Pustak Samiksha Kshamakalyanji Kruti Sangraha

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Pustak Samiksha Kshamakalyanji Kruti Sangraha" by Bhavin K Pandya, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Kshamakalyanji Kruti Sangraha (Collection of Works by Kshamakalyanji) Author: Bhavin K Pandya Publisher: Mehulprabhsagar (Published by Acharya Shri Jin-kantisagar Suri Smarak Trust, Mandawala) Total Volumes: 2 Publication Year: V.S. 2073 (2016 CE) Price: Rs. 100/- (for the set) Subject: A rare collection of works by Mahopadhyaya Shri Kshamakalyanji, a disciple of Kharatargachchhiya Vachak Shri Amritdharm Gani.

Overview:

This two-volume collection, compiled and edited by Arya Mehulprabhsagarji (a disciple of Gachchadhipati Acharya Shri Jinmaniprabhasuri), is presented as a significant contribution to Jain literature. It was released to commemorate the bicentenary of the passing of Mahopadhyaya Shri Kshamakalyanji. Arya Mehulprabhsagarji diligently gathered the related works from various knowledge repositories across India, meticulously edited them, and published them in honor of this bicentennial year.

Sources of the Works:

The compilation of Mahopadhyaya Shri Kshamakalyanji's works is primarily based on handwritten manuscripts from five key knowledge repositories:

1. Acharya Shri Kailassagar Suri Gyanmandir, Koba, Gandhinagar
2. Shri Jinhari Sagar Suri Gyanbhandar, Palitana
3. Shri Jinvadra Suri Gyanbhandar, Jaisalmer
4. Rajasthan Prachyavidya Pratishthan, Jodhpur-Bikaner
5. Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Bharatiya Prachyavidya Sansthan, Ahmedabad

Mahopadhyaya Shri Kshamakalyanji:

Mahopadhyaya Shri Kshamakalyanji lived between V.S. 1801 and V.S. 1873. He was a prolific author of many important works. Previously, Acharya Shri Jinhari Sagar Suri had published 60 musical compositions and the biography of Mahopadhyaya Shri Kshamakalyanji, sourced from manuscripts in Jaisalmer and Jaipur knowledge repositories.

Content of the Collection:

The collection is prefaced by a special introduction titled "Vande Kshamakalyanm" written by Arya Mehulprabhsagarji's guru, Acharya Shri Jinmaniprabhasuri. This introduction extensively details Mahopadhyaya Kshamakalyanji's life, including his period of spiritual practice, personality, and literary achievements. It provides an overview of his devotional, ritualistic, philosophical, historical, and narrative works.

Volume One:

• Focus: Primarily contains devotional works by Mahopadhyaya Kshamakalyanji.
• Content: Includes a collection of 114 works such as Chaityavandan (worship of temples), Stuti (praise), and Stavan (devotional songs).
• Highlights: Two Stuti-Chaturvinshtika (praises of 24 Tirthankaras) are highlighted as particularly attractive to readers. The volume also includes praises and devotional songs dedicated to various historical shakhanjayadi (lineages of gurus) and Tirthankaras, as well as Ashtak (eight-verse compositions) in honor of gurus like Jindattasuri, Jinkushalsuri, Jinvyaktsuri, Jinvlabhsuri, and Vachacharya Amritdharmadi.
• Appendix: Features 5 works that illustrate his virtues and highlight his personality.

Volume Two:

• Content:
  • "Kharatargachchhiya Pattavali": A detailed historical work written in Sanskrit by Mahopadhyaya Kshamakalyanji in V.S. 1830.
  • "Sadhuvidhiprakash Prakaran" and "Shravakvidhiprakash Prakaran": Two essential chapters for the Chaturvidh Sangh (fourfold Jain community), offering beautiful explanations of rituals like Pratikraman (confession and repentance). A glossary of difficult words with their meanings is included at the end of Shravakvidhiprakash.
  • "Pratikraman Hetavah": This work explains the reasons and utility of each step of the Pratikraman ritual.
  • "Suktaratnavali": A collection of aphorisms encompassing Jain principles.

Significance:

This compiled work is considered highly beneficial and commendable for the entire Jain community. Arya Mehulprabhsagarji's effort in publishing this collection not only provides valuable material for researchers but also enriches Jain literature, making the works of Mahopadhyaya Shri Kshamakalyanji accessible today. The reviewer expresses hope that Arya Mehulprabhsagarji will continue his service to scripture and that his compiled works will be preserved for generations to come, benefiting the entire Jain society.