Vignapti Lekh Sangraha Part 01

This is a summary of the Jain text "Vignapti Lekh Sangraha Part 01," authored by Jinvijay and published by Singhi Jain Shastra Shiksha Pith, Mumbai.

Overall Description:

The book, "Vignapti Lekh Sangraha Part 01," is a collection of 'Vignapti Lekhas' – specific types of Jain literary works. These are essentially letters or epistles written on various occasions, often related to religious ceremonies like Paryushana Parva, or for seeking blessings, conveying news, or expressing devotion. The compilation aims to preserve and present these historically and culturally significant Jain literary pieces.

Key Highlights:

1. Singhi Jain Granthamala Series: This book is part of the esteemed Singhi Jain Granthamala series (Number 51), dedicated to publishing important Jain literature in Prakrit, Sanskrit, Apabhramsha, and Old Gujarati/Rajasthani languages, as well as new research.
2. Establishment and Patronage: The series was established in the sacred memory of Seth Sri Dálchandji Singhi of Calcutta, and his son, the philanthropic and cultured Sri Bahadur Singh Singhi. The series is published under the patronage of Sri Rajendra Singh Singhi and Sri Narendra Singh Singhi.
3. Editorial Direction: The General Editor and Director is Acharya Jinavijaya Muni, a renowned scholar and former Honorary Director of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bombay.
4. Content: The collection includes various types of 'Vignapti Lekhas' written by multiple learned individuals. It features texts like 'Vignapti Triveni,' 'Vignapti Mahalekh,' and 'Anand Prabhandh Lekhadi.' The first part focuses on the foundational or prominent texts of this genre.
5. Purpose of 'Vignapti Lekhas': The introduction (likely from Acharya Jinavijaya Muni) explains the significance of these letters. They serve as historical documents, providing insights into the social, literary, and artistic aspects of Jainism. Their study can be crucial for understanding Jain literature, history, and art, particularly miniature paintings often found in these manuscripts.
6. Specific Texts Mentioned:
   • 'Vignapti Mahalekh': This is presented as the first major text in the collection. It's described as an ancient and significant letter, even older than 'Vignapti Triveni.' It was copied from a manuscript belonging to a 'Shri Pujyaji' of Bikaner. The language is noted for its literary quality, imitating the prose style of great poets like Ban, Dandi, and Dhanpal, and blending historical narratives with ornate language. It's dated Vikram Samvat 1441 (1384 AD).
   • 'Vignapti Triveni': This is the second major text, dated Vikram Samvat 1484 (1427 AD). It was written by the learned Jayasagar Upadhyay from Sindh to his Acharya Jinabhadr Suri in Patan. Its importance and context are elaborated upon in a detailed introduction written by Acharya Jinavijaya Muni for its earlier publication.
   • 'Anand Prabhandh Lekhadi' etc.: These are other 'Up-rachanas' (sub-works) included in the collection, indicating a broader scope for the series.
7. Editorial Challenges and Hopes: Acharya Jinavijaya Muni expresses his desire to provide extensive historical and cultural analysis with each text, similar to the introduction he wrote for 'Vignapti Triveni.' However, due to his extensive editorial commitments, he has published this volume in its original form for now. He hopes to publish a second part in the future with detailed commentary and also plans to include 'Vignapti Lekhas' written in vernacular languages, which are particularly rich in historical and artistic material.
8. Ancient Origin: The earliest 'Vignapti Lekh' in this collection is dated Vikram Samvat 1441 (1384 AD).
9. Key Figures: The book highlights the contributions of the Singhi family for their patronage and Acharya Jinavijaya Muni for his meticulous editing. The texts themselves often mention prominent Jain Acharyas and scholars like Jinodaya Suri, Lokahitacharya, Jinabhadra Suri, Jayasagar Upadhyay, Vinay Vijay Muni, Megh Vijay Upadhyay, etc.
10. Language and Style: The 'Vignapti Lekhas' are noted for their rich Sanskrit prose, often employing elaborate metaphors, similes, and rhetorical devices, while also containing valuable historical and cultural information.

In essence, "Vignapti Lekh Sangraha Part 01" is a scholarly endeavor to bring to light important, often unpublished, Jain epistolary literature, contributing significantly to the understanding of Jain tradition, history, and artistic expression.