Prabandh Chatushtay

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prabandh Chatushtay" by Ramniklal M. Shah, based on the provided pages:

Title: Prabandh Chatushtay (प्रबन्ध-चतुष्टय) Author/Editor: Dr. Ramniklal M. Shah (डॉ. रमणीक म. शाह) Publisher: Kalikal Sarvagya Shri Hemchandracharya Navam Janmashatabdi Smriti Sanskar-Shikshanidhi, Ahmedabad (कलिकाल सर्वज्ञ श्रीहेमचन्द्राचार्य नवम जन्मशताब्दी स्मृति संस्कार-शिक्षणनिधि, अहमदाबाद) Year of Publication: 1994 CE (V.S. 2050, Vira Nirwan Samvat 2520) Language: Primarily Prakrit (प्राकृतभाषानिबद्ध) with editorial notes and introductions in Gujarati and Hindi.

Overview:

"Prabandh Chatushtay" is a significant publication presenting a collection of four prabandhas (narrative biographies or anecdotes) related to important Jain Acaryas. The text is based on a palm-leaf manuscript from the Jain Gyan Mandir in Patan, identified as manuscript number 317 (new number 136/2). The editor, Dr. Ramniklal M. Shah, highlights the historical and literary importance of this collection, noting its early composition date and its presentation in Prakrit, a language less commonly found in such prabandha compilations compared to Sanskrit.

Contents and Structure:

The book is structured as follows:

• Publisher's Statement (प्रकाशकનું નિવેદન): This section expresses gratitude and pride in publishing this ancient and previously unpublished Prakrit text, dedicated to the memory of Acharya Hemchandracharya. It also mentions the various activities of the trust, such as awarding scholars, organizing seminars, and publishing other works.
• Introduction (आमुख): Written by the editor, Dr. R.M. Shah, this section details the manuscript's origin, its condition (including missing and damaged folios), the script (Devanagari), and the editorial process. He explains the choice of the title "Prabandh Chatushtay" (meaning "Four Prabandhas") as the original manuscript does not contain a specific title, but a note on its wooden cover suggests "Siddhasen Diwakar Charitradi 4 Granth" (Siddhasen Diwakar and other 4 texts). He notes the similarity of these prabandhas to those found in later works like "Prabhavak Charitra" and "Prabandh Chintamani," suggesting this collection might be an earlier form or source.
• The Four Prabandhas: The core of the book consists of the biographical narratives:
  1. Siddhasen Diwakar Kathanak (सिद्धसेन दिवाकर-कथानक): This prabandha recounts the life and intellectual debates of Acarya Siddhasen Diwakar, including his encounter with King Vikramaditya and his prowess in philosophical arguments.
  2. Padalipta Suri Kathanak (पादलिप्तसूरि-कथानक): This section narrates the life of Acarya Padalipta Suri, highlighting his miraculous abilities and his influence through his teachings and the establishment of religious practices. It includes various anecdotes illustrating his wisdom and spiritual power.
  3. Mallavadi Suri Kathanak (मल्लवादि-कथानक): This prabandha focuses on Acarya Mallavadi, detailing his intellectual debates and victories, particularly his contest with a rival scholar named Buddhānanda. It emphasizes his mastery of scriptures and his eventual triumph.
  4. Bappabhatti Suri Kathanak (बप्पभट्टि-कथानक): This extensive narrative covers the life of Acarya Bappabhatti Suri, illustrating his scholarly achievements, his interactions with kings and influential figures, his patronage of religious arts and temples, and his ability to overcome challenges through his profound knowledge and spiritual power.
• Appendices (परिशिष्ट):
  • Parishisht-1 (परिशिष्ट-१): This appendix includes three prabandhas from the "Kahavali" (कहावली) by Bhadreshwarsuri, which are related to Siddhasena Suri, Mallavadi Suri, and Padalipta Suri. This provides comparative material for the main text, highlighting the textual evolution and possible influences.
  • Parishisht-2 (परिशिष्ट-२): A list of the symbolic references of the verses included in the "Prabandh Chatushtay."
  • Parishisht-3 (परिशिष्ट-३): An index of special names mentioned in the text, which is invaluable for historical and genealogical research.
  • Parishisht-4 (परिशिष्ट-४): The story of Kalak Suri (कालकसूरि कथा), possibly from the "Kahavali," found in the Khambhat manuscript, is included as an appendix.

Key Themes and Significance:

• Early Jain Literature: The text is significant for its early composition date (around 1235 CE), predating other well-known prabandha collections in Sanskrit. Its Prakrit language also makes it a valuable resource for understanding the linguistic landscape of Jain literature during that period.
• Lives of Acaryas: The prabandhas offer insights into the lives, intellectual achievements, and spiritual powers of prominent Jain Acaryas. They highlight their roles in spreading Jain teachings, resolving philosophical disputes, and influencing society through their wisdom and asceticism.
• Historical and Cultural Value: The narratives provide glimpses into the socio-historical context of medieval India, mentioning kings, cities, and societal practices, making them valuable for historical research.
• Literary Merit: The Prakrit verses and prose narratives demonstrate literary skill and the narrative traditions prevalent in Jain literature.
• Comparative Study: The inclusion of related texts from "Kahavali" in the appendix facilitates comparative literary studies, revealing textual variations and possible lineage of these stories.

Editorial Approach:

Dr. Shah's editorial work involved meticulous reconstruction of the text from the palm-leaf manuscript. He notes challenges like missing folios, faded ink, and textual inaccuracies, and his approach includes:

• Providing critical notes on impure readings.
• Indicating missing text in square brackets.
• Using a question mark in parentheses for unclear or unresolvable corruptions.
• Assigning sequential numbers to verses for clarity.

In essence, "Prabandh Chatushtay" is a scholarly publication that resurrects and illuminates an important, early Jain text, contributing significantly to the understanding of Jain history, literature, and philosophy.