Siddhantasara Dipak

The provided text is a substantial portion of the "Siddhantasara Dipaka," also known as "Trilokasara Dipaka," authored by Bhattarak Sakalkirti and commented on by Aryika 105 Shri Vishuddhamati Mataji. The work, compiled and edited by Dr. Chetanprakash Patni, is a significant Jain text primarily dealing with Jain cosmology and geography. The provided pages detail the introductory sections, the author's intention, the methodology of the edition, and a substantial part of the first three chapters of the text.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the content based on the provided text:

Book Title: Siddhantasara Dipaka (Also known as Trilokasara Dipaka) Author: Bhattarak Sakalkirti Commentary (Hindi): Aryika 105 Shri Vishuddhamati Mataji Editor: Dr. Chetanprakash Patni Publisher: Ladmal Jain, Acharya Shri Shivsagar Digamber Jain Granthamala, Shanti Vihar Nagar, Shri Mahavirji (Rajasthan)

Overall Purpose and Context:

• The book is presented as a comprehensive explanation of Jain cosmology and geography.
• Bhattarak Sakalkirti aimed to simplify complex concepts found in earlier works like "Trilokasara" for the understanding of laypeople ("balajanon ko jo sugam pade").
• The publication is dedicated to the thousandth anniversary of Lord Gommateshwar Bahubali Mahamastakabhishekam.

Key Aspects Covered in the Provided Text:

1. Introduction and Publisher's Note (Nivedan):

   • Expresses joy in presenting this edition with its Hindi commentary.
   • Acknowledges the immense effort of Aryika Shri Vishuddhamatiji in completing the extensive commentary of over 4500 verses in three years, despite health challenges.
   • Mentions the delay in publication due to revision, refinement, and publication arrangements.
   • Credits the late Pandit Brahmachari Ratanchandji Mukhtar Saharanpur for harmonizing the original text from various manuscripts to simplify its complexity.
   • Expresses deep gratitude to Pandit Dr. Pannalalji Sahityacharya, Sagar, for clarifying Sanskrit ambiguities, rectifying errors, and writing a detailed preface.
   • Thanks Shri Kajorimalji Kamdar for providing a brief introduction to Aryika Mataji, noting his study under her.
   • Explains printing challenges and potential errors in Sanskrit text (like heading lines) and requests readers to use the correction slip.
   • Highlights the complexity of printing mathematical texts with tables, diagrams, figures, and calculations.
   • Acknowledges financial support from generous donors and expresses hope for their spiritual and material well-being.
   • The editor expresses his gratitude and seeks forgiveness for any errors.

2. Editorial Material (Sampadan Samagri) - Manuscripts:

   • Moola Prati (Original Manuscript): From Amer Shastra Bhandar, Jaipur. 243 folios, 11-12 lines per folio, 35-38 letters per line. Uses red and black ink. Dates back to V.S. 1788. Was affected by termites, but the script is preserved. This was the primary basis for the Prakrit edition's compilation.
   • 'A' Prati: 192 folios, 11 lines per folio, 35-40 letters per line. Black ink. Dated V.S. 1516. Claims 4516 verses. Written in large letters. Considered more accurate than other available manuscripts. Received from Param Pujya Ajitsagar Maharajji.
   • 'Sa' Prati: 275 folios, 6-11 lines per folio, 28-32 letters per line. Red and black ink with Hindi annotations. Obtained from Shri Digamber Jain Saraswati Bhandar, Karaana, Muzaffarnagar (UP) via late Shri Ratanchandji Mukhtar. Dated V.S. 1804.
   • 'N' Prati: 226 folios, 11 lines per folio, 33-36 letters per line. Red and black ink. Dated V.S. 1726. Claims 4516 verses. Obtained from Dr. Karama and Agalaji in Jaipur.
   • 'J' Prati: 234 folios, 10-12 lines per folio, 30-35 letters per line. Red and black ink. Dated V.S. 1823. Claims 4516 verses. Obtained from Dr. Kastoorchandji and Anupalalji in Jaipur.

