Rajasthan Ke Madhyakalin Prabhavaka Jain Acharya

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Rajasthan ke Madhyakalin Prabhavaka Jain Acharya" by Saubhagyamuni:

The book, "Influential Jain Acharyas of Medieval Rajasthan" by Saubhagyamuni, discusses the significant contribution of Jain scholars and spiritual leaders to the cultural and religious landscape of Rajasthan during the medieval period.

The author begins by highlighting the deep-rooted connection between the Shraman (ascetic) and Brahminical traditions in India, both stemming from ancient civilization. He emphasizes that enduring cultures possess unique qualities that grant them immortality, and the universal elements, inner consciousness, and life-affirming inspirations found in Shraman and Brahminical cultures make them beneficial and useful to people.

India, historically known as Aryavarta, is a vast nation with regional diversity in lifestyle, language, and customs, yet it remains unified by its noble cultural values. Rajasthan, formerly known as Rajputana, is presented as a region where both Shraman and Brahminical cultures have flourished since ancient times. While Brahminical culture's influence, evidenced by vast Vedic literature, numerous temples, and pilgrimage sites, is more widespread, Shraman culture, though numerically smaller, has also significantly shaped Rajasthan's religious and cultural identity.

The text identifies Jainism and Buddhism as the primary branches of Shraman culture. While Buddhism's presence in Rajasthan requires further research, Jainism's existence, according to recent findings, is ancient. The ancient city of Majjhamika near Chittorgarh, famous during the Mahabharata era, is also noted as a center of Jainism. Jain culture has persisted and developed in Rajasthan from its early stages to the present day, as evidenced by thousands of temples, assembly halls, and extensive literature and scriptural collections.

The author attributes the expansion and glory of Jainism in Rajasthan primarily to its influential Acharyas. These scholars, by considering a holistic approach, human capabilities, and regional conditions, not only created vast literature and built institutions but also attracted people to the Jain faith through their teachings. The text mentions that some of the 24 Tirthankaras, revered in Jainism, are believed to have traveled in Rajasthan, with Lord Mahavir's visit to Dasharnapur (Mandsaur) being particularly well-known.

The book then delves into specific influential Jain Acharyas of medieval Rajasthan, broadly categorizing them by century:

• Pre-10th Century: Acharyas like Siddhasen Diwakar, Ilacharya Virsen, and Padmanandi (the first) are mentioned as shining stars of the Jain world during this period.
• 11th Century: Jineshwar Suri, considered the first guru of the Kharatar Gacch, is highlighted. His story of reinstating verses lost in a fire, leading to his and his brother Buddhisagar Muni's initiation into Jainism, is recounted. Jineshwar Suri was bestowed the title of 'Khartara' by Durlabhraj and authored works like Katha Kosh, Leelavati, and Veer Charitra, as well as a famous commentary on Haribhadra's Ashtakas. Prabhachandra Bund Gani and Acharya Harishen are also noted as influential figures of this century, with Harishen praising Mewar in his work "Dhamma Pariksha."
• 12th Century: Jinavallabh Suri (initiated as Acharya in Chittorgarh with 17 available works), Vimalkirti, and Lakshmiganis (who composed Suparshvanath Charitra in Mandalgadh) are mentioned.
• 13th Century: Gunabhadra Muni is noted for a 63-verse inscription in the Jain temple of Bijolia, which includes genealogies of temple builders, the Chauhans of Ajmer, and the kings of Sambhar.
• 14th Century: Acharya Ratnaprabhasuri is described as a great Acharya of Mewar, with an inscription at Ghaghse ki Bawdi near Chittorgarh detailing the victories of his patron, Maharawal Tejsingh's father, Jevsingh. Another inscription at Chirwa village from 1330 mentions the patrons of Jetragachchha and the valor of the Guhil dynasty rulers like Samar Singh.
• 12th Century (Re-mentioned for clarity or another prominent figure): Acharya Nemicandra Suri is recognized as a scholar, orator, and poet. His famous works include 'Shat-taran Manikosh' and the commentary on Uttaradhyayana. Dhaneshwar Suri is also highlighted for his work 'Suresundari Charitram,' a poetic composition in Prakrit, praised for its moral and narrative elements and depiction of the rise of communities like Abhiras and Shvapachas. This work was written in Chandravati.
• 15th Century: Ramkirti Bhattarak, Dharmakirti, Jinoday Suri, and Bhattarak Sakalkirti are prominent scholars. Ramkirti's inscription in the Someshwar Mahadev temple at Chittorgarh describes Kumarapala's visit to Chittorgarh. Bhattarak Sakalkirti, a leading Acharya of this century, authored significant works like Adipurana and Uttarapurana, with 26 of his works available. He studied under Bhattarak Padmanandi of Nenwa and was a highly influential figure.
• Post-15th Century and Later: The text mentions Bhattarak Bhuvanakirti, Brahmjindas, Bhattarak Shubhachandra, and Bhattarak Prabhachandra as influential and prolific Acharyas. Bhattarak Prabhachandra even moved his seat from Delhi to Chittorgarh. Somasundarsuri, a prominent Acharya of the Tapagachchha, received the title of 'Vachak' in 1450 in Ranakpur and later moved to Delvada. His works include Kalyan Stav and Guru Gun Ratnakar, which provides authentic material on the social, religious, and political life of Mewar. Somasundar's disciples, Munisundar and Somdev Vachak (honored with the title 'Kaviraj' by Maharana Kumbha), are also mentioned. Mahamahopadhyay Charitr Ratnarashi wrote 'Dan Pradeep' in Chittorgarh in 1466. Kaviraj Samaysundar (born around 1620), with Chittorgarh as his birth and development region, was a highly talented poet whose works are immensely popular, with a saying comparing his songs to Maharana Kumbha's walls, signifying their enduring legacy. His works include Pradyumna Charitra, Sitaram Chopai, and Nal Damyanti Ras.
• 19th Century: Acharya Shriraghunath Ji M.S. (disciple of Acharya Bhudhar Ji) is noted for his spiritual journey and initiating 525 seekers into Jainism. He passed away in Pali in 1846 after a 17-day fast. Acharya Jayamall Ji, who took initiation in 1786, practiced severe austerities and is known for his hundreds of published poetic compositions, passing away in Nagaur in 1853. Bhikshu Gani (disciple of Raghunath Ji M.S.), initiated in 1808, is the founder of the Terapanth sect and authored many popular 'dhal's published as 'Bhikshu Granth Ratnakar.'
• 19th Century (Continued): Pujya Shri Rod Ji Swami is highly regarded. He was a severe ascetic, practicing monthly 'Athai' and biannual 'Bhasakraman' fasts. He endured hardships with equanimity and even pardoned offenders. Notable events include his vow to accept food from an elephant and a bull in Udaipur, which miraculously succeeded. He passed away in Udaipur in 1861. His devoted disciple, Pujya Narsinghdass Ji M.S., was also a good poet, whose works are preserved in the Mewar Shastra Bhandar.
• Later 19th Century: Acharya Jayacharya is recognized for writing commentaries in Rajasthani on 7 Agamas, a significant contribution. Pujya Ghasilal Ji M.S. is celebrated for his monumental service to literature by writing Sanskrit commentaries on all 32 Agamas, a task not easily accomplished. He also wrote original works and spent years in Saraspur (Ahmedabad), where he passed away.

The author concludes by stating that hundreds of influential Jain Acharyas lived in medieval Rajasthan, and their contributions are well-documented in the history of various Jain sects. He emphasizes the need to uncover and study the chronicles of these great figures.