Vachak Merusundar Krut Balavbodh

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Overall Purpose and Context:

The book "Vachak Merusundar Krut Balavbodh" is an edited work by Kumarpal Desai, published by Jaibhikkhu Sahitya Trust. It focuses on the Balavbodh literature, a significant genre in ancient Gujarati prose. The Balavbodh tradition served the purpose of making complex philosophical and religious texts, originally in Sanskrit or Prakrit, accessible to the general public in their vernacular language. The work highlights the contributions of Acharya Merusundar Upadhyay, a prominent Jain scholar and writer from the 15th century.

Key Concepts and Definitions:

• Balavbodh: This term refers to explanatory prose commentaries written in simple language to make religious and philosophical texts understandable to the common people, especially those with limited knowledge of Sanskrit and Prakrit. The term "Bal" (બાલ) here refers not to children, but to those with little knowledge (અલ્પજ્ઞ). These works often include translations, explanations, illustrative stories, and digressions to elaborate on the original text.
• Stabak (સ્તબક) or Taba (ટબા): A later development in Balavbodh literature, Stabak refers to commentaries where word-for-word meanings are provided in smaller script above the original text, following the anvay (sequential arrangement of words for understanding). This differs from Balavbodh where a concise explanation is given in Gujarati prose.
• Author: Acharya Merusundar Upadhyay: He was a disciple of Acharya Jinchandrasuri and a student of Vachancharya Ratnamurtigani. Merusundar lived in the first half of the 16th century (Vikram era). He was a prolific commentator, writing Balavbodh on a wide range of Jain and even non-Jain works. His commentaries were often commissioned by his gurus, demonstrating his dedication to making religious knowledge accessible. He wrote on diverse subjects, including scriptures, poetry, and rhetorical treatises. His work significantly contributed to the development of medieval Gujarati prose.

Merusundar's Contribution and Work:

The book specifically details and analyzes sixteen Balavbodhs attributed to Merusundar. The text provides detailed information about each of these works, including:

1. Shatrunjay Mandan Rishabhdev Stavan Balavbodh: A commentary on a work by Shri Vijaytilaksuri, composed in 1518 VS.
2. Pushpamala-prakaran Balavbodh: A commentary on a 505-verse Prakrit work by Hemchandrasuri (disciple of Abhaydeva Suri), composed in 1523 VS.
3. Shad'avashyak-sutra or Shravak Pratikraman Sutra Balavbodh: Composed in Mandu in 1525 VS, following the style of Tarunprabhacharya's Balavbodh.
4. Shilpradeshwala Balavbodh: Also composed in Mandavgarh in 1525 VS, on Jaykirti Suri's work, emphasizing the importance and benefits of observing chastity.
5. Shashtishatak-prakaran Balavbodh: A commentary on Nemichandra Bhandari's 160-verse Prakrit work, composed in 1527 VS in Mandu, reflecting on social and religious conduct.
6. Kapoorprkar-stotra Balavbodh: A commentary on Hari Kavi's Sanskrit didactic poem, composed in 1531 VS.
7. Vagbhatalamkar Balavbodh: A significant commentary on the Vagbhatalamkar treatise (likely by Vagbhat, a Jain merchant), composed in 1535 VS. This highlights Merusundar's expertise in poetics and rhetoric.
8. Bhaktamar-stotra Balavbodh: A commentary on Mantung Suri's popular Bhaktamar Stotra, which is widely circulated.
9. Bhavarivaran-stotra Balavbodh: A commentary on a hymn that starts with the verse "Bhavarivaran," praising Lord Parshvanath.
10. Panchinigranthi-prakaran Balavbodh: A commentary on Abhaydev Suri's Prakrit work, with a manuscript dated 1612 VS.
11. Yogashastra Balavbodh: A commentary on Hemchandrasuri's Sanskrit Yogashastra, with a manuscript dated 1660 VS.
12. Vividh Vyakhyan: The text mentions the existence of commentaries on Vruttratanakar, Upadeshmala, and Kalay-prakaran.
13. Ajitashanti-stavan Balavbodh: A commentary on the Ajitashanti-stavan by Nandishen, a significant work for its poetic quality, use of diverse Prakrit meters, and devotional content. This particular commentary is a focus of the book itself.

Analysis of Ajitashanti-stavan Balavbodh:

The text dedicates considerable attention to Merusundar's Balavbodh on the Ajitashanti-stavan.

• Nandishen's Stavan: The original Ajitashanti-stavan is attributed to Nandishen, who is believed to have been a disciple of Lord Mahavir. The stavan is unique for praising two Tirthankaras, Ajitnath and Shantinath, together, and then individually. It is structured in sixteen sections and showcases mastery of Prakrit meters, with 28 different meters employed.
• Merusundar's Commentary: Merusundar's Balavbodh provides a Gujarati prose explanation of this intricate stavan. It explains the meaning of verses, the context of the Tirthankaras, and the devotional essence. The commentary includes extensive word meanings and elaborations on the devotional practices and philosophical concepts. The text provides detailed explanations of individual verses, their meters, and the devotional significance, drawing parallels with the lives of revered figures and illustrating Jain principles through stories.

Linguistic and Literary Significance:

• Gujarati Prose Development: Merusundar's Balavbodhs are crucial for understanding the evolution of medieval Gujarati prose. His ability to present complex ideas in simple, accessible language, often close to spoken language, made religious texts available to a wider audience.
• Narrative Style: The Balavbodhs are characterized by the integration of various narratives, such as the story of Chandan Shresthi, Sthulibhadra's return from a courtesan's house, and the miraculous effect of the Bhaktamar Stotra. These stories, along with illustrative examples, make the teachings engaging and memorable.
• Vocabulary and Grammar: The text highlights Merusundar's adeptness in using Gujarati vocabulary and grammatical structures of the period, making his prose impactful and clear.

Editorial Aspects:

Kumarpal Desai's work as the editor involves presenting these Balavbodhs, especially the Ajitashanti-stavan Balavbodh, with scholarly apparatus. This includes:

• Manuscript Analysis: The book likely uses and refers to multiple manuscripts of the Balavbodh for its edition, citing manuscript details like their location, material, number of pages, and estimated writing period.
• Editorial Notes and Glossary: The inclusion of extensive word meanings (Mahatvapurna Shabdarth) and explanations of Prakrit terms and concepts is vital for readers to understand the text fully.
• Historical Context: The introduction and author biographies provide the historical and literary context of Balavbodh literature and Merusundar's place within it.

In essence, "Vachak Merusundar Krut Balavbodh" is a scholarly exploration and presentation of a significant Jain literary tradition, shedding light on the scholarly efforts of Acharya Merusundar and the linguistic evolution of Gujarati prose, with a particular focus on the devotional and interpretative value of his commentary on the Ajitashanti-stavan.