Tattvarthashloakvarttikam

The book you've asked about is "Tattvarthashloakvarttikam" (तत्त्वार्थश्लोकवार्तिकम्). It's a significant commentary on the Tattvarthasutra, a foundational text in Jainism. The provided text is the preface or introduction (Prastavana - प्रस्तावना) to this commentary, written by Pt. Manohar Lal, and published by Ramcharya Natharangji in Mumbai in 1918 (Veer Nirvana Samvat 2444, Vikram Samvat 1975).

Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided text, focusing on the introductory pages:

1. Title and Author:

• Title: Tattvarthashloakvarttikam (तत्त्वार्थश्लोकवार्तिकम्)
• Author of the Commentary: Shri Vidyanandi Swamivira Chitam (श्री विद्यानंदिखामिविरचितं) - The original author of the Tattvarthasutra is Bhagwan Umaswami Acharya (भगवान् उमाखामी आचार्य). Vidyanandi is also known by the name Patrakesari (पात्रकेसरी).
• Editor: Pt. Manohar Lal (पं० मनोहरलाल)
• Publisher: Ramchandra Natharangji Mumbai (रामचंद्र नाथारंगजी मुंबई)

2. Nature of the Work:

• "Tattvarthashloakvarttikam" is described as the largest (सबसे बड़ी) commentary (टीका) on the Tattvarthasutra, which is considered the essence (सारभूत) of the twelve Angas of the Jain scripture (द्वादशांग श्रुत).
• It is also referred to as a great commentary (महाभाष्य) in the introduction.

3. About the Tattvarthasutra and its Author:

• The Tattvarthasutra itself is also known as Jain Darshan (जैन दर्शन).
• Its author, Bhagwan Umaswami Acharya, is also known as Padmanabha and Griddhapiccha (पद्मनंधाद्यपराभिधानो, गृद्धपिच्छोपालक्षितं).
• The text mentions that Umaswami Acharya lived approximately eighteen hundred years before the current era (which is estimated based on the text's reference to Mahavir's era being 600 years prior to Christ's century).
• A story is recounted about Umaswami Acharya being called Griddhapiccha (Bird-feather) due to an incident where a kite dropped a peacock feather it was carrying while the Acharya was flying through the sky (possibly through mystical powers) to Videha Kshetra (विदेह क्षेत्र).

4. Purpose and Need for the Commentary:

• The commentary was written to clarify doubts and complex principles of Jain philosophy.
• It's presented as a precious gem (ग्रंथरत्न) that illuminates the path to liberation (मोक्षमार्ग).

5. Significance and Other Commentaries:

• The introduction lists several other prominent commentaries on the Tattvarthasutra, including:
  1. Sarvarthasiddhi (सर्वार्थसिद्धि) by Pujyapada Swami (पूज्यपाद खामी).
  2. Tattvarthavarttika Alankar (तत्त्वार्थवार्तिकालंकार) by Acharya Akalanka Deva (अकलंकदेव), estimated to be 16,000 verses.
  3. Tattvarthashlokavarttika Alankar (तत्त्वार्थश्लोकवार्तिकालंकार) by Shrimad Vidyanandi Swamivira, estimated to be 20,000 verses.
  4. Gandhahasti Mahabhashya (गंधहस्तिमहाभाष्य) by Shrimad Swami, estimated to be 84,000 verses.
  5. Shrutasagar Teeka (श्रुतसागरीटीका) by Shrutasagar Suri (श्रुतसागरसूरि).
• The introduction notes that some of these major commentaries, like Shrutasagar and Gandhahasti Mahabhashya, are either not widely available, only exist in manuscript form in libraries, or are nearly lost.
• The current publication of Tattvarthashlokavarttika is highlighted as a boon for those seeking profound knowledge, made accessible through the Gandhi Natharang Jain Granthamala.

6. Introduction to Acharya Vidyanandi (Patrakesari):

• Acharya Vidyanandi is identified by another name, Patrakesari (पात्रकेसरी).
• The text delves into his identity, suggesting he was a Brahmin born in Ahichhatra (अहिच्छत्राख्य नगर), a city in Magadha (मगध देश) which is now part of Uttar Pradesh. This place is significant for the Kevalgyan (omniscience) of Bhagwan Parshvanath.
• The preface provides details from his life narrative (katha) as found in works by Bhattarak Prabhachandra and Brahm Nemichen.
• A significant part of the preface is dedicated to recounting an episode from Vidyanandi's life where, as a learned Brahmin named Patrakesari, he debated and established the truth of Jain principles, leading many to convert to Jainism. This story emphasizes his intellectual prowess and his role in defending Jainism.
• The text also discusses the approximate time period of Acharya Vidyanandi, suggesting he lived around the 8th century CE, based on his reference to works like Bhartrihari's Vakyapadiya and his refutation of Kumarila Bhatta's philosophy.

7. Editorial and Publication Details:

• The editor, Pt. Manohar Lal, mentions the challenges in compiling and editing this ancient text, using two primary manuscripts: one ancient manuscript from Jaipur and another from Mumbai which was somewhat impure.
• He expresses gratitude to Shri Nathuram Premi for assistance with the preface and to the family of Seth Shri Natharangji Gandhi, particularly Shri Ramchandra and Shri Surchandra Seth, for their support in publishing this major work.
• The work's inclusion in the curriculum for the Nyayateerth (न्यायतीर्थ) examination is also mentioned, thanking the authorities of the Kalikata Rajkiya Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya.
• He concludes by expressing humility for any errors and seeking forgiveness from the learned readers.

In essence, the provided text is a detailed and respectful introduction to the Tattvarthashloakvarttikam, highlighting its importance as a comprehensive commentary, its author's life and intellectual stature, and the effort involved in its publication. It sets the stage for the profound philosophical discussions contained within the main text.