Sadhviji Bhavlakshmi Dhulbandh

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sadhviji Bhavlakshmi Dhulbandh" in English, based on the provided pages:

The text "Sadhviji Bhavlakshmi Dhulbandh" is a biographical work dedicated to the life and virtues of Sadhviji (a female ascetic) Bhavlakshmi. The book is authored by Munisujaschandravijay and Suyashchandravijay.

Introduction and Significance:

The introduction highlights that just as great contributions are made by male monks (Sadhus) to the progress of Jainism, equally significant are the contributions of female ascetics (Sadhvis). The text cites historical examples of prominent Sadhvis like Rajimati, Rudrasoma, and Poshini who worked diligently to sustain and advance the Jain faith during challenging times. The present work by Kavi Shri Mukund focuses on illuminating the life story of Sadhviji Shri Bhavlakshmi in a similar vein.

Sadhviji Bhavlakshmi's Identity and Life:

• Family Background: Sadhviji Bhavlakshmi was the daughter of a businessman named Salhao who resided in the city of Sidhpur. Her mother's name was Jhabku.
• Lay Name: Based on the line "Vitapan naam maragadi sundari," it is suggested that Sadhviji's lay name might have been Vitapan. Although this name is considered somewhat difficult, it is accepted as her name until further corroborating poetic works are found.
• Initiation (Diksha): The poet does not specify the age at which she took diksha. However, through the verse "Kalik kuyari nai Sarasati e," the poet notes the diksha of both her brother (whose name requires verification) and sister (Sadhviji Bhavlakshmi) in beautiful and concise words.
• Guru: The verse "Ratanchula Shikshani" is interpreted to indicate the name of Sadhviji's guru (female preceptor).
• Qualities: The poet praises Sadhviji's virtues, including her compassion (Shila) and other noble qualities. Beyond this, the poem does not provide further biographical details.

The Composition of the Work:

• Author: The composition is attributed to Mukund Kavi, a disciple of Udayadharma Upadhyay, who himself was a disciple of Ratnasinhsuriji of the Vṛddhatapā Gacch (a lineage of Jain monks).
• Genre: The work is historical in nature.
• Poetic Form: The poet has composed this work in a poetic style known as "Dhaval."
• Musical Modes (Ragas): The use of specific ragas like "Ragtahansa (Raktahansa)," "Maruyani Dhanaasi (Dhanyasi)," and "Dhul Dhanaasi" is noted as particularly significant.

Acknowledgement:

The managers of Shri Sahityamandir Bhandar (Palitana) and Munijaybhadravijayji are acknowledged for providing a copy of the work for editing.

The Poem's Content (Excerpts and Interpretation):

The poem begins with invocations to the deity of the Jinasasana (Jain religious order) and Goddess Saraswati, seeking blessings and the fulfillment of desires. The poet expresses his devotion to Sadhviji Bhavlakshmi, intending to praise her virtues despite his own lack of skill.

The poem then describes the city of Sidhpur, highlighting its beauty and grandeur, comparing it to heaven. It mentions the businessman Salhao and his wife Jhabku residing there, from whom the virtuous Vitapan was born, someone who understood and internalized the teachings of Lord Jin (Mahavir Swami), akin to Brahmi and Sundari.

The subsequent verses describe Sadhviji's renunciation of worldly life. She, along with her brother, took diksha in the presence of Shri Ratnasinhsuriji. The poem refers to her as "Kalik Kuyari nai Sarasati," emphasizing her pure intellect.

Sadhviji Bhavlakshmi is then portrayed as residing in the heart of Goddess Saraswati, speaking ambrosial words, and being adorned with the title "Gani Bhavlakshmi" (a title for accomplished ascetics). She is hailed as the foremost among chaste women, a jewel of the Tapagacch, and someone who reads and truly understands the scriptures (Siddhanta).

Her auspicious qualities are further praised, likening her to sandalwood, and stating that seeing her dispels sorrow. She is blessed as being born from a noble womb, a pillar of strength for the lineage, and a vessel of knowledge and righteous conduct for the four-fold Jain community (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen). The poem concludes by stating that this praise of Sadhviji Bhavlakshmi's greatness is being proclaimed by her devoted follower, Mukund, the servant of Shri Udayadharma Upadhyay.

In essence, the text is a devotional tribute to Sadhviji Bhavlakshmi, celebrating her spiritual journey, her virtuous character, and her significant role within the Jain tradition, particularly within the Vṛddhatapā Gacch.