Nemirangratnakar Chand

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Nemirangratnakar Chand," edited by Dr. Shivlal Jesalpura, based on the provided pages:

Overview:

"Nemirangratnakar Chand" is a significant work by the Jain poet Lavanyasamasaya, a prominent poet of the 16th century (Vikram era). The book is part of the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Series, published by L.D. Indology, Ahmedabad. This edition, edited by Dr. Shivlal Jesalpura, provides a critical scholarly approach to the text, including an introduction (Upodghat) and a glossary (Shabdakosh). The work focuses on the story of Neminath, the 22nd Jain Tirthankar, and is considered valuable for studying medieval Gujarati literature, language, and culture.

Key Aspects:

1. The Poet Lavanyasamasaya:

   • Considered a highly influential Jain poet of the 16th century.
   • Authored around thirty works in various genres like prabandh, ras, chhand, samvad, hamchadi, vinati, stavana, and vivaahalo.
   • His poetry vividly describes religious themes, social customs, arts, festivals, attire, warfare, separation, and union.
   • Known for his command of language, extensive vocabulary, beautiful use of rhetoric, and engaging style.
   • Mentioned in works by Kanhaiyalal Munshi and Dr. Dhirajlal Dhanjibhai Shah.
   • Born in Vikram Samvat 1521 (1465 CE) into a Shrimali Vanik family in Ahmedabad.
   • Received diksha (initiation) at the age of nine from Acharya Lakshmisagar Suri of the Tapagachchha lineage, taking the name Lavanyasamasaya.
   • Studied various subjects under his Guru, Samayaratna Suri.
   • Began composing poetry at the age of sixteen.
   • His literary career spanned significant periods, with his earliest known work being "Siddhant Chopai" (VS 1543) and his latest "Khemrishi (Boha) Ras-Yashobhadra Suri Ras" (VS 1589), indicating a lifespan of at least 68 years.
   • His extensive travels across Saurashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan are reflected in his works, which often mark specific locations and dates of composition.
   • He held high regard for his gurus and brother-monks, particularly Sumatisadhusuri.

2. "Nemirangratnakar Chanda" (The "Nemirangratnakar Chhand"):

   • Subject Matter: The poem details the life and teachings of Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankar. It covers his birth, youthful exploits, his aversion to marriage, the efforts to convince him to marry Rajimati, the wedding preparations, his renunciation upon witnessing the plight of animals destined for sacrifice, Rajimati's sorrow, Neminath's penance on Mount Girnar, his attainment of Kevala Jnana (omniscience), and his teachings to Rajimati and the world.
   • Significance: It's considered an important work for understanding medieval Gujarati literature, language, and cultural history.
   • Structure: Divided into two main parts (Adhikara).
   • Poetic Style: Characterized by its "vibrant" and "dazzling" style, rich in metaphors and similes. The poet displays mastery in weaving together stories, descriptions, and emotional portrayals.
   • Comparison with other Neminath works: While other poets have also described Neminath's story, Lavanyasamasaya's "Nemirangratnakar Chhand" offers a novel presentation and avoids repetition, maintaining the aesthetic appeal.

3. Editorial Work:

   • Editor: Dr. Shivlal Jesalpura.
   • Methodology: Dr. Jesalpura utilized four different manuscript copies (A, B, C, and one from L.D. Institute) to prepare a pure and accurate text. He adopted an "eclectic" approach, selecting the best readings from various manuscripts and noting variants in footnotes. He strived to preserve the original joining and pronunciation variations of the manuscripts and preferred the oldest form of words.
   • Introduction (Upodghat): Provides detailed information about the poet's life, the manuscripts used, the writing style, and a critical analysis of the poem.
   • Glossary (Shabdakosh): Offers definitions for words used in the text, reflecting the editor's meticulous effort.
   • Appreciation: The publication is appreciated for its scholarly rigor and usefulness for students of ancient Gujarati literature.

4. Manuscript Analysis:

   • Four manuscripts were used:
     • A: From Hemachandracharya Jain Gyan Mandir, Patan. Written in Devanagari script, mostly with padi matra (though some khadi matra exists). Contains verses 1-66 in the first part and 1-115 in the second. No colophon (writing date).
     • B: From Hemachandracharya Jain Gyan Mandir, Patan. Written in Devanagari script with khadi matra. Verses 1-70 in the first part and 1-113 in the second. No colophon.
     • C: From Hemachandracharya Jain Gyan Mandir, Patan. Written in Devanagari script with khadi matra. Verses 1-70 in the first part and 1-116 in the second. No colophon.
     • D (L.D. Institute): A manuscript with a colophon dating it to VS 1600, but it was deemed impure and too damaged for direct use.
   • Dating of Manuscripts: Based on language and script, manuscripts A and C are estimated to be older than VS 1600, while B is slightly later.

5. Poetic Structure and Language:

   • Meter: The work employs a variety of meters (chhand), including Anushtup, Duha, Rola, Chhappaya, Harigeet, Arya, Charanakul, Padmavati, Tribhangi, Dumil, Marhattha, and Hanumant Padadi. This demonstrates the poet's versatility in metrical composition.
   • Language: The language is medieval Gujarati, rich in Sanskrit-derived words (tatsam), adapted forms (tadbhav), and some influences from other languages like Braj-Hindi, Rajasthani, and Persian/Arabic. The editor has paid attention to preserving the historical linguistic features.
   • Rhetoric and Imagery: The poem is lauded for its skillful use of figures of speech (alankaras), similes, metaphors, and proverbs (kahevat). The poet's ability to create vivid imagery and make even dry subjects engaging is highlighted.
   • Social Commentary: The text offers glimpses into the social life of the time, including details about marriage customs, attire, festivals, royal courts, and daily life.

6. Other Works by Lavanyasamasaya Mentioned:

   • The introduction lists several other works by the poet, such as "Siddhant Chopai," "Gautam Prachchha Chaupai," "Sthulibhadra Ekviso," "Navpallav Parshvanath-Stavan," "Aaloyan Vinati," "Nemnath Hamchadi," "Ravana Mandodari Samvad," "Surapriyakevali Ras," "Vimalprabandh," "Kar Samvad," "Anterik Parshvanath Chhand," "Suryadeep-Vad Chhand," "Devraj-Vachcharaj Ras," "Sumatisadhusuri Vivahalo," "Chaturvinsati Jinastavan," "Khemrishi (Boha), Balibhadra-Yashobhadra Ras," and various prakirna (miscellaneous) works like sajjhays and geets.

Conclusion:

"Nemirangratnakar Chand" is a valuable literary and historical document. Lavanyasamasaya's mastery of language, meter, rhetoric, and narrative, combined with his deep understanding of Jain traditions and social life, makes this work a significant contribution to medieval Gujarati literature. The meticulous editorial work by Dr. Shivlal Jesalpura ensures its accessibility and importance for scholars and readers alike.