, and it was unlikely such information would be found due to the tradition of recording only the lineage of Acharyas.

Discovery of New Information and Correcting Assumptions:

• The text highlights a significant turning point with the discovery of a personal ancient letter containing crucial information about Jaysagar.
• A key revelation came from a copy of an inscription sent by Muni Jayantvijayji, detailing Jaysagar's composition of a "Swarnakshari Kalpa Sutra" (Kalpa Sutra written in gold letters). This inscription revealed that the inscription was commissioned in 1906 Vikrama Samvat (VS) by Sanghapati Mahipati, the younger brother of Sanghapati Mandalika.
• This inscription also provided the names of Mahipati's wife and sons, contradicting Muni Jayantvijayji's earlier assumption (based on Abu temple inscriptions that didn't mention Mahipati's family) that Mahipati had died young.
• Similarly, an inscription mentioning Mandalika's son, Kohata, disproved the assumption that the elder brother, Delha, had taken initiation at a young age because his family names were not found in Abu temple inscriptions.
• The most crucial piece of information from the inscription identified Jaysagar as Jindatta, the third son of Asing (or Asraj), who was the son of Haripal. Jindatta had taken initiation in his childhood.

Family Lineage and Contributions:

• The inscription provides a detailed lineage tracing back to Padmasinh and Khimsingh, followed by Haripal, who was the son of Khimsingh and Khimani. Haripal had eight sons, including Asing (Asraj).
• The inscription explicitly states that Jaysagar (Jindatta) was the son of the Darada lineage, specifically the son of Asraj, and had taken initiation as a child.
• The lineage also includes Mandalika, who was Jaysagar's brother in the worldly sense.
• The text lists several commendable deeds performed by the family, including Sanghapati Asā's contributions to building Dharmashalas, undertaking pilgrimages, establishing Upadhyayas, and practicing charity.
• Sanghapati Mandalika, along with Jaysagar, undertook significant pilgrimages to Shatrunjaya and Girnar in VS 1457 and again in VS 1503.
• The brothers, including Mandalika, also constructed the "Chowmukh Prasad" at Abu and the Devakulika in the Virar Tirth.

Mahopadhyaya Jaysagar's Accomplishments and Legacy:

• Mahopadhyaya Jaysagar was a disciple of Jinraj Suri. His initiation likely occurred around VS 1460, given his childhood initiation and the timeline of his spiritual gurus.
• He was honored with the title of Upadhyaya by Shri Jinvardhan Suri, possibly around VS 1475, as evidenced by a detailed introduction to his work where his disciples are mentioned.
• His study of literature and other subjects was done under Shri Jinvardhan Suri.
• Numerous compositions by Jaysagar are found dating from VS 1478 to VS 1503. He is credited with creating thousands of hymns and stotras in Sanskrit and Prakrit.
• The text mentions specific works attributed to him, including "Sandeh," "Dolavali Vritti," "Prithvichandra Charitra," "Parva Ratnavali," "Rishabh Stava," "Bhavaarivaran Vritti," and others.
• He trained many disciples and made numerous lay followers (Shravakas) into Sanghapatis.
• The text mentions his significant disciples, such as Upadhyaya Meghraj (composer of Adinath Stotra at Nagar Kotta) and Somkunjara (known for his various poetic verses).
• The "Vigyapti Triveni" itself is highlighted as a historically significant document, providing valuable information about Jain history and lesser-known pilgrimage sites, particularly in the Punjab and Sindh regions, where Jainism had a strong presence centuries ago.
• The text laments the loss of many of Jaysagar's original works, noting that the manuscripts found were often incomplete.
• It is estimated that Mahopadhyaya Jaysagar lived for about seventy to eighty years, passing away around VS 1515. His exceptional intellect and prolific output are evident from the numerous works attributed to him.
• The text emphasizes that the tradition in the Kharatargachch sect for the title of Mahopadhyaya was that the eldest and most accomplished among the Upadhyayas would receive this singular title, indicating Jaysagar's preeminence.
• The summary concludes by stating that a critical and edited collection of Jaysagar's works would be instrumental in evaluating his true scholarly contributions.

In essence, the text is a biographical account that corrects previous misconceptions about Mahopadhyaya Jaysagar through the discovery and analysis of historical inscriptions and manuscripts, thereby shedding light on his significant role as a scholar, poet, and spiritual leader within the Kharatargachch tradition.