Rajasthan Ke Jain Sanskrut Sahityakar

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Rajasthan ke Jain Sanskrut Sahityakar" (Jain Sanskrit Litterateurs of Rajasthan) by Shaktikumar Sharma, focusing on the prominent figures and their contributions:

The text highlights the rich tradition of Jain Sanskrit literature produced by scholars from Rajasthan, tracing its origins back to the 8th century Vikram era. It notes that Jainism, like Buddhism, emerged in opposition to ritualism and casteism, utilizing local languages. However, the respect for Sanskrit among scholars led Jain and Buddhist thinkers to adopt Sanskrit for their philosophical and literary works. The book then profiles numerous Jain litterateurs from Rajasthan, detailing their works and contributions:

Key Jain Sanskrit Litterateurs from Rajasthan and their Works:

• Ravishana (8th century): A disciple of Acharya Lakshmanasen. His most famous work is the Padma Charita, a Jain perspective on the Ramayana, which narrates the story of Rama (Padmini) and includes detailed descriptions of other characters.

• Haribhadra Suri (8th-9th century): A prominent Shvetambara scholar born in Chitrakoot (Chittorgarh). He was initiated by Jinadattasuri. He blended Jain philosophy with Yoga and Nyaya (logic). His significant works include:

  • Yoga-related: Yogadrishti Samuchchaya, Yogabindu, Yogashatak, Yogavishika.
  • Nyaya-related: Anekanatajayapataka, Nyayavinishchaya, Lokatatvanirnaya, Shastravarta Samuchchaya, Sarvajna Siddhi Prakarana. He also wrote commentaries on influential texts like Dinnaga's Nyaya Pravesha and Nyayavatara. He is considered the "Adi Kavi" (first poet) of Rajasthani Sanskrit literature.

• Siddharshi Suri (10th century): A disciple of Acharya Durgaswami, whose work area was Rajasthan. His most notable works are:

  • Upamiti Bhava Prapancha Katha: A vast metaphorical narrative, considered one of the oldest allegorical novels in world literature.
  • Chandrakeli Charita: A biographical epic. He also wrote commentaries on Upadeshamala and Nyayavatara.

• Amritachandra (10th-11th century): Mentioned with the title "Suri," indicating his high status. His works focus on Jain philosophy:

  • Purusharthasiddhi Upaya: A Sanskrit work in 226 verses explaining Jain tenets like the Three Jewels, Nayas (ways of looking at reality), and Asrava (influx of karma).
  • Tattvartha Sara: Analyzes concepts like soul, non-soul, asrava, bondage, liberation, and nirjara (shedding of karma).
  • Samayasara Kalasha: A commentary on Acharya Kundakunda's Samayasara.

• Ramsen (10th century): A Digambara poet associated with Bagad (Dungarpur-Banswara region).

  • Tattvanushasana: A 258-verse work that beautifully analyzes spirituality, making complex subjects accessible.

• Acharya Mahasen (10th century): Disciple of Purnachandra Jayasen and Gunakarasen Suri. His primary work is:

  • Pradyumna Charita: A 14-canto epic poem detailing the life of Pradyumna, son of Krishna, filled with rasa (aesthetic flavor) and ornate poetic style.

• Jineshwar Suri (11th century): Born in Madhya Pradesh, he became Jineshwar Suri after initiation. He debated with Suracharya in Anhilpurpattan and received the title "Khartar" under King Durlabharaj. His work was in Rajasthan and Gujarat.

  • Commentaries: He wrote commentaries on Pramalakshya, Ashtak Prakarana, and Kathakosh Prakarana.

• Buddhisagar Suri (11th century): Brother of Jineshwar Suri.

  • Panchagranthi Vyakarana (also known as Buddhisagar Vyakarana): A grammar text that was also used by Acharya Hemachandra.

• Kavi Uddha (11th century): Resident of Chitrakoot.

  • Sanskrit Panchasangraha: A Sanskrit translation of the Prakrit Panchasangraha. His translation is noted for its conciseness.

• Acharya Shubhachandra (Time uncertain, likely 11th-12th century): Several Acharyas bear this name. The author's works are found abundantly in Rajasthani Jain Bhandars, suggesting his connection to Rajasthan.

  • Jnanaarnava: A major work on Yoga (from a Jain perspective), discussing the 12 bhavanas (contemplations), five mahavratas (great vows), and meditation.

• Acharya Brahmadev (Time uncertain): Resident of Ashramapattan (modern Keshoraipatan in Bundi district).

  • Commentaries: He wrote commentaries on Brihad-dravya-sangraha and Paramatma Prakash for Shreshthi Somraj.

