Shraddh Pratikraman Vandittu Sutra

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shraddh Pratikraman Vandittu Sutra" based on the provided pages. The summary is structured to cover the key aspects of the text as presented in the initial pages, focusing on its purpose, author, commentators, and the overarching philosophy.

Book Title: Shraddh Pratikralman Vandittu Sutra (શ્રાદ્ધપ્રતિક્રમણ-વંદિત્તુસૂત્ર)

Author(s): Shrutsthavir Maharshi (Shrutsthavir Maharshi - શ્રુતસ્થવિર મહાર્ષિ), Hanssagar (Hanssagar - હંસસાગર)

Publisher: Motichand Dipchand G Bhavnagar (મતીચંદ દીપચંદ જી. ભાવનગર)

Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/005152/1

Core Purpose:

The "Shraddh Pratikramman Vandittu Sutra" is a highly significant Jain text intended for the regular practice of religious observances by lay followers (Shravaks and Shravikas). It is considered an essential part of their daily or periodic religious duties ("Aavashyak"). The text aims to guide individuals in understanding and performing these rituals with proper knowledge and devotion to achieve spiritual well-being and ultimately, liberation.

Key Figures and Commentary:

• Original Composer: Shrutsthavir Maharshi (શ્રુતસ્થવિર ભગવંત).
• Commentator: Acharya Shrimad Ratnashekhar Surishwarji Maharaj (આચાર્ય પ્રવર શ્રી રત્નશેખરસૂરીશ્વરજી મહારાજા), who composed the "Arth Deepika" commentary (અર્થદીપિકા ટીકા) approximately 513 years prior to the publication, around Vikram Samvat 1496. This commentary is described as authoritative and comprehensive.
• Translator/Annotator: Muni Shri Hanssagarji Maharaj (મુનિરાજ શ્રી હંસસાગરજી મહારાજ), who holds the title of "Shasan Kantkadhark" (શાસનકંટકાદ્ધારક), signifying his role in removing obstacles and revitalizing the Jain tradition. He is also praised as a scholar of grammar and a proponent of virtuous practices like Shri Siddha Chakra Aradhana. His translation and commentary are noted for being beautiful, simple, ideal, and in Gujarati.

Background and Motivation for the Translation:

The text highlights a significant need within the Jain community for an accurate and accessible translation and commentary of the Vandittu Sutra. Before this publication, the work was primarily available in manuscript form and was not widely accessible or easily understood by the lay community. The publication of a previous translation in Samvat 1967 (based on an older manuscript) was acknowledged, but it was found to be incomplete and lacking in comprehensive commentary. This led to the necessity for a more thorough, accurate, and spiritually insightful edition, which Muni Shri Hanssagarji Maharaj undertook. The preface by Muni Hanssagarji details his extensive research, the identification of the importance of the text for both "Aavashyak" (daily duties) and "Pratikraman" (repentance rituals), and his personal journey to undertake this monumental task, including correcting errors in previous translations and elaborating on the profound meanings within the original text and its commentary.

Content and Significance:

• "Vandittu Sutra": This is the core text, likely containing verses or hymns for veneration and repentance, central to the Shravaka's (lay follower's) spiritual practice.
• "Arth Deepika": This is the vital commentary that elucidates the meaning, context, and spiritual significance of the Vandittu Sutra. The translation aims to make this profound commentary accessible to the Gujarati-speaking Jain community.
• "Aavashyak Kriya": The text emphasizes the importance of performing the "Aavashyak Kriya" (essential daily/periodic rituals) accurately and with a deep understanding of the underlying principles.
• Spiritual Goal: The ultimate aim is to foster spiritual growth, self-purification, and the attainment of eternal bliss (Shiva-lakshmi). The text serves as a guide to understanding the correct path for spiritual progress.
• Dedication: The book is dedicated to the revered Acharya Devesh Shri Anandasagarsurishwarji Maharaj, highlighting the lineage and importance of the spiritual guidance.

Publisher and Support:

The publication is attributed to Shahu Motichand Dipchand G Bhavnagar, with the first edition printed in Samvat 2009 (corresponding to 1952 CE). The text also acknowledges various individuals and organizations for their financial support, demonstrating a community effort behind this spiritual endeavor.

Overall Impression:

The initial pages convey a deep sense of respect for the original scriptures and the scholars who preserved and interpreted them. The motivation behind this publication is clearly to provide the Jain laity with a clear, accurate, and spiritually enriching resource for their religious practices, specifically focusing on the Vandittu Sutra and its profound commentary, the Arth Deepika. The detailed acknowledgments and the lengthy preface by Muni Hanssagarji underscore the immense effort and dedication involved in making this sacred text accessible to the masses.