Merutungasuriras Ka Sar

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Merutungasuriras ka Sar" by Bhanvarlal Nahta:

The article, "Merutungasuriras ka Sar" (Summary of the Ras of Merutunga Suri) by Bhanvarlal Nahta, highlights the historical contributions of Jain scholars to literature. The author emphasizes the rich tradition of Jain historical writings in various forms like "Ras," "Bhas," "Geet," "Tirthamala" in vernacular languages and "Pattavali," "Charitra" in Sanskrit. He notes that while many such sources have been published, he continues to share newly discovered ones through contemporary journals to aid historical research.

The author's current endeavor is to present a summary of the "Merutunga Suri Ras," a work he found a copy of in Kolkata with Jainacharya Shri Vijayendrasuri. Due to some ambiguities in that copy, he obtained the original manuscript from the Limbdi collection and meticulously copied it. The purpose is to share this historically significant information with readers.

The article then delves into a comparative analysis of the "Merutunga Suri Ras" with the "Achalgachh Moti Pattavali" (Gujarati translation), which describes the life of the 58th lineage holder, Shri Merutunga Suri. The author points out that the Pattavali contains elements based on hearsay that require historical revision, whereas the Ras, being composed shortly after Suri's lifetime, is considered more authentic.

The summary then systematically lists the discrepancies found between the two texts:

1. Birthplace: The Pattavali states Nana Gram, while the Ras mentions Nani Gram.
2. Mother's Name: The Pattavali names her Nahunadevi, and the Ras names her Naldevi.
3. Initiation Year: The Pattavali records Samvat 1418, whereas the Ras states 1410.
4. Lay Name: The Pattavali gives Malav, while the Ras mentions Vastigkumar.
5. Lolaadai King Conversion: The Pattavali narrates an event where 1.25 maunds of rice were enchanted to repel an invading Yavana (Muslim) army, causing them to flee. The Ras does not contain this specific story.
6. Mahendraprabh Suri's Demise: The Pattavali states his passing in Samvat 1444. The Ras mentions Merutunga Suri being appointed as the head of the Gachha by Mahendraprabh Suri on the 11th day of the waning moon of Phalguna, Samvat 1445.
7. Merutunga Suri's Demise: The Pattavali places his demise in Junagadh in Samvat 1473, while the Ras states his passing in Patan on Monday, the full moon day of Margashirsha, Samvat 1471.

The author stresses that the Ras contains much valuable historical information absent in the Pattavali, making it crucial for revising the history of the Achalgachh and shedding light on significant events like the conversion of kings.

The article then lists some of Merutunga Suri's works mentioned in the Ras, including "Dhatuparayan" and "Angvidyauddhar," which are currently unavailable and should be sought in Jain knowledge repositories. Other mentioned works include "Bhavakram Prakriya," "Shatak Bhashya," "Namutthun Tika," "Sushraddhakatha," "Upadeshmala Tika," and "Jeshaji Prabandh" (an historical work).

The historical summary of the Ras then begins:

