Siddhhem Shabdanushasan Laghuvrutti Vivran Part 01 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Siddhhem Shabdhanushasan Laghuvrutti Vivran Part 01" by Mayurkalashreeji, based on the given pages:

Book Title: Siddhhem Shabdhanushasan LaghuvrutThe Vivran Part 01 (Critique/Explanation of Siddhhem Shabdhanushasan - A Treatise on Sanskrit Grammar) Author: Mayurkalashreeji Publisher: Labh Kanchan Lavanya Aradhan Bhuvan Language: Gujarati (with Sanskrit terminology)

Overall Purpose and Context:

This book is a detailed commentary and explanation (Vivarana) of the first three parts (Padas 1 to 3) of the renowned Sanskrit grammar treatise, "Siddhhem Shabdhanushasan," originally composed by the great Jain Acharya Hemachandrasuri. It also provides an in-depth explanation of vowel sandhi (Swar Sandhi) and consonant sandhi (Vyanjan Sandhi). The work aims to make the complex principles of this foundational grammar text accessible and understandable to students and scholars. The commentary is presented as a "Laghuvrutti Vivran," suggesting a detailed yet manageable explanation.

Key Highlights and Content:

Dedication and Reverence: The book begins with invocations to Lord Shankheshwar Parshvanath and the lineage of Gurus, including the title "Kalikal Sarvagnya" (Omniscient of the Kali Era) for Acharya Hemachandrasuri. This reflects the deep respect and spiritual significance attributed to the text and its author.
Authorship and Editorial Credits:
- Inspiration (Prerak): Panditvar Chhabiladasbhai K. Sanghvi is credited with inspiring the work.
- Editor (Sampadan Karta): Param Pujya Sadhvi Shri Lavanyashreeji Maharaj Saheb, a disciple of Pujyashri Acharyadevshree Arihantsurishwarji Maharaj Saheb, and further mentored by Sadhvi Shri Kanchji M. Sa., is acknowledged. The primary editor is Mayurkalashreeji, a disciple of Sadhvi Shri Lavanyashreeji. This lineage highlights the scholarly and spiritual background of the contributors.
Publication Details:
- Publisher: Shri Labh Kanchan Lavanya Aradhan Bhavan, Ahmedabad.
- Editions: The text mentions this is the third edition of Part 1, indicating its popularity and demand among learners. Previous editions were released in Samvat 2053 (Vaisakh Sud 12) and Samvat 2058 (Aso Vad 6). The third edition was released in Samvat 2061 (Shravan Vad 6).
- Value: The price is mentioned as Rs. 55/-.
Preface (Prastavna):
- Importance of Sanskrit: The preface emphasizes Sanskrit as the "Devbhasha" (Language of the Gods) and highlights its systematic and rule-bound nature, even acknowledged by modern linguists.
- Hemachandracharya's Contribution: It details the creation of "Siddhhem" by Acharya Hemachandrasuri at the request of King Siddharaja. The Acharya's own extensive commentaries (Tika), running into thousands of verses, are noted for their depth in revealing the grammar's intricacies.
- Relevance of Sanskrit Knowledge: The preface stresses that understanding various subjects like astrology, architecture, music, and medicine requires proficiency in Sanskrit.
- Appreciation for the Commentary: Pandit Bhaveshkumar Ravindrabhai Doshi's preface expresses gratitude to the editor, Mayurkalashreeji, and her lineage for diligently studying and presenting the "Laghuvrutti" of Siddhhem. He commends the inclusion of detailed analysis of vowel and consonant sandhi, anticipating its benefit to students. He also expresses hope for further detailed commentaries on subsequent chapters.
- Acknowledgments: The preface acknowledges the hard work of those involved in compiling and publishing the work, including Pandit Bhaveshkumar Ravindrabhai Doshi for proofreading and printing coordination, and Rajendrakumar Chhinubhai Shah for computer and printing work. It also mentions financial contributors.
Content Breakdown (Part 1 - Padas 1 to 3):
