Ritthnemichariu

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ritthnemichariu" (also known as Arishtanemicariu), based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Ritthnemichariu (कराय-सयंभूएव-किउ रिट्ठणेमिचरिउ / कविराज स्वयंभूदेव कृत अरिष्टनेमिचरित) Author: Sayambhu (कविराज स्वयंभूदेव) Publisher: Bharatiya Gyanpith Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/090401/1

Overall Significance:

• "Ritthnemichariu" is a significant work by the renowned Apabhramsha poet Sayambhu, considered the "first poet of Apabhramsha" in the realm of Prabandha Kavya (narrative poetry).
• It is also known as "Harivanshpurana" and is a pivotal work in the tradition of Krishna poetry in India.
• Sayambhu is considered a bridge between the grand Sanskrit traditions of Valmiki (Ramayana) and Vyasa (Mahabharata) and the later vernacular literatures, being called the "Vashishta of Apabhramsha Ramayana" and the "Vyasa of Apabhramsha Krishna poetry."
• The work draws heavily from the Mahabharata and Harivanshpurana but introduces original changes for socio-political and contemporary illustrations, giving it a unique standing.
• The text is estimated to be around 18,000 verses long and is divided into 112 chapters (Sandhis).
• The critique of Rahul Sankrityayan highlights Sayambhu as the greatest among Apabhramsha poets, even placing him among India's dozen immortal poets.

Author: Sayambhu

• Time Period: Considered to be from the 8th century.
• Reputation: Universally acclaimed as the greatest Apabhramsha poet, often equated with Kalidasa, Bharavi, and Bana. He is also referred to as "Mahakavi," "Kaviraj," and "Kaviraj-Chatravarthi."
• Attribution of Origin: While Sayambhu himself doesn't mention his birthplace, scholars like Dr. Hira Lal Jain suggest a South Indian origin due to the names of his patrons (Dhananjaya, Dhavaiya, Vandaiya). Pandit Nathuram Premi suggests a connection to the Berar region, similar to Pushpadanta. Internal evidence suggests a possible connection to Maharashtra or the Godavari region.
• Family: His father was Marudev (also a poet), and his mother was Padmini. He was a householder with several wives, including Adityamba and Samiyamba, who were educated and even copied parts of his works. His youngest son was Tribhuvan Swayambhu.
• Philosophical Affiliation: Pushpadanta mentions Sayambhu as belonging to the "Yavaniya" sect, possibly indicating adherence to the Yapaniya sect of Jainism.
• Literary Contributions: Besides "Ritthnemichariu," he authored "Paumchariu" (Ramayana in Apabhramsha) and "Swayambhu Chhanda" (a work on prosody). Other attributed works include "Soddhashalakpurishachar," "Panchamirichariu," and "Swayambhu Vyakarana."

The "Ritthnemichariu" (Harivanshpurana)

• Structure: The complete work is divided into three sections (Kandas):
  1. Yadava Kanda: Primarily focuses on the lineage of the Yadavas, the birth and early life of Krishna, and related events. (This volume specifically covers the Yadava Kanda, which is the first and shortest, comprising 13 Sandhis).
  2. Kuru Kanda: Deals with the Kuru lineage and the events leading up to the Mahabharata war. (16 Sandhis).
  3. Yuddha Kanda: Describes the Mahabharata war and its aftermath. (60 Sandhis).
• Narrative Content:
  • It centers around the life of the 22nd Jain Tirthankara, Neminatha, along with the extensive narrative of Krishna and the Pandavas.
  • It draws from the Mahabharata and Harivanshpurana but incorporates significant original elements and modifications to depict contemporary political and social life.
  • Key events covered include Krishna's birth, childhood exploits, the story of Pradyumna, and Tirthankara Neminatha's life.
  • It elaborates on the birth and childhood of the Kauravas and Pandavas, their animosity, Yudhishthira's gambling, the loss of everything, and the Pandavas' twelve-year exile. The depiction of the conflict between the Kauravas and Pandavas is described as vivid.
• Themes and Expressions:
  • The poet's devotion to Jainism and the glory of remembering the names of the Tirthankaras (Jinas) are evident.
  • A verse highlights the immense power of remembering the Jina's name: it melts pride, breaks arrogance, negates serpent poison, calms fire, provides passage through the sea, protects from wild animals, breaks worldly bonds, and leads to instant liberation.
  • The text defines a Jina as one who is neither pleased nor displeased, nor holds any malice.

The "Yadava Kanda" (Present Volume)

