Ritthnemichariyam Part 4 1 - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of "Ritthanemicariya (Harivamsapurana) Part IV (1) Uttara-Kanda" edited by Ram Sinh Tomar, published by Prakrit Text Society, Ahmedabad, in 2000. The text is part of the Prakrit Text Series No. 37.

Overall Context: This volume is the final part of the publication of Svayambhu's Ritthanemicariya, also known as Harivassapurana. It specifically contains a portion of the Uttarakanda. The Uttarakanda in the manuscripts spans Sandhis 93 to 112, but this particular volume only covers up to Sandhi 103. The editors acknowledge that some parts of the Uttarakanda were composed by Svayambhu's son, Tribhuvana, and a later poet, Yasahkirti Bhattāraka (fl. 15th century). This part focuses on Tribhuvana's contribution, with omissions due to corrupt readings in the manuscripts and the desire to make the text available as it was treated by Svayambhu and Tribhuvana.

Foreword by H. C. Bhayani (General Editor): Bhayani expresses sadness at the passing of Dalsukhbhai Malvania, the "architect of the Prakrit Text Society" and a significant figure in Indology. He thanks Dr. R. Tomar for his patience over several years, marking the completion of the publication of this great epic.

Preface by H. C. Bhayani: Bhayani provides crucial information about the composition of the Uttarakanda:

Sandhis 93-99: By Svayambhu himself.
Sandhis 100-104: By Svayambhu's son, Tribhuvana.
Sandhis 105-112: By Tribhuvana and Yasahkirti Bhattāraka.

He explains that Svayambhu felt his "muse was tired," suggesting failing health prevented him from completing the work. Yasahkirti Bhattāraka may have filled gaps in the manuscript he used. This published volume includes only Tribhuvana's contribution. The readings for Sandhis 105-112 were found to be considerably corrupt, leading to their omission.

Bhayani also mentions a "long list of earlier Sanskrit, Prakrit and Apabhramsa poets" provided by Tribhuvana in the second Kadavaka of Sandhi 104 (which is not included in this published part). He notes that this list is important but suffers from copyist errors, making the identification of poets a challenge.

The editors acknowledge that many readings in the later parts of the text are doubtful and the meaning obscure, indicated by question marks. Their primary justification for publishing such a text is to make available the treatment of the topics by Svayambhu and Tribhuvana.

Content Summary (based on Sandhi titles and brief indications):

The table of contents (Vishayanukram) lists the following Sandhis (chapters):

