Nishal Garnu Bhumika

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Nishal garnu Bhumika," based on the given page:

The book "Nishal garnu Bhumika" is a compilation and editing of fragmented manuscripts discovered approximately 5-6 years prior to its publication. The discovered manuscripts contained a complete work titled "Nishal Garanu." The author of this original work is identified as Muni Sur based on an inscription in the final line.

Further research, as mentioned in the "Gujarati Sahityakosh - Khand 1 Madhyakal" (page 470), refers to "Sur-Surji" as the author of "Mahavir Nishal Garanu Pad." It is believed that this refers to the same author and work. The original work does not contain any specific date (Samvat) indication.

The editing of this book has been attributed to Muni Hemavimalji.

The central theme of this work is the description of Lord Mahavir's journey to the "Nishal" (school or learning center) to study. While Lord Mahavir, as a Tirthankar, was inherently knowledgeable and did not require formal education, Jain narratives recount that his parents sent him to the "Nishal." This event is said to have caused a disturbance in the throne of Indra (Indra Maharaj). Understanding the situation, Indra disguised himself as a Brahmin and approached the scholar. He then posed various questions to Mahavir, and Mahavir's insightful answers led to the creation of the "Jainendra Vyakaran" (Jainendra Grammar).

The term "Nishal" signifies a school or a place of learning. The word "Garanu" or "Garana" appears to be derived from the word "Gaman" (meaning to go or movement). It is suggested that this word might have evolved through apabhransh (an intermediate stage of Indo-Aryan languages) from "Gaman" to "Gamana" to "Gamnu" and finally to "Garana."

The author of the original "Nishal Garanu" has skillfully depicted the details surrounding Lord Mahavir's journey to the school. This includes the elaborate decorations and arrangements made for his procession, the grandeur of the event, the gifts presented to the students and teachers, and other associated activities. The work uses vivid word-pictures to bring these aspects to life.