• Content: The story is divided into three Kandas: Yadava, Kuru, and Yuddha. This published volume is limited to the Yadava Kanda, comprising thirteen Sandhis.
• Publication Status: The editing and translation work by the late Dr. Devendra Kumar Jain was abruptly halted due to his passing. Bharatiya Gyanpith is making efforts for the timely publication of the remaining parts.
• Editorial Basis: The presented edition is based on three manuscript copies. The primary "J" copy from Jaipur, obtained through Dr. Kasturchand Kasliwal, is ancient and artistic but in a deteriorated condition. The other two "B" and "Ch" copies were obtained from the Shri Ailak Pannalal Dig Jain Saraswati Bhandar in Beawar. Despite inaccuracies in transcription by scribes unfamiliar with Apabhramsha, these manuscripts were crucial for providing a scientific and authentic basis for the text. The "J" manuscript served as the primary source, with readings from others provided in footnotes where context and grammar demanded it.
• Scholarly Context: The preface emphasizes the importance of "Ritthnemichariu" for understanding the historical and scientific study of the Krishna devotional tradition. It notes the lack of prior scholarly attention to this significant work. The German scholar Dr. Ludwig Alsdorf's partial editing of the Uttarapurana within Pushpadanta's Mahapurana is mentioned as a related but distinct effort.
• Linguistic and Cultural Importance: The introduction highlights the role of Jain poets in preserving local dialects and literature, contributing significantly to the mainstream of Indian languages and culture. It asserts that Apabhramsha was not solely the language of Jains but a vibrant, evolving stage of Aryan languages, preserving linguistic transformations. The Jain community's role in patronizing and preserving literature in Prakrit, Apabhramsha, and later regional languages is crucial for understanding broader Indian culture and its dynamic values. The works of Sayambhu and Pushpadanta in Apabhramsha are seen as foundational for later developments in vernacular literature, including "Prithviraj Raso," "Sur Sagar," and "Ramcharit Manas."

Summary of the "Yadava Kanda" (as described in the text):

The Yadava Kanda begins with a traditional invocation, self-praise, and a statement of the importance of the Harivamsa. The narrative commences with King Shrenik's question to Lord Mahavir about the Harivamsa tradition in Jainism, contrasting it with the perceived inversions in other traditions (like Narayana serving Nara, Balarama acting as a charioteer, etc.). Gautam Ganadhar responds by detailing the Harivamsa lineage starting from Shura and Virya, kings of Shauripura and Mathura respectively.

• Early Lineage:
  • Shura: Father of Andhakavrishni. His lineage flourished in Shauripura.
  • Virya: Father of Narpati Vrishni. His lineage flourished in Mathura.
  • Andhakavrishni married Subhadra (sister of Vyasa and daughter of Parasara), fathering ten sons, known as the "Dasharna" (ten worthy ones), including Samudravijaya and Vasudeva, and two daughters, Kunti and Madri.
  • Narpati Vrishni married Padmavati, fathering three sons (Ugrasena, Mahasena, Devasena) and one daughter (Gandhari).
• Key Characters and Events in the Yadava Kanda:
  • Vasudeva: Described as exceptionally beautiful, attracting the attention of the city women. His escapade from the palace, perceived death, and subsequent marriage to Rohini are detailed. He becomes a master archer and teacher, with Kamsa as his disciple.
  • Kamsa: Son of Ugrasena, he receives the kingdom of Mathura and later imprisons his parents. He marries Jivanjasa, daughter of Jarashandha. His infamous promise to Vasudeva to kill all his children born from Devaki is highlighted. The divine intervention of Yogamaya and Krishna's birth, followed by his exchange with Nand's daughter, is recounted. Kamsa's continued attempts to kill Krishna, including sending various demons like Putana, are described.
  • Krishna's Childhood: The narrative follows Krishna's early life in Gokul, his divine play (lila), defeating demons like Shakatasura, Trinavarta, Yamalarjuna trees, and calming Kaliya Naga. The description of Krishna's divine feats, his interactions with Yashoda and Nanda, and the Gopis' devotion are central.
  • Baladeva (Balarama): Krishna's elder brother, born from Vasudeva and Rohini, also plays a significant role.
  • Neminatha's Birth: The text mentions Neminatha's birth in Shauripura (in Harivamsa tradition), contrasting with Dwarka in the Jain tradition. His childhood and early life are part of the narrative.
  • Confrontation with Kamsa: The killing of Kamsa is a major event.
  • Interactions with other dynasties: The influence of Jarashandha and his conflicts with the Yadavas are described.
  • Rukmini's Abduction: The abduction of Rukmini, daughter of Bhishmaka, from her svayamvara by Krishna, and the subsequent battle with Rukmi are detailed.
  • Marriage Alliances: The marriages of Krishna and Baladeva are described, including Krishna's marriages to Satyabhama, Jambavati, and others.
  • Pradyumna's Story: The birth and exploits of Pradyumna, Krishna's son, including his victory over Sambarasura and his marriage to Pradyumna's mother, Rati, are narrated.
  • The Yadava and Kuru connection: The text establishes the relationship between the Yadava lineage and the Kuru lineage, leading into the events of the Mahabharata.

Notable Aspects of the Yadava Kanda:

• Jain Perspective: The work presents the Harivamsa story from a Jain viewpoint, highlighting the Tirthankara Neminatha alongside Krishna and the Pandavas. The emphasis is on the spiritual and ethical aspects, aligning with Jain philosophy.
• Literary Style: Sayambhu's mastery of the Apabhramsha language, his poetic prowess, and his ability to weave together complex narratives are evident. The language is rich in imagery and descriptive detail.
• Comparison with Vedic Texts: The preface and glossary imply comparisons and contrasts with Vedic traditions, particularly in the presentation of mythological events and characters, emphasizing the unique Jain interpretations.

This summary encapsulates the key information about the "Ritthnemichariu," its author, its significance, and the general outline of its "Yadava Kanda," based on the provided text.