Vijayollasamahakavya - Book Summary

This document provides an introduction to an unknown Jain work titled "Vijayollasamahakavya" by Yashovijay Upadhyay. The article is written by Pujya Muniraj Shri Yashovijayji and discusses the discovery and significance of this text.

Here's a comprehensive summary:

Author and His Work:

Mahopadhyaya Shrimad Yashovijayji was a prominent Jain scholar and philosopher born in the latter half of the 17th century and passed away in the mid-18th century.
He was renowned in various fields, including philosophy, logic, and grammar, and composed hundreds of works in Sanskrit, Prakrit, Rajasthani, and Gujarati.
Tragically, a significant portion of his vast literary output is currently unavailable, even though he passed away less than three years prior to the writing of this article. This is attributed to the dwindling practice of consulting old manuscripts and the difficulty in deciphering their scripts. The author expresses hope that a more thorough examination of Jain libraries might uncover more of his lost works.

Discovery of "Vijayollasamahakavya":

This article introduces a newly discovered, albeit small and incomplete, work titled "Vijayollasamahakavya".
It was found in the knowledge repository (Gyan Bhandar) of Junagadh city in Saurashtra.
This work was not mentioned in any previously published lists of Mahopadhyaya Yashovijayji's available or unavailable works, including the introduction to his work "Shrish Yashbharati Jain Prakashan Samiti." This suggests it was previously unknown and uncatalogued.
The manuscript is written in the handwriting of Mahopadhyaya Yashovijayji's father.
The discovery was made by Munivar Shri Dhurandharvijayji, who then sent a photostat copy to the author, who in turn received it from Munivar Shri Punyavijayji Maharaj.

Description of the Manuscript:

The manuscript consists of five pages, with the fifth page being only half-written.
The work stops after the completion of the second canto's 65th verse.
Each page contains 15 to 18 lines.
The verses are composed in the Upajati meter.

Content and Significance:

The subject matter of the "Vijayollasamahakavya" is biographical (Charitra).
It narrates the life story of Acharya Shri Vijayasingh Surishwarji Maharaj, who succeeded Jagadguru Shrimad Vijayahirsurishwarji Maharaj and was preceded by Vijayadev Suri.

Literary Style and Special Features:

Following Jain tradition, the work begins with the auspicious number '990' and the salutation "Namah" to Bhattarak Shri Vijaydevsurishwarji Maharaj.
The first three verses commence with the seed-syllables: (1) "Jevarnaar", (2) "Jey Prakar", and (3) "Jey Avaradhanaam".
A significant and unique feature of this manuscript is the use of the "Aim" (ऐं) seed-syllable. While Mahopadhyaya Yashovijayji typically used "Aim" in the first verse of the auspicious invocation in his works, this particular manuscript uses it in the first three verses. This is presented as a rare occurrence in his known oeuvre.
The author suggests that this extensive use of the "Aim" syllable, which is considered the seed of the Saraswati mantra, might be a way for Yashovijayji to repay his debt or express devotion to the Goddess Saraswati, from whom he received blessings in Kashi.
The fourth verse showcases the author's mastery of language and poetic skill through the use of rhyming phrases (Yamak prayog).
The tenth verse mentions the name Vijayasingh Surishwarji Maharaj, indicating the beginning of the biographical narration.
The first canto is completed with 12 verses, and the author has enriched the work by including verses in various meters at the end of the canto.
The work concludes with the inscription "Iti Shri Vijayollase Mahakavye Pratham Sarga", signifying that it is a Mahakavya and that the title includes the word "Vijay."

Overall, the article introduces "Vijayollasamahakavya" as a valuable but incomplete biographical epic by Mahopadhyaya Yashovijayji, highlighting its unique literary features and its significance as a newly discovered work by this prolific Jain scholar.