Nemi Nirvanam Ek Adhyayan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Nemi Nirvanam Ek Adhyayan" by Aniruddhakumar Sharma, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Nemi Nirvanam Ek Adhyayan (A Study of Nemi Nirvana) Author: Dr. Aniruddhakumar Sharma Publisher: Sanmati Prakashan, Muzaffarnagar Publication Year: 1991 (First Edition) Origin: This work is the published version of a Ph.D. thesis submitted to Meerut University.

Overall Purpose and Scope: The book is a scholarly analysis and study of the Nemi Nirvana, a significant Jain Mahakavya (epic poem) composed by Vāgbhaṭa. Dr. Sharma's work aims to provide a comprehensive examination of this text, exploring its literary merit, philosophical underpinnings, historical context, and its place within the broader tradition of Jain Charitakavyas (biographical epics).

Key Aspects Explored:

1. Jain Charitakavya Tradition:

   • The study begins by tracing the origin and development of Jain biographical epics in Sanskrit literature.
   • It outlines the general characteristics of these poems, the classification of poetry, and the evolution of Jain Charitakavyas from the 7th to the 20th century.
   • The author highlights the significant contribution of Jain poets to Sanskrit literature and notes that this contribution has not been fully appreciated.

2. The Text "Nemi Nirvana":

   • Author: The research identifies the author as Vāgbhaṭa, specifically distinguishing him as Vāgbhaṭa I, the composer of Nemi Nirvana and Vāgbhaṭālaṃkāra, from other scholars named Vāgbhaṭa (like the author of Aṣṭāṅgahṛdaya).
   • Date and Lineage: Based on textual and other evidence, Vāgbhaṭa I is placed around the late 11th or early 12th century CE, possibly associated with the reign of the Chalukya king Jayasimha Deva. His father was Chāhaḍa, and his lineage was likely Prajñāṭa (Pōrwāḍ) Kula. He was a Jain, likely of the Digambara tradition.
   • Sources: The primary source for the study is Vāgbhaṭa's Nemi Nirvana itself. Sharma also draws upon other foundational Jain texts like Uttarapurāṇa (by Guṇabhadra) and Harivaṃśapurāṇa (by Jinasena) for comparative analysis of the narrative, as well as Tiloyapaṇṇattī for earlier foundational elements.
   • Narrative and Structure: The Nemi Nirvana itself is divided into 15 cantos (sargas). The study analyzes its plot structure, source material (primarily Harivaṃśapurāṇa and Uttarapurāṇa), and the modifications made by Vāgbhaṭa.
   • Key Themes and Events: The core narrative revolves around the life of Neminatha, the 22nd Tirthankara. It details his divine birth, upbringing in Dvārakā as a relative of Krishna, his pre-arranged marriage to Rājīmatī, his renunciation of the world upon hearing the cries of animals destined for sacrifice, his severe penance, attainment of Kevala Jnana (omniscience), his teachings, and eventual liberation (Nirvana). The text emphasizes the pathos of Rājīmatī's plight and her eventual spiritual journey.

