Prakrit Vyakaranam Part 2

This is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Prakrit Vyakaranam Part 2" by Hemchandracharya and Hemchandrasuri Acharya, published by Atmaram Jain Model School. The text focuses on the Prakrit grammar as the eighth chapter of Acharya Hemachandra's renowned work, "Siddha-Hema-ShabdAnuśāsanam."

Overall Context and Purpose:

This "Prakrit Vyakaranam Part 2" is a continuation of the first part, dedicated to providing a detailed and accessible explanation of Prakrit grammar. The publisher and the commentators aim to simplify the complex subject of grammar, making it understandable for students and scholars alike. The work is published in commemoration of the 25th Nirvana Shatabdi of Lord Mahavir.

Key Features and Content (based on the provided text):

1. Authorship and Commentary:

   • The original grammar is by Acharya Hemachandra, a highly respected Jain scholar known for his encyclopedic knowledge.
   • The commentary is provided by Acharya Paramshraddhey Pujya Shri Atmaram Ji Maharaj (through his disciple Pandit Shri Gyanmuni Ji Maharaj), who is praised for his scholarly depth and ability to simplify complex subjects. Pandit Gyanmuni Ji is described with titles like Jain-Bhushan, Punjab Kesari, Vyakhyaana-Divakar, and Pandit-Ratna, highlighting his expertise and influence.

2. Structure and Scope: * The book is the second part of the Prakrit Vyakaranam, focusing on the fourth pada (section or chapter) of Hemachandra's Prakrit grammar. * The fourth pada is extensively detailed, covering a wide range of grammatical rules related to verb roots (dhātus) and their transformations in Prakrit. This includes:

   • Dhātvādeśa Vidhi (धात्वादेश विधि): This is a significant portion of the text, detailing numerous phonetic changes and substitutions that occur with verb roots. The text systematically lists these changes, citing specific sutras from Hemachandra's original work. It provides examples of how Sanskrit verb roots are transformed into various Prakrit forms.
   • Nipāta Prakaraṇam (निपात-प्रकरणम्): This section deals with indeclinable words or particles in Prakrit.
   • Karma-bhāva (भाव-कर्म) Prakaraṇam: This covers the passive voice and the concept of "bhava" (state/feeling) in verbal constructions.
   • Śaurasenī-bhāṣā-prakaraṇam: This section details the specific grammatical rules and characteristics of the Śaurasenī dialect of Prakrit, which is considered important in Jain literature, particularly in Digambara Jain texts.
   • Māgadhī-bhāṣā-prakaraṇam: This covers the rules specific to the Māgadhī dialect.
   • Paiśācī-bhāṣā-prakaraṇam: This section deals with the rules of the Paiśācī dialect, which is noted for its influence in certain regions and its unique phonetic changes.
   • Cūlikā-paiśācī-bhāṣā-prakaraṇam: This discusses a dialect related to Paiśācī.
   • Apabhraṁśa-bhāṣā-prakaraṇam: This is a crucial part, covering the grammar of Apabhraṁśa, the transitional language between Prakrit and modern Indo-Aryan languages. It delves into various phonetic and grammatical changes, including:
     • Svara Vidhi (स्वरविधिः): Changes related to vowels.
     • Vyañjana Vidhi (व्यञ्जनविधिः): Changes related to consonants.
     • Puşka-syādi Vidhi (पुल्लिङ्गीय-स्यादि-विधिः): Grammatical rules related to masculine nouns and their endings.
     • Strīliṅgīya-syādi-Vidhiḥ: Grammatical rules related to feminine nouns and their endings.
     • Napunsakalīngīya-syādi-Vidhiḥ: Grammatical rules related to neuter nouns and their endings.
     • Sarvādisabdānam Vidhiḥ: Rules related to pronominal adjectives and determiners.

3. Commentary Style:

   • The commentary is provided in both Sanskrit (Bāla Manoramā) and Hindi (Ātmaguṇa-Prakāśikā).
   • The Sanskrit commentary is described as exhaustive, explaining the essence of the original sutras and the vritti (commentary) by Hemachandra himself. It also provides root-finding for example words.
   • The Hindi commentary further clarifies the meaning of the sutras and the examples, making the text highly accessible to a Hindi-speaking audience.
   • The inclusion of a detailed index of words used in the text, along with Sanskrit equivalents, is highlighted as a significant feature for both scholars and students.

4. Praise and Significance:

   • The text is universally praised by various saints and scholars for its clarity, comprehensiveness, and the immense effort undertaken by Pandit Gyanmuni Ji Maharaj.
   • It is considered essential for students and scholars of Prakrit and Jain literature.
   • The work is seen as filling a long-standing gap in making Prakrit grammar widely understood, especially through the Hindi commentary.
   • It is acknowledged for its contribution to the study and propagation of Prakrit language.
   • The quality of the publication, including paper and printing, is commended.

5. Etymology of "Prakrit":

   • The text includes a discussion on the meaning and etymology of the word "Prakrit," exploring various interpretations, particularly the view that Prakrit is derived from Sanskrit (Prakriti: Sanskritam). It also presents the alternative and more linguistically supported view that Prakrit is the natural, spontaneous language of the common people, from which Sanskrit evolved through refinement and grammatical codification. The text emphasizes Prakrit's role as a fundamental source language for many modern Indian languages.

In Summary:

"Prakrit Vyakaranam Part 2" by Acharya Hemachandra, with the commentary by Pandit Gyanmuni Ji Maharaj, is a vital resource for understanding Prakrit grammar. It meticulously covers the complexities of Prakrit morphology and phonology, particularly verb conjugations and dialectical variations (Śaurasenī, Māgadhī, Paiśācī, Apabhraṁśa). The dual commentary in Sanskrit and Hindi makes the intricate subject matter accessible to a broad audience, reinforcing its importance in Jain education and linguistic studies. The publication itself is a significant undertaking, celebrated for its scholarly merit and its contribution to preserving and promoting the study of Prakrit and Jain literature.