• Introduction: It starts with salutations to Ganadhar Shri Gautamswami and describes the greatness of the protagonist, Merutunga Suri, and the humility of the poet.
• Lineage: It traces the lineage from Sudharmaswami, the disciple of Mahavir Prabhu, through Jambu, Prabhava, Vajraswami's branch, Aryarakshit Suri, Jaysingh Suri, Dharmaghosh Suri, Mahendra Suri, Singhprabh, Ajitsingh, Devendrasingh, Dharmaprabh, Singh Tilak, and finally Mahendraprabh Suri, the tenth acharya of Achalgachh. Merutunga Suri is presented as the eleventh.
• Birth and Early Life: Merutunga Suri was born as Vastigkumar in Nani village in the Maru region to Vaishya Vairasinh Bahura Pragvat and Naldevi. His birth was preceded by a significant dream where he saw the sun entering his mother's mouth, interpreted by Chakreshvari Devi as the birth of a great, illuminating son. He was born in Samvat 1403 when the planets were in their exaltation.
• Renunciation and Initiation: Inspired by the teachings of Shri Mahendraprabh Suri when he visited Nani Gram, Vastigkumar renounced worldly life with his parents' permission and was initiated in Samvat 1410. His father, Vairasinh, spent lavishly on the celebration. Suri Maharaj renamed him "Merutunga."
• Education and Acharyahood: Muni Merutunga became a profound scholar, mastering grammar, literature, prosody, rhetoric, and scriptures like Agamas, Vedas, and Puranas. He led a life of strict asceticism and delivered eloquent discourses. Recognizing his suitability, Shri Mahendraprabh Suri conferred upon him the Acharya title in Patan in Samvat 1426, with the sanghapati Nalpal organizing a grand celebration.
• Preaching and Miracles: Merutunga Suri traveled widely, imparting teachings and converting kings and nobles. He converted the Yavana king in Prasauri. He spent the Chaturmas (monsoon retreat) in Loladai in Samvat 1444, where he converted Rathore Vanshi Karanagara Megharaja along with 100 people.
• Serpent Bite Incident: While meditating, Merutunga Suri was bitten by a black serpent. He remained steadfast in his meditation, akin to Metarya and Chilaatiputra. Upon completing his meditation, he sat before an image of Parshvanath, and through the power of his devotion, the venom was neutralized. This event caused immense joy in the congregation.
• Gachhayak Appointment: Later, in Apahilpur Patan, preparations were made for his installation as the head of the Gachha. On the 11th day of the waning moon of Phalguna, Samvat 1445, Shri Mahendraprabh Suri appointed Merutunga Suri as the Gachhayak, entrusting him with the leadership of the entire lineage. Sangramsinh celebrated this event, and Shri Ratnashekhar Suri was appointed as the Upacharya (vice-acharya).
• Ascetic Practices: Suri Maharaj diligently practiced asceticism, yoga, pranayama, and rajayoga, engaging in deep meditation. He performed Kayotsarga (standing meditation) in the sun during summer and in the biting cold of winter, purifying his soul.
• Further Incidents:
  • While descending from the temples of Prabhagiri, he got lost in the evening, and a luminous divine being appeared to show him the way.
  • When a Yavana army captured his companions near Sathavade, Suri Maharaj approached the Yavana king, whose heart was softened by Suri's appearance, leading to the release of the companions.
  • During a period of fear from Mughals in Gujarat, while the city was deserted, Suri remained in Khambhat, and the fear soon subsided.
  • In Badmer, a seven-hand-long serpent at the gate of the small residence began to hiss, frightening the Sadhvis. Upon informing Suri, the serpent immediately became motionless.
  • In Samvat 1464, during his Chaturmas in Sanchaur, when an emperor with a large army was about to attack, the people fled in fear. However, through Suri's meditative power, the Yavana army moved away from Sanchaur.
• Literary Contributions: The Ras mentions numerous literary works by Suri, including Grammar, Six Schools of Philosophy, Shatapadi Sar, Rayanabhak Charitra, Kamdev Katha, Dhatuparayan, Lakshanasastra, Meghaduta Mahakavya, Rajmati Nesamabandh, Surimantroddhar, Angvidyauddhar, and Shattari Bhashyavritti, among others.
• Conversions and Appointments: He converted Satpur King Radh Pata, Naresha Madanpal, and Surdas, the son of Udha Malik. He facilitated the worship of the Kallicunda Parshvanath idol in Dholka. Jambunanda King Gaujmal Gayajivanraay came to pay respects to him. Suri Maharaj also oversaw the installation of Shri Mahitilak Suri and Mahimshri Mahattara in Jamnagar with the efforts of Sah Lalkha Sodagar, and Merunandan Suri in Khambhat with the efforts of Sah Vairsingh. He also appointed Manikyshekhar as Upadhyay, and Gunasamudrasuri and Manikmudrasuri as Mahattara in Khambhanayara with the efforts of Sah Teja, and Jayakirtisuri as Acharya with the efforts of Sanghvi Rajsingh. In total, he ordained six Acharyas, four Upadhyayas, and one Mahattara, along with numerous Panas, Panvatinis, etc.
• Journeys: Suri Maharaj undertook pilgrimages and travels across various regions, including Patan, Khambhat, Bharuch, Sopara, Konkan, Kutch, Parkar, Sanchaur, Maru, Gujarat, Jhalawad, Maharashtra, Panchal, Latadesha, Jalore, Ghogha, Diu, and Mangalpur.
• Demise: Finally, he attained liberation (moksha) in Samvat 1471 on the Monday of the full moon of Margashirsha, while listening to the Uttaraadhyayan Sutra and meditating on the Arhat Siddhas.

The article concludes with two verses in Prakrit:

• The first emphasizes that a soul binds itself with good or bad karma according to the feelings it harbors at any given time. It advises that to cross the formidable ocean of existence, one must immediately take hold of the raft of austerity and self-restraint.
• The second defines Dharma as the inherent nature of things, as well as the ten qualities like forgiveness. It further clarifies that Dharma is the Three Jewels (Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct) and the protection of living beings.