• Jinavallabh Suri (12th century): Spent much of his life in Chitrakoot. He became Acharya in 1167 VS and passed away in the same year. His works include:

  • Dharmashiksha Prakarana, Sanghapattaka, Sukshmartha Vicharasaroddhara, Agamika Vastu Vicharasar, Pindavishuddhi, Dvadashakulaka.
  • Literary Works: Shringarashataka, Prashnottarakashtashatakavya, Ashtasaptatika or Chaitravandana Sutra Vritti.

• Jinapati Suri (13th century): Born in 1210 VS. He debated with rulers like Bhimsingh of Ashika and Prithviraj Chauhan of Ajmer. His works include:

  • Commentaries: On Jinavallabh Suri's Sanghapattaka and Buddhisagar's Panchalingi Vyakarana.
  • Philosophical Works: Prabodhoday and Vadashthala.

• Jinpala Upadhyaya (13th-14th century): Disciple of Jinapati Suri. He debated with Kashmiri scholar Manodananda in 1273 VS. His works include:

  • Sanatkumara Chakri Charita: A great epic on par with Shishupala Vadha.
  • Yugapradhana Acharya Guravali: A historical account of Jain Acharyas.
  • Commentaries: On Shatsthanaka Prakarana, Upadesha Rasayana, Dvadasha Kulaka, Dharmashiksha, and Charchati.

• Lakshmitilak Upadhyaya (Time uncertain): Resident of Jalore district.

  • Pratyekabuddha Charita: An epic poem detailing the lives of all liberated souls in Jainism.
  • Shravakadharma Brihadvritti: Written in Jalore.

• Acharya Jayasen (12th-13th century): A prolific writer with many works.

• Pandit Ashadhar (13th century): Originally from Mandalgarh (Mewar). He was a scholar of logic, grammar, poetry, and rhetoric. His 18 works include:

  • Philosophical/Spiritual: Adhyatmarahasya, Tattvajnana Tarangini, Siddhanta Sara Bhashya, Paramarthopadesha, Sagardharmamrita, Anagardharmamrita.
  • Biographical/Narrative: Bharateshwara Abhyudaya, Rajamati Viplambha, Jina Sahasranama, Jina Panjar Kavya.
  • Commentaries: On Mulapadana, Ishtopadesha, Aradhana Sara, Amara Kosha, Bhopana Chaturvinsati.
  • Sagardharmamrita (1296 VS) and Anagardharmamrita (1300 VS) deal with the conduct of householders and monks respectively.

• Vagbhatta (Time uncertain): Distinct from other Vagbhattas.

  • Chhandostanusasana: A work on prosody in five chapters.
  • Kavyanusasana: A treatise on poetics covering rasa, alamkaras, etc., with his own commentary.

• Abhayatilaka (13th-14th century): Disciple of Jineshwar Suri.

  • Panchaprasthana Nyaya: A commentary on logic.
  • Paniya Vadashthala
  • Hemachandra Dvayasraya Kavya Tika

• Jinaprabha Suri (14th century): Disciple of Jinsingh Suri.

  • Shrenika Charita and Vividha Tirtha Kalpa: Original works.
  • Commentaries: On Kalpasutra, Sadhu Pratikramana, Shadavasayaka, Anuyoga Chatushtaya Vyakhyana, Karatantra Vibhrama Tika, etc.

• Jinkushal Suri (14th century): Disciple of Jinachandra Suri.

  • Chaitravandana Kulaka Vritti (1383 VS).

• Padmanandi (17th century): Disciple of Bhattarak Prabhachandra. His works are mainly devotional:

  • Shravakachara, Vratodyapana Puja, Nandishvara Bhakti Puja, Saraswati Puja, Siddha Puja, various stotras and devotional texts.

• Bhattarak Sakalkirti (15th century): A prolific writer of about 50 works.

  • Adipurana and Uttarapurana: Detail the lives of the 24 Tirthankaras.
  • Biographical Epics: Mallinatha Charita, Parshvanatha Charita, Vardhamana Charita, Yashodhara Charita, Dhanyakumara Charita, etc.
  • Sadbhashitavali: A collection of subhashitas.
  • Karmavipaka and Tattvartha Sara Dipaka: Philosophical works.

• Jinvardhana Suri (15th century): Disciple of Jinraja Suri. His work was in Jaisalmer and Mewar.

  • Pratyekabuddha Charita: A sequential life story of all Tirthankaras, similar to Raghuvamsha.
  • Commentaries: On Saptapadarthi and Vagbhatta Alamkara.

• Badav: A renowned commentator, comparable to Mallinatha. He wrote commentaries (Avachuri) on significant Sanskrit epics and classical works.

  • Commentaries: On Kumarasambhava, Raghuvamsha, Kiratarjuniya, Meghaduta, Shishupala Vadha, Vrittaratnakara, Vagbhatta Alamkara, etc. He also commented on devotional stotras like Vitaragastotra and Bhaktamara Stotra.

