Udyotanasuri

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text about Udyotanasuri, based on the given information:

This document, sourced from "Shramana Bhagwanto Part 1" and "Part 2," introduces Acharya Udyotanasuri, a prominent figure in Jainism.

Key Biographical Details:

• Gains: Acharya Udyotanasuri achieved spiritual leadership (Nirvana) in Vira Nirvana Samvat 1277 (Vikram Samvat 807) and attained the Acharya title in Vira Nirvana Samvat 1281 (Vikram Samvat 811). He was only 11 years old when he became an Acharya.
• Demise: His lifespan is recorded as ending in Vira Nirvana Samvat 1365 (Vikram Samvat 85).
• Historical Period: Based on these dates, he is identified as an influential Acharya of the thirteenth century of Vira Nirvana (ninth century of Vikram Samvat).

Notable Attributes and Titles:

• Author of Kuvalayamala: He is most famous as the author of the renowned work "Kuvalayamala."
• "Dakshinyachinha" / "Dakshinanka": He was also known by the epithet "Dakshinyachinha" (meaning "sign of the right" or "sign of the south"). This name stemmed from a "Sathiya" (a auspicious Jain symbol, often a swastika-like design) mark on the right side of his body.
• Profound Scholar: Udyotanasuri was a master scholar of various philosophical schools (Darshan). He possessed specialized knowledge in subjects like Samudrikashastra (Palmistry/Physiognomy), Jyotividya (Astrology), and Dhatu-vigyan (Metallurgy/Science of Metals).

Guru Lineage:

The text traces Udyotanasuri's guru lineage:

• His teacher was Acharya Virabhadrasuri, from whom he studied Siddhantic texts.
• He studied Nyaya Shastra (Logic/Epistemology) under Yakini Mahattasuri.
• His spiritual lineage ultimately traces back to Yugapradhan Hariguptasuri, whose other name was Rajrishi Harilsuri, and from whom the Haril Gachchha (lineage) originated.
• Hariguptasuri was the guru of the historically significant King "Taraman."
• The great poet Devgupta was the chief disciple of Hariguptasuri.
• Shivachandragani was a disciple of Devguptasuri.
• Yadattagani, a Kshama Shramana (a Jain ascetic), was a disciple of Shivachandragani.
• Yajnadaman (likely a typo for Yadattagani) had many disciples, including Vateshwar Kshama Shramana, who was one of his six principal disciples.
• Tatwacharya was the disciple of Vateshwar.
• And Udyotanasuri was the disciple of Tatwacharya.
• This guru tradition is found in the praise section of the "Kuvalayamala."

Literary Contributions and Style:

• Expert Orator and Linguist: Acharya Udyotanasuri was a remarkable orator and a brilliant scholar of both Sanskrit and Prakrit languages.
• "Kuvalayamala": This work is described as a Prakrit narrative composed in a "Champu" style (a mixed genre of prose and poetry).
• Language and Style of Kuvalayamala:
  • It is a Maharashtri Prakrit composition enriched with prose and verse, characterized by its clarity and elegance.
  • The use of Paishachi, Apabhramsha, and Sanskrit further enhances its beauty.
  • The narrative captivates the reader's mind with its various ornaments (alankars), riddles (prahelika), wise sayings (subhashita), insightful question-and-answer sessions, and the use of diverse regional dialects.
  • It also incorporates many native/local words (deshya shabda).
  • The author skillfully weaves short, simple stories to illustrate the sorrowful consequences of anger, pride, deceit, and greed, adding an element of sweet attraction like drops of honey.
  • The text is compared to the magnificent work "Kadambari" by the poet Banabhatta.
• Place of Composition: "Kuvalayamala" was completed by Acharya Udyotanasuri in Jalor (Jalhel).
• Date of Composition of Kuvalayamala: According to references at the end of "Kuvalayamala," the work was completed one day before the completion of Shak Samvat 700.
• Determined Time of Udyotanasuri: Based on this, Acharya Udyotanasuri's time is determined to be Vira Nirvana Samvat 1304 (Vikram Samvat 834).

In essence, the text portrays Acharya Udyotanasuri as a highly learned and influential Jain spiritual leader and scholar who lived in the 9th century of the Vikram era. His magnum opus, "Kuvalayamala," is celebrated for its rich language, poetic style, and moral teachings, making him a significant figure in Jain literary and religious history.