3. Literary and Aesthetic Analysis:

   • Rasa (Aesthetic Sentiment): The study thoroughly examines the rasas employed in the Nemi Nirvana. While Shanta Rasa (serenity/peace) is identified as the primary or aṅgī rasa, the author demonstrates the skillful use of secondary or aṅga rasas such as Śṛṅgāra (erotic/romantic), Vīra (heroic), Raudra (fierce), Karuṇa (pathos), and Adbhuta (wonder). The integration of Śṛṅgāra (both saṃyoga - union and vipralambha - separation) is particularly noted for its vividness.
   • Chanda (Metre): A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the analysis of the metrical patterns used. Sharma meticulously identifies and analyzes approximately 50 different metres (chandas) employed by Vāgbhaṭa, highlighting the poet's mastery and innovation in this area, including the use of less common metres and a unique approach in the 7th canto where metre names are integrated into the verse itself.
   • Alankara (Figures of Speech): The work details the extensive use of both śabdālaṃkāras (sound-based figures like Anupraasa, Yamaka, Shlesh) and arthālaṃkāras (meaning-based figures like Upama, Utpreksha, Rupaka, Virodhabhasa, Samasokti, Arthantaranāsa). The author emphasizes Vāgbhaṭa's skill in employing these figures to enhance the beauty and impact of his descriptions.
   • Language and Style (Bhasha and Shaili): The language is described as clear (prāñjal) and impactful (prabhāvashālī). The study discusses the stylistic elements, including the integration of various Rītis (styles: Vaidarbhī, Gauḍī, Pāñcālī, Lāṭī) and Guṇas (qualities: Mādhūrya, Ojas, Prasāda), noting Vāgbhaṭa's adeptness in employing them to suit the context and rasa.
   • Descriptive Passages: The book highlights Vāgbhaṭa's talent in descriptive passages, covering diverse themes like landscapes (desha, nagara, parvata, nadi, vana), natural phenomena (sūryodaya, prātaḥkāla, candravarṇa, rātri), human life (strī-puruṣa, putrajanma), and activities (jalakrīḍā, madirāpāna, ratikrīḍā).

4. Philosophical and Cultural Insights:

   • Jain Philosophy: The study delves into the philosophical concepts embedded in the Nemi Nirvana, primarily focusing on Jain metaphysics and ethics. It explains the "Seven Tattvas" (Jīva, Ajīva, Āśrava, Bandha, Saṃvara, Nirjarā, Mokṣa), the "Three Jewels" (Ratnatraya - Samyak Darshan, Samyak Jnana, Samyak Charitra) as the path to liberation, and the principles of Ahimsa (non-violence).
   • Cultural Elements: The book provides glimpses into the socio-cultural milieu of ancient India as depicted in the epic. This includes descriptions of societal structure, customs related to family, marriage, festivals, economic activities, and religious practices.

5. Influence and Contribution:

   • Influence on Vāgbhaṭa: The study notes the influence of earlier Sanskrit poets like Kālidāsa, Bhartṛhari, Kumāradāsa, Bhāravi, Māgha, and Bāṇa on Vāgbhaṭa's work.
   • Vāgbhaṭa's Influence: It also acknowledges the impact of Nemi Nirvana on later Jain poets and their works, such as Vīranandi's Candaprabhacarita and Muni Jñānasāgara's Sudarśanodaya.
   • Contribution to Literature: The author asserts that this study contributes a new direction to the research on Sanskrit biographical poetry and highlights Vāgbhaṭa's original contribution to Jain and Sanskrit literature, particularly through the Nemi Nirvana.

Endorsements: The book includes endorsements from esteemed scholars like Dr. Kamlesh Kumar Jain and Dr. Shri Niwas Mishra, who praise Dr. Sharma's meticulous research, use of sources, clarity of language, and the overall originality and publication-worthiness of the thesis. They highlight its value in enriching Jain and Sanskrit literature and providing insights into the interrelationship between Vedic and Jain traditions.

Structure of the Book: The book is systematically organized into eight chapters:

1. Jain Charitakavya Tradition and Nemi Nirvana (Origin and Development, Literature on Tirthankara Neminatha, Author Vāgbhaṭa)
2. Narrative of Nemi Nirvana (Sources, Canto-wise Plot, Modifications)
3. Sentiment and Craftsmanship of Nemi Nirvana (Rasa, Mahakavyatva, Metre, Figures of Speech)
4. Language, Style, and Qualities of Nemi Nirvana
5. Variety of Descriptions in Nemi Nirvana
6. Philosophy and Culture in Nemi Nirvana
7. Influence and Contribution
8. Conclusion It also includes a bibliography (Sandarbha Granthānuakramanikā).

In essence, "Nemi Nirvanam Ek Adhyayan" is a scholarly treatise that meticulously analyzes the Nemi Nirvana, showcasing Vāgbhaṭa's literary genius and the philosophical depth of Jain tradition, while also contributing significantly to the field of Indian literary studies.