Tapagaccha Gurvavali Swadhyaya - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Tapagaccha Gurvavali Swadhyaya," based on the given pages:

This document, titled "Tapagaccha Gurvavali Swadhyaya," is presented as an examination ("Anusandhan 39") and is derived from a letter found within a collection of miscellaneous manuscripts belonging to the Mandalna Hastalikhit Sangrahani Pothi of the Upadhyay Bhuvanachandra Parshwachandra Gaccha Jain Sangha. It aims to present three compositions.

The primary composition is the "Tapagaccha Gurvavali Sajjhay" (a devotional hymn about the lineage of gurus of the Tapagaccha), authored by Muni Vinaysundar, who was a disciple of Pandit Vijayahans, who in turn was a disciple of V. Hirsuriji. While the names of the gurus in the lineage (Pattadharu - those holding the spiritual seat) are well-known, the author has included several significant historical details that would be of interest to history enthusiasts. Some of these highlighted details include:

The 26th spiritual successor, Samudrasuri, belonged to the Khumana lineage.
Mansurdari was a friend of Haribhadrasuri.
Vimalachandrasuri possessed knowledge of "Suvarnasiddhi" (possibly a spiritual or material accomplishment).
Pethadshah, upon the instruction of Dharmakirti guru, undertook the renovation of 108 Jinalayas (temples).
Vijaydansuri passed away in Vadlipur.
In the community of Vijayahirasuri, three Upadhyayas were considered as stable as Mount Meru.

The text acknowledges that there are discrepancies ("garbad") in the numbering of the spiritual succession and that the names are presented as they are found. Following the Gurvavali, there are verses in praise of V. Dansuri, which are included despite being impure and fragmented. After this, the "Hirsurigīt," composed by Hansraj, is also presented. The presence of the Gurvavali and the Git clearly reflects the high regard and deep devotion that existed for Hirsuriji even during his lifetime within the entire community.

The main body of the text then proceeds to list the lineage of gurus of the Tapagaccha, starting with revered figures like Gautam Swami, Sudharmaswami, Jambuswami, etc., as the first disciples and successors in the Jina's (Lord Mahavir's) tradition. The list continues through various prominent gurus, mentioning their spiritual lineage and notable achievements or characteristics.

Key figures and events mentioned in the Gurvavali (as listed in the text):

Early Disciples/Successors: Gautam Swami, Sudharmaswami, Jambuswami, Prabhavaswami, Shakyambhavaswami, Yashobhadra, Bhadrabahu, Sthulabhadra, Aryamahal and Aryasuhasti (disciples of Sthulabhadra), Samprati (royal preceptor).
Subsequent Gurus and Lineages: Shri Kautika, Kakandaka Suri, Indradinnasuri, Sehagiri, Shri Vyavaswami, Vajrasena, Chandrasuri, Samantabhadrasuri, Devsuri, Abhinavadevasuri, Pradyotanasuri, Shrimanasuri, Mantunga Suri (author of Surasev), Viracharya Suri, Jayadeva, Devananda Guru, Vikramasuri, Narasingha Suri, Samudrasuri (of Khumana lineage), Haribhadrasuri, Mansuravali (friend of Haribhadrasuri), Vibudhapabha, Jayanasuri, Ravi Prabha, Yashodevasuri, Vimalachandrasuri (known for Suvarnasiddhi), Udyotanasuri, Sarvadevasuri, Rupashri, Devsuri, Yashobhadrasuri, Shri Nemichandra, Shri Munechandra, Ajitadevasuri, Vadidevasuri, Vijayasinghasuri, Somaprabha Suri, Shrimanoratna.
Founding of the Tapagaccha: The Tapagaccha was established by Jagachandra, described as the moon of the Tapagaccha ocean, in the year 1285 (Sambat).
Notable Gurus of Tapagaccha: Devendrasuri, Vidyanandasuri, Shri Dharmagosha Yati, Dharmakirti Guru (associated with the renovation of 78 Jinaharas in Mandavgad by the king Prithviraj Shah), Somaprabhasuri, Somanilakasuri, Shridevasundarasuri, Gyansagarasuri, Shrisomasundarasuri, Munisundarasuri, Ratnashekharsuri, Shrilakshmisagara Surindra, Sumatisadhu Suri, Hemavaranasuri, Hemavimalasuri, Anandavimalasuri (credited with correcting laxity in practice), Vijayadansuri (passed away in Vadlipur).
Current Revered Guru: Shri Hiravijayasuri is mentioned as the currently reigning guru, whose influence is compared to Mount Meru.
Acharyas and Upadhyayas: Shri Vijayasen Suri (Acharya), Shri Dharmasagar Upadhyay, Vimalaharsh Upadhyay, Kalyanavijay Guru. These three Upadhyayas are considered as stable as Meru in their lineage.
Pandits and Community: Pandit Vijayahans is mentioned as a prominent scholar, and the text acknowledges many other such scholars. It also mentions the progress of disciplined monks and nuns.

The text concludes with a prayer by Vinaysundar, expressing devotion by reciting the names of the Tapagaccha gurus in order. The manuscript was transcribed by Jayavijaye, the disciple of Pandit Vijayahans Gani.

Page 4 contains two separate devotional pieces:

Guru Stuti: A prayer to the Tirtharaja (Lord of the Pilgrimage) and specifically to Vijayadan guru and Somaprabha.
Vijayhirasuri Git: A song praising Vijayhirasuri, highlighting his virtues and the devotion of his followers. The composer of this song is identified as Hansraj, who expresses his desire for liberation through the recitation of this "tambol" (a type of devotional song, often with rhythmic accompaniment).

In essence, "Tapagaccha Gurvavali Swadhyaya" is a historical and devotional record of the Tapagaccha lineage of Jain gurus, providing a chronological account of prominent spiritual leaders, significant events, and expressions of devotion, compiled and presented for scholarly and personal use.