Vasant Vilas Mahakavyam

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Vasant Vilas Mahakavyam: A Summary

Title: Vasant Vilas Mahakavyam Author: Siddha Saraswatacharya Shri Balchandrasuri Publisher: Bhadrankar Prakashan New Edition Initiator: Param Pujya Nyas Pravir Shri Vajrasen Vijay Maharaj New Edition Editor: Sadhvi Chandanbalashreeji

Overview: The Vasant Vilas Mahakavyam is a historical epic poem in 14 cantos composed by the esteemed Jain scholar and poet, Acharya Balchandrasuri. The Mahakavya chronicles the life and achievements of Vastupala, a prominent minister who served the Chaulukya kings of Gujarat, particularly Viradhavala. The work is dedicated to Jaitrasinha, Vastupala's son, and was composed after Vastupala's death. The Mahakavya is highly regarded for its historical content, offering valuable insights into the political, social, and religious landscape of Gujarat during the 13th century.

Author and Time: Acharya Balchandrasuri was a disciple of Haribhadrasuri of the Chandragaccha. He was originally a Modh Brahmin named Munjala, son of Dharadeva and Vidyut. Renouncing worldly life, he took Jain monastic vows and attained great scholarly and poetic heights. He was blessed by Goddess Saraswati, who appeared to him in a meditative state, foretelling his greatness as a poet, comparable to Kalidasa. The Vasant Vilas Mahakavyam is estimated to have been composed around the late 13th or early 14th century of the Vikrama era, as it mentions Vastupala's death, which occurred in Samvat 1296.

Publisher and Editions: The first edition of this Mahakavya was published by the Central Library, Baroda, in 1917 (Samvat 1973) as part of the Gaekwad Oriental Series. The new edition, published by Bhadrankar Prakashan in 2010 (Samvat 2066), was inspired by Param Pujya Nyas Pravir Shri Vajrasen Vijay Maharaj and meticulously edited by Sadhvi Chandanbalashreeji. The publication of this new edition was financially supported by the Jnan Khata of the Shri Alwada Svetambar Murtipujak Tapgacch Jain Sangh.

Content and Structure: The Vasant Vilas Mahakavyam comprises 14 cantos, detailing various aspects of Vastupala's life and times:

• Canto 1 (Prastavana): Introduces the nature of poetry, the author's devotion to Goddess Saraswati, and the qualities of Vastupala that make him a fitting hero for the epic.
• Canto 2 (Rajadhani Varnana): Describes the glorious city of Anahillapura (modern Patan), its magnificent temples, palaces, fort, and the Durlabharaja tank.
• Canto 3 (Shri Karan Pad Labho): Chronicles the history of Gujarat's kings from Mularaja to Bhima II. It details how Viradhavala and his ancestors protected Gujarat. It also recounts a dream of the presiding deity of the kingdom appearing to Viradhavala, leading to the appointment of Vastupala and Tejapala as ministers.
• Canto 4 (Muntiguna Varnana): Praises the abilities and virtues of the two ministers, Vastupala and Tejapala, and describes Vastupala's appointment as the Governor of Cambay (Stambhatirtha).
• Canto 5 (Shankha Yuddha Varnana): Narrates the fierce battle between Vastupala and Shankha, the king of Bharuch (Bhrigukaccha), culminating in Shankha's defeat.
• Cantos 6-8 (Ritu Varnana, Pushpa Avachaya Dola Jala Keli Varnana, Chandrodaya Varnana): These cantos offer conventional and lyrical descriptions of the seasons, spring festivities, sports, pleasures, sunrise, and moonrise, reflecting the poetic style of the era.
• Canto 9 (Suryodaya Varnana): Depicts a significant dream of Vastupala where he encounters the deity Dharma, personified as a bull with one leg, lamenting the decline of righteousness in the Kali Yuga and urging Vastupala to uphold Dharma. The canto also describes the bardic praises and sunrise.
• Cantos 10-13 (Shatrunjaya Yatra Varnana, Prabhasa Tirtha Yatra Varnana, Raivataka Gira Varnana, Raivataka Yatra Varnana): These cantos extensively detail Vastupala's pious pilgrimages to the sacred mountains of Shatrunjaya and Girnar. They describe the elaborate arrangements, the participation of the sangha (congregation), the worship of deities, the renovation of old temples, and the minister's devotion and generosity towards the pilgrims. The pilgrimage includes visits to Prabhasa Tirtha, where Vastupala worshipped Somnath, and Girnar, where he worshipped Neminath.
• Canto 14 (Sadgati Pani Grahaṇo nama): Concludes with a description of Vastupala's final moments. The canto recounts a divine message from Dharma, foretelling his marriage to Sadgati, Dharma's daughter. Vastupala, succumbing to fever, resolves to go to Shatrunjaya for the union. The canto culminates in Vastupala's spiritual departure to heaven, received with exultation.

Historical Significance: The Vasant Vilas Mahakavyam provides crucial historical information about Gujarat, including:

• The lineage of the Chaulukya dynasty from Brahma to Bhima II, with detailed accounts of kings like Jayasingh, Kumarpala, and Bhima II.
• The rise of the Vaghela dynasty, through Arnoraja, Lavanprasada, and Viradhavala.
• The Vaghela's appointment of Vastupala and Tejapala as ministers under specific circumstances.
• Details about Vastupala's Prāgvaṭa lineage, his ancestors Chandapa, Chandaprasada, Soma, and his parents Ashvaraja and Kumāradevi.
• The administration of Viradhavala's kingdom, the roles of Vastupala and Tejapala, and Vastupala's governorship of Cambay.
• The battle between Vastupala and Shankha of Broach, highlighting Vastupala's military prowess.
• Crucial details about Vastupala's death, correcting some historical accounts regarding its date and location.
• The extensive public works undertaken by Vastupala and Tejapala, including temples, rest houses, wells, and tanks, across various regions.

Literary Merit: The Mahakavya is praised for its elegant Sanskrit, rich descriptions, and the author's mastery of poetic styles. Balchandrasuri's skill in portraying emotions, nature, battles, and courtly life is evident throughout the work. The author's personal narrative in the initial canto adds a unique dimension. The poem's language, described as possessing the "sweetness of the Gurjar language," reflects a fusion of literary traditions.

Structure and Appendices: The new edition includes valuable appendices, such as the original introduction by Chimanlal D. Dalal, a summary of the poem's plot, a comparative table of contents with other works on Vastupala, chronological inscriptions related to the ministers' careers, an alphabetical index of historical names, an index of geographical names, and verses attributed to Vastupala.

Overall: The Vasant Vilas Mahakavyam stands as a significant contribution to Jain literature and the historical record of medieval India. It offers a blend of historical narrative, devotional elements, and poetic artistry, providing a comprehensive portrait of a remarkable historical figure and his era.