Pravachansara Ki Ashesh Prakrit Sanskrit Shabdanukramanika

The book "Pravachansara ki Ashesh Prakrit Sanskrit Shabdanukramanika" is a comprehensive word-index of the Pravacanasāra, a significant Digambara Jain scripture attributed to Kundkundacharya.

Here's a breakdown of its purpose and content, based on the provided pages:

• Purpose: The primary goal of this publication is to create a complete word-index of the Pravacanasāra. This means it lists every word found in the text and provides its corresponding Sanskrit rendering. This type of index is invaluable for scholars and students who wish to engage in a detailed and precise study of the text.

• Content:

  • Prakrit-Sanskrit Word-Index: The core of the book is the alphabetical listing of Prakrit words from the Pravacanasāra. For each Prakrit word, its Sanskrit equivalent is provided.
  • Verse and Chapter References: Following each Sanskrit rendering, the index indicates the chapter number and the verse number where that particular Prakrit word appears. This allows users to easily locate the word within the original text.
  • Cross-referencing: The index includes cross-references (e.g., "देखो" or "See") to other related words or alternative forms, further aiding in comprehensive study.
  • Sauraseni Prakrit Focus: The Publisher's Note highlights that the index is specifically helpful for those interested in the "Sauraseni Prakrit of the Jaina authors of the early Christian era," indicating the linguistic focus.

• Collaboration and Publication:

  • Original Work: The Pravacanasāra text itself was edited by Prof. Dr. A. N. Upadhye and published in 1964.
  • Index Preparation: The word-index was compiled and prepared by K. R. Chandra and Miss Shobhna R. Shah.
  • Publisher: The Prakrit Text Society, Ahmedabad, published this word-index in the year 2000.
  • Funding: The Prakrit Jain Vidya Vikas Fund, Ahmedabad, supported the compilation of the index.

• Significance: This word-index serves as a crucial tool for:

  • Linguistic Analysis: Understanding the vocabulary, grammar, and nuances of the Sauraseni Prakrit used in an important Jain text.
  • Scholarly Research: Providing researchers with direct access to the textual elements and their meanings, facilitating deeper study and interpretation of Kundkundacharya's philosophy.
  • Deeper Understanding of Pravacanasāra: Allowing readers to explore the text's concepts and teachings with greater accuracy and depth by having a clear grasp of its linguistic components.

In essence, this publication is a meticulous and scholarly resource that unlocks the linguistic richness of the Pravacanasāra, making it more accessible for in-depth study and research within Jainism.