Sahityik Unnayan Me Bhattarako Ka Avadan - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Sahityik Unnayan me Bhattarako ka Avadan" (Contribution of Bhattarakas in Literary Development) by Dr. P.C. Jain:

This book, "Contribution of Bhattarakas in Literary Development," authored by Dr. P.C. Jain, highlights the significant and often overlooked role of the Bhattarakas in the flourishing of Jain literature and culture in India.

The Bhattarakas: Pillars of Jain Tradition and Literature

Following the Nirvana of Lord Mahavir, Jain tradition saw the rise of numerous saints, acharyas, and poets whose profound learning and contemplation enriched Indian literature. Among these, the Bhattarakas emerged, particularly from around the 13th century (Vira Nirvana Samvat), and are described as Jain saints whose lives were dedicated to providing spiritual sustenance to the nation. They actively contributed to the literary, cultural, and intellectual enrichment of the country, purifying public consciousness through their travels and teachings.

Key Characteristics and Contributions of Bhattarakas:

Asceticism and Observance: Bhattarakas were fully disciplined individuals whose lifestyle and practices aligned with the Shraman tradition. Their presence was considered essential for various rituals, religious observances (like Vrat Vidhan), and consecration ceremonies (Pratishtha Samaroh).
Authority and Leadership: They held a position of immense authority, functioning as "acharyas of acharyas" as their monasteries (Gaddi) housed acharyas, monks, celibates, and nuns (Aryikas).
Literary Patronage and Creation: The contribution of Bhattarakas to literature is described as unparalleled in history. They were instrumental in:
- Establishing and Maintaining Libraries: They founded and managed scripture libraries (Shastrashalais), ensuring the preservation of knowledge.
- Manuscript Creation and Collection: They actively wrote new manuscripts and diligently collected existing ones.
- Scholarly Discourse and Teaching: They engaged in scriptural discourses and facilitated the study and teaching of Jain texts.
- Diverse Literary Output: Bhattarakas enriched Indian literature with invaluable works, consistently favoring vernacular languages. Their compositions are found in Sanskrit, Prakrit, Apabhramsha, and Hindi, demonstrating their linguistic versatility.
- Development of Various Poetic Forms: They did not limit themselves to biographical epics (Charit Kavyas) but actively promoted and contributed to a wide array of poetic forms, including Purana, Kavya, Beli, Ras, Fagu, Panchasika, Shatak, Pachchisi, Battisi, Bavani, Vivahalo, and Akhyan. This patronage led to a significant body of work in these genres.
Spiritual and Didactic Works: A core aspect of their literary output was spiritual and didactic works. Based on their personal experiences, they depicted the condition of the world in a way that guided individuals towards the righteous path. Their teachings emphasized living a refined life within the world rather than renouncing it.
Exploration of Various Rasas and Chhandas: While spiritual and meditative (Shanta and Adhyatmik Ras) themes were prevalent, Bhattarakas also extensively explored other Rasas like Veer (heroic), Shringar (romantic), and others. Their works are noted for the remarkable diversity of meters (Chhandas) used, particularly in their Hindi, Rajasthani, and Gujarati compositions.
Preservation and Promotion of Knowledge: The author posits that the service and protection provided by Jain Bhattarakas to Indian literature might be unmatched by any other religious or sectarian monastic order. They not only created hundreds of thousands of works but also passionately collected and preserved the writings of their predecessors, encouraging their study and dissemination. The numerous manuscript libraries across India stand as testament to their literary service.
Inclusivity in Collection: In their pursuit of knowledge, Bhattarakas transcended caste and sectarian boundaries, collecting valuable didactic and welfare-oriented literature from wherever it was available and housing it in scripture libraries. Their efforts led to the preservation of over 3.5 million manuscripts in Jain libraries in India.
Commentaries on Jain and Non-Jain Works: They also aided in the understanding and study of both Jain and non-Jain literary works by writing commentaries on them.

Prominent Bhattarakas and Their Works (by Century):

The book then provides a detailed list of influential Bhattarakas and their known literary contributions, categorized by century:

14th Century: Bhattarak Prabhachandra (commentator on works like Pramaya Kamal Martanda, Mahapurana, Paramatma Prakash, Samayasar, Tattvartha Sutra) and Bhattarak Padmanandi (known for works on Shravakachara, Vrat Kathas, Stotras, and Pujas in Sanskrit).
15th Century: Bhattarak Sakalkirti (prolific writer of Sanskrit character biographies, Puranas, and devotional works, as well as Rajasthani Ras and Fagu compositions) and Bhattarak Jinchandra (known for Siddhanta Sar and Jinchaturvinsati Stotra).
16th Century: Bhattarak Somkirti (Sanskrit works on virtues and character biographies, and Rajasthani devotional songs), Bhattarak Gyanbhushan (Sanskrit philosophical poetry, puja rituals, and Hindi Fagu and Ras compositions), Bhattarak Shubhaachandra (over 60 Sanskrit works including character biographies, commentaries, puja rituals, and numerous Hindi devotional songs), and Bhattarak Veerchandra (works like Virvilas Fagu and devotional songs).
17th Century: Bhattarak Ratnakirti (Fagu, devotional songs), Bhattarak Lalitakirti (numerous Sanskrit works on vratas and stories), Bhattarak Chandrakirti (Rajasthani Ras and devotional poetry), Bhattarak Abhayachandra, Bhattarak Mahichandra, and Bhattarak Devendrakirti, among others, all contributing significantly to literature.
18th Century: Notable figures include Bhattarak Kshemkirti, Bhattarak Shubhaachandra (II), Bhattarak Ratnachandra (II), Bhattarak Narenkirti, Bhattarak Surendrakirti, Bhattarak Jagatkirti, Bhattarak Devendrakirti, and Bhattarak Mahendrakirti.
19th and 20th Centuries: Bhattarak Kshemendrakiirti, Bhattarak Surendrakirti, Bhattarak Sukhendrakirti, Bhattarak Charukirti, and Bhattarak Lakshmisena are mentioned.

Evolution and Continued Relevance:

The period from Vira Nirvana Samvat 1351 to 2000 saw periods of both flourishing and decline for the Bhattarakas. Despite facing criticism and challenges, particularly with the rise of the Terapanth sect, they remained essential to society, and their presence continued to be sought for religious ceremonies. The author concludes by emphasizing that Bhattarakas like Shubhaachandra, Jinchandra, Sakalkirti, Prabhachandra, and Gyanbhushan were in no way inferior to acharyas in terms of knowledge, asceticism, renunciation, and spiritual practice, and were considered the undisputed leaders of the Digambara community in their respective eras.

Sources Cited:

The book acknowledges the use of various sources, including library catalogs, works on influential acharyas, and articles from Jain publications like "Anekaant" and "Jain Siddhanta Bhaskar."

In essence, Dr. P.C. Jain's work underscores that the Bhattarakas were not merely religious figures but vital custodians and creators of Jain literature and culture, playing an instrumental role in its preservation, development, and dissemination across various languages and literary forms in India.