Vadiraj Suri Ke Jivan Vrutt Ka Punarnirikshan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about Vadiraja Suri:

This article, "Review of the Biography of Vadiraja Suri" by Dr. Ajaykumar Jain, is a scholarly re-examination of the life and works of the renowned Jain scholar and poet Vadiraja Suri. The author notes that while there have been many scholars named Vadiraja in India, the Vadiraja Suri who authored works like Parshvanatha Charita, Yashodhara Charita, and the commentary on Nyaya Vinishchaya is particularly well-known. His works are familiar to religious communities (Ekibhavastotra), logical scholars (Nyaya Vinishchaya Vivaran), and literary enthusiasts (Parshvanatha Charita, Yashodhara Charita). Vadiraja Suri is recognized as both a great poet and an excellent logician.

Key Aspects of Vadiraja Suri's Life and Works:

• Lineage and Origin: Vadiraja Suri belonged to the Arungala branch of the Dravida Sangha. The Dravida Sangha is mentioned in ancient inscriptions under various names like Dravida, Dramila, etc. Historically, the term "Dravida" referred to the inhabitants of the Chera, Chola, and Pandya kingdoms. While there's no definitive proof of his birthplace or family, being part of the Dravida Sangha suggests a South Indian origin, likely from the regions of present-day Andhra Pradesh and parts of Tamil Nadu.
• Teachers: From the concluding verses of his works, it is known that Vadiraja Suri's guru was Shri Matisagara, and his guru's guru was Shri Paladeva.
• Relationship with Somadeva Suri: The article refutes the claim made by Shrutasagar Suri (commentator on Yashastilakachampu) that Vadiraja was a disciple of Somadeva Suri. This refutation is based on the fact that the quote attributed to Somadeva Suri about Vadiraja and Vadibhasimha being his disciples is not found in any of Somadeva's known works. Furthermore, the composition dates of Somadeva's Yashastilakachampu (959 CE) and Vadiraja's Parshvanatha Charita (1025 CE) show a significant gap of 66 years, making a guru-shishya relationship unlikely.
• Contemporaries and Colleagues: Dayapala Muni, the author of the commentary "Rupasiddhi" on the Shakatayana grammar, was a contemporary (sateertha) of Vadiraja. Pushpasena and Shrivijaya are also mentioned as his contemporaries in the Mallishena Prashasti, though their works are not available. Inscriptions from Humcha indicate a lineage where Vadiraja's guru was Kanakasena Vadiraja (Hemsena), while other sources mention Matisagara. The author suggests that Matisagara might have been his initiation guru and Kanakasena Vadiraja his spiritual or academic guru.
• Name: There is debate about whether "Vadiraja" was his original name or an epithet. While some scholars believe his original name was different and Vadiraja was an adopted title, the article argues that since he consistently used "Vadiraja" in his own works like Parshvanatha Charita and Yashodhara Charita, it should be accepted as his real name unless stronger evidence suggests otherwise. The possibility of his name being Vardhamana is also discussed, as mentioned in an old commentary, but this commentary is considered too recent.
• Patronage and Time Period: Vadiraja Suri lived during the reign of Chalukya king Jayasimha, whose rule is estimated to be between 1016-1042 CE. The article suggests that the capital mentioned in the Parshvanatha Charita as "Kattagatirbhumi" might be a misspelling of "Kattageri," a place near Badami with an inscription from Chalukya Vikramaditya (II), indicating a connection between Chalukya rulers and this location. It is believed that Jayasimha's capital was likely in this area. The article estimates Vadiraja's birth period to be around 985-995 CE, considering the composition date of Parshvanatha Charita (1025 CE).
• Dating Discrepancies: The article points out discrepancies in the dating of Vadiraja Suri by scholars. While some assign him to the 10th or 11th century, others, like Dr. Hiralaal Jain, have placed him as late as the 13th century based on different works. The author attributes these inconsistencies to potential printing errors or a lack of careful consideration of chronological order in the analyses.
• Recognition and Praise: Vadiraja Suri received significant praise in various inscriptions and texts. The Mallishena Prashasti, inscribed in 1050 Saka (1128 CE), extols him as a great poet, debater, and victor, even comparing him to Jinaraaja. The phrase "singhasamayapeetha vibhavah" from this Prashasti suggests that his seat was honored by Maharaja Jayasimha.
• Literary and Logical Prowess: The article emphasizes that Vadiraja Suri's logical (Nyaya) contributions are even more substantial than his poetic talents. He is described as a representative of various philosophers, a "Shatarkashanmukha" (one with six logical faces), "Syadvidyaapati" (master of Syadvada), and "Jagadekamallavadi" (a peerless debater). His Parshvanatha Charita is considered a literary work, while Nyaya Vinishchaya Vivaran and Pramana Nirnaya are focused on logic.
• Works: Five of Vadiraja Suri's works are considered undisputed:
  1. Parshvanatha Charita (literary)
  2. Yashodhara Charita (literary)
  3. Ekibhavastotra (literary)
  4. Nyaya Vinishchaya Vivaran (logical)
  5. Pramana Nirnaya (logical) Additionally, Shri Agarchandra Nahata mentions Trailokyadipika and Adhyatmashthaka. Adhyatmashthaka was published in 1798 CE. The existence and attribution of Trailokyadipika are discussed, with a possible incomplete manuscript found in a register. Other mentioned but less certain works include Vadamajari, Dharmaratnakara, Rukmaniyashovijaya, and Akankashtakatika, based on a list.

In conclusion, the article highlights Vadiraja Suri as a multifaceted genius, a leading figure in medieval Sanskrit literature, and a significant contributor to the vast body of Indian literary and philosophical knowledge. A thorough study of his works would greatly enrich not only literature but the entire spectrum of Indian intellectual heritage.