Sacchayika Battisi - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, broken down by section as presented:

Sacchayika Battisi (Book Title), by Vinaysagar (Author), ZZ_Anusandhan (Publisher)

Page 1:

This section introduces Shri Jayaratna-krit Sacchayika Battisi, authored by M. Vinaysagar. It states that a letter from the 18th century found among scattered manuscripts extols Sacchiyaya Mata. Due to its 33 verses, it can also be called a "Battisi" (a collection of thirty-two, though it has 33). The composition date is Sambat 1764, in the month of Jeth (Ashadh). Jayaratna Muni, under the command of Shri Devgupta Suri of the Upakeshagachchha, composed this praise of the Goddess. The entire praise is in the Rajasthani language, with the use of several local words.

Jayaratna Muni appears to be someone who cherished the ancient. His vision was to preserve antiquity, hence the inclusion of Apabhramsha forms like "arja'i," "charch'i," "paras'i," "ghar'i," "janam'i" at the beginning of the work. However, thereafter, he made an effort to use prevalent forms, with verses 7 to 33 featuring these contemporary forms.

The poet himself belongs to the Oisgachchha, which is a variant of the Upakeshagachchha (Uvadesgachchha = Oisgachchha = Ovesgachchha) from the perspective of the Apabhramsha language. It is said that Shri Ratnaprabha Suri established the Osvansh by converting Utpaldev in Upakeshpur, and since then, this Gachchha has been famous.

Shri Ratnaprabha Suri also established Sacchiyika Mata after converting her. She was a complete non-violent follower, devoted to Ratnaprabha Suri, and from then on, the tradition of the Upakesh Vansha (Osvansh) continued. Today, the temple of Sacchiyai Mata is in the possession of non-Jains. However, as the founder of the Osvansh, most of the gotras of the Oswal community consider this Sacchayika Mata as their deity, pay homage to her, and worship her. The work is described as beautiful and readable.

Page 2-4: The Poem (Stavan)

This section presents the 33 verses of the Sacchayika Battisi. The verses are presented in Rajasthani and are in praise of Sacchiyai Mata. They detail various aspects of her devotion, powers, and blessings. Key themes include:

Divine Blessings: The verses invoke Sacchiyai Mata as a giver of wealth, remover of obstacles, and bestower of happiness. She is compared to a wish-fulfilling tree (Chintamani) and a celestial cow (Kamadhenu).
Protection and Assistance: She is praised for protecting devotees from dangers like enemies, thieves, natural calamities, and even divine wrath (Yamadoota). She is invoked to provide solace, sustenance, and protection.
Worship and Devotion: The verses describe the rituals of worship, including offering flowers, fruits, and new offerings. Devotees are shown praying for progeny and a happy family life.
Moral and Spiritual Guidance: The verses highlight her role as a guide and protector, dispelling ignorance and bestowing knowledge. Her name is said to ward off evil spirits and negative influences.
Genealogy and Lineage: The poem mentions the establishment of the Upakesh Gachchha and the role of Sacchiyai Mata in its tradition.
Local Context: The poem uses local Rajasthani words and references a particular time and place, indicating its deep roots in the region.
Specific Mentions: Verse 33 explicitly states the author as Jayaratna Muni of the Oisgachchha, written under the command of Shri Devgupta Suri, in the month of Jeth of Sambat 1164, to glorify the "Mother Sacchal."

Page 5-7: Two Stanzas (Stavan) by Shri Ratnavijayji

This section introduces two Stavans (devotional hymns) composed by Shri Ratnavijayji.

First Stavan: This is in praise of Shri Chintamani Parshvanath located in Krishnagaḍh.
Second Stavan: This is in praise of Shri Rishabhadeva Swami, the ornament of Ratlam.

The section then delves into the lineage and authorship of Shri Ratnavijayji. There is some debate about which Gachchha (sect or lineage) he belonged to. Based on a "Sachitra Vijnaptipatra" (illustrated pamphlet) by Muni Shri Suyashvijayji and Sujasvijayji, it is inferred that he belonged to the Tapagachchha, possibly a disciple of Shri Amivijay Gani. However, the authors of this article suggest that based on the content and timing of the Vijnaptipatra and other letters, Shri Ratnavijayji was more likely a disciple of Shri Shantivijayji, who was himself a disciple of Shri Tejvijayji. They note that the Vijnaptipatra written by a scholar named Shri Nanulal also points to this connection.

