Panch Hariyali

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Panch Hariyali" by Upadhyay Bhuvanachandravijay, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Panch Hariyali (Five Hariyali) Author: Upadhyay Bhuvanachandravijay Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229409/1

General Introduction:

The text introduces "Hariyali" as a recognized poetic form in medieval Gujarati language. While the subject matter of Hariyali is similar to that of a "Pهلika" (riddle), Hariyali's format is more extensive, describing a problem in a lyrical song format, whereas a Pهلika is typically limited to a couplet like a Doha or Chaupai.

The book presents five such Hariyali poems. The first Hariyali is based on a Xerox copy from a "Chopada" (a type of manuscript) found in the Bikaner-Parshvachandragachchha Gyanbhandar. The remaining four Hariyalis were found among scattered manuscripts in the author's collection. Importantly, the solutions to these Hariyalis are not provided in the original manuscripts. The author has provided his own thoughtful solutions at the end of each Hariyali and requests readers to send any alternative solutions they might discover to "Anusandhan."

Summary of Each Hariyali:

1. First Hariyali (Pages 1-2):

• The Riddle: This Hariyali poses a riddle through poetic verses, describing something that is essential for heaven and hell, wind and water, lakes, streams, and rivers, and even for liberation (nirvani). It also states that without it, there is no liberation or good destiny, no true understanding (samkit) or false belief (mithyat), and no concept of the lok (world) or alok (beyond the world). It is described as a wondrous thing. The verses also mention a period of sixteen years or "today." The final verse mentions a name that is not clearly legible.
• Author's Proposed Solution: Bhavitavyata (destiny or fate).
• Author's Notes: The author acknowledges that the poet may have used symbolic names within the song, but they are not understood. Two lines in the fourth verse were not clearly legible.

2. Second Hariyali (Page 2):

• The Riddle: This Hariyali describes seeing a woman coming, but no one sees her going. It states that any man who honors her will achieve the bliss of liberation. This woman resides with virtuous people and is called by thirty-two names. She has one hundred and ninety "sons," twenty-four great "lords," and five hundred and seventy-seven "heads" of smaller ones. There are eighteen lakh false sons and twenty-four thousand above them. If one hundred and twenty are placed within them, one can cross the ocean of existence. She sheds eight types of wealth and is described as having a certain form. She has embraced many "liberated women" and her ancestors were great kings. It concludes by mentioning that when Gautam Swami asked for advice from Shri Vardhaman, infinite souls attained liberation and achieved kevalgyan (omniscience). Sadhus, Sadhvis, and even Arhant Dev honor her. Meghraj Muni states that one should serve her greatly.
• Author's Proposed Solution: Iriyavahi (a specific Jain concept, possibly related to movement and its consequences, drawing a connection from "aavti" - coming, and the idea of not seeing going).
• Author's Notes: The author connects the pronunciation of "aavahin" to the idea that the poet saw her coming but not going. The "190 sons" are interpreted as the total number of letters in the Iriyavahi and "Tass Uttari" sutras. The "great sons" are guru letters, and the "small sons" are short letters.

3. Third Hariyali (Page 3):

• The Riddle: This Hariyali describes something that has leaves but is not green, and has a beak. For what reason does it peck? Even then, it goes away. It does not have a green casing, but its beak is green. It lays eggs by its beak, and these eggs are caught in the ocean. Many eggs laid by the beak are broken and do not hatch anew. Those who serve them incur great sins of existence. Jinharsh Pandit asks who this "knife" is and states that the one who understands its meaning has good comprehension.
• Author's Proposed Solution: Lakhvani Kalam (a writing pen).
• Author's Notes: The author explains that "to peck" refers to writing letters. Laying eggs with the beak refers to dipping the pen in ink. Being caught in the ocean refers to the ink being used in a khadiya (inkwell).

4. Fourth Hariyali (Page 3-4):

• The Riddle: This Hariyali describes a woman held by two men, from whom one child is born. She has no visible hands or feet, yet she is a motherless daughter. Who is this beloved of gods and men? She wears new clothes – a veil, a bodice, and a skirt – and is attractive. Seeing the six men, she is captivated. She goes to the temple joyfully, playing with men and women, and is equal to all. She bears the name of an excellent caste and goes wherever she pleases. She is dear, embracing the neck, and pleases her lord. Her youth is for one day, after which she is of no use. Her name consists of five beautiful letters, which one should find.
• Author's Proposed Solution: Phoolni Mala (a garland of flowers).
• Author's Notes: The author explains that the garland is held by two hands (the two men). The garland is feminine, hence called a "daughter," but it has no "mother."

5. Fifth Hariyali (Page 4):

• The Riddle: This Hariyali describes a fair and virtuous woman, considered foremost, whose father is well-known. Her father's father meets her, but then she doesn't go to the village. She meets her father's father, and then becomes a father. She then has relations with her father, but it is not considered a sin. A powerful son is born from her womb, renowned in the world. This son is a great king, but possesses much imprudence. Even if she becomes weak in Jeth (a month), everyone desires her. In Bhadrava (another month), this woman is not given much honor. Her beauty is like the full moon, yet she is sold for a small price. Born into a noble family, she is taken by the low-born. Seven letters form her name, originating from one lineage. Meghchand Gani states that these are the places of meaning.
• Author's Proposed Solution: Doodh-Dahee-Chhachh-Ghee (Milk, Curd, Buttermilk, Ghee).
• Author's Notes: The address of the publisher is mentioned at the end of this section.

Overall Purpose:

The "Panch Hariyali" collection serves as a compendium of ancient Jain riddles presented in a lyrical format. It highlights the intellectual and creative traditions within Jainism, showcasing the use of poetic language to convey spiritual and philosophical concepts. The author's effort to decipher and present these riddles, along with his own proposed solutions, makes this a valuable resource for those interested in Jain literature and its historical forms of expression. The invitation for reader participation in finding alternative solutions further emphasizes a collaborative and scholarly approach.