3. Preface (Prastavana) by Dr. Pannalal Sahityacharya:

   • Lauds "Siddhantasara Dipaka" as a superior work on Jain cosmology due to its simple language and extensive theorems.
   • Reiterates Sakalkirti's intention to present "Trilokasara" concepts in an accessible manner for the masses.
   • Quotes Sakalkirti's declaration of creating a "Trilokya Sara (Siddhanta Sara) Dipaka" accessible to children.
   • Highlights the sixth chapter's depiction of Chatur-Nikaya devas as vivid and immersive.
   • Notes two potentially debatable points:
     • A description on page 159 about thrones during Janmabhishek (birth ceremony) suggesting Indras sit during the ritual.
     • A statement on page 560 (verse 8) suggesting Siddha beings are one unit less in stature than their past bodies, contrary to the usual Jain tenet of being slightly smaller.
   • The preface then transitions into a detailed biography of Bhattarak Sakalkirti.

4. Biography of Bhattarak Sakalkirti:

   • Born in V.S. 1443 (1306 AD) in Pranhilpur Pattaan, parents Karam Singh and Shobha.
   • Childhood prodigy, exhibiting strong devotion to Jinendras and practicing virtues.
   • Married at 14 but remained detached from worldly life.
   • Renounced worldly possessions at age 26, adopting a mendicant life.
   • Studied under Bhattarak Padmanandi at Mevana (Udaipur) for eight years, mastering Prakrit and Sanskrit texts.
   • Became an Acharya at age 34, named Sakalkirti.
   • His active monastic life spanned from V.S. 1477 to 1496, primarily in regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat.
   • He worked to reawaken religious consciousness in a society experiencing spiritual decline, leading many pilgrimage Sangh.
   • Organized and consecrated 14 temple establishments, fostering societal awareness.
   • Known for his extraordinary personality, profound scholarship in Prakrit and Sanskrit, and charismatic speech.
   • His disciples, like Brahm Jinadas, praised him with titles like Mahakavi, Nigrantharaja, and Taponidhi.
   • He established a Bhattarak seat at Galia in V.S. 1462, belonging to the Saraswati Gachha and Balatkar Gana tradition.
   • He was a distinguished ascetic, observing numerous vows.
   • In his 22-year active life, he composed over 35 works.
   • His death occurred in V.S. 1466 in Mahasana (Gujarat), though some sources suggest he lived until age 81.
   • The socio-religious conditions of his time were marked by spiritual laxity, lack of access to literature, and the practice of Bhattarakas being nude (Sakalkirti himself was nude).
   • He significantly contributed to literature in Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Rajasthani, inspiring later saints.
   • The preface lists his Sanskrit works (e.g., Mulachar Pradeep, Siddhantasara Dipaka, Parshvanath Charita) and Rajasthani works (e.g., Aradhana Pratibodhsaar, Shantinath Phagu).

5. Summary of Chapters (Adhikaras):

   • The text is divided into 16 chapters.
   • Chapter 1 (Loknadika Swaroop): Covers the nature of the Lokanadi, Lokakasha, Alokakasha, the structure of the universe (Adholoka, Madhyaloka, Urdhvaloka), and its dimensions in Rajju units. It also includes extensive mangalacharana (auspicious invocations).
   • Chapter 2 (Adholoka Shvabhra Swaroop): Details the Adholoka, including its seven earths (Rathaprabha, Sharkara... Mahatamahprabha), the dwellings (Vilas), the count of villas, and the severe sufferings of the hell beings. It also touches upon Nigos (unmanifest beings).
   • Chapter 3 (Naraka Dukkha Varnana): Focuses on the excruciating sufferings of the hell beings, including pains from heat, cold, diseases, hunger, thirst, and torments inflicted by other beings and climatic conditions. It describes the hellish landscape with rivers of blood, iron trees, etc., and the causes of rebirth in hell.

Overall Significance:

The provided text focuses on the foundational elements of the "Siddhantasara Dipaka," including its scholarly presentation, the author's intent, and the meticulously compiled manuscripts. It also delves into the initial chapters of Jain cosmology, providing detailed descriptions of the lower universe (Adholoka) and the severe consequences of karmic actions. The biography of Bhattarak Sakalkirti highlights his immense contribution to Jain literature and spirituality. The detailed chapter summaries indicate the comprehensive nature of the work in explaining the structure and inhabitants of the Jain universe.