Swopagnyashabda Maharnavnyas Bruhannyasa Part 1 - Book Summary

The Jain text "Swopagnyashabda maharnavnyas Bruhannyasa Part 1" is a commentary on the Siddhahemachandra Shabdanushasan, a comprehensive grammar of Sanskrit and Prakrit compiled by the renowned Jain scholar Acharya Hemachandra (c. 1088–1172 CE), also known as Kalikalsarvajna (omniscient of the Kaliyuga). This commentary, Swopagnyashabda maharnavnyas Bruhannyasa, is attributed to Acharya Hemachandra and further elaborated by Acharya Lavanyasuri. The provided text is the first part of the commentary, specifically focusing on the first chapter (Prathamo Adhyayah) of the Siddhahemachandra Shabdanushasan.

Here's a breakdown of the content from the provided pages:

Key Information and Context:

Title: Siddhahemachandra Shabdanushasanam Swopagnyashabda Maharnavnyas (Bruhannyasa Adhyaya-1). The title indicates that this is the comprehensive commentary (Bruhannyasa) by Hemachandra himself (Swopagnya), also referred to as Shabda Maharnavnyas, on the first chapter of his famous grammar.
Authors: Acharya Hemachandra, Acharya Lavanyasuri. Lavanyasuri is credited as the compiler (Sampaadak) and researcher (Bruhananyasa Anusandhanakar) of this particular edition.
Publisher: Jain Granth Prakashak Sabha.
Purpose: The text is a commentary on the fundamental grammatical principles of Sanskrit and Prakrit, following the rigorous framework laid out by Hemachandra. It aims to elucidate the complex rules of grammar.
Structure: Part 1 of the Bruhannyasa for the first chapter.
Support: The publication was supported by various individuals and organizations, including the Jain Granth Prakashak Sabha, and mentions monetary contributions from devotees.
Historical Context: The text is a testament to the rich tradition of Jain scholarship in linguistics and grammar. Hemachandra's Siddhahemachandra Shabdanushasan was a monumental work patronized by King Kumarpala of Gujarat, aiming to unify the language and knowledge of the realm.

Content Summary:

The initial pages (1-6) provide introductory material, dedications, and an invocation.

Page 1: Mentions the "Shruta Gyana" (scriptural knowledge) and the restoration of an ancient text. It highlights the Siddhahemachandra Shabdanushasan and the Swopagnya Shabda Maharnavnyas (Bruhannyasa Adhyaya-1). It also lists donors and the publication year (V.S. 2065 / 2009 CE).
Page 3: Provides the title of the work as Shri Vijaynemisuri Granthamalaratnam-33 and credits Kālikaalsarvajna Sri Hemachandrasuri Bhagavat for the original grammar. It then details the content, including Swopagnyatattvaprakashika, Shabda Maharnavnyas, and Shri Kanakaprabhusuri Rachita Nyas Sar Samuddharsanchalita (referring to the Laghu Nyas). It confirms that this is the First Chapter (Prathamo Adhyayah) and mentions the Swopagnya Tikasameat Linganushasan and other appendices. The Bruhananyasa Anusandhanakar (compiler of the larger commentary) is identified as Sri Vijaylavanyasuri.
Page 4: Lists the place of acquisition (Praptisthan) as Shri Vijaylavanyasurishwar Gyana Mandir, Botad, Saurashtra, and the printer as Chandrama Yesh Shedge from Nirnayasagar Press. It also thanks a patron, Shresthi Chimanlal Lalbhai.
Pages 5-6: Contain an eight-verse hymn (Asaishavasheela Shalina Sri Nemishwaraya Namah) in praise of Lord Neminatha and Acharya Shrimad Vijaylavanyasurishwarji Maharaj, praising their qualities and contributions. The hymn is composed in the Panchachamaravritta meter.

Detailed Introduction (Upooghata - Pages 8-55):

The bulk of the provided text consists of a detailed introduction (Upodghata) by P. Ambalal Premchand Shah, exploring various facets of Acharya Hemachandra's life, work, and the significance of the Siddhahemachandra Shabdanushasan.

Hemachandra's Life and Work: The introduction describes Hemachandra's profound impact on Gujarat, highlighting his multifaceted talents as a linguist, philosopher, poet, and nation-builder. It details his extensive literary output across various fields like Vedas, grammar, logic, poetry, history, and Jaina scriptures, listing the approximate number of verses for many of his works.
The Siddhahemachandra Shabdanushasan:
- Historical Context: It explains the inspiration behind the grammar – King Siddharaja Jayasimha's desire for a comprehensive and universally applicable grammar to rival Bhoja's Sarasvati Kanthabharana. Hemachandra's interaction with King Siddharaja and the circumstances leading to the creation of the grammar are discussed.
- Patronage: The crucial role of King Siddharaja and later King Kumarpala in patronizing Hemachandra's work is emphasized. Siddharaja's request for a new grammar, the compilation of ancient grammatical texts, and the subsequent dissemination of Siddhahemachandra Shabdanushasan across 32 countries are described.
- Structure and Content: The grammar is detailed as having eight chapters, each with four padas (sections), totaling 32 padas and 4685 sutras (aphorisms) for Sanskrit grammar. The eighth chapter is dedicated to Prakrit grammar. The introduction provides a chapter-wise breakdown of the topics covered in the Sanskrit section, including Sanjna, Sandhi, Nama, Karaka, Tva, Stri Pratyaya, Samasa, Akhyata, Krudanta, and Taddhita. It also touches upon the Prakrit section, covering its various dialects.
- Linguistic Innovation: Hemachandra's mastery in organizing and presenting grammatical rules, his ability to streamline and clarify complex concepts, and his incorporation of comparative analysis from various ancient grammarians (like Panini, Patanjali, Shakatayana, Jainendra, Chandragomi, Bhoja, and others) are highlighted. His adherence to tradition while introducing innovative approaches is noted.
- Influence and Legacy: The text discusses the widespread influence of Siddhahemachandra Shabdanushasan, its acceptance by both Jain and non-Jain scholars, and its lasting impact on Indian literature and linguistics. The appreciation shown by Western scholars like Peterson and Winternitz is also mentioned.
The Commentary (Bruhannyasa): The introduction explains the immense task of editing and annotating Hemachandra's original comprehensive commentary (Upagya Tattvaprakashika or Shabda Maharnavnyas), which was fragmented and incomplete due to time and circumstances. Acharya Vijaylavanyasuri is praised for undertaking this Herculean task, aiming to reconstruct the lost parts through comparative analysis (Anusandhana-Tika) and present it in an unbroken form. The introduction also mentions other commentaries like Laghu Nyas by Kankaprahasuri.
Biographical Sketch of Chimanlal Lalbhai (Page 7-11): A significant portion of the introduction is dedicated to the life of Seth Chimanlal Lalbhai, a prominent philanthropist and devotee who supported the publication of this text. It details his birth, education, business acumen, family life, deep religious devotion, and extensive contributions to Jain religious and social activities, including his association with Acharya Vijaynemisurishwarji Maharaj. His passing before the completion of the book is noted with sorrow, and his sons are credited with continuing his philanthropic legacy to bring this first volume to fruition.

Overall Theme:

The text is a scholarly work dedicated to preserving and disseminating the profound grammatical knowledge of Acharya Hemachandra. It serves as a bridge between ancient Jain wisdom in linguistics and modern understanding, celebrating the intellectual legacy of the tradition and the individuals who keep it alive. The emphasis is on the meticulousness, erudition, and devotional spirit that underpin such scholarly endeavors within Jainism.