Shasan Prabhavak Jinaprabhasuri

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, focusing on the life and influence of Shasan Prabhavak Jinaprabhasuri:

This text, "Shasan Prabhavak Jinaprabhasuri" by Agarchand Nahta, is a detailed account of a significant Jain scholar and propagator, Jinaprabhasuri. The work highlights the importance of such influential figures who, through their exceptional efforts, protected and enhanced Jainism during various challenging times.

The author begins by categorizing eight types of influential individuals in Jainism: Pravachanak (preacher), Kathik (storyteller), Vadi (debater), Naimittik (astrologer/predictor), Tapasvi (ascetic), Vidyavan (learned), Siddha (accomplished), and Kavi (poet). Jinaprabhasuri is presented as a prime example of someone who embodied many of these qualities, immensely contributing to the flourishing of Jain rule and the embellishment of society.

Early Life and Spiritual Path:

Jinaprabhasuri was born as Subhatpal, son of Ratnapal and Khetal Devi, of the Tambi lineage, from Ladnun in Mohilwadi. At a young age (seven or eight), he was initiated into the Jain order by Shri Jainsingh Suri, guided by the divine indication of Padmavati Devi. Recognizing his imminent demise, Jainsingh Suri, in 1341 CE, appointed Jinaprabhasuri as his successor at Kidhavanagar, bestowing upon him the title of Acharya. This event signifies a pivotal moment in the succession of the Khartar Gachchha.

Intellectual Prowess and Literary Contributions:

Jinaprabhasuri was a polymath, excelling in various fields of knowledge, including grammar, lexicon, prosody, logic, philosophy (Shad-darshan), literature, and Tantra-Mantra. His vast and significant literary output is a testament to his profound scholarship. He also contributed to the intellectual development of scholars from other Gachchhas and the Rudrapalliya branch of the Khartar Gachchha, and revised their works.

His most significant works mentioned are:

• Vividh Tirtha Kalpa: This is considered a groundbreaking work in Jain literature, and perhaps even in all of Indian literature. It functions as a "guidebook" for ancient and existing Jain pilgrimage sites, providing their brief descriptions, locations, and historical accounts. The author's deep interest in history and travel is evident, as Jinaprabhasuri extensively traveled across India, meticulously documenting the literary and traditional information he gathered about these sacred places. The text often adopts both Sanskrit and Prakrit, prose and poetry, as per the author's mastery.
• Vidhi Marg-Prama: This work is described as a significant collection of procedural regulations.
• Stotras: Jinaprabhasuri is credited with composing approximately seven hundred stotras (devotional hymns), with around a hundred currently available. This prolific output of diverse devotional compositions is unparalleled by other scholars.
• Commentaries: He authored important commentaries on works like Kalpasutra (Sandeh Vishauṣadhi, 1364 CE) and Kātantra-Vibhrama-Vritti, Hem-anekārtha-śeṣa-vritti, and Vr̥cādi-gaṇa-vr̥tti (grammar).
• Other Notable Works: Dvayaśrama Mahākāvya (1356 CE), Mandrakalpa, Hriṅkāra Kalpa, Rahasya Kalpadruma (related to Tantra-Mantra, still being sought), Ajitashanti, Upsargahara, Bhayahara, Anuyogachatushtaya, Mahavira-stotra, Shadavasthaka, Sadhu Pratikkraman, and Vidagdh Mukh-Mandan. He also composed various "prakarana, savaso, and vivarana."

Influence and Miraculous Feats:

Jinaprabhasuri's influence extended beyond scholarly circles, significantly impacting royal courts and public opinion.

• Royal Patronage and Miracles: His intellectual prowess and miraculous abilities, often attributed to the divine presence of Padmavati Devi, led to remarkable achievements. The text details numerous miracles performed by him, as recorded in various historical accounts.
• Interaction with Muhammad bin Tughluq: A significant event was Jinaprabhasuri's encounter with Sultan Muhammad Tughluq. He received great honor from the Sultan, engaging in discussions and impressing him with his knowledge and poetry. The Sultan gifted him generously, which Jinaprabhasuri, adhering to monastic principles, initially declined but accepted some items due to the Sultan's insistence and the inspiration of Harisagar Suriji.
• Retrieval of the Kanyana Mahavir Idol: Jinaprabhasuri played a crucial role in recovering a valuable idol of Mahavir from Sultan Muhammad Tughluq. This idol had been hidden during times of fear and later placed in the imperial treasury. Through his influence at the royal court, Jinaprabhasuri secured the idol and had it installed in a Jain temple in Delhi. Later, his disciple Jinadevasuri was granted land to build a temple and Poshadhshala where the idol was again enshrined. The worship of this idol extended beyond the Shvetambar community to Digambar and other sects.
• Royal Edicts for Pilgrimage Protection: Impressed by Jinaprabhasuri and Jinadevasuri's scholarship, the Sultan issued royal decrees to protect important Jain pilgrimage sites like Shatrunjaya, Girnar, and Phalodi.
• Recognition by Scholars: Scholars like Somadharma (in his Upadesha-Saptatika, 1503 CE) and Shubhashila Gani (in his Prabandha Panchashati, 1521 CE) documented Jinaprabhasuri's miracles and his influence, particularly in converting the "Mlechchhapati" (ruler of foreign lands).

Legacy and Continuation of the Tradition:

The Jinaprabhasuri branch of the Khartar Gachchha continued to produce great scholars for at least until the seventeenth century. A notable statue of Jinaprabhasuri is enshrined in the Khartar Vasahi at Mahatirtha Shatrunjaya. The "Shrenik Dyashraya Kavya," a work related to Jinaprabhasuri, was published from Palitana and needs proper re-publication.

The author expresses a strong belief that Jinaprabhasuri deserves the same esteemed position as the four preceding "Dadagurus." His influence on Sultan Muhammad Tughluq is seen as a significant event in demonstrating the importance and glory of Jainism in the courts of Muslim rulers in India. Jinaprabhasuri is credited with being among the first to elevate the stature of Jainism in such settings.

The text also highlights the ongoing efforts to compile and publish a comprehensive independent work on Jinaprabhasuri, with the task entrusted to Vinaysagarji. The author encourages readers to explore the various published prabandhas and collections to understand Jinaprabhasuri's miraculous influence and great personality.

In summary, this text presents Jinaprabhasuri as a monumental figure in Jain history, a luminary whose profound scholarship, spiritual power, and diplomatic skills significantly impacted the propagation, protection, and prestige of Jainism, particularly during a period of considerable political and social flux.