Pippal Gaccha Gurvavali - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Pippal Gaccha Gurvavali," by Bhanvarlal Nahta, based on the provided pages:

Introduction and Purpose:

The book "Pippal Gaccha Gurvavali" by Bhanvarlal Nahta delves into the history and lineage of the Pippal Gaccha, a significant branch within Jainism. The author highlights the importance of "pattavalis" (genealogies) and "gurvavalis" (lists of preceptors) as crucial sources for understanding medieval Jain history. The text aims to compile available information about the preceptors of the Pippal Gaccha, noting the scarcity of detailed records and chronological data.

Origins and Naming of the Pippal Gaccha:

The Pippal Gaccha is identified as a branch of the larger Brihadgaccha (also known as Bad Gaccha).
Its name likely originates from a peepal tree (Pipal) or a place named Pippala.
The text mentions that the founder of the Brihadgaccha, Udyotan Suri, initiated eight preceptors under a banyan tree, and their descendants were known as Badgacchiyas. Similarly, Shantisuri initiated eight disciples, possibly leading to the name Pippal Gaccha.
Another branch of the same name emerged from Jinavardhana Suri within the Kharatar Gaccha, which appears to be connected to a specific location called Pipaliya in Malwa. The text raises the question of whether the Pippal Gaccha discussed here also has a connection to this Malwa location.

Key Preceptor: Shantisuri:

Shantisuri is identified as a highly influential preceptor of the Pippal Gaccha.
According to the Sanskrit "Guru Stuti," he was worshipped by the goddess Chakreshvari and authored the "Prithvichandra Charitra."
The "Prithvichandra Charitra" was written for Munichandra in 1708 (V.S. 1769), with a total of 7500 verses. It was composed in Prakrit, and a palm-leaf manuscript from 1225 (V.S. 1225) exists in the Jaisalmer Bhandar.
A prasasti (inscription) indicates that Shantisuri was initiated by Sarvadeva Suri and studied literature, logic, and philosophy under him. He received his acharya-pad (preceptorship) from Shri Chandrasuri.
The eight preceptors initiated by Shantisuri, who received acharya-pad in the Nemnath temple built by a virtuous shravaka (lay disciple), were: Mahendrasuri, Vijaysinghsuri, Devendrachandrasuri, Padmadeva Suri, Purnachandrasuri, Jayadevsuri, Hemaprabhasuri, and Jineswarsuri.
Historical records from the 17th century mention Shantisuri's work in initiating seven hundred Shrimali families in Shri Malnagar.

Debate on the Identity of Shantisuri and the Gaccha's Establishment:

The text raises a point of debate regarding the identification of Shantisuri with "Vadi Vetal Shantisuri," a preceptor known for establishing the Tharad Gaccha.
According to the "Prabhavak Charitra," Vadi Vetal Shantisuri passed away in 1096 (V.S. 1096). However, the "Prithvichandra Charitra" was composed in 1161 (V.S. 1161), indicating that the Shantisuri who authored it could not be Vadi Vetal Shantisuri.
The text also notes that Mohanlal Desai identified Vadi Vetal Shantisuri, honored by Maharaja Bhoj, as the founder of the Pippal Gaccha and author of "Dharmaratna Laghuvrittika." The author of the current work disputes this based on the chronological discrepancy.
The "Tilakamanjari Tipping" was attributed to Shantisuri of the Purnatal Gaccha, not the Pippal Gaccha.

Branching and Key Preceptors of the Tribhaviyā Branch:

The "Tribhaviyā" branch of the Pippal Gaccha is clearly identified through inscriptions.
Dharmadevsuri is credited with the origin of the Tribhaviyā branch. He told King Sarangdev of Gohilwad his three past lives, leading to this branch's name. He also converted Ghunghal to Jainism by revealing his three lives and built a Saraswati Mandap.
Other preceptors mentioned, along with their approximate periods and notable achievements, include:
- Vijayasinghsuri: Authored the "Shraddh Pratikraman Churni" in 1183 (V.S. 1183) and consecrated the moolnayak of Didala in 1208 (V.S. 1208).
- Devabhadransuri, Dharmaghoshasuri, Shilbhadrasuri, Purnadevasuri: Limited information is available about these preceptors.
- Vijayavansuri: Mentioned in guru malas as "Pasdev Patt Uddharan."
- Dharmachandrasuri: Consecrated an idol with an inscription from 1371 (V.S. 1371) and made Mokha king a shreṣṭhī (chief).
- Dharmaratnasuri: No specific details are available.
- Dharmatilakasuri: Consecrated an idol with an inscription from 1437 (V.S. 1437).
- Dharmasinghsuri: A Jain temple was built in Gudiy Nagar due to his teachings.
- Dharmaprabhasuri: Son of Sirya Devi, wife of Thriraj. His installation as acharya was celebrated by merchants Palha and Petha. He consecrated the Chandrapraha temple in 1447 (V.S. 1447). His work mentions Minister Hema organizing the birth anniversary of Veer Prabhu at the Chandrapraha temple during the reign of King Sarangdev. Minister Hema also commissioned the Kalpasutra. He converted people in Gundi Nagar to Jainism by discouraging violence. Inscriptions of idols consecrated by him date up to 1476 (V.S. 1476).
- Dharmashekharasuri: Inscriptions of his consecrated idols range from 1484 to 1509 (V.S. 1484-1509).
- Dharmasagarasuri: Inscriptions of his consecrated idols are from 1517 to 1537 (V.S. 1517-1537). His disciple Vimalaprabhasuri's disciple Rajsagar authored "Prasannachandra Rajas Ras" (1647 V.S.) and "Lav-Kush Ras" (1672 V.S.).
- Dharmavallabhasuri: Inscriptions of his consecrated idols date to 1553 (V.S. 1553).
- Dharmavimlasuri: An inscription of his consecrated idol is from 1587 (V.S. 1587). He might be the successor of Dharmavallabhasuri.
- Dharmasharasuri: An inscription from 1670 (V.S. 1670) written by his great-disciple is published. Another contemporary preceptor of the Pippal Gaccha, Lakshmisagar, is mentioned in an inscription from 1639 (V.S. 1639). Punya Sagar authored "Nayaprakash Ras" (1677 V.S.) and "Anjana Ras" (1689 V.S.) during Lakshmisagar Suri's time.

