Siddhhemchandrashabdanushasanam - Book Summary

The provided text is a scanned copy of the Siddhahemachandra Shabdānushāsanam, a monumental grammar of the Sanskrit language composed by the renowned Jain scholar Acharya Hemachandrasuri. The edition presented here is edited by Muni Jambūvijaya and published by Shri Hemchandracharya Jain Gyanmandir in Patan.

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

Overall Nature of the Text:

Title: Shri Siddhahemachandra Shabdānushāsanam (श्रीसिद्धहेमचन्द्रशब्दानुशासनम्)
Author: Acharya Hemachandrasuri (आचार्यश्रीहेमचन्द्रसूरि)
Editor: Muni Jambūvijaya (मुनि जम्बूविजयः)
Publisher: Shri Hemchandracharya Jain Gyanmandir, Patan (श्री हेमचन्द्राचार्यजैनज्ञानमन्दिरम्, पाटण)
Content: A comprehensive grammar of Sanskrit, presented as a sutra path (सूत्रपाठः) divided into seven chapters (सप्ताध्यायात्मकः). It includes an alphabetical index (अकाराद्यनुक्रमसहितः).
Purpose of this Edition: This edition is part of the "Sanghamata Shatavarshadhikayu Mata Sadhviji Shri Manoharshriji Janmashatabdi Jain Granthamala - Pushpam 2" (संघमाता शतवर्षाधिकायु माता साध्वीजीश्री मनोहरश्रीजी जन्मशताब्दी जैन ग्रन्थमाला - पुष्पम् २), indicating it is dedicated to the centenary of Sadhviji Shri Manoharshriji.
Key Feature: The inclusion of an extensive alphabetical index (अकाराद्यनुक्रम) makes the grammar highly accessible for reference.

Detailed Content Breakdown:

Page 2-5: This section comprises a correction sheet (शुद्धिपत्रकम्) for the alphabetical index. It lists several instances where 26 sutras were inadvertently omitted or printed incorrectly in the index. The sheet provides the page number, line number, the incorrect reading, and the corrected reading. This highlights the meticulousness of the editorial process.
Page 6-9: These pages contain preliminary material and dedications:
- Page 6: A devotional invocation to Shri Rishabhdev Bhagavan, the first Tirthankara, and Shri Shatrunjay Tirth.
- Page 7: A short devotional poem (bhajan) praising Adinath Bhagavan on Shatrunjay Tirth.
- Page 8: An introduction to the respected Guru, Muniraj Shri Bhuvanvijayji Maharaj, providing his birth, initiation, and demise details. He is described as the spiritual successor of Acharya Vijay Siddhisurishwarji and the guru of Muni Jambūvijaya.
- Page 9: A heartfelt dedication (समर्पणम्) from the editor, Muni Jambūvijaya, to his spiritual father, Muni Bhuvanvijayji Maharaj, expressing profound gratitude for his upbringing, spiritual guidance, education, and overall upliftment towards the path of liberation.
Page 10-11: Further dedications and acknowledgments:
- Page 10: Information about Sadhviji Shri Manoharshriji Maharaj, the "Sanghamata" (mother of the congregation), who lived over 100 years. Her birth, initiation, and demise details are provided, along with her spiritual lineage.
- Page 11: A further emotional dedication from Muni Jambūvijaya to his spiritual mother, Sadhviji Shri Manoharshriji Maharaj, coinciding with her birth anniversary. He expresses his joy and fulfillment in dedicating this grammar to her.
Page 12-16: Information about the financial patrons of this edition:
- Page 12: Introduction to Shri Kirtilal Manilal Mehta, the primary financial supporter.
- Page 13: Information about Smt. Lilavati Behən Kirtilalbhai Mehta, Kirtilalbhai's mother.
- Page 14-16: An extensive biographical tribute to Shri Kirtilal Manilal Mehta. It details his birth in Palanpur, his early life, his successful establishment of numerous diamond companies globally (Mumbai, Antwerp, Hong Kong, Israel, New York), and his numerous national and international honors and accolades. It also mentions his active participation in the Indian independence movement, his philanthropic activities, and the ongoing establishment of the "Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Hospital & Medical Research Centre" in Mumbai in his wife's memory. The text emphasizes his exemplary life of dedication, enterprise, and social welfare.
Page 17-26: This section provides a detailed biographical sketch of Muni Bhuvanvijayji Maharaj (the editor's guru). It covers his secular name (Bhogilal bhai), birthplace (Mandal), family background, early education, intellectual prowess, marriage, acceptance of Brahmacharya Vrata, spiritual inclination, extensive pilgrimages, initiation under Acharya Vijay Meghsurishwarji, exemplary character, deep study of Agam literature, and his virtuous life. It also details the initiation of his secular son (Muni Jambūvijaya) and his wife (Sadhviji Manoharshriji). The biographical section is rich in details about his life, teachings, and eventual peaceful demise at Shri Shankheshwarji Tirth.
Page 22-26: This part focuses on the demise and homage to Sadhviji Shri Manoharshriji Maharaj. Muni Jambūvijaya shares the deeply emotional news of her passing at Shatrunjay Tirth, her spiritual mother. He connects her demise with the passing of his spiritual father (Muni Bhuvanvijayji Maharaj) at Shankheshwarji Tirth, highlighting the spiritual significance of these Tirthas. He expresses his profound grief and devotion to his parents. The text includes her brief life history, emphasizing her long life of over 100 years and her dedication to Jainism. It also details the grand funeral arrangements and the subsequent remembrance ceremonies.
Page 27-126: This is the core of the grammatical work itself, presenting the sutras of the Siddhahemachandra Shabdānushāsanam, organized chapter by chapter and pad by pad. Each page begins with the chapter and pada number, followed by the sutras. The text is in Sanskrit, adhering to classical grammatical conventions. The sheer volume and detail of these pages indicate the comprehensive nature of Hemachandrasuri's grammar, covering phonetics, morphology, syntax, and word formation.
Page 127-196: This section contains the alphabetical index (अकाराद्यनुक्रमः) of the sutras. It is a crucial part of the edition, allowing readers to quickly locate specific sutras based on the first word. The index is meticulously compiled, providing the sutra number and often a brief indication of its content.
Page 197-198: This section lists other works edited or compiled by Muni Jambūvijaya Maharaj and other forthcoming books (मुद्रणाधीन ગ્રંથો). This showcases Muni Jambūvijaya's significant contribution to Jain literature beyond the present grammar.

In essence, this publication is a scholarly edition of a foundational Jain grammar. It is notable for:

The Original Work: Hemachandrasuri's authoritative Sanskrit grammar.
Editorial Excellence: The meticulous editing by Muni Jambūvijaya, including a detailed correction sheet and a comprehensive alphabetical index.
Devotional Context: The edition is dedicated to the centenary of Sadhviji Shri Manoharshriji, with heartfelt tributes to both her and Muni Bhuvanvijayji Maharaj.
Philanthropic Support: The significant financial contribution from the Kirtilal Manilal Mehta family is acknowledged with detailed biographical information, highlighting their commitment to preserving and promoting Jain knowledge.
Scholarly Contribution: The inclusion of other works by the editor demonstrates his vast contribution to Jain studies.

The Siddhahemachandra Shabdānushāsanam is a cornerstone text for understanding Sanskrit grammar and has been instrumental in the preservation and study of Jain traditions and literature. This edition serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in Jainism and Sanskrit linguistics.