Tattvavetta - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Tattvavetta" by Pukhraj Sharma, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Tattvavetta (तत्त्ववेत्ता) Author: Pukhraj Sharma Publisher: Shree Hit Satka Gyanmandir, Ghanerao (Marwad) Publication Year: 1954 (VS 2010 / Jain Samvat 2480)

Overall Purpose: "Tattvavetta" is a biographical account, a tribute to a significant Jain Acharya named Pandit Shree Hitvijayji Maharaj. The book aims to highlight his life, teachings, spiritual journey, and contributions to Jainism, particularly emphasizing his profound knowledge and adherence to Jain principles. The author, Pukhraj Sharma, presents this work as an offering to his own guru, Shree Vijay Himatchalsurishwarji Maharaj.

Key Figures and Their Roles:

Shree Hitvijayji Maharaj (the central figure): He is the subject of this biography. The book chronicles his life from birth to his spiritual accomplishments. He is depicted as a highly learned, devoted, and influential Jain monk who lived a life dedicated to spiritual pursuits, scholarship, and the propagation of Jain teachings.
Pukhraj Sharma (the author): He expresses humility, stating he is not a writer or historian but felt compelled to write this biography due to the inspiration and encouragement of his gurus and their disciples. He acknowledges potential errors and welcomes feedback for improvement.
Shree Vijay Himatchalsurishwarji Maharaj: The author's guru, to whom the book is dedicated. He is presented as a guiding force and the inspiration behind this work.
Pandit Shree Chandravijayji Maharaj: Shree Hitvijayji Maharaj's guru. The initial stages of Hitvijayji's spiritual journey, including his renunciation and initial tutelage, are described under his guidance.
Pandit Shree Umedvijayji Maharaj: Another senior monk who played a role in Hitvijayji's further spiritual development, particularly in completing his yogic training after the passing of his primary guru.
Pandit Krishna Dev Shastri (Vihari): He has written a "Foreword" (Duo Char Shabd) praising the biography and the subject, highlighting Shree Hitvijayji Maharaj's profound knowledge and compassionate nature.
Moomukshu Shree Bhavyanand Vijay (Vy. Sahityaratna): A disciple of Shree Vijay Himatchalsurishwarji Maharaj who also encouraged the author and provided crucial materials for the book.
Other Supporters: Various individuals and communities (Shri Sangh) are mentioned for their contributions and support in publishing the book and facilitating Shree Hitvijayji Maharaj's work.

Chronological Overview of Shree Hitvijayji Maharaj's Life and Work:

Birth and Early Life:
- Born in Merta, Rajasthan, in VS 1899 (Kartik Shukla Purnima).
- His parents were Akhechandji (father) and Laxmibai (mother).
- His birth name was Hirachand.
- He belonged to the Pushkarna Brahmin caste.
- He received his early education in a personal school and later studied astrology, mathematics, rituals, and served his father in his religious duties.
- Even at a young age, he displayed great intelligence and maturity.
Meeting his Guru and Renunciation (Diksha):
- During a visit to Udaipur with his father, young Hirachand met Pandit Shree Chandravijayji Maharaj.
- Deeply impressed by Hitvijayji's (then Hirachand's) dedication and keen interest in spiritual discourse, his guru requested his father to allow Hirachand to join him.
- After much contemplation and persuasion by the guru, Akhechandji agreed, seeing the potential for his son's spiritual upliftment and welfare of many beings.
- Hirachand was formally initiated (given Diksha) in Udaipur in VS 1913 (Margashirsha Purnima) and was renamed Shree Hitvijayji Maharaj.
Spiritual Development and Education:
- Shree Hitvijayji Maharaj rapidly advanced in spiritual practices, knowledge, and rituals, demonstrating great devotion to his guru.
- He travelled with his guru, imparting religious discourses and gaining widespread admiration.
- He undertook extensive study of Agam (Jain scriptures) in Ahmedabad, showing remarkable intellect and dedication. His teachers were greatly impressed by his learning capacity.
- He also engaged in yogic practices and severe austerities.
Guru's Passing and Continued Endeavors:
- During his rigorous yogic practices, his guru, Pandit Shree Chandravijayji Maharaj, fell ill and passed away in VS 1926.
- Hitvijayji experienced profound grief but took on the responsibility of continuing his spiritual duties.
- His remaining yogic practices were completed under the guidance of Pandit Shree Umedvijayji Maharaj.
Gaining Prominence (Gani and Panyas titles):
- In VS 1932, he was conferred the title of Gani in Ahmedabad.
- Later, in VS 1933, he was honored with the title of Panyas by Pandit Shree Umedvijayji Maharaj.
- These titles reflected his growing scholarship, spiritual prowess, and leadership within the Jain community.
Extensive Preaching and Travel:
- Shree Hitvijayji Maharaj undertook numerous journeys (vihars) across regions like Gujarat, Rajasthan (Marwar, Mewar), and Saurashtra.
- He conducted many Chaturmas (monsoon retreats) in significant Jain pilgrimage sites and towns like Ahmedabad, Limbdi, Pali, Bali, Ghanerao, Udaipur, Sirohi, Merta, and Padarli.
- His preachings were known for their depth, clarity, and ability to inspire spiritual devotion and ethical conduct.
- He actively engaged in philosophical debates (Shastrarth) with opposing sects, successfully bringing many back to the mainstream Jain path.
- He worked towards the renovation and re-establishment of Jain temples and resolved disputes within communities.
Key Contributions:
- Establishment of Gyanmandir (Knowledge Centers): He established a significant "Gyanmandir" in Ghanerao, which houses ancient Jain manuscripts and continues to be a center for learning, now known as "Shree Hitasak Gyanmandir." This was a major undertaking aimed at preserving and promoting Jain knowledge.
- Promoting Jain Principles: He emphasized principles like Ahimsa (non-violence), devotion to Jinendra (Jain Tirthankaras), and righteous conduct.
- Uplifting the Community: He addressed social issues, guided lay followers, and inspired many to embrace a spiritual life. He initiated many into monkhood and provided them with further training.
- Writing and Publication: He authored works like "Pratikraman Vidhiprakash" (written in Sanskrit).
Later Life and Demise:
- As he aged, he spent more time in Ghanerao, dedicating himself to the Gyanmandir and scripture study.
- Despite his physical weakness, his mental faculties and eyesight remained strong.
- In his final days, he imparted his wisdom and blessings to his disciples, especially Shree Himatchalsurishwarji Maharaj and Shree Gumanvijayji Maharaj, entrusting them with the responsibility of continuing his legacy.
- He attained Nirvana (passed away) in VS 1991 (Bhadrapad Shukla Trayodashi) at the age of 92, having lived 78 years as a monk.
- Memorials (chhatris and statues) were erected in his honor at various places, including Ghanerao and Nakoda Tirth.

Author's Perspective and Tone: The author, Pukhraj Sharma, maintains a tone of deep respect and reverence for Shree Hitvijayji Maharaj. He acknowledges his own limitations but is driven by a sense of duty and devotion to his spiritual lineage. The biography is presented as a means to inspire readers and encourage them to learn from the life of such a great soul.

Target Audience: The book is intended for Jains and those interested in the history and lives of prominent Jain spiritual leaders, offering insights into their dedication, scholarship, and impact on the Jain tradition.