Prakrit Vigyan Pathmala Margdarshika

The book "Prakrit Vigyan Pathmala Margdarshika" (A Guide to the Path Mala of Prakrit Science) authored by Somchandravijay Gani and published by Surendranagar Jain SMP Tapagachha Sangh, is a comprehensive guide designed to assist students in learning the Prakrit language. The text serves as a companion to the "Prakrit Vigyan Pathmala," an earlier work by Acharya Vijaykastur Surishwarji Maharaj.

Here's a summary of the key aspects of the book based on the provided pages:

Purpose and Philosophy:

• The primary goal of the "Margdarshika" is to enhance the learning experience of the "Pathmala." It aims to deepen the understanding and mastery of Prakrit, which is considered the "mother tongue" of Jains and the language spoken by Lord Mahavir.
• The guide emphasizes self-study and practice. It provides Sanskrit and Gujarati translations of Prakrit sentences, and vice versa, not to reduce the student's effort, but to allow them to verify their own translations, similar to a math student checking their answers.
• The author's intention is to help even those students who are struggling to become proficient, by providing a comparative study of Prakrit and Sanskrit.

Structure and Content of the "Margdarshika":

• Follows the "Pathmala" Sequence: The guide strictly adheres to the order and subject matter of the "Pathmala" without any alterations.
• Inclusion of Grammar Rules: For each lesson of the "Pathmala," all the rules, declensions of noun endings (swaranta and vyanjananta), verb conjugations (dhatu forms for all tenses, causative, participles), compound words (samasa), and numeral words are presented at the beginning of the respective lesson.
• Integration of Commentary: Rules from the commentary on the "Pathmala" (such as sandhi rules) are included alongside the relevant sentences, numbered for clarity, maintaining continuity with the main text.
• Comparative Study with Hemchandracharya's Grammar: All rules in the "Pathmala" are based on the eighth chapter of Acharya Hemchandracharya's "Shri Siddhhem Shabdanushasan," which deals with Prakrit grammar. The guide provides references to the specific sutras and verse numbers from this authoritative grammar for comparative study.
• Translation and Explanation:
  • Prakrit sentences are translated into Sanskrit and Gujarati.
  • Gujarati sentences are translated into Prakrit and Sanskrit.
  • Where "Gathas" (verses) appear, they are numbered according to the "anvaya" (syntactic order), and their Sanskrit translations are also provided for ease of understanding.
• Focus on Samasa: From lesson 23 onwards, the guide breaks down compound words (samasa) in Prakrit and Gujarati sentences, explaining their formation (vigraha).
• Appendices for Further Study: The book includes appendices with:
  • "Gadhya-Padyamala" (Prose and Verse Collection) with complete anvaya and Sanskrit translations.
  • A collection of Prakrit roots (dhatu) and word usages found in the "Pathmala."
  • An alphabetical index of the Gathas from the "Pathmala" for easy reference.

Origin and Development:

• The "Margdarshika" was created during the compilation of the fourth edition of the "Prakrit Vigyan Pathmala." It incorporates suggestions from various scholars, monks, and teachers.
• A significant change in the fourth edition, reflected in the "Margdarshika," was the script change from Balabodh Lipi to Gujarati Lipi for all text except the Prakrit itself, to facilitate easier study.
• The publication of this guide was a long-standing desire that is now being fulfilled.

Historical Context (Surat Jain SMP Tapagachha Sangh): The introductory sections also provide a detailed history of the Surendranagar Jain Shwetambar Murtipujak Tapagachha Sangh. This history traces the establishment of the Jain temple in Surendranagar, starting from its inception in Samvat 1930 (1873 AD) with the founding of the city of Surendranagar. It chronicles the construction of the temple, the installation of deities, the establishment of educational institutions like the "Shri Ganimukti Vijay Jain Pathshala," and various religious and social activities that have taken place over the years, culminating in significant events like the Centennial Festival (Shatabdi Mahotsav) of the Shri Vasupujyaswami Jinanalay in Samvat 2046 (1990 AD). This historical account highlights the rich legacy and devotion of the community.

Key Figures:

• Pramukh: Acharya Dev Shri Vijaykastursurishwarji Maharaj (the originator of the "Pathmala").
• Inspirators: Acharya Dev Shri Vijaychandroday Surishwarji Maharaj and Acharya Dev Shri Vijayashokchand Surishwarji Maharaj.
• Compiler/Editor: Pandit Shri Somchandravijay Gani.

In essence, "Prakrit Vigyan Pathmala Margdarshika" is a meticulously compiled and pedagogically sound resource that aims to make the study of Prakrit accessible and effective, grounded in the teachings of Jain scholars and the rich tradition of Jain learning.