Manikyasundarsuri Krut Nemishwar Charit Fagbandh

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Manikyasundarsuri krut Nemishwar Charit Fagbandh" by Mohanlal Dalichand Desai, based on the provided pages:

Overview:

The book is a devotional poem, a "Phagu" (a type of folk ballad often celebrating seasonal festivals and religious narratives), composed by Acharya Manikyasundarsuri around the Vikram Samvat 1878 (circa 1821 AD). The work recounts the life and spiritual journey of Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankara, a prominent figure in Jainism. The poem is presented in an ancient Gujarati style, and the text includes extensive scholarly notes and explanations by the editor, Mohanlal Dalichand Desai.

Author and Context:

• Acharya Manikyasundarsuri was a significant religious leader and poet belonging to the Anchal Gaccha lineage of the Shvetambara Jain tradition. He flourished in the latter half of the 15th century Vikram Samvat (15th century CE).
• He was the spiritual successor to Jayashekhar Suri, another prominent scholar.
• Manikyasundarsuri was a prolific writer, composing several works in Sanskrit (like Chatuh Parvachapoo, Shridhar Charitra, Dharmadattasthanak, etc.) and also in Gujarati. His Gujarati works include the prose work Prithvichandra Charitra and this poetic work, the Nemishwar Charit Phagbandh.
• The text highlights that Manikyasundarsuri's Gujarati prose work, Prithvichandra Charitra, was completed in 1478 Vikram Samvat (as evidenced by the inscription at the end of the work cited by the editor), placing him as an important figure in early Gujarati literature, preceding Narsinh Mehta, who is traditionally considered the first great Gujarati poet.

Content and Narrative:

The Nemishwar Charit Phagbandh narrates the life story of Neminath, focusing on key events and his spiritual transformation:

• Divine Praise and Invocation: The poem begins with traditional invocations to deities, the divine mother Saraswati, and the preceptor, expressing reverence and seeking blessings.
• Neminath's Incarnations and Birth: It touches upon Neminath's previous lives (eight earlier incarnations) and details his birth into the Yadava dynasty as the son of Samudravijaya and Shivadevi. The text emphasizes the auspiciousness of his birth, which brought joy to the three worlds.
• Childhood and Youth: Neminath is described as a paragon of beauty and virtue, a Brahmachari (celibate), and someone who did not desire worldly pleasures. The narrative highlights his immense popularity and divine attributes.
• The Moral Dilemma at the Wedding: A significant portion of the poem revolves around the preparations for Neminath's wedding. The poetic descriptions of spring and the festivities are vivid. However, Neminath, while witnessing the animals being brought for sacrifice for the wedding feast, experiences a profound moment of renunciation.
• Renunciation and Asceticism: Upon understanding the suffering of the animals, Neminath develops a strong sense of detachment from worldly life. He questions the purpose of such violence and the fleeting nature of pleasures. This leads him to abandon the wedding and embrace asceticism (diksha).
• Rajimati's Devotion and Path to Liberation: The poem also focuses on Rajimati, Neminath's intended bride. When Neminath renounces the world, Rajimati is deeply affected. The text portrays her sorrow and her eventual understanding and acceptance of Neminath's spiritual path. The editor's notes suggest that Rajimati achieved liberation even before Neminath, emphasizing her devotion and spiritual attainment.
• Neminath's Enlightenment and Teachings: After his renunciation, Neminath attains Keval Gyan (omniscience) on Mount Raivataka (Girnar). He then preaches the four-fold dharma (charity, morality, austerity, and contemplation), bringing spiritual upliftment to the world.
• Devotional Stanzas and Descriptions: The poem uses rich imagery and emotional language to describe Neminath's divine qualities, his detachment from worldly allure, and the spiritual bliss he embodies. It also includes descriptions of nature, celestial beings, and the joy of the celestial court witnessing Neminath's enlightenment.

Editorial Contributions:

• Mohanlal Dalichand Desai has meticulously researched and edited the text. He has utilized three different manuscript copies to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• His extensive introductory notes provide historical context, biographical information about Acharya Manikyasundarsuri, and an appreciation of the poem's literary and historical significance.
• He clarifies the historical period of the author, refutes potential dating errors, and highlights the poem's contribution to early Gujarati literature and its place alongside other significant works.
• The inclusion of Sanskrit verses and their explanations from a commentary present in one of the manuscripts helps in understanding the deeper meanings and nuances of the poetic verses.

Key Themes:

• Renunciation (Vairagya): The central theme is the power of renunciation in overcoming worldly attachments and pursuing spiritual liberation.
• Detachment from Worldly Pleasures: Neminath's life exemplifies the principle of detachment from sensual pleasures and worldly glories.
• Spiritual Awakening: The narrative emphasizes the journey from worldly life to spiritual enlightenment and the attainment of omniscience.
• Devotion and Faith: The poem is a devotional offering, celebrating the virtues and spiritual power of Neminath.
• The Nature of the Divine: It portrays Neminath as the ultimate spiritual being, beyond the influence of desire and worldly power.

Literary Style:

The poem is written in an ancient Gujarati poetic style, characterized by its use of Phagu meter and language. It is described as "enjoyable, heart-touching, and possessing beautiful rhyming phrases." The editor also notes the use of various metrical structures within the poem.

In essence, "Manikyasundarsuri krut Nemishwar Charit Fagbandh" is a significant Jain religious poem that poetically narrates the life of Neminath, highlighting his renunciation and attainment of spiritual liberation. It serves as a valuable historical and literary document, shedding light on early Gujarati literature and the devotional traditions within Jainism.