Rajasthan Ke Prakrit Swetambar Sahityakar

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text "Rajasthan ke Prakrit Swetambar Sahityakar" by Devendramuni Shastri:

This text, a chapter from the "Z_Ambalalji_Maharaj_Abhinandan_Granth_012038.pdf," introduces and discusses the contributions of Shvetambara Jain scholars and writers who wrote in the Prakrit language, with a particular focus on their connection to Rajasthan.

The author, Devendramuni Shastri, begins by highlighting Rajasthan's historical importance, not only for its valor and bravery but also for its rich literary and cultural heritage. He states that Rajasthan has been a fertile ground for the germination and flourishing of Jain culture and literature, benefiting not just India but the entire world.

Shastri emphasizes that while many scholars have contributed to literature, this particular essay aims to briefly introduce the Shvetambara litterateurs of Prakrit. He notes that the Jain ascetic (Shraman) is a wanderer, spreading spiritual, religious, and cultural awareness across the land. Their ultimate goal is self-welfare and the welfare of others, and they create literature for both personal enjoyment and the benefit of many.

A key point made by the author is that Jain literature should not be confined to specific regions because the ascetics themselves are not bound by territory. Many ascetics born in Rajasthan might have had their literary activities in Gujarat, and vice versa. Sometimes, their origins or the places where their works were composed are uncertain due to a lack of historical records. This essay will focus on those writers whose birthplace was Rajasthan or who composed their works in Rajasthan, even if their birthplace was elsewhere.

Shastri points out a remarkable characteristic of Jain ascetics: despite their deep spiritual practices, they transcended regionalism, linguistic biases, and sectarianism to engage in extensive literary creation. They wrote thousands of works themselves and inspired others to do so, often including dedications that encouraged continuous study and writing.

The text then proceeds to introduce several prominent Jain scholars and their works:

• Acharya Haribhadra: Described as a brilliant star of Rajasthan, his influence is felt throughout Indian literature. His birth is placed around the 12th century Vikram, with mentions of "Pivangui Bambhuni" in one account and "Chittod-Chitrakoot" in others. His parents were Gangabai and Shankarbhatta, and his caste is believed to be Brahmin. His lifespan is established as between 757 and 827 CE. Haribhadra was a profound scholar of Sanskrit, grammar, logic, religious law, and philosophy. A pivotal moment in his life was hearing a Prakrit verse that he couldn't fully comprehend, leading him to seek further knowledge. He embraced Jainism and studied Prakrit deeply. He wrote commentaries on various Agamas in Sanskrit and numerous original works in Sanskrit on diverse subjects like Dharma, philosophy, yoga, astrology, and hymns. His proficiency in Prakrit was as strong as in Sanskrit, and he authored works in Prakrit on religion, philosophy, yoga, stories, astrology, and hymns.

  • "Samaraichchaha" (Samaraichchakah): Considered the best work in Prakrit literature, it holds the same significance for Prakrit as "Kadambari" does for Sanskrit. It is written in Jain Maharashtri Prakrit with influences of Shauraseni.
  • "Dhuttakhyana" (Dhutakhyana): Another significant work, it satirizes and refutes the exaggerated stories found in Puranas. Its stylistic excellence and use of ironic humor are unparalleled, aiming for constructive rather than destructive critique. Haribhadra is believed to have composed 1444 works, though many are now lost.

• Udyotan Suri: A distinguished monk of the Shvetambara tradition, he studied under Virabhadra Suri and learned the science of logic from Haribhadra Suri.

  • "Kuvalayamala" (Kuvalayamala): His masterpiece, written in mixed prose and poetry in Maharashtri Prakrit, with influences of Paisachi Apabhramsha, local languages, and Sanskrit. It blends love and romance with renunciation and includes aphorisms, insightful questions, and riddles, showcasing his vast learning. The work was completed in 776 CE in Javalipur (modern-day Jalore).

• Jineshvara Suri: Several influential acharyas bore this name. This particular Jineshvara Suri, recognized as a "Yugapradhana" (leader of an era), primarily resided and traveled in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Malwa. He wrote in both Sanskrit and Prakrit. His notable works include a commentary on Haribhadra's Ashtaka, Panchalingi Prakarana, Viracharita, Nirvan Leelavati Katha, Shaththanaka Prakarana, and Kahanaya Kosa.

  • "Kahanaya Kosa" (Kathanaka Kosa): Contains 30 verses with Prakrit commentary, detailing 36 important stories that depict the society, politics, and thought processes of that era.
  • "Nirvan Leelavati Katha" (Nirvana Leelavati Katha): A superior work in Prakrit, enriched with lyrical beauty, puns, and ornaments, composed between 1082 and 1065 CE.

• Maheshvara Suri: A talented poet and a scholar of Sanskrit and Prakrit, whose time is estimated to be before 1052 CE.

  • "Nanapanchami Katha" (Jnana-Panchami Katha): A significant work, devoid of local words, known for its linguistic elegance, considered a fine poetic work in Prakrit. He was a disciple of Sajjan Upadhyaya.

