Siddha Hem Llaghu Vrutti Avchuri Parishkar

The book "Siddha Hem Laghu Vrutti Avchuri Parishkar Bhag - 1" authored by Jitendravijay, published by Ranjanvijay Jain Pustakalay, is a commentary (Avchuri) on the "Siddha Hem Shabdānushāsan" by Acharya Hemchandracharya. This specific volume covers Chapters 21/2, Pad 10, and is part of a larger work that aims to provide a refined and corrected version of the original commentary.

Here's a summary of the key aspects presented in the provided pages:

1. Title and Authorship:

• Title: Siddha Hem Laghu Vrutti Avchuri Parishkar (भाग - १ [अध्याय - २१/२] पाद - १०)
• Author of the Original Work: Acharya Hemchandracharya (विरचित)
• Author of the Commentary (Avchuri Samapada): Pujya Muniraj Shri Jitendravijayji M. (प. पू. कलिकालसर्वज्ञ आ.देवश्री हेमचंद्राचार्य म. विरचित सिद्धहेम लघुवृत्ति अवचूरि परिष्कार भाग - १ (अध्याय - २१/२] पाद - १०) -:: अवचूरि - सम्पादक ::- पूज्य मुनिराज श्री जितेन्द्रविजयजी म.)
• Inspiration/Encouragement (Granth Prerak): Pravartak Pujya Muniraj Shri Harishbhadravijayji M. (प्रवर्तक पूज्य मुनिराज श्री हरीशभद्रविजयजी म.)
• Re-editor of the Commentary (Avchuri Granth Punah Sanshodhak): Yuwacharya Ratnakarsurishwarji ke shishya Pujya Muniraj Shri Ratnajyot Vijayji M. (युवाचार्य रत्नाकरसूरीश्वरजी के शिष्य पूज्य मुनिराज श्री रत्नज्योत विजयजी म.)

2. Publisher and Related Entities:

• Publisher (Prakashak): Navjivan Granthmala (Gariadhar) Trust, Mumbai (नवजीवन ग्रंथमाला (गा) ट्रस्ट - मुंबई)
• Associate Publisher (Upaprakashan): Shri Ranjan Vijay Jain Pustakalay, Malwada (श्री रंजन विजय जैन पुस्तकालय (मालवाडा))
• Other Publishing Addresses: Shri Jain Tattvajnan Vidyapeeth, Pune; Shri Paras Ganga Gyan Mandir, Ahmedabad.

3. Dedication and Biography:

• Dedication (Samarpan): The work is dedicated to Pujya Muniraj Shri Jitendravijayji M. on the auspicious occasion of his birth centenary. The editor expresses gratitude for the opportunity to present this grammatical treasure.
• Brief Biography (Sankshipt Mitakshari): A concise biography of Pujya Muniraj Shri Jitendravijayji M. is provided, including details about his parents, birthplace, initiation, spiritual lineage, travels, literary contributions (over 70 books in various languages), date of demise, and his disciples.

4. Publisher's Note (Prakashakiya):

• The publishers express great joy in presenting this volume covering two and a half chapters of the "Siddha Hem Laghu Vrutti" with its "Avchuri Parishkar".
• They acknowledge the financial and logistical challenges of publishing such a comprehensive Sanskrit text.
• The publication was made possible by a generous donation of Rs. 1001 and the dedicated efforts of the printing press.
• The initial subscription price for seven chapters was fixed at Rs. 17-8-0, with a plan to send individual parts as they were published.
• The publishers emphasize that the value of a publication is determined by the quality of its content and the institution behind it, and they accepted the task despite being a newer organization to uphold the legacy of the work.
• They mention having published ten "pads" (sections) of the Laghu Vrutti so far and that the remaining material is ready.
• The rising cost of living and printing has caused delays, but the grace of Lord Shankheshwar Parshvanath is credited for the continuation of the work.
• The commentary is highly useful for monks and nuns, and the delay in publication has caused dissatisfaction among scholars, who are urged to be patient.
• The subscription amount for the "two and a half chapters" has been revised to Rs. 15.
• They assure that the previously printed parts will be sent to earlier subscribers.
• Separate copies of each "pad" and complete chapters are released to facilitate studies.
• The publishers express confidence in the book's utility and its future value as a heritage.
• They conclude with a prayer for financial support to complete the publication.

