Vidhipakshagacchna Samachari Grantho Ane Vidhiras Ek Samiksha - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Vidhipakshagacchna Samachari Grantho ane Vidhiras Ek Samiksha" by Kalaprabhsagar:

This scholarly review, "Vidhipakshagacchna Samachari Grantho ane Vidhiras Ek Samiksha" (A Review of the Samachari Texts of the Vidhipaksha (Anchal) Gaccha and the Vidhi Ras), authored by Muni Kalaprabhsagarji, delves into the history, development, and literary contributions of the Vidhipaksha (also known as the Anchal) Gaccha within Jainism.

Origins and Early Development of the Vidhipaksha Gaccha:

The Vidhipaksha Gaccha was established by Yugapradhan Dadashri Aryarakshitsurishvarji Maharaj in 1169 CE. He initiated the Gaccha by propounding the seventy "bols" (principles/statements) as per the Agamas.
At its inception, the Gaccha aimed to combat the widespread laxity in religious practices prevalent at that time, which was attributed to the influence of local customs. Aryarakshitsurishvarji, through his austerity and knowledge, made a significant effort to revive adherence to Jain principles.
The author highlights the significant following of the Vidhipaksha Gaccha. Under Aryarakshitsurishvarji and his successor, Jayasinghasuri, the Gaccha boasted 12 Acharyas, 20 Upadhyayas, 70 Padasistha (senior monks), and 2100 Sadhus, totaling 2202 male ascetics. The female monastic community comprised 103 Mahattaras, 82 Pravartinis, and 1130 Sadhvijis, totaling 1315 female ascetics.
Several other Gacchas, including Shankheshwar Gaccha, Nanuvall Gaccha, Vallabhi Gaccha, and Nadol Gaccha, fully adopted the Samachari (code of conduct) of the Vidhipaksha Gaccha. Other Gacchas like Jadapalli Gaccha, Agama Gaccha, Purnima Gaccha, and Sardha Purnima Gaccha adopted its core Samachari, leading to their followers merging with the Vidhipaksha Gaccha.

Key Successors and Their Contributions:

Aryarakshitsurishvarji passed away in 1236 CE. His chief disciple, Jayasinghasuri, was a highly influential figure. He is credited with converting numerous Kshatriyas and other non-Jains to Jainism, leading to the formation of new Gotras (lineages) like Haliyadiya, Padai, Nagada, Lalan, Dedhiya, Gala, Katariya, Paliya, Nisara, Chhajed, Rathod, Seladiya, Mahudiya, and Sahasrasukha. These new Gotras were integrated into the Oswal community.
Jayasinghasuri's successor, Dharmaghoshasuri, influenced the conversion of prominent individuals from Gotras such as Behad Sakha, Devana'nd Sakha, Hariya, Gadi, Chapani, Bhulani, and Kakliya to Jainism.

The Emergence of Samachari Texts:

The credit for providing the first written form to the Samachari of the Vidhipaksha Gaccha goes to Dharmaghoshasuri, the third successor. He composed the "Prashnottar Paddhati," also known as "Shatpadika," in Prakrit in 1263 CE, although this work is unfortunately no longer extant.
Mahendrasurishvarji, the successor of Dharmaghoshasuri and author of "Ashtottar Tirthamala," created a comprehensive "Shatpadi Granth" in Sanskrit in 1294 CE, consisting of 5342 verses. Mahendrasurishvarji noted that Dharmaghoshasuri's original "Rol Shatpadi Granth" was difficult to comprehend. He therefore revised it, adding some questions and answers, and simplifying it into clear Sanskrit. This work, known as "Brihat Shatpadi," is crucial for understanding the Samachari of the Vidhipaksha Gaccha and is considered a rare and significant text from the Gaccha's early period. Manuscripts of this work are available in many Jain libraries, with rare palm-leaf manuscripts found in Khambhat and Vadodara.
Acharya Merutungsurishvarji of the Anchal Gaccha (in 1453 CE) composed the "Laghu Shatpadi Granth" (also known as "Shatpadi Saroddhar") based on Dharmaghoshasuri's original work, adding 45 of his own thoughts and seven new ideas, totaling 1570 verses. Mahendrasurishvarji's "Shatpadi Granth" contained 117 thoughts, while the "Laghu Shatpadi" is known for its more condensed format. These works were later translated into Gujarati by Professor Ravji Devraj in 1951 CE.
Acharya Dharmamurtisurishvarji (after 1602 CE), known as the "Kriyaddharak" (one who revived ritual practices), authored "Vicharsar," a text on Samachari. A rare manuscript of this work is housed in the Rajasthan Prachya Vidya Pratishthan in Jodhpur.

