Sirisirwal Kaha Part 01

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Sirivalakaha Part 01," based on the information from the catalog link and the scanned pages:

Title: Siri Sirivalakaha Part I (सिरिसिरिवालकहा पढममाओ)

Author: Ratnas'ekharasuri (संकलिखा सिरिरयणसेहरसूरिहिं)

Editor & Publisher: Vadilal Jivabhai Chokshi, B.A. (Hons.)

Foreword: Written by Prof. K.V. Abhyankar, Professor of Sanskrit & Ardha-Magadhi at Gujarat College, Ahmedabad. He expresses delight in the opportunity to write a foreword for his pupil, Vadilal Jivabhai Chokshi. He highlights the significance of "Sirivalakaha" as an important work in Jain story literature in Ardha-Magadhi. He anticipates that the edition will encourage more critical and original work in the language.

Preface: Vadilal Jivabhai Chokshi explains his motivation for this edition. The book is prescribed by the University of Bombay as a textbook for the First Year Arts examination in Ardha-Magadhi. He acknowledges the suggestion of his professor, K.V. Abhyankar, and expresses deep gratitude for his guidance. Chokshi mentions the scarcity of existing copies of the book and its widespread popularity and importance in the Jain world. He emphasizes the book's subject matter, the "Navapada" (Nine Dignities), which is central to Jainism and the spiritual welfare of Jains, particularly during the Ayambila festivals. The story of King Shripala and Queen Mayanasundari is presented as the vehicle for conveying the importance of the Navapada. The edition is based on the Agamodaya Samiti edition, considered trustworthy due to the scholarly work of Acharya Shree Sagaranandasurishwarji. Chokshi details the extensive Introduction, word-for-word English translation, and critical, explanatory, and grammatical notes as special features of this volume. He also thanks Sjt. Mohanlal Dalichand Desai, Diwan Bahadur K.H. Dhruva, and others for their valuable assistance.

Introduction: The introduction by Vadilal Jivabhai Chokshi is extensive and covers several key aspects:

• Importance of the Story: The story of Shripala holds a prominent place in Jain literature, cherished by Jains for ages. Its popularity is evident in its enthusiastic reading during Ayambila festivals and its use in later influential works. The author's placement of the narrative within the discourse of Gautamaswami and King Shrenika lends it an aura of antiquity and authority.
• The Topic of the Navapada: The story's greatness stems from its focus on the Navapada, which encapsulates the essence of Jainism. The Navapada consists of the Panchaparameshthi (Arihanta, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, Sadhu) and the Four-fold Religion (Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Character, and Penance). These are explained as fundamental principles for spiritual progress and liberation.
• Classification of Souls and Literature: Jain teachers divided souls into three classes for imparting knowledge: Shraddhanusaris (faith-based), Tarkanusaris (reason-based), and Charitanusaris (story-based). The story literature, like "Sirivalakaha," is primarily aimed at Charitanusaris, who form the largest segment of humanity, guiding their actions through the lives of great figures.
• Origin and Purpose of Story Literature: Jain Acharyas utilized stories (charitas, kathas, kathannakas, akhyanas) to impart religious teachings to the masses. This literature is rich in literary and didactic qualities, laden with high emotions and appealing to the readers' hearts.
• "Sirivalakaha" in Story Literature: "Sirivalakaha" is considered a "pet story" due to the greatness of its topic (Navapada) and its literary and didactic merits. It is compared favorably to "Kummaputta" for its imaginative depth, richness of expression, and scholarly content.
• Author's Purpose: Ratnas'ekharasuri's aim was to highlight the significance of the Navapada or Siddhachakra, emphasizing spiritual purity (Bhava) and the Ayambila penance. The story also serves to demonstrate the superiority of Jainism.
• Greatness of the Navapada: The Navapada's importance is repeatedly emphasized by various sages within the narrative. It is presented as the ultimate remedy for worldly suffering, the root of all happiness, and the very essence of Jainism, capable of fulfilling desires and bestowing supernatural powers and even liberation. However, it is stressed that only those with forgiveness, self-control, and freedom from passions can properly propitiate the Siddhachakra.
• The Author and His Predecessors: The author, Ratnas'ekharasuri, flourished in the 14th century AD, composing the work in Samvat 1428 (1362 AD). He identifies himself as a disciple of Vajrasena and Hematilaka. The introduction details his lineage within the Brihad Gachchha, which later became known as the Nagori Tapa Gachchha, tracing his gurus and their affiliations.
• Summary of the Story (First 400 Stanzas): The introduction provides a detailed summary of the first 400 stanzas, covering:
  • King Shrenika of Rajagriha and his family.
  • Lord Mahavira's arrival and Gautamaswami's sermon on the Navapada.
  • The story begins with King Prajapala of Ujjaini, his two queens Sohaggasundari and Rupasundari, and their daughters Surasundari and Mayanasundari.
  • Surasundari's marriage to the leper king Umbara due to her heretical beliefs and Mayanasundari's steadfast adherence to Jainism and her virtuous marriage to Umbara, who is later revealed to be Shripala suffering from a curse.
  • Shripala's earlier life as the prince of Champa, his exile, acquiring magical herbs, and encountering mineralogists.
  • The tale of the merchant Dhavala and his ships stuck at sea, leading to the requirement of a man with thirty-two auspicious marks as an oblation. Shripala is identified as this person.
  • The portion edited in this volume ends with Shripala's confrontation with Dhavala's soldiers and the king's army.
• Form, Style, and Comparison: The story's form and style are likened to epic poetry. The diction is simple and lucid. The author's literary and didactic qualities are deemed superior to those of "Kummaputta." "Sirivalakaha" is praised for its rich imagination, thought, expression, and various literary features like Alankaras (figures of speech), Des'i words, technical Jaina terms, and well-structured stanzas.

Text (Stanzas 1-400): The provided text includes the first 400 stanzas of the "Sirivalakaha." These stanzas begin with the author's invocation and then detail the initial part of the story as summarized in the introduction, focusing on the sermon of Gautamaswami about the Navapada and the early life and events surrounding King Shripala and Queen Mayanasundari.

Translation: The translation provides the English rendering of the Prakrit text, stanza by stanza, clarifying the narrative and philosophical content.

Notes: The extensive notes by the editor, Vadilal Jivabhai Chokshi, offer critical explanations of Prakrit words, grammatical nuances, philosophical concepts (like the Nine Tattvas, Karma theory, the Navapada), historical context, and comparisons with other Jain texts. They are invaluable for understanding the depth and intricacies of the work.

Good Sayings: A collection of notable verses from the text highlighting moral and philosophical wisdom.

Errata: A list of corrections for errors found in the preface, introduction, text, and translation.

Illustration: An illustration of the "Shree Siddhachakraji or Navapadaji" is included, visually representing the central theme of the book.

In essence, "Sirivalakaha Part 01" is a significant academic and religious publication that makes a classic Jain narrative accessible to a wider audience through a scholarly edition, translation, and detailed commentary. It serves both as a literary work and a guide to core Jain philosophical concepts.