Tinnavaimo Sandhi (Sandhi 93): This section deals with the events after Jarāsandha's defeat in battle, Nemi's departure from Dvārakā towards Ujjenta mountain for penance, and the subsequent events involving Vasudeva, Pradyumna, and the departure of the Yadavas. It describes the culmination of the war, the death of the Kuru king, and various kings going to Jarasandha. The text touches upon the battle's aftermath, cremations, and the lineage of various kings. It also mentions events related to Krishna, Arjuna, and the Pandavas. The section seems to cover the final phases of the war and its immediate aftermath, including the spiritual paths taken by characters.
Caundavaimo Sandhi (Sandhi 94): This Sandhi focuses on Aniruddha, the grandson of Krishna. It describes his disappearance and the search for him by the Yadavas. It details the efforts of Pradyumna and Krishna to find him, involving deities and mythical beings. The narrative appears to involve magical elements and divine interventions. It also touches upon the importance of devotion and the consequences of actions, with a mention of the lineage of poets.
Pancanavaimo Sandhi (Sandhi 95): This Sandhi is marked by the celebration of spring (Vasant). It describes the arrival of spring, the blooming of nature, and the festivities associated with it. It also involves the character of Aniruddha, his yearning, and his search for his beloved Cittaleka. The narrative includes encounters with celestial beings and the complexities of love and desire. The text describes various beautiful natural scenes and the emotions they evoke.
Channavaimo Sandhi (Sandhi 96): This Sandhi details the marriage preparations and ceremonies. It describes the grandeur of the wedding, the participating kings and princes, and the elaborate rituals. The narrative focuses on the union of characters, the joyous atmosphere, and the social customs surrounding marriage. It also seems to involve significant divine or semi-divine characters and their interactions.
Sattanavaimo Sandhi (Sandhi 97): This Sandhi appears to delve into the spiritual journey and renunciation of Nemi. It describes Nemi's philosophical reflections on the transient nature of worldly pleasures, the cycle of birth and death, and the suffering inherent in existence. He contemplates the various hellish realms and the consequences of karma. The narrative emphasizes the pursuit of liberation (moksha) and detachment from worldly attachments. It details Nemi's decision to renounce worldly life and embark on a path of severe penance.
Atthanavaimo Sandhi (Sandhi 98): This Sandhi likely continues the theme of Nemi's spiritual path. It might describe his austerities, his encounters with various individuals and divine beings during his penance, and the philosophical discourses he engages in. The text might elaborate on the stages of spiritual progress and the understanding of true reality. It could also touch upon past lives and their influence on the present.
Navanavaimo Sandhi (Sandhi 99): This Sandhi is likely about Nemi's attainment of omniscience (kevala-jnana) and his sermon. It would describe the divine assembly (samavasarana) created for his teachings, the various celestial beings who attend, and the profound doctrines he expounds. The summary suggests the presence of many powerful figures, including gods and kings, listening to his sermon, which addresses the nature of reality, karma, and the path to liberation.
Dasamamo Sandhi (Sandhi 100): This Sandhi is named Dasamamo Sandhi and seems to describe Nemi's divine presence and the grandeur of his sermon. It might detail the divine chariot (samavasarana) and the respectful attendance of deities and other beings. The text might also focus on the discourse delivered by Nemi, explaining the essence of Jain dharma.
Ekkauntara-Dasamamo Sandhi (Sandhi 101): Titled "One Hundred and First Sandhi," this section likely continues the narrative from the previous Sandhi, possibly detailing further events related to Nemi's teachings or his interactions with his disciples and followers.
Dviuttara-Dasamamo Sandhi (Sandhi 102): Titled "One Hundred and Second Sandhi," this Sandhi might cover specific stories or teachings within the Uttarakanda, potentially involving the past lives of characters or further exploits of the Yadava lineage. The mention of "Gajakumara Nirvana Gamanam" suggests a focus on the liberation of Gajakumara.
Tivuttara-Dasamamo Sandhi (Sandhi 103): Titled "One Hundred and Third Sandhi," this final Sandhi in the volume continues the narrative, possibly focusing on the concluding events of the Uttarakanda or the subsequent history of the lineage. The reference to "Devakumara" and "Mahi-mandali" suggests continuation of the narrative thread.

Key Themes and Characteristics:

Epic Narrative: The text follows the epic tradition, detailing the lives, battles, and spiritual journeys of characters from the Harivamsa and Yadava lineage.
Jain Philosophy: The core of the narrative is deeply rooted in Jain principles, particularly regarding karma, renunciation, asceticism, omniscience, and liberation.
Past Lives: The concept of past lives (bhava-antara) plays a significant role in explaining the present circumstances and character development.
Devotion and Renunciation: The text explores the interplay between worldly attachments, devotion to spiritual principles, and the ultimate pursuit of renunciation for spiritual liberation.
Poetic Language: The text is written in Prakrit, employing rich and often complex poetic language and meter, as is characteristic of Jain narrative literature. The editors highlight instances of obscure meanings and corrupt readings, indicative of the challenges in preserving and interpreting such ancient texts.
Genealogy and Lineage: The narrative traces the lineage of important figures, connecting them to divine or semi-divine origins and highlighting their destined roles.

This summary provides a structured overview of the provided text, highlighting its contextual importance, editorial contributions, and the likely thematic progression through the included Sandhis.