• Charitravardhana (15th-16th century): Disciple of Kalyana Raja. Known for his commentaries on major Sanskrit epics.

  • Commentaries: On Raghuvamsha, Kumarasambhava, Shishupala Vadha, Meghaduta, Naishadhiya Charitam.
  • Jain Specific Commentaries: On Sindura Prakarana, Bhavaarivarana, and Kalyanamandira Stotra.

• Jaysagar: A prolific writer of over a hundred stotras.

  • Vijnapti Triveni: A historical work.
  • Prithvichandra Charita, Shantinatha Jinallaya Prashasti.

• Kirtiratna Suri (15th century): Disciple of Jinvardhana Suri.

  • Nemnath Mahakavya: Written during the decline of Sanskrit, it imitates the style of Bharavi and Magha.

• Navachandra Suri (Time uncertain): His major work is:

  • Hammira Mahakavya: A historical epic about Maharaja Hammira of Ranthambore, praised for its poetic beauty and historical accuracy.

• Jinhans:

  • Vastupala Charita (1467 VS): An epic about Vastupala and Tejpal, ministers of the Chalukya king Viradhavala. The narrative is rich but can be intricate for the reader.

• Jinhans Suri (16th century): Disciple of Jinsamudra Suri.

  • Acharanga Sutra Deepika (1572 VS) written in Bikaner.

• Bhattarak Jnanabhushana: A scholarly figure influencing various regions.

  • Philosophical: Tattvajnan Tarangini (his best work), Siddhanta Sara Bhashya.
  • Devotional: Rishimandala Puja, Panchakalyana Udyapana Puja, Bhaktamar Puja.

• Bhattarak Shubhachandra (16th century): A scholar of grammar and prosody.

  • Epic/Narrative: Chandprabha Charita, Shrenika Charita, Jivandhara Charita, Pandavapurana.
  • Stories: Chandan Katha, Ashtanha Katha.

• Bhattarak Jinchandra (16th century): Received the title "Yugapradhana" from Akbar.

  • Aushadhi Vidhi Prakarana Tika: Related to Ayurveda.

• Punyasagar (17th century): Disciple of Jinhans Suri.

  • Jambudvipa Prajnapti Sutra Tika (1645 VS) in Jaisalmer.
  • Prashnottara Kashashtishataka Kavya Tika (1640 VS) in Bikaner.

• Jinraja Suri (17th century): Born in Bikaner. A master of Navya Nyaya and literary science.

  • Naishadhiya Charita Jainaraji Tika (3600 verses).
  • Commentary: On the Bhagavati Sutra.

• Samayasundara (17th century): Born in Sanchor. Influenced rulers to prohibit animal sacrifice. A scholar of grammar and literature.

  • Ashtalakshi (based on Akbar's saying).
  • Commentaries: On Raghuvamsha, Kumar Sambhava, Meghaduta, Shishupala Vadha, Vagbhatta Alamkara, Vrittaratnakara.
  • Grammar Works: Saravat Rahasya, Linganusasana, etc.
  • Other: Kalpasutra Tika, Dashavaikalika Sutra Tika.

• Gunavinaya (17th century): Disciple of Jayasoma Upadhyaya. Received the title "Kaviraj" from Emperor Jahangir. Primarily a commentator.

  • Commentaries: On Khandaprasasti, Nemiduta, Damayanti Katha Champu, Raghuvamsha, Vairagya Shataka, Karma Chandra Vamsha Prabandha.

• Shri Vallabh Upadhyaya (17th century): Disciple of Jnanavimalopadhyaya. A master of grammar and lexicography.

  • Original Works: Vijaya Deva Mahatmya Kavya, Vividha Prabodha Kavya.
  • Commentaries: On Hemachandra's works like Haimanamala Sangraha, Haim Linganusasana, Haim Nighantu, Siddha Haima Shabdanushasana.

• Sahajkirti (Time uncertain): Disciple of Hemanandana. Wrote commentaries on various works.

• Gunaratna (Time uncertain): Disciple of Vinayapramoda. Scholar of poetics, logic, and grammar.

• Surchanda:

  • Original Works: Sthulabhadra Gunamala Kavya, Shantilhari, Shrigara Rasamala.
  • Commentaries: On Ashtarthi Shloka Vritti, Jaina Tattvasara.

• Meghavijaya Upadhyaya (17th-18th century): Disciple of Kripavijaya. Considered himself equal to Kalidasa, Bharavi, Magha, and Kalidasa.

  • Works in imitation of Classical Poets: Meghaduta (Kalidasa style), Devananda Mahakavya (Magha style), Saptasandhan Kavya (Kaviraja style). Saptasandhan Kavya narrates the lives of seven great men through a single verse with multiple meanings.

• Bhattarak Shri Bhushana (17th century): Disciple of Bhattarak Bhuvanakirti.

