Tin Krutiya - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Tin Krutiya" by Vinaysagar, based on the provided pages:

This document, published in June 2012 by ZZ_Anusandhan, presents and analyzes three minor works by Acharya Kirtiratsuri, compiled by M. Vinaysagar.

Introduction to Acharya Kirtiratsuri (formerly Kirtiraj):

Lineage and Birth: Acharya Kirtiratsuri was a disciple of Acharya Jinavardhansuri, from whom he received initiation. His parents were Depmall and Devalde, and he belonged to the Shankhvalecha gotra. He was born in Kortta on Chaitra Sud 8, V.S. 1449.
Renunciation and Initiation: Though his marriage was arranged at 13 and he set out with the wedding procession, the unfortunate demise of his servant along the way led him to develop detachment (vairagya). Taking permission from his family, he was initiated by Acharya Jinavardhansuri on Ashadh Vad 11, V.S. 1463, receiving the name Kirtiraj.
Scholarly Achievements: Kirtiraj quickly became proficient in various scriptures. In V.S. 1470, Jinavardhansuri bestowed upon him the title of Vachak in Patan. He was a profound scholar of Sanskrit literature and a talented poet.
- His notable works include:
  - Lakshmanvihar Prashasti (V.S. 1473): Composed in Jaisalmer, this work is praised for its elegant vocabulary.
  - Ajitnath Japamala (V.S. 1476): This is a sophisticated composition adorned with "chitra" (imagery) and "shlesh" (puns/double meanings).
  - Neminath Mahakavya (V.S. 1485): This is considered his finest work.
- He also composed several stotras (devotional hymns) in Sanskrit and Prakrit.
Elevation to Acharya: Impressed by his scholarship, Acharya Jinabhadratsuri conferred upon him the title of Acharya and renamed him Kirtiratsuri on Magh Sud 10, V.S. 1497, in Jaisalmer.
Mahasamadhi: Acharya Kirtiratsuri attained his final liberation (mahasamadhi) in Virampur on Vaishakh Vad 5, V.S. 1525.

The Three Presented Works:

The essay then details the three minor works by Kirtiraj (as he was known before becoming an Acharya):

Jnana Panchami Garbhit Neminath Stavan (The Neminath Hymn Embedded with Jnana Panchami):
- Language: Composed in Marugurjar language, influenced by Apabhramsha. It utilizes "Bhas" and "Vastu" meters, similar to Apabhramsha.
- Timing: This work was created under the name Kirtiraj, meaning it predates his elevation to Acharya.
- Content: The hymn focuses on the light and importance of the five types of knowledge (Jnana). It mentions five types of objects, advocating for their renunciation or preservation. In the end, it seeks residence in the city of liberation (Siddhi Nager) through the illumination of knowledge.
- Manuscript: A manuscript of this work, numbered 9935 and written in the 17th century, is preserved in the Abhay Jain Granthalaya.
- Specific Details (Page 3-4): The hymn mentions "Panch Gat" (five states of existence), "Panch Pramada" (five heedless states), "Panch Kasaya" (five passions), "Panch Vishaya" (five sensory objects), and the five types of knowledge (Avadhi, Manaparyay, Keval, etc.). It refers to the five "Banas" (arrows of Kama) being destroyed by Neminath and his attainment of the fifth gati (liberation). The hymn concludes with a Kalash where Kirtiraj invokes Neminath on the day of Jnana Panchami, seeking prosperity and peace.
Chattari Atth Das Shatarth (Six Meanings of 'Chattari Atth Das'):
- Language: Composed in Prakrit.
- Context: This work interprets the phrase "Chattari Atth Das" (four, eighteen, two) from a sutra ("Siddhanam Buddhanam"). Instead of the literal "four, eighteen, two," it provides six different interpretations for this phrase.
- Meter: It uses Matrik Chhand (meter based on syllable count) and Gatha-Vigatha Gahu meters.
- Timing: This work was composed after becoming an Acharya.
- Manuscript: A sole copy, numbered 9625, is preserved in the Abhay Jain Granthalaya, Bikaner.
- Specific Details (Page 5): The text presents six verses, each providing a different interpretation related to Jain principles, such as the fourfold virtues, the eighteen tirthankaras, the twenty-two virtues, the four cardinal deities, the four types of idols, and various classifications of Jain temples and mountains. The seventh verse attributes the creation of these meanings to Acharya Kirtiratsuri of the Khartargachch lineage.
Shantinath Stuti (Hymn to Shantinath):
- Timing: This work was also composed after becoming an Acharya.
- Content: It involves reinterpreting words related to food items and mouth fresheners to convey different meanings, making it an anyartha stuti (hymn with alternative meanings).
- Manuscript: The author of the essay mentions seeing a commentary (avachuri) on this work in the Kota Khartargachch Jnana Bhandar, but it did not mention the author's name.
- Specific Details (Page 5-6): The hymn uses common food items like jaggery, dates, sugar, lapasi, jalebi, vadi, papad, kakdi, betel leaf, katha, and supari. These are interpreted metaphorically to signify virtuous conduct, the eradication of passions, and the attainment of spiritual bliss. The final verse is attributed to Acharya Kirtiratna.

Additional Information:

Other Works: The text also mentions other works by Kirtiratsuri, including the Sanskrit Neminath Mahakavya (edited by Dr. Satyavrat Shastri), Jinastavan Chaubisi, Panchkalyanak Stotra, Neminath Vinti, Punjore Vinti, Rohini Stavan, and Lakshman Vihar Prashasti.
Editorial Note (Page 6): The editor notes that there are many inaccuracies in the presented three works and that they have been published as received. They express hope that improved manuscripts can lead to corrections. The Ajitnath Japamala, also mentioned, was not included due to its significant inaccuracies, making correction without a manuscript impossible.