Meghdoot Pratham Padyasyabhinava Trayortha

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on the book "Meghdoot Pratham Padyasyabhinava Trayortha" by Vinaysagar:

The document is an essay by Vinaysagar discussing the interpretations of the first verse of Kalidasa's Meghaduta by the renowned Jain scholar and poet Mohopadhyaya Shrimad Samaysundarji.

1. Author and Lineage of Samaysundarji:

• The essay establishes Mohopadhyaya Samaysundarji's lineage within the Khartar Gachchha. He was a disciple of Sakalchandramani, who was the first disciple of Shrimad Jinachandrasuri, the "Yugapradhan" (leader of an era) appointed by Emperor Akbar.
• Vinaysagar explicitly refutes the misconception held by some scholars that Samaysundarji belonged to the Tapagachchha, based on a misidentification of Sakalchandragani.

2. Samaysundarji's Biography and Accomplishments:

• Samaysundarji was born in Satypur (modern-day Sanchor), the same city Mahakavi Dhanpal alluded to in his "Satyapur Mahavir Utsav."
• He belonged to the Porwal (Pragvat) caste, and his parents were Liladevi and Rupasi.
• Vinaysagar estimates his birth year to be around 1610 VS (Vikram Samvat).
• His initiation into monastic life likely occurred between 1628-1630 VS, as indicated by his poem "Navayauvan bhar sanyam grahyoji."
• His preceptors were Vachak Mahimaraj (Jainsurishwar) and Samayyarajopadhyaya.
• He passed away in Ahmedabad on Chaitra Shukla Trayodashi, 1703 VS.
• He had a vast lineage of disciples that continued into the 20th century.
• Samaysundarji received the Gani title before 1641 VS from Jinachandrasuri and the Vachancharya title in 1649 VS. He likely attained the Upadhyaya title before 1677 VS.
• His expertise extended beyond Jain Agama, Jain literature, and devotional literature. He was also a scholar in grammar, lexicography (anekarthi sahitya), prosody (chhand), astrology (jyotish), verse-completion (padapurti sahitya), religious disputations (vad-pratipaad), doctrinal literature (saiddhantik), Rasa literature, and Giti literature.
• His most outstanding and unique work, considered unparalleled in Indian and world literature, is the Ashtalakshi Artharatnavali. In this work, he derived one lakh (100,000) meanings for each letter of the sentence "Rājāno dadate sakhyam" (Kings give friendship) through grammar and extensive lexicographical analysis. This work, composed in 1649 VS in Labhpur (Lahore), was presented before Emperor Akbar during his victory march to Kashmir.
• A collection of his 563 lyrical compositions, "Samaysundar Kriti Kusumanjali," was published by Shri Agarchand-Bhanwar Lal Nahata in 2013 VS.
• Vinaysagar recommends his own book, "Mohopadhyaya Samaysundar," for a deeper understanding of Samaysundarji's life and work.

3. Jain Interpretations of Meghdoot:

• The essay notes that Meghaduta has been a favorite of poets, leading Jain scholars to create commentary and verse-completion works, thereby immortalizing Kalidasa.
• Several Jain commentaries on Meghaduta are listed, including those by Asaddhakavi, Shrivijayan, Samatimayagani, Charitravardhangani, Kshemhangani, Kanakakirtigani, Jnanahang, Mahimasinghani, Megharajgani, and Vijayasuri.
• Jain verse-completion works on Meghaduta are also enumerated:
  • Parvabhudaya Kavya by Jinasenacharya (edited by Dr. K.B. Pathak, 1894).
  • Jain Meghaduta by Merutungsuri (with commentaries by Shīlrathan gani, Mahimerugani, etc., published by Jain Atmānand Sabha, Bhavnagar).
  • Nemiduta by Vikramkavi (edited by Upadhyaya Vinaysagar, 2nd edition 1958).
  • Shiladuta by Charitrasundargani (Samvat 1484, published by Yashovijay Jain Granthamala, Kashi).
  • Chandraduta by Vimalakirti (Samvat 1681).
  • Meghdoot Samasyalekh by Mohopadhyaya Meghavijay (Samvat 1727, edited by Muni Jinavijay).
  • Chetoduta.
  • Hansapadankaduta (mentioned by Shri Nathuramji Premi).
• Non-Jain works like Siddhaduta by Avadhoot Ramayogi (Samvat 1423) and Hanumaduta by Pandit Nityanand Shastri are also mentioned.
• Two other similar works are noted: Induduta by Upadhyaya Vinayavijay and Mayurduta by the late Acharya Shridharmadurdhar Suri.

4. Vinay Sagar's Edition and Samaysundarji's Unique Interpretations:

• The present work, Meghdoot Pratham Padyasyabhinava Trayortha, is a new interpretation of the first verse of Meghaduta.
• Vinaysagar received a manuscript of this work from Shri Agarchandji Nahata in 1954 and is now publishing a revised edition based on it. The original manuscript's location is unknown but might be in the Bikaner Bṛhat Jñāna Bhāṇḍāra.
• The author highlights that Samaysundarji, departing from previous commentators, has provided three novel interpretations of the first verse, utilizing grammar and lexicographical dictionaries. These interpretations are directed towards:
  1. Lord Rishabhadeva (Adi Jin)
  2. Yugapradhan Jinachandrasuri
  3. The Sun God

5. Detailed Analysis of the Three Interpretations (as presented in the text):

• First Interpretation (Lord Rishabhadeva):

  • The verse is analyzed word-by-word, with each word being reinterpreted to refer to Lord Rishabhadeva.
  • For instance, "kaschit" is seen as referring to Him as "K-Brahma" (creator of the universe), "chitra-kanta" as the beloved of consciousness (referring to His detached nature), and "avir" as the sun-like radiant being.
  • The verse is interpreted as a prayer to Rishabhadeva, asking Him to protect the devotee from worldly suffering (upantha: udakeshu) caused by spiritual "gurus" (kuguru) who mislead with anger and other passions.
  • The interpretation connects various attributes and epithets to the first Tirthankara, highlighting His spiritual power and renunciation.

• Second Interpretation (Jinachandrasuri):

  • This interpretation focuses on Shrimad Jinachandrasuri, the esteemed leader of the Khartar Gachchha.
  • Words are reinterpreted to align with Jinachandrasuri's virtuous qualities, his leadership, and his role as a spiritual guide.
  • "Kaschit Kantavirahaguruna" is interpreted in relation to Shrimad Haribhadra Suri's departure and Jinachandrasuri's prominence as a scholar.
  • "Swadhikarapramattaḥ" is linked to his renunciation of worldly possessions and his adherence to his spiritual duties.
  • The verse is seen as praising Jinachandrasuri for his extensive knowledge and his ability to guide followers through spiritual paths.

• Third Interpretation (Sun God):

  • This interpretation views the verse as an address to the Sun God.
  • "Kaschit" is interpreted as referring to the sun's light. "Kāntāviraha" relates to the sun's position in Aries. "Laha" refers to the sky.
  • The verse is seen as a prayer to the sun not to set (astamayama) but to remain constantly radiant.
  • Attributes like "Guruna" (associated with Jupiter), "Aswadhikar" (related to horses or control), and "Shapapramattaḥ" (possibly implying the sun's influence on seasons) are linked to solar characteristics.
  • The interpretation connects the sun's role in providing light and sustenance to the world.

In essence, the book presents Mohopadhyaya Samaysundarji's ingenious and multifaceted approach to textual interpretation, demonstrating his mastery of language, his deep devotion, and his ability to find profound spiritual meanings within classical literature. Vinaysagar's work serves as a scholarly presentation and appreciation of these unique interpretations.