Suvarnakshari Kalpasutrani Pratina Antamani Vistrut Prashasti

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text in English:

This document, titled "Suvarnakshari Kalpasutra ni Pratima Antamani Vistrut Prashasti" (A Detailed Eulogy at the End of the Golden-Lettered Kalpasutra Manuscript) by Punyavijay, describes a specific manuscript of the Kalpasutra housed in the Jain Gyan Bhandar of Bhavnagar Shri Sangh.

Description of the Manuscript:

• Location: The manuscript is currently preserved in the Bhavnagar Shri Sangh's Bhandar.
• Care: The Bhandar operates under "Sheth Dosabhai Abhechand's firm," and its elderly, learned, and virtuous worker, Sheth Kunvarji Anandji, meticulously looks after it.
• Identification: The manuscript is cataloged as Dr. 23, No. 15.
• Physical Attributes: It has 95 folios, measuring 14.5 x 14.5 inches. It likely contains seven lines per page, with each line having 28 to 34 characters. The manuscript is divided into two sections, demarcated by decorative floral motifs (vel). The lines and borders also feature these simple floral designs.
• Script and Aesthetics: The calligraphy is beautiful. The manuscript is in good overall condition and appearance. To highlight the golden letters, the background of the pages is colored in red, sky blue, and purple. The area beneath the illustrations retains a red background.
• Illustrations: The illustrations, while not exceptionally varied in color (primarily using golden hues), are beautiful and characteristic of typical Kalpasutra manuscripts.

The Detailed Eulogy (Prashasti):

The main focus of the text is the detailed eulogy found at the end of the manuscript. It can be broadly divided into:

1. Gadyamaya (Prosaic) Introduction:

   • It states that this specific manuscript of the Kalpasutra was written in Vikram Samvat 1517, on the 8th day of the bright half of Ashadh, on a Monday, in Anahilpur Patan.
   • It was written by a scribe named Vachhak, under the supervision of Upadhyay Shri Siddhanta Ruchi.
   • The manuscript was created during the reign of Shri Jinachandra Suri of the Shri Kharatar Gachchha.

2. Vanshāvali (Genealogy) and Virtuous Deeds:

   • The eulogy dedicates twenty verses to detailing the lineage of Minister Padmak (also referred to as Padm) and his descendants.
   • This lineage traces back to the Kashyap dynasty, Thull branch, and includes figures like Minister Dulakshsimha, Padm, Jinako, Nodak, Dhanapati, and their families.
   • It highlights the devotion and virtuous deeds of the family members, including various marriages and children.
   • Notable among the descendants is Malhu, whose wife Manikdevi is identified as the pious shravika (laywoman) who commissioned this beautiful, illustrated, golden-lettered Kalpasutra manuscript.
   • Before commissioning this manuscript, Manikdevi had previously commissioned a text totaling one lakh shlokas.
   • The descendants of Minister Padm were respected by kings in regions like Delhi, Gujarat, Malwa, Sindh, and Marwar, enjoying royal patronage due to the legacy of their ancestors.
   • The family also celebrated significant events like temple consecrations, pilgrimages, and the installation of Acharyas.

3. Pattavali (Succession of Acharyas):

   • The remaining verses of the eulogy list the succession of Acharyas from the Kharatar Gachchha.
   • The manuscript was dedicated to Shri Jinachandra Suri, who is the recipient of Manikdevi's devotion in commissioning this manuscript.
   • The list of Acharyas includes:
     1. Shri Jinachandra Suri of the Chandrakuliya lineage.
     2. Shri Abhayadeva Acharya.
     3. Shri Jinavallabha Suri.
     4. Shri Jinnadatta Suri (Yugpradhan).
     5. Shri Jinachandra Suri.
     6. Shri Jinapati Suri.
     7. Shri Jineshvara Acharya.
     8. Shri Jinaprabodh Suri.
     9. Shri Jinachandra Suri.
     10. Shri Jinakushal Suri.
     11. Shri Jinapava Suri.
     12. Shri Jinamudri Suri.
     13. Shri Jinachandra Suri.
     14. Shri Jinaday Suri.
     15. Shri Jinraj Suri.
     16. Shri Jinabhadra Suri.
     17. Shri Jinachandra Suri (to whom the manuscript was dedicated by Manikdevi).

4. Gadyamaya (Prosaic) Conclusion:

   • It states that the eulogy itself was composed by Sadhu Somgan, a disciple of Upadhyay Shri Siddhanta Ruchigan.
   • The manuscript was written in Anahilpur Patan in Samvat 1517, during the reign of Acharya Shri Jinachandra Suri of the Kharatar Gachchha, by the scribe Vachhak.
   • The text concludes with wishes for auspiciousness and well-being.

Overall Analysis of the Eulogy:

The author, Punyavijay, notes that the eulogy primarily focuses on the genealogies of Minister Padmak and his descendants and the names of the eminent Acharyas of the Kharatar Gachchha, rather than specific historical events. The main takeaway is that the pious laywoman Manikdevi, from a distinguished lineage, commissioned this beautifully illustrated golden-lettered Kalpasutra manuscript and dedicated it to Acharya Shri Jinachandra Suri. The manuscript originated in Patan and has now found a safe home in the Bhavnagar Shri Sangh's Gyan Bhandar.