Viral Vidyapurush Harivallabh Bhayani

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text about Harivallabh Bhayani, based on the provided pages:

This text is a tribute to the renowned scholar and researcher, Harivallabh Bhayani, affectionately known as "Bhayani Saheb" in academic circles. The author, Kumarpal Desai, highlights the immense void left by Bhayani's passing in the field of Gujarati literature and research, particularly in the study of ancient manuscripts. Gujarat, despite possessing a rich heritage of knowledge preserved in its manuscripts, is also described as "poor" due to the neglect of this literary wealth. Bhayani dedicated his life to bringing these hidden treasures to light and making Gujarat's intellectual luminescence manifest in the form of published works.

Bhayani Saheb was not merely a guide in the pursuit of knowledge but a dedicated researcher and a gifted creator who offered the "nectar of life-worship." He tirelessly worked for the study and research of medieval Gujarati literature, constantly striving for its revision and publication. He was instrumental in inspiring and encouraging young scholars to engage in research, often offering gentle corrections and motivation to students who might have faltered. His guidance benefited numerous researchers in Gujarat, and his demise dealt a significant blow to the progress of literary research in the state.

Bhayani Saheb enriched various fields of knowledge, including linguistics, Prakrit, and Apabhramsha literature, as well as literary criticism and editing. Wherever his talent touched a subject, it resulted in depth and excellence. Although he initially studied Sanskrit and earned an M.A. in Ardhamagadhi, his intellectual pursuits expanded continuously. He became an expert in Prakrit and Apabhramsha languages, earning his doctorate for a significant thesis on "Paumacariya," an epic poem based on the Ramayana written in Apabhramsha by the 9th-century poet Svayambhudeo. His subsequent editions of works in this field gained international acclaim and offered new perspectives. His linguistic prowess is evident in works like "Apabhramsha Grammar," "Etymological Considerations," and "A Brief Discussion on Grammar."

His innovative research shines through his editions of medieval Gujarati works such as "Kamal na Tantu" and "Tarangavati." He enriched Gujarati literary criticism with numerous books, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of literature from ancient times to the latest modern developments. His intellectual breadth was astonishing; he delved deeply into the latest trends in Western criticism, writing about everything from Apabhramsha dohas to postmodernism and structuralism. He also provided translations of both complex grammatical texts and erotic poetry. "Kamal na Tantu," an edition of Buddhist Jataka tales, is also attributed to him. Bhayani Saheb was proficient in German, Marathi, Bengali, and Tamil, and initially wrote in English. He had a deep interest in folklore, with his scholarly book "Lokasahitya: Sampadan ane Sanshodhan" providing new direction for folklore researchers. He compiled the immortal literary heritage of Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Apabhramsha poetry in books like "Gathāmadhuri" and "Muktakamadhuri."

His intellectual journey began with his first article in "Prasthan" in 1940 and continued until November of the year of this writing. By writing in Gujarati, he truly served his mother tongue. Conversations with Bhayani Saheb could range from profound literary discussions to casual chats about his birthplace, Mahuva, Apabhramsha dohas, or Prakrit and Sanskrit poetry with the same naturalness.

Bhayani Saheb was honored with numerous awards, including the Ranjitram Suvarna Chandrak, the Sahitya Akademi Award from Delhi, the Premanand Sahitya Sabha Chandrak, and the Gujarat Sahitya Akademi Award. The text posits that these awards were actually honored by receiving them from Bhayani Saheb.

Despite his vast erudition, he displayed no arrogance. His face always bore a gentle smile, even when deeply contemplating a subject or a text. His love for knowledge was so profound that if a student approached him for guidance, he would set aside his own urgent work to teach them. He welcomed young students with even the smallest curiosity, seating them with affection. His wife, Chandrakalaben, would graciously host them while Bhayani Saheb, amidst his books, would grasp the core of their query and engage in detailed discussions.

His constant concern was the fate of Gujarat's linguistic heritage and the knowledge contained within ancient manuscripts. The neglect of the past and the lack of concern for research deeply troubled him. When he expressed this anguish, his voice carried a distinct resonance, and his sincere pain touched the hearts of all.

Following the demise of Bhayani Saheb, a profound scholar of Prakrit-Apabhramsha literature, the field of language, literature, and research lacks a comparable talent. The "poor" Gujarat became even poorer with his departure. When discussing with students and scholars, Bhayani Saheb would spontaneously bring forth a specific or up-to-date book relevant to the topic, open its pages, and explain its contents. If a researcher needed it, he would even preserve relevant clippings. Such was his devotion to knowledge.

If one were to visit a scholar of Indian languages at a university in London or Paris, they would inquire about two individuals residing in Gujarat: Shridalsukhbhai Malvania and Harivallabh Bhayani. Scholars like Professor Rayne in London or Madame Kayah and Dr. Nalini Balbir in Paris would fondly remember Bhayani Saheb as a revered mentor in their hearts. His contributions had earned him international recognition, including an honorary fellowship from the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London.

Bhayani Saheb possessed a captivating humor that would fill the atmosphere with his hearty laughter. Sometimes he would laugh so much that his face would turn red, but this humorous camaraderie endeared him to everyone. This laughter dispelled any apprehension or fear that a less prominent person might feel when meeting a distinguished scholar.

This great linguist harbored a constant desire for the establishment of an Academy for Prakrit-Apabhramsha languages in Gujarat. He felt that these two languages, from which Gujarati originated, and their rich literary heritage were largely neglected, especially the study of Apabhramsha in Gujarat. He made efforts towards this, but in the "forest of ignorance," such subtle yet significant matters were difficult to be heard.

Bhayani Saheb felt immense affection for students and was concerned about their studies. If they faced financial difficulties in pursuing their education, he would arrange for their financial support, thereby nurturing many "lamps of knowledge." Through his devotion to learning, he maintained close ties with learned Jain scholars, engaging in intellectual discussions with them. He shared a deep bond with some Jain acharyas, with ongoing academic collaborations. He co-edited the excellent research journal "Anusandhan" with Acharya Shri Shilchandrasoorishwarji, bringing classical research to light in Gujarat.

He would promptly reply to any letter received with a postcard. If a message was incomplete on one postcard, he would send another, and even a third if necessary. His home was a "pilgrimage for scholars." He possessed a balance of humility and scholarship, capable of being both a guru and a guru of gurus simultaneously. He remained active until the end of his life, even writing from his hospital bed in Mumbai. He will be remembered as the researcher of scholarly works such as "Vagvyapar," "Shodh ane Swadhyay," "Shabdakatha," "Anushilono," "Kavyama Shabd," "Vyutpattivichar," and "Rachana ane Sanrachana." The cessation of his six-decade-long academic journey raises a question mark over the future of these scholarly pursuits.