Siddh Hemchandra Vyakaranam - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Siddh Hemchandra Vyakaranam" by Himanshuvijay, published by Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi, based on the scanned pages:

Overall Work: The text is an edition of the "Siddh Hemchandra Shabdanushasan," a comprehensive grammar of Sanskrit and Prakrit languages, originally composed by the renowned Jain acharya, Hemchandrasuri. This particular edition is compiled and edited by Muni Himanshu Vijay, a scholar of Nyaya and Kavya. The publication is by Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi, Ahmedabad, marking the Vikram Samvat year 2006 (1950 CE).

Core Content and Structure: The "Siddh Hemchandra Shabdanushasan" itself is a monumental work. This edition focuses on presenting its grammatical aspects, including:

The Sutras: The core grammatical rules.
Dhatupath: A list of Sanskrit roots.
Anubandhakarika: A treatise on affixes and their properties.
Lingshashana: Rules governing Sanskrit grammar related to gender.
Nayasangraha: A collection of logical principles.
Unadi: Rules for deriving nouns from roots.
Prakrit Grammar: The eighth chapter, dedicated to the grammar of Prakrit languages, is a significant part of the work.

Key Sections and Introductions:

Introduction (Prastavana):
- Nature of Scripture: The introduction on page 4 clarifies that scriptures establish systematic rules for observed phenomena. Languages existed before grammar, and grammar organizes and codifies them.
- Evolution of Languages: Sanskrit was once the common language, evolving into Prakrit languages, which further diversified into Gujarati, Marathi, Hindi, Bengali, etc., over time. Sanskrit, however, remained the language of learned thinkers, preserved in its original form without significant alteration.
- Significance of Siddh-Hem Shabdanushasan: Hemchandrasuri created this magnum opus to facilitate the study of Sanskrit. Prior grammars (Pāṇini, Śākaṭāyana, Candra) were considered difficult, incomplete, or confusing. Hemchandrasuri's grammar, named "Siddh-Hem," signifies his name ("Hem") and the patronage of the king Siddharaj ("Siddh"). It's a complete grammar covering all languages.
- Patronage of Siddharaj Jaysinh: Siddharaj Jaysinh of the Chalukya dynasty (reigned c. 1150-1193 CE) was a great patron of learning. After defeating King Yashovarman of Malva and encountering texts like Bhoja's Sarasvati Kanthabharanam, Siddharaj was inspired to commission a new, comprehensive grammar. He invited scholars, and Hemchandrasuri's name was put forward.
- Hemchandrasuri's Life and Work:
  - Born in 1045 VS (Vikram Samvat) in Dhankha, Gujarat. His birth name was Chandradeva. His mother was devoutly Jain, but his father was not.
  - At age five, he met Acharya Devchandrasuri, who recognized his potential to propagate Jainism.
  - He was initiated in 1150 VS, named Somchandra. The name "Hemchandra" came later when a treasure turned to gold upon his touch.
  - He became an Āchārya in 1166 VS.
  - His major works, apart from the grammar, include Abhidhanachintamani, Kavyanushasan, Chandaḥanusāshana, Sanskritāśraya Mahākāvya, and Prākr̥tāśraya Mahākāvya (Kumārapālcharitra).
- Scale of the Grammar: The grammar, "Siddh-Hem Shabdanushasan," is estimated to be around 125,000 shlokas (verses). The text lists the components contributing to this vastness: Brihannamas (84,000), Brihadvritti (18,000), Laghu Vritti (6,000), Rahasya Vritti (4,500), Lingānushasan (3,684), Unadi Ganapatha (3,250), and Dhatupath (600).
- Unique Features: The grammar covers Sanskrit and Prakrit (and other related languages in the eighth chapter). Hemchandrasuri's genius lay in integrating various linguistic aspects, simplifying complex rules, and making it accessible.
- Influence of Hemchandracharya: His scholarly output was vast, covering logic, grammar, literature, and more, earning him the title "Kālkalasarvajña" (Omniscient of the Age). He also played a pivotal role in the patronage and spread of Jainism under King Kumarpala.
Praise for Hemchandrasuri: The introductory pages highlight his vast knowledge, singular effort in completing such a massive work, and his influence in promoting Jainism through his association with rulers like Siddharaj and Kumarpala, who propagated non-violence and Jain principles throughout Gujarat.
The Editor's Contribution (Munishri Himanshu Vijay): The preface by Pandit Mafatlal Jhaverchand Gandhi mentions that this edition was originally edited by the late Muniraj Shri Himanshu Vijay in 1991 (VS). Due to the scarcity of copies, the Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi decided to reprint it and entrusted the task to the editor. This reprint includes the eighth chapter on Prakrit grammar, Lingānushasan, Dhatupath, Unadi, and Karika—four out of the five auxiliaries of the Siddh-Hem Shabdanushasan. The Ganapatha was omitted to keep the volume manageable.
Structure of the Edition: The edition aims to be comprehensive for students, including:
- The main text of the grammar.
- The "Laghuvritti" (short commentary) written by Hemchandrasuri himself.
- The "Tattvaprakashika Vritti" (commentary).
- The appendices (Parishishta) containing the alphabetical index of sutras, Dhatupath, Lingānushasan, Vyākarana Paribhasha, Unadi Prakaran, and the Prashasti (praise for the work).
Prashasti (Praise): The Prashasti section (pages 170-203) contains verses praising King Siddharaj Jaysinh and detailing his reign and accomplishments, implicitly highlighting the context and royal patronage for the creation of the grammar. It mentions kings like Mulraj, Chamuṇḍa, Vallabhraj, Durlabhraj, Bhimdev, Karnadev, and finally Siddharaj, tracing the Chalukya lineage.
Appendices (Parishishta): These are extensive and crucial for understanding the grammar:
- Index of Sutras (Akaraadi Varnanukrama): A comprehensive alphabetical index of all sutras (pages 204-354), crucial for referencing.
- Dhatupath (Verb Roots): A detailed list of Sanskrit verb roots, categorized by ganas (groups), with their meanings and grammatical implications (pages 74-120, 204). This section is exceptionally detailed.
- Dhatu Pratyayanubandh Falakarika: Rules explaining the function of verb affixes.
- Haemlingānushasan (Jain Grammar of Gender): Rules for gender agreement in Sanskrit.
- Haem Paribhasha Path: Essential grammatical definitions and conventions.
- Unadi Prakaran: Rules for deriving nouns from roots.
- Prashasti: Introductory eulogies and context.

Overall Significance: The Siddh-Hem Shabdanushasan is considered a foundational text in Sanskrit and Prakrit linguistics. This edition, by Muni Himanshu Vijay, is valuable for its comprehensive inclusion of various grammatical components and its meticulous editing, making the complex grammar accessible to students and scholars. The work reflects the rich intellectual tradition of Jain scholars and their contributions to Indian linguistics and culture.

This summary covers the main aspects presented in the text provided. The detailed appendices, especially the Dhatupath and the index of sutras, indicate the depth and exhaustive nature of this grammatical work.