Marathi Jain Sahitya

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Marathi Jain Sahitya text, focusing on the key points and contributions:

The article, "Marathi Jain Sahitya" by Dr. Vidyadhar Johrapurkar, discusses the history and significant contributions of Jain literature in the Marathi language. It highlights the long-standing presence and cultural activities of Jains in Maharashtra, dating back to ancient times as evidenced by cave temples and inscriptions.

Early Period (Approx. 1450 - 1500 CE):

• The earliest Marathi Jain literary figures are traced to the disciples of the Bhattarakas at Idar fort in Gujarat.
• Key authors from this period include Brahm Jidas, Ujjantkirti, Jidas (author of Harivanshpuran), Brahm Shantidas, Gunakirti (author of Shrenikcharitra, Dharmamrut), Meghraj, and Surijan (author of Jasodhar Ras).
• Their works primarily involved retelling ancient Jain narratives in Marathi, often inspired by Gujarati literature. Jidas is notable for mentioning Devagiri (near present-day Aurangabad) as his location.
• The compositions were predominantly in the popular Marathi Ovi meter, though Paramhans Katha contained some prose.

The Bhattaraka Traditions and their Authors: The text then details the literary output stemming from two major Bhattaraka lineages established around 1500 CE in Karanja (Akola district):

1. Senagana Lineage:

   • Notable authors include Maniksen, Samantbhadra, Nagō Āyā (Yashodhar Charitra), Chhatrasen (Ādīshwar Bhavāntar), Soyara (Karmāṣṭamī Kathā, based on a Kannada source), Narendra Sen, Shantisen, Siddhsēn, Tānu Pandit (some Aarti collections), Yamāsā (Ravivrat Kathā), Lakshmisēn, Ratnakirti (Upadesaratnamala, started Ārādhanākathākoṣ), and Raghav Ratna.
   • Works were in Ovi meter and various other meters. Chhatrasen also wrote in Sanskrit and Hindi. Ratnakirti's Upadesaratnamala was based on Sakalbhushan's Sanskrit work, and he began Ārādhanākathākoṣ, which was completed by his disciple Chandrakirti.
   • A branch of this lineage also existed in Kolhapur, with Bhattarak Jinsen authoring Jambusvāmi Purāṇ, Upadesaratnamala, and Puṇyāśrav Purāṇ. His disciple Girisut Ṭhakāpā wrote Pāṇḍav Purāṇ.

2. Balakaragana Lineage:

   • Key authors include Dharmabhushan, Devendrakirti, Gunananidi (Yashodhar Charitra), Ajitkirti, Vishalkirti (Dharma Pariksha), Dharmachandra, Abhaykirti (Anantvrat Kathā), Pāskirti (Sudarshan Charitra), Bhanukirti (some verses), Dayasagar (Samyaktva Kaumudi, Dharmamruta Purana, Bhavishyadatbandhudatta Purana), Gangadas (Parshvanath Bhavantar), Jinsagar (Jeevandhar Purana), Mahatisagar (Sambodh Sahasrapadi), and Dilasukh (Swatmavichar).
   • Pāskirti's original name was Vīrdās. Gangadas and Jinsagar also produced works in Sanskrit and Hindi. Jinsagar authored nine stories, seven hymns, and seven Aarti collections. Mahatisagar wrote four stories.
   • Gangadas, Jinsagar, and Mahatisagar used various meters, while others predominantly used Ovi.

3. Ajitkirti Tradition (Latur Region):

   • This branch, originating from Ajitkirti (disciple of Dharmabhushan), was extensive and included Vishalkirti (Rukmini Vrat Kathā), Punyasagar (Ravi Vrat Kathā), Chimana Pandit (Anant Vrat Kathā), Padmakirti, Mahichandra (Ādinath Purana, Samyaktva Kaumudi), Sabaji (Sugandha Dashami Kathā), Vidyabhushan, Hemkirti, Shantkirti, Kalyankirti, Gunakirti, Chandrakirti, Maniknanidi, Janardan (Shrenik Charitra), Mahibhushan, Mahakirti, Ajitkirti, and Bhimchandra.
   • Chimana Pandit's works include Hindi compositions. Mahichandra's works include stories, hymns, and Aarti collections, as well as a Hindi dialogue (Kali-Gori Samvad).
   • Various meters were used, with Ovi for puranas and stories.