Analysis of the "Vidhi Ras Chaupai":

The review then focuses on the "Vidhi Ras Chaupai," a poetic work on the Samachari, similar to the aforementioned texts.
This "Vidhi Ras Chaupai" was edited by the author's senior Guru, Muni Kirti Sagarsuriji Maharaj, from a handwritten manuscript in Bhujpur (Kutch) in 1972 CE (18th Magha Vadya, V.S. 2029).
The Gujarati poetic work comprises 107 "kadikas" (stanzas). The 95th kadika mentions Acharya Dharmamurtisurishvarji, the Gaccha leader. The final line of the 107th kadika states, "Kriti vidhin vruddhashi samannna" (The work concludes with the fulfillment of rituals).
The author suggests that the original author of the Ras might be Muni Chhaju, given the mention of Dharmamurtisuriji in the 95th kadika. It is possible that Dharmamurtisuriji was the original author, and Muni Chhaju added the concluding 11 kadikas (96-107). Further research with other manuscripts is needed for definitive confirmation.
The inscription "Samvat Solakhittar" (Samvat sixteen hundred and seventy-something) suggests the Ras was composed around 1672 CE. However, given that Dharmamurtisuriji passed away in 1670 CE, this dating might indicate his presence or a dedication to him. The author leans towards 1602 CE as the more probable date of composition, citing Dharmamurtisuriji's ascendancy to the position of Acharya and Gaccha leader in that year, and his extensive "Kriyaddhar" (revival of practices) involving 92 monastic groups.
The poetic form was likely created to help a greater number of devotees memorize the Samachari of the Gaccha.

The Life and Contributions of Dharmamurtisurishvarji:

The review provides a brief biography of Dharmamurtisurishvarji. He was born in 1585 CE in Khambhat. He took initiation in 1597 CE and became Dharmamurtisurishvarji after diligent study of the Agamas. In 1602 CE, he was installed as Acharya by his Guru, Shri Gunidhanisurishvarji.
Dharmamurtisurishvarji became the Acharya and Gaccha leader in 1602 CE. He performed the Kriyaddhar in 1614 CE at Shatrunjay Tirtha, with 92 monastic groups under his guidance. His influence led to the growth of his spiritual lineage.
Under his guidance, numerous significant religious activities took place, including the "Granthoddhar" (restoration of scriptures). Many Agama and other religious texts written under his inspiration are considered rare.
He initiated a significant pilgrimage to Siddhachal (Samet Shikhar) in 1617 CE, led by Seth Rishabhdas of Agra, comprising two thousand pilgrims. He actively spread Jainism in North India.
In 1629 CE, he arrived in Ahmedabad, where he was honored for his virtues. In Jamnagar, his teachings led to pilgrimage activities, temple construction, and other religious endeavors. The Nawab of Palanpur was also a devout follower.
Dharmamurtisurishvarji attained Nirvana at the age of 85 in 1670 CE.

Author of "Vidhi Ras":

Another perspective suggests that Muni Chhaju is the author of this "Vidhi Ras." Apart from another work, not much information is available about him. However, it is evident from the "Vidhi Ras" that he was a respected monk during the time of Dharmamurtisurishvarji. The credit for composing the Gaccha's Samachari in Gujarati verse is attributed to him.

Significance of the "Vidhi Ras":

The "Vidhi Ras" is a valuable poetic work that demonstrates the author's deep devotion and immense respect for Jain Agamas.
The Ras cites numerous Jina Agamas and Sutras, providing references and names to support the Samachari of the Vidhipaksha Gaccha, making it a valuable resource for study.
It discusses various aspects of the Gaccha's Samachari, including Samayik (meditation), Paushadh (fasting), Chaupala (a type of practice), 85 Atichars (infractions), Uttaradhyayana, Seventeen types of worship, and festival dates.
The Ras also references "Upadesha Chintamani Granth" by Kavi Jayashekhar Suri.
The author emphasizes the heart-touching nature of the teachings within the Ras.
The importance of the Ras is highlighted by the poet's own words: "Whoever reads and contemplates this Vidhi Ras attains great contemplation; worldly anxieties are removed, and the supreme goal is achieved."
The Ras further states, "The Vidhipaksha Anchal Gaccha is strong, whose power cannot be matched. Shri Dharmamurtisurishvarji's treasury of virtues shines brighter each day."
It is inferred that the specific references to Agamas in this Ras might be compiled in Dharmamurtisurishvarji's "Vicharsar."
The review concludes by stating that the "Vidhi Ras" expresses the author's fear of worldly existence and profound reverence for Jain commandments. The work is recommended for memorization and study by practitioners and scholars for its adherence to and propagation of the Samachari. The author hopes that this first-ever publication of the "Vidhi Ras" will benefit inquisitive minds.

In essence, the review provides a detailed historical and literary account of the Vidhipaksha (Anchal) Gaccha, its prominent figures, and its significant contribution to Jain literature through the compilation and preservation of its Samachari, particularly through the "Vidhi Ras Chaupai."