Pushpmala Chintvani

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Pushpmala Chintvani" by Shilchandrasuri, based on the catalog link and the translated pages:

Book Title: Pushpmala Chintvani (Flower Garland Contemplations) Author: Shilchandrasuri Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan (likely a research or archival entity) Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229516/1

Overview:

"Pushpmala Chintvani" is a relatively short Gujarati work that creatively uses the imagery of 31 different flowers to express laudatory sentiments, primarily directed towards virtuous individuals ("sajjan"). The work consists of 31 dohas (couplets), with each couplet likening a desirable quality of a good person to a specific flower.

Content and Structure:

• Introduction (Page 1): The introduction, attributed to Sam. Vijayshilchandra Suri, explains that this work was found in a collection in Khambhat. The text is presented as is, with the intent of sharing its delightful content. It highlights that the work comprises 31 dohas that describe 31 types of flowers and offer uplifting commentary. The dohas are in "Gurjarbhasha" (Gujarati) and are described as self-explanatory and enjoyable for those with a refined taste.

  • The introduction also mentions a peculiar element: five boxes at the beginning, marked with numbers 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16. The sum of these numbers is 31, which is believed to correspond to the 31 flowers described in the dohas. The purpose of these boxes is speculated to be related to a game or children's play.
  • The author of "Pushpmala Chintvani" is not definitively known. A speculation is made that it might have been composed by a Jain monk whose name appears in the pushpika (colophon), but this is presented as a mere conjecture.

• The 31 Dohas (Pages 2-4): The core of the work is the 31 dohas. Each doha typically follows a pattern:

  1. It begins by describing a flower.
  2. It then draws a parallel between a quality of that flower (its fragrance, appearance, thorniness, seasonal availability, etc.) and a virtue or characteristic of a good person.
  3. The praise is often directed towards "sajjan" (virtuous, noble, good people), highlighting their virtues like good character, pleasant nature, enduring friendship, and admirable qualities.

  Examples from the Dohas:

  • Champa Flower (1): Likened to a beautiful woman with wonderful, pervasive fragrance, symbolizing the exquisite qualities of a noble person.
  • Rose Flower (2): Compared to a pure-hearted woman whose character emits a fragrance, suggesting that such individuals are highly esteemed and abundant.
  • Mogro Flower (3): Its scent is described as incomparable, like the growing affection of good people that deepens daily.
  • Champa Flower (4) (different context): Its subtle yet valuable essence is compared to the unforgettable nature of good people.
  • Kandali Flower (5): Described as delicate and soft, it's likened to a virtuous friend remembered during times of need.
  • Ketki Flower (6): Despite its beauty, it has thorns, symbolizing how one should avoid people who are outwardly attractive but have hidden dangers.
  • Dhatura Flower (7): Though considered undesirable, even a divine being finds it acceptable, suggesting that sometimes even less auspicious things can be viewed favorably by powerful entities, or perhaps highlighting that even in what seems negative, there might be a hidden aspect.
  • Juhi Flower (8): It's compared to a lovelorn woman, sending messages of love to her beloved during the monsoon season, symbolizing how virtuous people act as messengers of love and longing.
  • Amb (Mango) Flower (9): Referred to as a "sajjan" (good person) that delights and bestows blessings, like the sweet fruit of the mango tree.
  • Poeein Flower (10): Its beautiful form is equated with the auspicious appearance of a good person.
  • Keshu Flower (11): Its vibrant color is compared to the willingness of a good person to engage in pleasant conversation without fear.
  • Kamal (Lotus) Flower (12): Its beauty blooming in a city is likened to virtuous people residing in any town, bringing joy to all who see them.
  • Kumudini Flower (13): Its fragrance spreading like moonlight brings joy, mirroring the happiness that emanates from virtuous people.
  • Kund Flower (14): Described as pure white and full of virtues, it's an example of the esteemed nature of good people.
  • Sundarshan Flower (15): When the beloved arrives, young women rush to meet it, symbolizing how people eagerly embrace those who bring them joy.
  • Malati Flower (16): The absence of bees is noted, contrasting with the desirability of true love, implying that some relationships lack the essential spark.
  • Padal Flower (17): Likened to a beloved's presence, cherished at all times, signifying deep affection.
  • Sadavatsan Flower (18): A wise woman calls it her most valuable flower, representing the profound and lasting value of true virtues.
  • Sevantri Flower (19): Its pervasive fragrance in every home is compared to the widespread respect earned by a truly virtuous person.
  • Kanier Flower (20): It's described as appearing valuable from afar but is like Kanier flowers when close, implying that superficial appreciation is meaningless, and one should only engage with genuinely virtuous individuals.
  • Karani Flower (21): Its innate affection is compared to the gentle nature of good people who offer comfort during times of distress.
  • Sirapandi Flower (22): Even when far away, it is remembered by the heart, similar to how virtuous people are never forgotten by those who cherish them.
  • Harsingar Flower (23): Its beauty is admired, and the reason for not meeting the beloved is questioned, suggesting a longing for reunion.
  • Veshya (Prostitute) Flower (24): Compared to the flowers of good people, it is seen as a false display of charm and emotion that is ultimately hollow.
  • Ambakesi Flower (25): Its fruit's worthlessness without the tree is like a relationship without the essence of good people.
  • Kevada Flower (26): Even a thorny flower like Kevada is respected for its qualities, indicating that virtues are valued regardless of minor flaws.
  • Tadtadiyadi Flower (27): Its attraction is only from afar, without inner substance, signifying that superficial beauty without inner goodness is meaningless.
  • Aaphu Flower (28): While beautiful externally, it harbors poison within, compared to a distant pleasant sight that may have hidden dangers.
  • Bolsari Flower (29): Though small, it has a wonderful fragrance, representing people of humble appearance but great inner virtue and a good connection.
  • Sahakar Flower (30): Its sweetness is unparalleled, making the throat sing like a cuckoo, symbolizing the exquisite taste and eloquence of good people.
  • Karir Flower (31): Despite outward show, it lacks inner virtue, making it difficult to connect with, representing those who put on a show without genuine goodness.

• Colophon (Page 4): The text concludes with a colophon stating it was written by Rishi Shri 5 Amaraji, a disciple of Shri 5 Samalji. The writing was done in the year 1756 of the Vikram Samvat era, on the 10th day of Ashwan (Aashu) Shukla, in Rinoji (likely a location in Malwa), with a wish for auspiciousness.

Key Themes and Significance:

• Praise of Virtue: The primary purpose of "Pushpmala Chintvani" is to praise and extol the virtues of noble individuals.
• Flower Symbolism: The work masterfully uses the natural beauty and characteristics of flowers as metaphors to describe human qualities. This technique makes the abstract concepts of virtue relatable and aesthetically pleasing.
• Moral Guidance: While not a treatise on ethics, the comparisons implicitly offer moral guidance, encouraging readers to seek and emulate virtuous traits.
• Literary Merit: The work is recognized for its literary beauty, with its dohas being described as "rasotsav" (a festival of delight) for connoisseurs.
• Cultural Context: The use of Gujarati and the reference to specific flowers suggest its roots in the literary and cultural traditions of Gujarat and potentially the broader Indian subcontinent.

In essence, "Pushpmala Chintvani" is a delightful and artistic exploration of human virtue, beautifully rendered through the symbolic language of flowers, inviting readers to appreciate and cultivate good qualities in themselves and others.