Matruka Sholakmala - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Matruka Sholakmala" by Vinaysagar, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Matruka Sholakmala Author: Vinaysagar (editor/compiler) Original Author (as per tradition): Sri Vallabhopadhyaya Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan (as per catalog link)

Overview:

The text "Matruka Sholakmala" is a compilation and presentation of a work originally authored by Sri Vallabhopadhyaya. The core concept of the work revolves around the Matrika or alphabet, which is considered the fundamental essence of all existence and creation. The Matrika is the basis of all languages, including the Sanskrit alphabet.

The Concept of Matrika (Alphabet):

The introduction explains that letters (alphabets) are the fundamental building blocks of the universe. The Matrika, also referred to as Aksharmala, Varnamala, or Barahkhadi (in Hindi), encompasses all sounds and letters. In Sanskrit, 16 vowels (अ, आ, इ, ई, उ, ऋ, ऋ, लु, लु, ए, ऐ, ओ, औ, अं, अः) and 33 consonants (क् to ह) are recognized, along with certain conjunct consonants like क्ष, ज्ञ, and जॄ, which also form seed-mantras. The text notes that in modern Hindi, the use of ऋ, लु, and ल is less common due to printing and typing convenience.

Author's Lineage and Historical Context:

The compiler, Vinaysagar, provides a detailed introduction to the author, Sri Vallabhopadhyaya. He belonged to the lineage of Jayasagaropadhyaya, a prominent scholar and disciple of Shri Jinrajsuri of the Kharataragaccha tradition. Sri Vallabhopadhyaya's life and work are placed within a historical timeline, with his literary output spanning from approximately 1654 to 1687 CE. He is described as a great poet, an accomplished grammarian, a profound literary scholar, and an authoritative lexicographer. His works include original compositions like "Vijayadev Mahakavya" and commentaries on various Sanskrit texts, suggesting he resided in the Rajasthan region. The text highlights his unique ability to compose works like "Arjinstav," which creatively incorporates the letter 'र' (ra) within a lotus design, showcasing his mastery of chitra-kavyas (picture poems).

Structure and Content of Matruka Sholakmala:

The "Matruka Sholakmala" itself is divided into two main sections:

First Section (Parichhed): Description of the 24 Tirthankaras:
- This section begins with an invocation to Lord Shantinath.
- The author pledges to compose this Matrika Sholakmala to aid scholars in achieving quick success in poetry.
- It states that the first section will describe the 24 Tirthankaras, and the second will cover various other subjects.
- The first verse uses the vowel 'अ' (a) to describe the Arhat Jineshvar.
- From the second verse onwards, the work systematically describes the 24 Tirthankaras, from Lord Adinath (starting with the vowel 'आ') up to Lord Mahavir (ending with the consonant 'झ').
- Each of the 24 verses in this section starts with a letter from the alphabet, and the entire verse is dedicated to describing a Tirthankara associated with that letter, often through creative wordplay.
Second Section (Parichhed): Description of Various Deities and Subjects:
- This section begins with the vowel 'अ' and extends to the consonants 'ह', 'ल्ल', and 'क्ष'.
- It comprises 26 verses.
- The verses cover a wide range of subjects, including deities like Vishnu, Shiva, Brahma, Kartikeya, Ganesha, Surya, Chandra, the Dikpalas (guardians of directions), Indra, and prominent figures like Rama and Lakshmana.
- Other subjects include the ocean and Tirthankaras.
- The unique feature of this section, and indeed the entire work, is that each verse is crafted such that the first letter of each of its four lines (charanas) utilizes the same vowel or consonant that the verse is based on, in an ornate and metaphorical style. For example, a verse dedicated to 'अ' will have lines starting with 'अ', and a verse dedicated to 'क' will have lines starting with 'क'.

Unique Literary Features:

Alphabetical Structure: The entire work is built around the Sanskrit alphabet, with each verse dedicated to a specific letter.
Alliteration and Assonance: The author demonstrates exceptional skill in using the designated letter at the beginning of each line, creating a strong alliterative effect and demonstrating profound command over language.
Creative Wordplay and Metaphor: The verses are rich in metaphors and descriptive language, attributing qualities and actions of the Tirthankaras or deities to the initial letter of the verse.
Absence of Certain Letters: The author consciously avoids using the consonants 'त्र' (tra) and 'ज्ञ' (gya). Instead, they use 'ल्ल' and 'क्ष'. The text poses a question about the origin and meaning of 'ल्ल', suggesting it might be from Dingal, Marathi, or another source.
Metrical Variety: The work showcases the author's mastery of prosody, employing a variety of Sanskrit meters (chandas) in both sections, including Shardulvikridita, Anushtup, Upendravajra, Indravajra, Malini, Dodhak, Sundari (Harinpluta), Swagata, and Vasantatilaka.

Praise and Manuscript Information:

The text includes a Prashasti (concluding verses of praise and dedication).
The Prashasti indicates that the work was composed in the city of Vikrama (likely Bikaner, as mentioned earlier) in the month of Chaitra of the year 1655 (Vikram Samvat).
It states that the work was created by the disciple, Vachak Sri Vallabha, for the expansion of his own knowledge.
The Prashasti also provides guidelines for interpreting the work, suggesting that the learned reader should understand the intended meaning of each letter and verse.
A manuscript of the work is preserved in the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Bharatiya Sanskrit Vidya Mandir in Ahmedabad, collected by Muni Punyavijayji. The manuscript is noted to be accurate and likely written in the 17th century, around the time of its composition.
The text also lists several publications and editorial efforts related to this work, highlighting its scholarly significance.

Overall Significance:

The "Matruka Sholakmala" by Sri Vallabhopadhyaya, as presented by Vinaysagar, is a unique and scholarly work that celebrates the power and essence of the alphabet within the framework of Jain philosophy and literature. It demonstrates a deep understanding of Sanskrit grammar, poetry, and Jain traditions, offering a creative and insightful exploration of the divine through the structure of language.