Additional Authors and Themes:

• Other significant authors mentioned include Damā Pandit (Jambusvāmi Charitra) and Lakshmichandra (Meghmalavrat, Jinratrivrat Kathas), and Kavirindra Sevak (Abhangs).
• The works from 1450 to 1850 CE largely involved translating and adapting stories from Sanskrit, Gujarati, and Kannada into Marathi. They also included discussions on Jain philosophy and codes of conduct.
• Stories like those of Shrenik, Yashodhar, Sudarshan, and Jeevandhar are noted for their narrative richness.

Modern Period and Contemporary Contributions:

• The early 20th century saw a resurgence in Jain literature with the establishment of periodicals like Jain Bodhak (started by Seth Hirachand Nemichand Doshi in 1884) and Pragati Jin Vijay.
• Several magazines contributed significantly, even if short-lived.
• The article highlights contemporary poets and writers such as Maruti Rao Dange (on Upadhyay Pushkarmuni), Acharya Anand Rishi Ji Maharaj, Pandit Sirermal Ji Maharaj, Pandit Vinaychandra Ji Maharaj, and Devendra Muni Ji Shastri.
• Rajendra Muni Shastri's "Bhagwan Mahavir Jeevan Aani Darshan" is praised for its concise explanation of Mahavir's life and philosophy.
• The trend shifted towards literal translations of ancient Sanskrit texts, starting with Hirachand Nemichand's translation of 'Ratnakaranda'.
• Kallappa Shastri Nitave, Kolhapur, translated numerous works, including Mahapurana and Aptamimansa.
• Pandit Jindsas Shashtri Phadkule is recognized for his detailed commentaries and poetic translations of works like Padyapurana and Adipurana.
• Motichand Gandhi 'Agyat' is noted for his poetic translations of Acharyas like Kundakunda and Pujyapada, as well as prose translations of works like Harishen's Kathakosh.
• Pandit Dhanyakumar Bhore's translations of Samaysar and Pravachansar are also mentioned.
• Works aimed at a general audience and new Jain converts include Ravji Nemichand Shah's 'Jain Dharmadarsh', Kailashchandra's 'Jain Dharma', and Hiralal Ji's 'Jain Dharma in Indian Culture'.
• Educational materials for children, like Seth Ravji Sakharam Doshi's 'Balbodh Jain Dharma', were significant.
• Numerous Marathi editions of core Jain texts like Shatdhala, Dravyasangraha, Ratnakaranda, and Tattvarthasutra have been published.
• Jain history narratives have been presented in accessible forms by Magdum in his Veer Granthamala and Sumer Jain.
• The author himself contributed a summary of Kuvalayamala Katha.
• Poetic renderings of old stories have also been produced, with Dattatray Randive gaining acclaim for works like Gajkumar Charit and Kulbhushan Deshbhushan Charit. Jaykumar Kshirsagar has also written poetic works like Jeevandhar Charit.
• Pandita Sumatibai Shah's 'Adigita' is cited as a notable attempt to discuss religious principles through poetry.
• Dramas based on Jain stories have also been written and published.
• Numerous small books of devotional songs (pads) are available.

Concluding Remarks: The article concludes by acknowledging the vastness of modern Marathi Jain literature, stating that a comprehensive account is a demanding task. The author expresses regret for not being able to cover Shvetambar literature due to a lack of expertise, and also for not including all older writers and minor works. The aim was to provide a general overview of the significant contributions of Jain literature in Marathi, hoping to convey its vastness.