Shrutpanchami

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, Shrutpanchami, by Darbarilal Kothiya:

Shrutpanchami: A Celebration of Scriptural Knowledge

The text, "Shrutpanchami," authored by Darbarilal Kothiya, emphasizes the profound importance of scriptural knowledge (Shrut) in Jainism and highlights the significance of the Shrutpanchami festival. It posits that this festival, celebrated annually with great fervor, is as important as the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir. On this day, Jains gather to perform Shrut Puja (worship of scriptures), listen to the history of the origin of Shrut, and reflect on its greatness, feeling immense joy and gratitude.

The Indispensable Light of Shrut

The author expresses deep appreciation for those who have gifted the light of Shrut, which guides individuals towards their true well-being. Without this scriptural guidance, the text suggests, people would likely be lost and misguided. The celebration of Shrutpanchami is presented as an act of gratitude towards the "mother of Shrut" (Shrut Devata) and the means by which to express this thanks, as well as a call to constantly engage in the study and teaching of scriptures and to propagate this knowledge widely.

Shrut Puja: More Than Ritual

The text clarifies that Shrut Puja is not merely the act of gathering scriptures in one place and offering them Argh (ritual offerings). True Shrut Puja and worship involve the diligent study of scriptures with a joyful heart, the presence of scriptures in every home, the gifting and dissemination of scriptures, and the overall propagation and expansion of scriptural knowledge.

The Essentiality of Swadhyay (Self-Study)

The importance of Swadhyay (self-study) is underscored as a mandatory duty for every Shravak (lay follower), as outlined in the Shravakachara (code of conduct for lay followers). The renowned scholar Shrimad Ashadhara is quoted, stating that Shrut Puja is equivalent to the worship of the Tirthankaras (omniscient beings), as worshipping Shrut is essentially worshipping the Jinas themselves.

Shrut: The True Savior

The text further elaborates on the superiority of devotion to Shrut over devotion to other forms of knowledge (Matya, Shruta, Avadhi, Manahparyaya, and Keval Gyana). While other forms of knowledge can be either directly or indirectly revelatory, only Shrut has the power to ward off the cycle of birth and death (samsara) and lead to liberation (moksha). Therefore, sincere devotion to Shrut is paramount.

The Genesis of Shrut: A Historical Account

The text then delves into the historical account of the origin of Shrut, primarily focusing on the vast corpus of Jain scriptures known as the Shatkhanda Agama. It explains the concept of "Arthakarta" (the one who imparts the meaning) and "Granthakarta" (the one who compiles the text). Lord Mahavir is identified as the ultimate Arthakarta, possessing eighteen specific qualities and overcoming numerous obstacles and afflictions. He imparted his teachings in Vipulachal mountain.

The text specifies the time of the origin of the Dharma Teerth (the Jain dispensation) as the last part of the fourth era of the current half-cycle (avasarpini), specifically on the first day of the bright half of the month of Shravan, during the Abhijit nakshatra. This day is celebrated as "Veerashasan Jayanti" (Victory of the Veerashasan).

Gautam Swami, the chief disciple of Lord Mahavir, is credited as the Granthakarta (compiler) of the Shatkhanda Agama, having meticulously recorded Lord Mahavir's teachings imparted through his divine voice. The lineage of scriptural transmission is traced from Gautam Swami to Arya Lohacharya, then to Jambu Swami, and subsequently to other scholars who were custodians of various parts of the scriptures.

The Role of Dharasenacharya and the Shatkhanda Agama

The text highlights the critical role of Dharasenacharya, who, fearing the eventual decline of scriptural knowledge, sought to preserve it. He sent two worthy disciples, Bhootbali and Pushpadanta, to learn the scriptures from him. After a rigorous testing process, Dharasenacharya imparted the knowledge of the Shatkhanda Agama to them. Bhootbali and Pushpadanta then compiled the monumental work.

The Date of Shrutpanchami

While Dharasenacharya's account in the Dhavala commentary does not explicitly state the date of the commencement of scriptural practice, the text refers to the work of Indranandi in his "Shrutavatar," which clearly states that the worship of the compiled scriptures (Shatkhanda Agama) took place on the fifth day of the bright half of the month of Jyeshtha (Jyeshtha Shukla Panchami). This day is recognized as Shrutpanchami and is celebrated to this day by Jains. Therefore, the text concludes with certainty that Jyeshtha Shukla Panchami is the established date for the Shrutpanchami festival.