Vachak Pramodchandra Bhas - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vachak Pramodchandra Bhas," based on the provided pages:

Title: Vachak Pramodchandra Bhas ( discurso/discourse on Vachak Pramodchandra) Compiler: Vinaysagar Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229376/1

Overview:

This document is a summary of a manuscript, a "bhas" (discourse or commentary), written by Karamseeh. The manuscript is a single-letter work found among collected scattered letters. It is dated 1745 V.S. (Vikram Samvat), which is significant because Vachak Pramodchandra passed away in 1743 V.S. This suggests Karamseeh was a close follower or devotee of Vachak Pramodchandra. The work's importance is highlighted due to this proximity to the Vachak's passing.

Content of the Bhas:

The bhas begins with Karamseeh offering salutations to Lord Jinendra (the Jina) and Vachak Pramodchandra, stating that their names have the power to destroy sins and lead to liberation.

The author then provides a biographical account of Vachak Pramodchandra:

Birth and Family: He was born in the year 1670 V.S. in Rohit Nagar, in the Marudhar region (modern-day Rajasthan). His parents were Shaha Rana and Raynade, belonging to the Osavanshi Telhara gotra (clan). He was initially named Padamsingh.
Renunciation and Asceticism: In 1686 V.S., his father, Shaha Rana, along with his son Padamsingh, took initiation (diksha) in Jodhpur. Padamsingh, under the guidance of Shri Pujya Jayachandrasuri, followed the five great vows (pancha mahavratas) without transgression. His father, Rana Muni, attained liberation (swargavas) in 1700 V.S. It is also speculated that his mother may have also taken initiation and was known as Lakhma Sadhvi.
Vachakship and Passing: Muni Padamsingh became a Vachak (a learned scholar or reciter) in 1631 V.S. In 1743 V.S., Muni Padamsingh came to Jodhpur for his final Chaturmas (four-month monastic retreat) and undertook a fast unto death (anashan). He observed this fast for two and a half days and passed away on the tenth day of the month of Posh in 1743 V.S. It is believed he will enjoy celestial bliss and eventually attain liberation.

Summary of Vachak Pramodchandra's Life Stages:

Householder life: 16 years
Ascetic life (Rishipad): 45 years
Vachakship: 12 years
Total lifespan: 73 years

Karamseeh identifies himself as a devoted servant of Vachak Pramodchandra's feet.

Historical Context and Lineage:

The text also provides historical details about the lineage of the Jain monks:

Shri Jayachandrasuri was the 62nd pontiff (pattadhar) from Lord Mahavir, according to the Nagpuriya Tapagachha Pattavali. He was the son of Jet Singh and Jetalde of Bikaner. He received the Acharya title in Rajnagar in 1674 V.S. and passed away on the full moon of Ashadh in 1699 V.S.
Based on this Pattavali, it is confirmed that Vachak Pramodchandra Rishi belonged to the Nagpuriya Tapagachha/Parshvachandragachha and was a disciple of Shri Jayachandrasuri.
Shri Padamachandrasuri (Acharya from 1699 V.S., passed away in 1744 V.S.), the successor to Shri Jayachandrasuri, bestowed the Acharya title upon Rishi Padamsingh in 1731 V.S.

Other Information:

No other compositions by Vachak Pramodchandra have been found. The compiler (Vinaysagar) requests any further information about him from the monks of the Parshvachandragachha to be published.
The other side of the manuscript contains a song with 15 verses about the famous sweet "Peda" of Nagaur, written by an ascetic named "Mishthanpriya Jodh."

The Bhas Poem (Lyrics):

The provided text includes verses of the bhas itself, dedicated to praising Vachak Pramodchandra. Key themes in the verses include:

Salutations to the feet of the Jina and Vachak Pramodchandra for liberation.
The ability of his name to bring prosperity and erase sins.
Details of his birth in Rohit Nagar to Shaha Rana and Raynade of the Telhara clan.
His growth into a virtuous individual.
The spiritual visit of Shri Jayachandrasuri and his father's (Shaha Rana's) spiritual inclination.
The grand initiation ceremony in Jodhpur.
His practice of the five great vows and his father's attainment of heaven.
His identity as a disciple of Shri Jayachandrasuri and the mention of Lakhma Sadhvi.
His role as a guide for the world and his adherence to vows.
His final Chaturmas in Jodhpur and undertaking the fast.
The details of his fast and subsequent celestial enjoyment.
A summary of his lifespan in different stages.
Praise for his lineage, parents, and spiritual guru.
A concluding plea from Karamseeh for blessings.

Glossary of Difficult Words:

Vachakvaru: Best Vachak.
Rana: The father of Pramodchandra.
Raynade: The mother of Pramodchandra.
Soulessai Sitarai: Similar to the second moon (referring to his birth during the bright half of the month).
Biyā Chand: The second moon.
Satarasaikay: V.S. 1700.
Sataratayāl: V.S. 1743.
Rikh: Rishi (ascetic).
Telhara: A gotra (clan) of the Oswal community.
Vikram Samvat 1670: Vikram Samvat 1670.

Overall Significance:

This bhas is a valuable historical document providing biographical details of Vachak Pramodchandra, a significant figure in the Jain tradition of his time. It also sheds light on the lineage and succession within the Nagpuriya Tapagachha/Parshvachandragachha, connecting him to prominent Acharyas of his era. The manuscript's dating and the author's personal connection to the Vachak underscore its importance for understanding the period and the lives of Jain ascetics and scholars.