The article mentions that the Sanskrit Vijnaptipatra written to Shri Ratnavijayji does not mention his guru. Further, other collected documents, including a Vijnaptipatra from 1910 sent to Gwalior and another from 1914 written in Kishangarh (mentioning his Chaturmas there), also lack his guru's name. A third letter from Maksoodabad also omits the guru's name. Therefore, the authors conclude that based on the similarity of names and timing, it is plausible that Ratnavijayji was a disciple of Shantivijayji. He is described as a learned scholar, an accomplished practitioner, devoted to righteous conduct, and capable of delivering discourses on the Bhagavati Sutra.

The first Parshvanath Stavan mentions the temple in Kishangarh and the year 1906, confirming the Chaturmas mentioned in the Vijnaptipatra. The second Rishabhadeva Stavan mentions Sadhuji Shri Tyagi Maharaj and the year 1902, suggesting a connection to the Vijnaptipatra sent to Gwalior.

The section then presents the lyrics of both Stavans, detailing the devotion and prayers to Lord Parshvanath and Lord Rishabhadeva, respectively. The Parshvanath stavan concludes with a mention of his gurus, Tejvijay and Shantivijay.

Page 8-10: Sanvegkulakam by Shri Dhyaneshwar Suriji

This section introduces Sanvegkulakam by Shri Dhyaneshwar Suriji. It is mentioned that this work is found in the 'Catalogue of Sanskrit Prakrit Manuscripts: Jaisalmer Collection,' listed as item number 1324, occupying pages 270-272 of manuscript number 42, written in Sambat 1246. It is described as a booklet for self-study, beginning with a section on "Subtle meaning deliberation" and concluding with a hymn to the first Tirthankara. It mostly contains works by the early acharyas of the Khartaragachchha.

The authorship of Dhyaneshwar Suri is discussed, noting that there were several acharyas with this name. Based on "A Concise History of Jain Literature," Shri Dhyaneshwar was a guru-bhrata (brother in spiritual lineage) of Shri Abhayadev Suri, who was a disciple of Shri Jineshwara Suri, and his period is considered the 11th century. Other Dhyaneshwar Suris from different Gachchhas (Chandragachchha, Nagendragachchha) are mentioned, but their literary contributions are either unknown or unverified. The article lists several instances of Dhyaneshwar Suris across different centuries and contexts.

Given the prevalence of Khartaragachchha acharyas in the manuscript, it is concluded that the author is likely Shri Dhyaneshwar Suri, the disciple of Shri Jineshwar Suri. This Dhyaneshwar Suri's lineage also traces back to Shri Buddhisagar Suri. The article also notes that a work titled Suresundarichariyam by Shri Dhyaneshwar Suri is also known.

The essence of Sanvegkulakam is explained: Sanveg (spiritual contemplation) gives rise to Nirveda (dispassion) and faith-filled devotion. This work discusses the pain endured by the soul due to past karmic consequences and the lamentations of the unwise. It urges the soul to remember the intense suffering in hell and animal realms. It attributes current suffering to past actions like binding, killing, death, and loss of life. The text highlights the lack of compassion for the poor and the withholding of medicinal aid from monks, attributing this to the unfolding of inauspicious karma.

The work advises the soul to become wise and endure this suffering, remembering great souls like Gajsukumar, Sanatkumar, Dhanna Maharsi, Skandakshishya, Metarya, and Chilatiputra, who remained steadfast even when experiencing intense pain. By remembering these great figures, one can achieve stable auspicious meditation. The ultimate message is to abandon sorrowful and fierce meditation (Arta and Raudra Dhyana) and embrace righteous meditation (Dharma Dhyana) to destroy all karma and attain the bliss of liberation.

The section concludes with the first few verses of Sanvegkulakam, emphasizing the importance of righteous contemplation and understanding the consequences of past actions.

Overall Summary of the Document:

The document is an excerpt from a Jain publication focusing on historical and literary aspects of Jainism. It presents:

"Sacchayika Battisi" by Jayaratna Muni: A detailed description of the composition, its historical context, language, and devotional content, praising Sacchiyaya Mata, an important figure in the Upakesh (Oswal) tradition.
Two Stavans by Shri Ratnavijayji: The introduction and lyrics of two devotional hymns dedicated to Lord Parshvanath and Lord Rishabhadeva, along with a discussion of the author's likely lineage and historical context.
Sanvegkulakam by Shri Dhyaneshwar Suri: An introduction to this work, its manuscript details, authorship discussion, and a summary of its philosophical message emphasizing detachment, karma, and the importance of righteous meditation for liberation.

The document highlights the richness of Jain literature, the importance of devotional practices, and the historical lineage of scholars and saints within the Jain tradition. It also includes a glossary of difficult words used in the Sacchayika Battisi.