Padmanandi Panchvinshati

The Padmanandi Panchvinshati, compiled by Balchandra Shastri and published by Jain Sanskruti Samrakshak Sangh Solapur, is a comprehensive collection of 26 religious and moral chapters. The text, originally authored by an unknown author, has been critically edited and translated with a Sanskrit commentary.

Historical Context and Structure: The book is believed to have been in circulation for nearly a thousand years. One of its chapters, Ekatvasaptati, had a Kannada commentary written around 1193 AD. A Sanskrit commentary is also included with this publication. A Hindi translation (Vachanika) was written in Rajasthan about a century ago. Many scholars and commentators have referred to this work since the 12th century.

The Padmanandi Panchvinshati is a compilation of 26 independent chapters, each dealing with profound and interesting subjects from a Jain perspective. The language is simple and clear. Only two chapters (Rishabastotra and Jindarshanastavan) are in Prakrit, while the remaining 24 are in Sanskrit verse.

The text evolved in three stages:

1. Individual Chapters: The author initially wrote several small, independent chapters that gained popularity.
2. Compilation of 25: A collector later gathered 25 of these chapters, naming the work Padmanandi Panchvinshati based on the author's name and the number of chapters.
3. Compilation of 26: Another compiler added one more chapter, making it 26 in total, yet the name Panchvinshati remained unchanged. The added chapter is likely the last one and by Padmanandi, though this is not definitively established. Some chapters have additional verses inserted in the middle or at the end, which is why their original titles (like Saptati, Panchashat, Ashtak) do not always match the number of verses.

The current edition contains 939 verses across the 26 chapters, with the longest chapter having 198 verses and the smallest having 8 verses.

Author and Time Period: The text itself provides no information about the author's region or time period. However, external evidence, such as the Kannada commentary on Ekatvasaptati and other scattered proofs, suggests the work was composed in the Karnataka region, possibly near Kolhapur, between 1073 and 1193 AD. If the author of the original work and the Kannada commentary is the same, then the composition date would be around the latter limit.

Previous Editions and the Present Publication: This work has been published at least twice before: once with a Marathi translation in 1955 AD and again with a Hindi translation in 1971 AD. These earlier editions were based on a single ancient manuscript and lacked critical analysis or biographical information about the author. They are also currently unavailable.

The present edition has utilized all available ancient manuscripts, in addition to the previously printed copies. The editors and translators have strived to make the book as useful as possible for scholars and devotees. The English and Hindi introductions, while based on similar content, are written with a degree of independence and serve as complementary resources, especially regarding the citation of foundational evidence.

Content and Themes: The Padmanandi Panchvinshati is characterized by its profound exposition of Jain principles, covering topics such as:

• Religious Teachings: Discussions on dharma, the nature of reality, the path to liberation, the importance of righteous conduct, and the characteristics of virtuous souls.
• Ethical Principles: Emphasis on non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), non-stealing (asteya), celibacy (brahmacharya), and non-possession (aparigraha).
• Spiritual Philosophy: Exploration of the soul's nature, its bondages, and the path to liberation, often contrasting material existence with spiritual reality.
• Practical Guidance: Advice for lay followers (shravakas) and ascetics (munis) on their respective duties, ethical conduct, and spiritual practices.
• Praise and Devotion: Chapters include hymns and prayers praising the Tirthankaras and other revered figures in Jainism.

Key Chapters and Concepts: Several chapters are highlighted for their specific contributions:

• Dharmopadeshamrit: Discusses the nature of dharma, contrasting worldly pleasures with spiritual bliss and emphasizing the importance of compassion and righteousness.
• Daanopadeshan: Elaborates on the virtues and significance of charity, categorizing recipients and the merits of giving.
• Anityapanchashat: Focuses on the impermanence of worldly possessions, the body, and life itself, encouraging detachment and spiritual focus.
• Ekatvasaptati: Explores the concept of oneness and self-realization, emphasizing the unique nature of the soul and its ultimate liberation.
• Brahmacharyarakshavarti: Details the principles and practices of celibacy, crucial for spiritual progress.
• Nishchayapanchashat: Discusses the concepts of Nischaya (ultimate truth) and Vyavahar (conventional truth) in Jainism.
• Rishabastotra & Jinadarshanastavan: Hymns in praise of Lord Rishabhanatha and the essence of Jinadarshan.
• Siddhastuuti: Praises the liberated souls (Siddhas) and their attainment of eternal bliss.
• Alolochana: Outlines the process of confession and repentance for overcoming faults.
• Sadbodhachandrodaya: Focuses on the dawn of right understanding.
• Brahma-charyashtaka: Another chapter dedicated to the principles of celibacy.

The Padmanandi Panchvinshati serves as an invaluable resource for understanding core Jain doctrines, ethical guidelines, and spiritual aspirations, presented in an accessible and insightful manner.