Other Branches and Preceptors:

The Taladhvaji branch is mentioned, with Gunaratnasuri being a prominent figure. His idol consecration inscriptions are from 1507 to 1517 (V.S. 1507-1517). His successor, Gunsagarasuri, has inscriptions from 1524 to 1529 (V.S. 1524-1529), and his successor Shantisuri has an inscription from 1546 (V.S. 1546).
Virdvasuri is mentioned with an inscription from 1414 (V.S. 1414). His disciple Viraprabhasuri has records from 1454 to 1465 (V.S. 1454-1465). His disciple Hiranasuri was a skilled poet, authoring "Vidyavilas Pavado" (1485 V.S.), "Vastupal Tejpal Ras" (1494 V.S.), and others.

Influence and Decline:

The Tribhaviyā branch of the Pippal Gaccha appears to have had a significant influence in Sachor and Thirthpur. The author suggests that more materials, including pattavalis and texts composed by this gaccha, might be found in the Bhandars of these places.
The Pippal Gaccha was quite influential during the 15th and 16th centuries, as evidenced by numerous published idol inscriptions from these periods.
Information about the preceptors and scholars of this gaccha extends up to the 17th century. Beyond this, there is a lack of available sources to trace the lineage.

Literary Contributions:

The number of surviving literary works composed by scholars of the Pippal Gaccha is very small. The author suggests that much of their literature might be preserved in the knowledge Bhandars of their followers or might have been lost due to limited circulation.

Guru Stuti, Guru Vivahalu, Guru nu Dhul, Guru Mal:

The book includes excerpts from various works related to the Pippal Gaccha, such as:

Guru Stuti: A laudatory hymn praising the lineage of preceptors, starting from Jinvardhanasuri, then Jambuswami, and tracing the lineage through various prominent figures like Sarvadevasuri, Nemachandrasuri, Shantisuri, and his disciples. It also highlights the gaccha's practice of observing the Chaturdashi (14th day) as a fortnightly festival.
Guru Vivahalu: A poetic composition praising the preceptors and their virtues, mentioning their role in understanding the three births and their connection to rulers like Sarangdev.
Guru nu Dhul: Another poetic tribute to the preceptors, seeking the blessings of Saraswati. It praises Dharmadevasuri as a prominent leader of the Pippal Gaccha and mentions his disciples, including Dharmachandrasuri and Dharmaratnasuri.
Guru Mal: A list of preceptors, starting from Jinvardhanasuri and tracing the lineage, mentioning Shantisuri, Vijaysinghsuri, Devabhadransuri, Dharmaghoshasuri, Shilbhadrasuri, Purnadevasuri, Vijayavansuri, Dharmadevasuri, Dharmachandrasuri, Dharmaratnasuri, Dharmatilakasuri, Dharmasinghsuri, Dharmaprabhasuri, Dharmashekharasuri, and Dharmasagarasuri. It also briefly mentions the consecration of the Chandrapraha temple by Dharmaprabhasuri and the patronage of Minister Hema.

Royal Patronage and Events:

The text also briefly touches upon significant events like the Vir Janmotsav (birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir), mentioning the participation of celestial beings and the role of Minister Hema in organizing it during the reign of King Sarangdev.

In essence, "Pippal Gaccha Gurvavali" by Bhanvarlal Nahta serves as a valuable historical document, meticulously piecing together the scattered information about the Pippal Gaccha, its influential preceptors, its branches, and its place in the broader history of Jainism, while also acknowledging the limitations of available historical data.