Siddha Hemchandra Shabdanushasan - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Siddha Hemchandra Shabdanushasan Brihat Vritti Avachurni (Navapada)," authored by Chandrasagar Gani, based on the provided pages:

I. Introduction and Context:

Title: Siddha HemchIncdra Shabdanushasan Brihat Vritti Avachurni (Brihat Vritti Durgapada Vivaranam)
Author of the Original Work: Acharya Hemachandra
Author of the Avachurni (Commentary): Muni Shree Amarachandra (disciple of Jainacharya Shrimad Jayananada Surishvara)
Editor/Researcher: Pan'yasa Shree Chandrasagar Gani
Publisher: Sheth Devchand Lalbhai Jain Pustakoddhar Fund
Series Number: 94
Date of Publication: Vikram Samvat 2004 / Christian Era 1948
Significance: This publication is an Avachurni (commentary) on the Brihat Vritti (a major commentary) of Acharya Hemachandra's renowned grammar, the "Siddha Hemchandra Shabdanushasan." Specifically, it covers the Durgapada Vivaranam (explanation of difficult words/phrases) for the first nine Padas (sections) of the Brihat Vritti. The original Avachurni by Amarachandra was composed in V.S. 1264 (C.E. 1207-08).

II. Content and Significance of the Avachurni:

Focus: The Avachurni by Amarachandra focuses on explaining the complex and sometimes obscure terms or passages (durgapada) found within the Brihat Vritti of the Shabdanushasan.
Scope: This particular volume covers the Durgapada Vivaranam for the first nine Padas of the Brihat Vritti. The text explicitly mentions that the commentary for the later sections was not available at the time of publication, despite efforts to locate it.
Originality of Amarachandra: The text highlights that Amarachandra composed this Avachurni for his own benefit and for the benefit of others.
Historical Context: The introduction (Prastavana) by the editor provides historical context about Jain Acharyas and their literary contributions, particularly during the Solanki dynasty's reign (roughly 11th to 13th centuries CE), which is described as a "golden age" of Jain literature.
Comparison with Laghunyasa: The editor, Pan'yasa Shree Chandrasagar Gani, notes significant similarities between Amarachandra's Avachurni and the Lagunyasakara (a shorter commentary) by Muni Shree Kanakaprabha. Both commentators, likely contemporaries, exhibit similar approaches and explanations for certain sutras. The editor plans to elaborate on these comparisons in a future work titled "Comparative Analysis of Shri Siddha Hemachandra Shabdanushasan."
Unique Insights: The Avachurni is praised for its "divine imagination" (alaukika kalpanāo) and unique explanations, making it invaluable for understanding the nuances of Hemachandra's grammar.
Structure of the Grammar: The introduction briefly outlines Hemachandra's Shabdanushasan, noting its eight Padas, with seven dedicated to Sanskrit and one to Prakrit and other languages (Sauraseni, Magadhi, Paishachika, Apabhramsha). The first seven Padas deal with Sanskrit grammar, divided into four Chatushkas (groups of four sections) covering Akyaata (verbs), Krit, Taddhita, and Sandhi, Nama, Karaka, and Samasa.

III. Editorial and Publishing Efforts:

Dedication: The book is dedicated to Pujyapada 1008 Shree Anandasagar Surishvara, acknowledging his foundational role in establishing the Devchand Lalbhai Jain Pustakoddhar Fund and the Shrea Agamoday Samiti, which have published numerous Jain scriptures.
Financial Support: The publication was made possible by the Devchand Lalbhai Jain Pustakoddhar Fund, with specific mention of the efforts of Motichand Maganbhai Choksi and other trustees.
Manuscript Preservation: The text emphasizes the importance of preserving ancient manuscripts, noting that the original palm-leaf manuscript of the Avachurni, dating back 738 years, was in a delicate state and required printing.
Printing and Editing: The editing and research were meticulously carried out by Pan'yasa Shree Chandrasagar Gani. The printing was done at the Mahodaya P. Press in Bhavnagar.
Chronological Details: The publication provides detailed historical and chronological information, including the composition date of Amarachandra's Avachurni (V.S. 1264) and the editor's work (V.S. 2003). It also includes the birth and initiation details of Acharya Shree Anandasagar Surishvara.
Chaaturmaas Records: The introductory sections include extensive records of the Chaaturmaas (monsoon retreat periods) undertaken by Acharya Shree Chandrasagar Gani from V.S. 1984 to V.S. 2001. These records detail the various locations and the significant Jain educational and literary activities conducted during these periods, including the progress on the Siddha Hemchandra Shabdanushasan and its commentaries. This highlights the immense dedication and continuous effort involved in scholarly and archival work within the Jain tradition.
Challenges: The publication process faced delays due to the extensive nature of the editorial work, the ongoing publication of the main Shabdanushasan, and the need to handle multiple scholarly and administrative tasks across different locations during the Chaaturmaas.
Financial Aspect: The book was priced at five Rupees, reflecting the desire of the publishing fund to make valuable ancient texts accessible to a wider audience.

IV. Key Jain Concepts Mentioned:

Aayambil Tap: Mentioned in relation to the "Navapada Ayambil Oli Tap" and Vardhaman Ayambil Tap, a significant ascetic practice in Jainism.
Navapada: Refers to the nine spiritual entities revered in Jainism (Arhanta, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, Sadhu, Darshan, Gyan, Charitra, Tapa).
Karma Theory: The text briefly touches upon the concept of karma and its role in the cycle of birth and death.
Syadvada: The principle of conditioned predication or the doctrine of "may be" is highlighted as central to language acquisition and understanding, as per the grammar itself.
Jain Cosmology and Philosophy: References to various philosophical concepts and practices are embedded within the discussions of grammar and commentary, showcasing the integrated nature of Jain knowledge.
Pilgrimage Sites: Mention of Siddha Kshetra, Suryapur, Jain temples, and other holy places underscores the religious context of the work.

V. Overall Purpose:

The publication of this Avachurni serves to:

Preserve and disseminate the profound commentary by Amarachandra on Hemachandra's grammar.
Make the complex grammatical rules and their explanations accessible to scholars and students of Jain literature and Prakrit/Sanskrit grammar.
Fulfill the mission of the Devchand Lalbhai Jain Pustakoddhar Fund and Shrea Agamoday Samiti in reviving and publishing valuable ancient Jain scriptures.
Acknowledge and honor the significant contributions of Jain Acharyas and patrons of learning.

In essence, this is a scholarly endeavor to bring to light a crucial commentary on a foundational text of Jain linguistics, revealing the depth of knowledge and the dedication of scholars and institutions in preserving and propagating Jain heritage.