Trishashti Shalakapurush Charitra Shlokanam Akaradikramen Anukramanika 04 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Trishashti Shalakapurush Charitra Shlokanam Akaradikramen Anukramanika 04" by Vinayrakshitvijay, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Trishashti Shalakapur

Book Title: Trishashti Shalakapurush Charitra Shlokanam Akaradikramen Anukramanika 04 Author: Vinayrakshitvijay Publisher: Shastra Sandesh Mala

Overall Purpose:

This book is the fourth part of a larger index (Anukramanika) that aims to systematically catalog and organize verses (shlokas) from the extensive Jain scripture, the Trishashti Shalakapurush Charitra (The Biography of the Sixty-Three Salakapurushas). The verses are arranged alphabetically according to the first letter of the first word of the shloka (Akaradikramen). This specific volume focuses on the Trishashti Shalakapurush Charitra itself, along with two related texts: Vairagya Kalpalata and Vairagyarati. The primary goal is to provide an easy reference for scholars, researchers, and practitioners to locate specific verses within these vast texts, aiding in the study and understanding of Jain scriptures.

Key Features and Content:

Alphabetical Indexing: The core function of the book is to provide an alphabetical index of verses from the specified scriptures. This allows users to quickly find shlokas starting with particular letters, making the search process efficient.
Scope and Scale: The entire work, including all four parts of the Anukramanika, covers approximately 626 texts and around 177,000 shlokas. This particular volume (part 4) includes the verses from the Trishashti Shalakapurush Charitra, making it a substantial contribution to textual scholarship.
Trishashti Shalakapurush Charitra Focus: The primary focus is on the verses of the Trishashti Shalakapurush Charitra, which details the lives and teachings of the most important spiritual figures in Jainism.
Inclusion of Vairagya Kalpalata and Vairagyarati: This volume also includes an index for the verses of "Vairagya Kalpalata" (The Creeper of Renunciation) and "Vairagyarati" (Delight in Renunciation). These texts likely deal with the theme of detachment and renunciation, crucial concepts in Jain philosophy.
Detailed Compilation Process: The introduction highlights the immense effort involved in compiling this index. It mentions:
- Collection of Sources: Gathering and sourcing from around 625 texts.
- Accuracy and Purification: The rigorous process of ensuring the purity (shuddhi) and accuracy of the original texts and the shlokas. This involved checking and rechecking the material.
- Collaboration and Assistance: Acknowledgment is given to various individuals and organizations for their contributions, including:
  - Pujya Munishri Vinayrakshitvijayji M.S. (for his solitary effort in completion).
  - Pujya Munishri Hitrakshitvijayji M.S., Pujya Munishri Shruttilakvijayji M.S., Pujya Sadhvi Shri Bhadrajnashriji M.S., and Pandit Shri Ratilal Chimanlal Doshi (for checking original texts).
  - Shri Harishbhai Bhogilal Doshi (for developing the software for alphabetical indexing).
  - Various Sanghas and committees for financial support and initiative (e.g., Vimalgiri Varshavas Ayojan Samiti, Shantikank Surya-pur Varshavas Ayojan Samiti).
  - Shri Samyam Suvaas and Susravak Dhaneshbhai (for providing the CD of the Trishashti Shalakapurushacharita).
Purpose and Utility: The book is explicitly designed to be useful for:
- Academics and Researchers: To help them find and cross-reference verses, verify quotes in commentaries, and understand the provenance of cited shlokas.
- Researchers and Compilers: To assist in completing their own scholarly works by providing a ready reference for source texts.
- Lecturers and Preachers: To quickly access relevant verses for their discourses.
- Handwritten Manuscript Preservation: The indexing method is also considered useful for identifying and cataloging scattered manuscript pages.
Structure and Methodology:
- The Anukramanika is divided into four parts, each focusing on different categories of Jain literature (Agam, Nirukti, Bhashya, Prakrit, Sanskrit, and finally, the Trishashti Shalakapurush Charitra and related texts).
- A detailed explanation of the alphabetical arrangement (Akaradi) of the letters is provided (Page 11).
- Special notes are included regarding the shloka numbering for the Trishashti Shalakapurush Charitra, referencing the edition published by "Sanyam Suvaas." Similar acknowledgments are made for the numbering of Vairagya Kalpalata and Vairagyarati.
Financial and Publishing Details:
- The publication is by Shastra Sandesh, Navsari.
- The price of this volume is Rs. 400, and the full set (four parts) costs Rs. 1600.
- The first edition was published on Bhadarva Sud 14, V.S. 2065 (September 3, 2009).
- The book is noted as being produced "entirely from Gyan-dravya" (knowledge-wealth), with a request for householders to purchase it to support its availability.
Apology for Errors: The publishers acknowledge that despite efforts to ensure accuracy, minor errors might exist due to computerization or other factors, and they request forgiveness and notification for any such discrepancies.

In Essence:

This publication is a monumental undertaking of textual indexing within the Jain tradition. It's a testament to the dedication of the author and the supporting community to make vast and complex scriptures accessible for deeper study and preservation. Volume 4 specifically serves as a critical tool for navigating the verses of the widely studied Trishashti Shalakapurush Charitra and related works on renunciation.