Siddha Hemchandra Shabdanushasan Bruhad Vrutti Part 01

This is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Siddha Hemchandra Shabdanushasan Bruhad Vrutti Part 01" by Vajrasenvijay, published by Bherulal Kanaiyalal Religious Trust, focusing on the content presented in the pages you've shared.

Book Title: Siddha Hemchandra Shabdanushasan Bruhad Vrutti Part 01 Author: Vajrasenvijay Publisher: Bherulal Kanaiyalal Religious Trust

Overall Purpose: This book is the first part of a larger commentary on the "Siddha Hemchandra Shabdanushasan," a foundational grammar text for the Shauraseni Prakrit language, composed by the renowned Jain Acharya Hemachandra Suri. This specific volume is the "Bruhad Vrutti" (extensive commentary) which also incorporates "Nyaya Saar Samuddhar" (also known as Laghu Nyas), a detailed explanation of specific points. The text aims to explain the intricacies of Jain grammar based on Acharya Hemachandra's work, often referencing earlier grammatical traditions and providing detailed etymological and rule-based analyses.

Key Content and Themes:

1. Homage and Dedication: The book begins with homages to the divine (Arham, Parmatman) and to lineage of Gurus, specifically mentioning Pujyapada Acharyadev Shrimad Vijay Dan-Prem-Ramchandra-Bhavankar Sadguru and Param Pujya Kalikal Sarvagya Shrimad Hemachandra Suri Bhagavan. It is published under the inspiration of Acharya Dev Shrimad Vijay Nemisurishwarji Maharaj Saheb and compiled by Pujya Munivarya Shri Vajrasen Vijayji Maharaj Saheb. The publisher, Bherulal Kanaiyalal Religious Trust, expresses their joy in undertaking this "Bhagirath Karya" (Herculean task) for the benefit of the Jain Sangha.

2. Historical Context of Siddha Hemchandra Shabdanushasan: The text highlights the creation of the "Siddha Hemchandra Shabdanushasan" by Acharya Hemachandra Suri at the request of King Siddharaja. It mentions the existence of Acharya Hemachandra's own commentaries: Laghu Vrutti, Bruhad Vrutti, and Bruhat Nyas. The current publication aims to revive the Bruhad Nyas and its associated "Nyas Saar Samuddhar" (Laghu Nyas), which were unfortunately incomplete or in poor condition.

3. The Significance of Grammar: The text emphasizes the importance of grammar (Shabdanushasan) as a fundamental discipline in Jainism, stating that grammar leads to the perfection of words (pad siddhi), from which the meaning of concepts is determined (arth nirnay), leading to the realization of true principles (tatva gyaan), and ultimately to liberation (moksha).

4. Introduction to the Structure of Shabdanushasan: The text is divided into three parts, covering the eight chapters of the Shabdanushasan, with specific padyas (sections/chapters) assigned to each part. The first part covers padyas 1-10 (approximately two and a half chapters).

5. Detailed Grammatical Analysis (Sanskrit Focus): The bulk of the provided text consists of detailed grammatical explanations of Sanskrit rules and their application. This includes:

   • Phonetics and Alphabet (Swaras and Vyanjanas): Introduction to vowels (swaras) like 'a', 'i', 'u', 'r', 'l', 'e', 'ai', 'o', 'au', and consonants (vyanjanas) like 'k' to 'h'. The text delves into the different pronunciations, durations (matra), and phonetic classifications (sthānas, prayatnas) of sounds.
   • Nouns and Declensions (Nāma and Vibhakti): Extensive explanations of noun formation, declensions (prathama, dvitiya, etc.), gender, number, and the application of case endings (vibhakti). The text meticulously details the rules for changing sounds (sandhi) in different grammatical contexts.
   • Verb Conjugation (Akhyāta): While not extensively shown in these pages, the principles of verb conjugation are implied.
   • Samasa (Compounds): Various types of Sanskrit compound words are discussed and illustrated.
   • Avyayībhāva Samasa: A significant portion focuses on the Avyayībhāva Samasa, where an indeclinable (avyaya) word often governs the meaning.
   • Specific Rules and Exceptions: The commentary provides detailed explanations of specific rules, their scope, exceptions, and the underlying logic (yukti) behind them, often referencing other grammatical authorities.
   • Etymology and Word Formation: The author, Vajrasenvijayji, explains the derivation of words (vyutpatti) and the formation of grammatical terms.
   • Role of Context and Usage: The text often stresses that the meaning and application of grammatical rules are also dependent on context (prasanga) and usage (loka).

6. The Life and Teachings of Acharya Hemachandra: A substantial portion of the text is dedicated to a biographical sketch of Acharya Hemachandra Suri.

   • Divine Origin and Early Brilliance: His birth is described as a significant event, foretold by Acharya Devchandrasuriji, emphasizing his exceptional intelligence even in childhood.
   • Renunciation and Spiritual Journey: The text recounts his initiation into monkhood at a young age after his mother's voluntary surrender.
   • Mastery of Knowledge: Hemachandra's profound scholarship in various fields like logic, literature, and grammar is highlighted. His ability to overcome challenges in acquiring knowledge (like traveling to Kashmir for learning) is mentioned.
   • Intellectual Prowess and Influence: The narrative showcases his intellectual debates and the impact of his teachings on King Siddharaja and later King Kumarpal, leading to the flourishing of Jainism and virtuous conduct in the kingdom.
   • Literary Contributions: The summary lists numerous works attributed to Acharya Hemachandra, including various grammatical texts, philosophical treatises like the Yoga Shastra, and epic poems like the Dvyashraya Mahakavya, which illustrates grammatical rules through historical narratives.
   • Emphasis on Ahimsa and Dharma: The text strongly emphasizes Acharya Hemachandra's influence on King Kumarpal's adoption of Jain principles, particularly Ahimsa (non-violence), leading to the closure of slaughterhouses and the promotion of compassion throughout the kingdom.
   • Devotion and Spiritual Realization: His deep devotion and spiritual practices are alluded to, leading to his ultimate attainment of liberation.

7. Correction Sheet (Shuddhi Patra): The text includes a detailed list of corrections for printing errors, indicating the commitment to accuracy in presenting the complex grammatical rules.

8. Structure of the Commentary: The commentary (Vrutti and Nyas) often provides:

   • Etymological Explanations: Breaking down words into their constituent parts and explaining their origins.
   • Rule References: Citing specific sutras (grammatical aphorisms) from Acharya Hemachandra's work and potentially other Shastras.
   • Discussions of Ambiguities and Interpretations: Addressing potential misunderstandings or alternative interpretations of rules.
   • Examples and Illustrations: Providing numerous examples to clarify the application of each rule.

In essence, this first volume of the Bruhad Vrutti serves as a scholarly and devotional introduction to Jain grammar, deeply rooted in the principles laid down by Acharya Hemachandra Suri. It is a work that combines rigorous linguistic analysis with the veneration of the Acharya and his profound contribution to spiritual and societal upliftment.