  • Pooja Methodologies: Analyzed five popular puja methods.

• Vadivraja (17th century): A resident of Tanknagar (Todaraisingh).

  • Commentary: On Vagbhatta Alamkara.
  • Original Works: Jnanalochanastotra, Sulochana Charita.

• Bhattarak Devendrakirti (18th century): Disciple of Jagatkirti.

  • Samayasara: Commentary written in Amer.

• Mahopadhyaya Ramavijaya: Disciple of Dayasingh.

  • Works: Gautamiya Mahakavya (life of Mahavira), Gunamalaprakarana, Siddhanta Chandrika, Muhurtamani Mala.

• Mahopadhyaya Kshamakalayana (18th century): Disciple of Amritadharma. Considered an outstanding scholar.

  • Philosophical/Logical: Tarkasangraha Phakkika, Samaradiya Kevali Charita.
  • Other: Sutikt Ratnavali, Parasmasara Vichara Sangraha.

• Bhattarak Surendrakirti (18th century): Inaugurated in Jaipur.

  • Pooja Texts: Analyzed seven puja methodologies.

• Jinmani (19th-20th century): Disciple of Sumatisagara.

  • Sadhvi Vyakhyan Nirnaya: A compilation useful for commentaries.

• Buddhi Munigani (19th-20th century): Disciple of Kesara Muni.

  • Commentary: Kalpasutra Tika.
  • Editing: Sutrakritanga Deepika, Pindavishuddhi.

• Acharya Ghasilal: A scholar of grammar, lexicon, poetry, and stotras.

  • Lexicons: Shivakosha, Udaysagara Kosha, Shrilal Namamala Kosha.
  • Grammar: Arhata Vyakarana, Arhata Laghu Vyakarana, Arhata Siddhanta Vyakarana.
  • Poetry: Shantisindhu Mahakavya, Lokashah Mahakavya.
  • Theological: Jaina Agama Tattvadipika, Tattvaprada, Grihasthakalpataru.

• Acharya Jnanasaagara (19th-20th century): Studied in Varanasi. Dedicated his life to literature.

  • Mahakavyas: Udaya, Jaya, and Dayodaya (the last featuring a commoner as the hero).
  • Champukavyas: Samudradatta, Sudarshanodaya, and Bhadrodaya.

• Kalugani (19th-20th century): Eighth Acharya of Terapanth. Highly proficient in Sanskrit.

  • Grammar: Commissioned the simplification of Bhikshu Shabdanushasana.
  • Authored Shabda Sangraha to address the limitations of existing Sanskrit grammars.

• Acharya Shri Tulsi: Ninth Acharya of Terapanth. Scholar of various languages and disciplines.

  • Philosophical: Jaina Siddhanta Deepika (on Jain philosophy), Bhikshu Nyaya Kanika (on logic), Mano Anushasana (on Yoga).
  • Ethical: Panchasutra (on discipline and community life), Shiksha Pannavati (on conduct).

• Muni Nathmal (Yuvaacharya Mahapragya): Successor to Acharya Tulsi. Prolific writer in multiple languages.

  • Mahakavyas: Bhikshu Mahakavya (life of the first Terapanth Acharya Bhikshu), Ratnapala Charita.
  • Poetry: Ashru Veena (a century of verses).
  • Stotras: Atma Stotra, Kalu Bhaktamar, Kalu Kalyanamandira Stotra.

• Chandan Muni (19th-20th century): A prominent disciple of Acharya Tulsi.

  • Prose Epic: Abhiniṣkramaṇa.
  • Prose Poetry: Prabhava Prabodha, Arjunamalakaaram.
  • Didactic Poetry: Prastavik Shloka Shatakam, Upadeshamritam.
  • Devotional: Vitaraga Stuti.

• Chhatramalla Muni: Disciple of Acharya Tulsi. Contributed numerous "Shataka" (century) poems.

  • Shataka Poems: Shri Krishna Shataka, Jayaacharya Shataka, Kalu Shataka, Tulsi Shataka, Terapanth Shataka.

• Muni Dulichand 'Dinkar': Disciple of Acharya Tulsi.

  • Poetry Collections: Git Sandoha.
  • Praise Poems: Tulsi Stotra, Terapanth Shataka.

• Sadhvi Sanghamitra: A learned Sadhvi of Terapanth.

  • Sanskrit Works: Gitimala, Nitiguchchha.

• Pt. Raghunandan Sharma: Though not Jain, he composed the epic Tulsi Mahakavya in Sanskrit, praising Acharya Tulsi.

The summary concludes by emphasizing the significant role of Jain scholars from Rajasthan in promoting and advancing Sanskrit literature, covering not only Jain philosophy but also grammar, poetry, and other secular subjects. It calls for further research into this rich and somewhat overlooked literary tradition.