5. Editorial Note (Sampadakiya):

• The editor reflects on the importance of preserving the purity of language, especially in ancient texts written in Prakrit and Sanskrit, to maintain the flow of spiritual knowledge.
• Acharya Hemchandrasuri's "Shabdānushāsanam" (Grammar) is highlighted as a foundational text.
• Munishri Jitendravijayji, 60 years prior, collected and compiled numerous "Avchuris" (commentaries) with the intention of making the grammar accessible to students.
• This re-publication of the first part (ten pads) is dedicated to his memory on his birth centenary.
• The editor expresses gratitude to Acharyadev Shri Mūnichandrasūriśvarji for inspiration and to Muniraj Shri Ratnajyot Vijayji M. for his diligent work in researching, editing, and preparing the manuscript for publication.
• The editor acknowledges the difficulty in understanding the profound concepts and the need to consult other grammatical texts like Brihadvartika and Paniniya Vyakarana.
• They admit that despite their efforts, errors might still exist and request readers to provide corrections.
• This is presented as the first detailed "Avchuri" on all eight chapters of the Laghu Vrutti, which is a significant achievement.
• The editor shares that this work has allowed him to revisit the "Siddha Hem Shabdānushāsana" after twenty years.
• The publication is planned in four parts: 1-10 pads, 11-20 pads, 21-28 pads, and the eighth chapter on Prakrit grammar. The current volume is the first part, and the second, third, and fourth parts are in the press.

6. Introduction/Preamble (Prastavanā / Shrutibhakti):

• The text begins with a reference to the eternal flow of teachings and the path to becoming divine.
• It emphasizes the importance of preserving language as the medium for these teachings.
• The work of Acharya Hemchandrasuri is lauded for its comprehensive nature, covering the intricate relationship between 576 alphabet combinations.
• The text explains how letters form words, which then develop into complex grammatical structures with various inflections, genders, tenses, etc.
• It highlights the role of "Shruta" (scriptural knowledge) as an ocean, a lamp, and an elixir, capable of providing ultimate liberation.
• The publication of "Siddha Hem Laghu Vrutti" is presented as a significant undertaking, aiming to make this vast knowledge accessible.
• The editor, Munishri Jitendravijayji, is praised for his extensive literary service across seven languages and his deep scholarship.
• The eventual demise of Munishri Jitendravijayji in 1992 (Samvat 2036) is mentioned, followed by the rediscovery of the manuscript about 35 years later through his younger brother, Pravinchandra Jhaveri, and its subsequent transfer to Munishri Harishbhadravijayji.
• The current publication aims to fulfill the dream of bringing this work to light on the occasion of Munishri Jitendravijayji's birth centenary.
• The process involved the collaboration and inspiration of several prominent Jain monks, including Acharya Shri Mūnichandrasūriśvarji, and the dedicated effort of Munishri Ratnajyotvijayji, who completed the research and editing in just eight months.
• The text acknowledges the contributions of various individuals and organizations in the publication process.

7. The "Siddha Hem Shabdānushāsana" and its Commentary:

• The core subject is Acharya Hemchandracharya's monumental grammar, "Siddha Hem Shabdānushāsana."
• The "Laghu Vrutti" is a smaller, more accessible commentary on this grammar.
• The "Avchuri Parishkar" is a further refinement, correction, and elaboration of the "Avchuri" (a type of commentary) on the Laghu Vrutti, aiming to present it in a more accurate and comprehensive form.
• The text delves into the intricacies of Sanskrit and Prakrit grammar as presented by Hemchandracharya.
• It covers the foundational elements of letters, their combinations, word formation, and various grammatical rules, including the concept of "Shruta" (scriptural knowledge).
• The introduction and the commentary sections detail the philosophical and linguistic significance of grammar within Jainism, emphasizing its role in understanding sacred texts and achieving spiritual progress.
• The "Sutra Anukramah" (a list of sutras) at the end of the provided pages indicates the extensive coverage of grammatical rules discussed in the commentary.

In essence, this publication is a critical and detailed scholarly effort to bring forth a previously compiled commentary on a foundational Jain grammatical text, honoring the legacy of the original commentator and ensuring the preservation and accessibility of this important knowledge for future generations.