- Pada 1 (Chapter 1): Focuses on preliminary rules and definitions (Sangya Prakaran). It introduces fundamental concepts of grammar. The pages show discussions on definitions like 'Swar' (vowel) (Sutra 1-1-4), 'Matra' (duration of vowels) (Sutra 1-1-5), 'Nami' (a specific vowel designation) (Sutra 1-1-6), 'Samana' (similar sounds) (Sutra 1-1-7), 'Sandhyakshar' (diphthongs) (Sutra 1-1-8), 'Anusvara' and 'Visarga' (Sutra 1-1-9), and 'Vyanjan' (consonants) (Sutra 1-1-10). It also covers concepts like 'Ghush' (sonorous sounds), 'Aghosh' (sonorous sounds), 'Antastha' (semi-vowels), and 'Shit' (a specific phonetic category).
- Pada 2 (Chapter 2): Deals extensively with Vowel Sandhi (Swar Sandhi). This section is highly detailed, listing 196 types of vowel sandhi rules. The provided pages show detailed explanations of sutras concerning:
  - 'Dirgha' (lengthening) of vowels (Sutra 1-2-1).
  - The role of 'Pluta' (a prolonged vowel sound) and the influence of 'R', 'L', and 'Y' on vowels (Sutras 1-2-2 to 1-2-5).
  - Specific rules for the combination of vowels like 'A' with 'R', 'L', and other vowels, including various forms of change and the exceptions (Sutras 1-2-6 to 1-2-26).
  - The concept of 'Avyaya' (indeclinable words) and how certain forms become indeclinable (Sutras 1-1-30 to 1-1-42) and rules for specific sandhi combinations with 'R', 'L', and diphthongs.
- Pada 3 (Chapter 3): Focuses on Consonant Sandhi (Vyanjan Sandhi). This section is also very detailed, covering the rules for how consonants change when they come together. The pages indicate coverage of rules related to:
  - Changes of third consonants to fifth consonants (Anunasika sandhi) (Sutras 1-3-1, 1-3-2).
  - Changes of consonants based on subsequent sounds, including the influence of voiced (Ghosh) and unvoiced (Aghosh) consonants, and the specific rules for the influence of 'Shit' (a phonetic category) (Sutras 1-3-3 to 1-3-40).
  - Rules for the behavior of 'R' and 'L' sounds in sandhi (Sutras 1-3-5 to 1-3-20, 1-3-26 to 1-3-32).
  - Specific rules for 'Visarga' (hiatus) changes (Sutras 1-3-53 onwards).
  - Rules for changes involving 'Anusvara' (nasalization) (Sutra 1-3-8).
  - Rules related to the classification of consonants ('Varga', 'Gosh', 'Aghosh', etc.) and their influence on sandhi.
- Error Correction (Shuddhi Patrak): Page 10 contains a list of corrections for printing errors in the text, indicating careful proofreading and a commitment to accuracy.
Detailed Explanations and Examples: The commentary provides detailed grammatical analysis (Vigraha) of the sutras, explaining the application of rules with Sanskrit examples. It clarifies the rationale behind specific formations and provides alternative interpretations or exceptions where applicable. For instance, page 11 discusses the use of "pra-" prefix with "nam" and the application of secondary case endings.
Syadvada Principle: Page 13 mentions the application of the Jain philosophical principle of Syadvada ("Svad-vad" - the doctrine of manifold perspectives) in understanding language, suggesting that the grammatical rules, like reality, can be viewed from multiple angles.
Structure of Sutras: Page 15 outlines the ten types of sutras found in the grammar: Sangya, Paribhasha, Adhikar, Vidhi, Pratishedh, Niyam, Vikalp, Samuchchay, Atidesh, and Anuvad.

Significance:

"Siddhhem Shabdhanushasan" is a cornerstone of Sanskrit grammar, particularly influential within Jain traditions. This commentary, "Laghuvrutti Vivran," by Mayurkalashreeji, aims to provide a clear and comprehensive understanding of its initial, foundational sections, which are crucial for mastering the entire work. The detailed breakdown of sandhi rules is particularly valuable for students learning Sanskrit grammar. The inclusion of previous editions and the extensive preliminary matter underscore the effort to make this important text widely available and accessible for scholarly pursuit.