Sanskrit Padyanam Akaradikramen Anukramanika 03 - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Sanskrit Padyanam Akaradikramen Anukramanika 03" by Vinayrakshitvijay:

Title: Sanskrit Padyanam Akaradikramen Anukramanika 03 (An Index of Sanskrit Verses in Alphabetical Order, Volume 3)

Author: Pujya Muni Shri Vinayrakshitvijay M.S.

Publisher: Shastra Sandesh Mala, Navsari (with the publication address also listed as Surat)

Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/002423/1

Publication Details:

First Edition
Published on Bhadrava Sud 14, Vikram Samvat 2065 (September 3, 1999)
Total Pages: 18 (Introductory) + 416 (Main Index) + 38 (Appendices)
Price: ₹460 (for Volume 3), ₹1600 (for the complete set of four volumes)
Copyright: Reserved by the Publisher

Overview:

This book is the third volume of a comprehensive index, arranged alphabetically (Akaradi Kramen), of Sanskrit verses (Padyanam) found in various Jain religious texts. The overall project aims to compile an index of verses from 626 Jain texts, containing approximately 177,000 verses. This third volume specifically focuses on Sanskrit verses, indexing them from 205 distinct Sanskrit texts. Additionally, it includes an index for the text "Lokaprakash".

Key Features and Content:

Akaradi Indexing: The core of the book is an alphabetical index of Sanskrit verses. Each entry typically includes the verse itself, followed by a concise reference to the source text and the verse number within that text (e.g., "(त.बो) १३०" indicates the verse is from the text "Tattvabodh" and is verse number 130).
Comprehensive Scope: The index covers a vast collection of Sanskrit Jain literature. The introductory sections mention that the entire four-volume set aims to encompass 626 texts and around 177,000 verses. This volume alone indexes 205 Sanskrit texts.
Editorial and Technical Support:
- Compilation and Editing: The work was primarily completed by Muni Shri Vinayrakshitvijayji M.S. alone.
- Verification and Proofreading: Several individuals and scholars provided assistance in checking and correcting the original text materials. Notable mentions include:
  - Muni Shri Hitrakshitvijayji M.S.
  - Muni Shri Shrut tilakvijayji M.S.
  - Sadhu Shri Bhadrajnashriji M.S.
  - Pandit Shri Ratilal Chimanlal Doshi
- Software Development: The "Akaradi" software used for the indexing was provided as a donation by Shri Harishbhai Bhogilal Doshi of Rajkot, through the initiative of Yashvantbhai Kantilal Shah, organizer of the Chaturmas at Shri Siddhagiri.
- Typesetting: Shri Sai Computers, Ahmedabad (Nitinbhai).
- Cover Design: Khushi Designs, Ahmedabad (Anandbhai).
- Printing and Binding: Shivkrupa Offset Printers, Ahmedabad (Bhavinbhai).
Inspirational Guidance and Support: The project received inspiration and guidance from various Acharyas and Munis of the Jain tradition, including:
- Acharya Bhagwant Shrimad Vijay Ramchandrasurishwarji M.S.
- Panyas Shri Bodhiratnavijayji M.S. (disciple of Acharya Ramchandrasurishwarji)
- Acharya Shri Jinchandrasurishwarji M.S. (disciple of Acharya Vijay Veershekharji M.S.)
- Acharya Shri Samyamratnasurishwarji M.S. (disciple of Acharya Jinchandrasurishwarji M.S.)
- Acharya Shri Yogatilakasurishwarji M.S. (disciple of Acharya Samyamratnasurishwarji M.S.)
Funding and Donations: The publication of the third volume was supported by the "Gyan Nidhi" collected during the Chaturmas at Shri Siddhagiri in Vikram Samvat 2062, organized by the Shri Vimalgiri Varshavas Ayojan Samiti. This support is gratefully acknowledged. The publisher also notes that the publication is made possible by the "Vyay" (expenditure) of complete knowledge-wealth. Householders are requested to use the book after paying the price.
Purpose and Utility:
- Locating Verses: The primary purpose is to help scholars and students quickly find specific verses from various Jain texts. This is crucial because Jain commentary texts often quote verses from other works using abbreviations (e.g., "3 2") without full attribution, leading to difficulties in identifying the source.
- Facilitating Research: The index aids researchers and compilers in completing their work, such as verifying citations in older texts or finding relevant verses for their own compositions.
- Cross-Referencing: It allows users to discover which verses appear in multiple texts and where.
- Textual Accuracy: The process involved significant effort in verifying and correcting the original text materials, aiming for accuracy.
Structure of the Four-Volume Set:
- Volume 1: Index of verses from 44 Agam texts and "Samveg Rangshala".
- Volume 2: Index of verses from 373 Prakrit texts.
- Volume 3 (This Book): Index of verses from 205 Sanskrit texts, plus the index for "Lokaprakash".
- Volume 4: Index of verses from "Trishashti Shalakapurusha Charitra" and its related texts "Vairagya Kalpalata" and "Vairagya Ratna".
Important Notes for Users:
- The book provides a "Granth Pravesh Paddhati" (Method of Entering the Text) on page 11 and "Suchana" (Instructions) on page 12, which users are advised to read for better utilization.
- The text includes a list of abbreviations for the texts and details their full names and the volume number in the Shastra Sandesh Mala series.
- A disclaimer is included, requesting forgiveness for any errors that might have crept in due to computerization or oversight and inviting users to point out any mistakes.

Significance:

The "Sanskrit Padyanam Akaradikramen Anukramanika" series, and this volume in particular, represents a monumental effort in organizing and making accessible the vast body of Sanskrit literature within Jainism. It is described as a unique publication in terms of its scope and novelty in the field of Jain publishing. The index is considered an invaluable tool for anyone engaged in the study, research, or recitation of Jain scriptures.