• Jindatta Suri: A disciple of Jineshvara Suri, he composed "Samvega Rangashala" in 1125 CE at the request of his junior spiritual brother Abhayadeva. The work aims to expound the sentiment of detachment.

• Jinaprabha Suri: An acharya of exceptional talent who received initiation in 1326 and the acharya title in 1341. He impressed Sultan Muhammad Tughluq of Delhi with his scholarship and miraculous deeds. He authored many works, including "Katantra Vibhrama Vritti," "Shrenika Charitra Dvyashrayakavya," and "Vidhimarga Prava."

  • "Vidhiprava": A beautiful work of Prakrit literature. He is also credited with composing around 700 stotras in Sanskrit, Prakrit, and local languages.

• Nemichandra Suri: A grand-disciple of Udyotan Suri and disciple of Amradeva, his name before receiving the acharya title was Devendragani.

  • "Mahavir Chariyam" (Mahavir Charitam): A poetic composition completed in 1141 CE. His other works include "Akhana Manikos" (original), Sanskrit commentary on Uttaradhyayana, and Atmabodha Kulaka.

• Gunapala Muni: A disciple or grand-disciple of Virabhadra Suri.

  • "Jambuchariya" (Jambucharita): His renowned work, likely composed in the 11th century or earlier. The language is simple and easy to understand, a mix of prose and poetry, clearly influenced by "Kuvalayamala." The text suggests a potential identity between Udyotan Suri's theoretical guru Virabhadra and Gunapala Muni's ancestral guru Virabhadra Suri, placing Gunapala Muni's existence around the 9th century CE.
  • "Rishikantachariyam" (Rishikantacharita): Another incomplete work.

• Samayasundara Gani: A senior and gifted saint, a deep scholar of logic, grammar, and literature. He famously impressed Emperor Akbar by creating a work with one Sanskrit sentence ("Rajano dadate saukhyam") where each of the eight letters had a million interpretations. He was honored by Akbar and conferred the title of Vachaka. He compiled the "Gatha Sahastri" in 1686 CE, a collection of various subjects including Jain tenets, daily routines of ascetics, auspicious times, and more, citing verses from Sanskrit texts like the Mahabharata and Manusmriti.

• Thakkura Pheru: A Shvetambara layperson from Kannana, Rajasthan, belonging to the 14th century. He was a devout Jain.

  • "Yuga Pradhana Chaturpadika" (Yuga Pradhana Chaturpadika): Composed in 1347 CE.
  • "Ratna Pariksha" (Ratna Pariksha): Written for his son Hemapal.
  • "Dravya Pariksha" (Dravya Pariksha): Based on his experience in the Delhi mint.
  • "Ganita Sara" (Ganita Sara): Sheds light on the politics of that era.
  • His seven works, largely in Prakrit with some Apabhramsha influence, have been edited by Muni Jinavijayji.

• Jayasimha Suri:

  • "Dharmopadesha Mala Vivarana" (Dharmopadesha Mala Vivarana): A significant prose-poetry work composed in Nagaur.

• Vachaka Kalyana Tilaka: Wrote the story of Kalakacharya in fifty-six verses.

• Hirakalasha Muni: Composed the astronomical work "Jyotish Hir" in 1621 CE.

• Manadeva Suri: Born in Nadol, father Dhaneshvara and mother Dharini. Composed hymns like "Shantisthava" and "Tijaypahutta."

• Nemichandra Bhandari: Authored works in Prakrit such as "Shashthishataka Prakarana," hymns in praise of Jinavallabha Suri, and hymns to Parshvanatha.

• Sthanakavasi Munis: Many Sthanakavasi monks from Rajasthan also wrote in Prakrit. The text mentions Shraman Hajarimal (author of "Sahgu Gunamala"), Muni Shri Chainmalji (translated the Bhagavad Gita into Prakrit), Pandit Muni Shri Lalchandji 'Shramanlal' (wrote many hymns), and Pandit Pushkar Muni (wrote hymns and essays). Pt. Phoolchandji Maharaj 'Puff Bhikku' edited "Suttagama" and wrote many articles in Prakrit.

• Acharya Shri Ghasiram Ji: A scholar born in 1841 CE in Jaswantgarh (Mewar). He wrote commentaries on 32 Agamas in Sanskrit and numerous original works in Sanskrit. He also wrote works in Prakrit, including commentaries on Tattvartha Sutra and Kalpa Sutra.

• Acharya Shri Atmaram Ji: The first Acharya of Shri Vardhaman Sthanakvasi Jain Shraman Sangh, a profound scholar of Prakrit and Sanskrit. Although born in Punjab, his Prakrit works contributed significantly to Jain literature.

• Terapanth Sect: Several modern monks from this sect have also written in Prakrit, with Chandan Muni Ji's "Ragavalakah" being a notable work.

The author concludes by lamenting that much of the literature produced by Shvetambara saints from Rajasthan is not currently available. Some was destroyed by fanatical rulers during the Muslim period, and some was lost due to neglect, pests, and moisture. However, he expresses hope that the remaining works, if properly edited and published with a modern perspective, could help uncover more unknown great literary figures.