Navangi Vruttikar Abhaydevsuri - Book Summary

This document is an excerpt from a larger work, likely a biographical or historical compilation about prominent figures in Jainism. The focus of this particular section is on Acharya Abhaydevsuri, a highly revered Jain scholar and commentator.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided text:

Introduction of Acharya Abhaydevsuri:

Acharya Abhaydevsuri was a principal disciple of Shri Jineshwar Suri.
He succeeded Shri Jinchandrasuri (another disciple of Jineshwar Suri) to the pontifical seat.

Early Life and Initiation:

His early life is described in the "Prabhavak Charitra."
He was the son of a wealthy merchant named Mahidhar and his wife Dhanodevo in Dharanagari.
While listening to the sermons of Acharya Jineshwar Suri, the young Abhaykumar was deeply impressed by his teachings on detachment and spiritual calm.
With permission from his parents, he renounced his worldly life and took initiation (diksha) from Acharya Jineshwar Suri, being named Abhaydev Muni.

Academic Prowess and Acharya-ship:

Abhaydevsuri meticulously studied both his own scriptures (Jain Agamas) and those of others under Acharya Jineshwar Suri.
Alongside his studies, he also practiced severe austerities (tapascharya).
Recognizing his exceptional merit and talent, Acharya Jineshwar Suri conferred the title of Acharya upon him in the year 1088 (Samvat).

Context of His Commentary Work:

At that time, many prominent Acharyas were diverting their attention from the study of core Jain scriptures (Agamas) to other subjects like Ayurveda, Dhanurveda (archery), Jyotisha (astrology), Samudrika Shastra (palmistry), and Natya Shastra (drama).
They were also gaining influence through the use of mantras, yantras, and tantras, impressing kings and the public.
This decline in the tradition of studying Agamas led to the loss of many monastic lineages and the corruption and inaccuracy of the original texts.

Significance of His Commentaries (Tikas):

In response to this situation, Abhaydevsuri utilized his extensive knowledge (bahushruta) to create commentaries (tikas) on the Agamas.
This monumental work took place between Samvat 1120 and 1128.
He found access to copies of Agamas and the support of learned Acharyas from Chaityavasis (a monastic sect) in Patan.
In Samvat 1124, while residing in Dhavalaka, he composed the "Panchashaka Tika" at the residence of Seth Kul and Nandi.
His commentaries on the "Navangas" (the nine parts of the Jain Agamas, from Sthananga Sutra to Vipaka Sutra) were revised and refined by the enlightened Chaityavasi Acharya Dronacharya, making them widely accepted.

The Revelation of the Stambhana Parshvanath Idol:

Another significant event in Abhaydevsuri's life was the revelation of the Stambhana Parshvanath idol.
It is said that during the intensive period of composing his commentaries and long periods of Ayambil tapas (a specific type of fast), his body became weak and afflicted with illness.
When he contemplated undertaking a final fast (anashan), the guardian deity of the faith (Shasan Devi) appeared to him.
The deity informed him that an idol of Bhagavan Parshvanath was located beneath a Khokhara Palash tree near the Shedi River.
She instructed that reciting a hymn (stotra) to the deity would reveal the idol, and bathing it with the water from its consecration (snatrajal) would cure his ailments.
Following the deity's guidance, he revealed the idol of Bhagavan Parshvanath by reciting the "Jayathihooap" stotra. This hymn is still recited daily in the Kharatargachha during their religious observances (pratikraman).

Dating of the Idol Revelation and Commentaries:

There are differing accounts regarding the timing of the idol's revelation relative to his commentaries.
According to works by Sumatigani, Jinopala Upadhyaya, Jinaprabhasuri, and Somdharma, the Navanga commentaries were composed after the idol was revealed.
However, according to "Prabhavak Charitra," "Prabandhachintamani," and "Puratan Prabandh Sangrah," the idol was revealed after the Navanga commentaries were completed.
A prabandha in "Merutunga Suri's Stambhana Parshvanath Charitra" also places the revelation in Samvat 1131, which further suggests it occurred after the completion of the Navanga commentaries.

Other Works and Scholarly Contributions:

Besides his seminal commentaries on the Navangas (except for Acharya Shilanka's commentaries on Acharanga and Suyagdanga), Abhaydevsuri also authored commentaries on other important Jain scriptures and composed various hymns and treatises.
He also wrote commentaries (bhashya) on many other texts, including "Panchashaka Vritti."
He trained many learned disciples, including Vardhamansuri, who authored significant works in Prakrit like "Adinath Charitra" and "Manorama."
He also mentored Shri Jinavallabha Gani, making him a highly capable scholar and poet. The compilation and critical study of Jinavallabha Gani's works by Mahopadhyaya Vinaysagarji earned him recognition from the Hindi Sahitya Sammelan.

Recognition and Influence Across Sects:

Acharya Abhaydevsuri was respected by all sects of Jainism.
His biography is documented not only in the Pattacharavali (lineage records) of the Kharatargachha but also in independent treatises by Acharya Prabhachandrasuri (from another sect) and Somdharma (from the Tapagachha).
His life story is also included in the "Puratan Prabandh Sangrah" and the final prabandha of Merutunga Suri's "Stambhana Parshvanath Charitra."

Details from Merutunga Suri's Account:

The text includes an excerpt from Merutunga Suri's work detailing the revelation of the Stambhana Parshvanath idol. It mentions a dream that led to the lineage of Acharyas and describes Abhaydevsuri's later illness and the miraculous revelation of the idol through his devotion and the "Jayathihooan Dwatrimshatika" stotra.
It also mentions the idol being moved to Shri Stambha Tirth in Samvat 1368 for the benefit of devotees.

His Demise and Spiritual Status:

Acharya Abhaydevsuri's demise occurred in Samvat 1353 or 1356 in Kadwanj.
According to the Kharatargachha Pattachavali, he is currently in the fourth heaven and is destined for liberation in his third rebirth.

List of His Works:

The document provides an extensive list of his known works, including titles and the number of verses or pages where available. These include:
- Striveres (Commentaries): Sthananga, Samavayang, Bhagavati, Jnata Sutra, Upsashak Dashra, Antakrisha Sutra, Anuttropapata Sutra, Prashnavyakaran Sutra, Vipak Sutra, Upavasa Sutra, Panchashaka Sutra, and others.
- Other works: Panchashaka Prakaran, Jayathihooan Stotra, Parshvavastu Stav, Parshva Vignatika, Vignaaptika, Shat Sthan Bhashya, Veer Stotra, Shodashak Tika, Mahadandak, Tithi Payan, Mahavir Charit (Apabhramsha), Upadhan Vidhi, Aloyana Vidhi Prakaran, Swadhya Vatsalya Kulak, Saptaashatika Bhashya, Vruhad Vandanaka Bhashya, Navapad Prakaran Bhashya, Panch Nigranthi, Nigor Vishika, Pudgal Shatrishika, Aradhana Prakaran, and others.

Praise for Abhaydevsuri:

The excerpt concludes with a verse by Dronacharya praising Acharya Abhaydevsuri, highlighting his intellectual prowess and the profound impact of his character on the world. The verse states that while many scholars possess great qualities, anyone who emulates Abhaydevsuri's wisdom is truly worthy of recognition.

In essence, the text portrays Acharya Abhaydevsuri as a pivotal figure in Jain tradition, a brilliant scholar who revitalized the study of sacred texts through his insightful commentaries and whose devotion led to miraculous events, earning him widespread respect and a significant place in Jain hagiography.