Viratnagar Ka Ek Agyat Tikakar Vadav Ya Mantri Panchanan

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text about the unknown commentator Vadava:

Book Title: Viratnagar ka Ek Agyat Tikakar Vadav ya Mantri Panchanan (An Unknown Commentator of Viratnagar - Vadava or Mantri Panchanan) Author: Vinaysagar Publisher: Z_Arya_Kalyan_Gautam_Smruti_Granth_012034.pdf Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/211929/1

This text, authored by Vinaysagar, sheds light on a previously obscure but significant Jain scholar and commentator named Vadava. Vadava was a lay follower (Shravaka) of the Achalgachha sect of the Shvetambara Jains. He was a resident of Viratnagar, identified with the present-day town of Bairad near Alwar in Rajasthan, India.

Vadava's Scholarly Standing: Vadava is described as a profound scholar well-versed in Sanskrit literature, poetics (Shastra), and Jain literature. He was also a successful commentator. His period is estimated to be the latter half of the 15th century of the Vikrama era.

Loss of Works and Discovery of a Fragment: Sadly, despite his apparent scholarly achievements, none of Vadava's original works are known to have survived. Furthermore, there is a lack of mention of him in Jain historical records or among Jain scholars. The author, Vinaysagar, possesses a personal copy of Vadava's incomplete work, "Vrttaratnakar Avachuri" (Vṛttaratnākara Avacūri), believed to have been written in the final phase of the 15th century.

Vadava's Known Commentaries (Avachuri): According to the preface of "Vrttaratnakar Avachuri," Vadava wrote commentaries on a total of seventeen texts. These include:

• Five Mahakavyas (Great Epics):
  1. Kumara Sambhava (by Kalidasa)
  2. Meghaduta (by Kalidasa)
  3. Raghuvamsa (by Kalidasa)
  4. Magha Kavya (likely Shishupala Vadha by Magha)
  5. Kiratarjuniya (by Bharavi)
• Devotional Hymns (Stotras): 6. Kalyana Mandira Stotra (by Udyotana Suri) 7. Bhaktamara Stotra (by Manatunga Suri) 8. Jachinavanalina (likely referring to a hymn to Jinapati, possibly Jina Navanalina Kuvalayamaladhara) 9. "Vameya" Parshva Stotra (Hymn to Parshva) 10. Prabhujirika Stotra (Hymn to Prabhuji) 11. Sakalasukha (Nava Smarana) Stotra (Hymn named Sakalasukha, the Ninth Smarana) 12. Tripura Stotra (Lesser Hymn)
• Other Works: 13. Vrttaratnakara (a work on prosody, attributed to Kedar) 14. Vagbhatalankara (by Vagbhata) 15. Vidagdh Mukh Mandan (by Dharmadasa) 16. Yoga Shastra (four chapters) 17. Vitaraga Stotra (Hymn to Vitaraga)

Key Findings from the Preface (Prashasti):

The preface to Vadava's work provides crucial historical information:

1. Influence of Jayashekhara Suri and Meruchandra: Vadava's commentaries were composed at the behest of Vachacharya Meruchandra, a disciple of Shri Jayashekhara Suri. Jayashekhara Suri was a respected figure in the Achalgachha, honored by kings.
2. Meruchandra's Imprisonment Rescue: A significant historical detail is that Meruchandra rescued ascetics (Yatis) imprisoned by a "terrible Yavana king." The identity of this king and the circumstances of the imprisonment are not specified, highlighting a need for further historical research.
3. Dating Vadava's Work: Based on the mention of Jayashekhara Suri (who lived approximately from 1400 to 1462 Vikrama) and the use of the past tense "babhuvuḥ" (were) for him, Vadava's writing period is placed between 1465 and 1500 Vikrama.
4. Revision and Editing: The commentaries (Pravachuri) were revised and edited by two individuals:
   • Shri Manikya Sundara Suri: A prominent scholar of Sanskrit, whose active period was around 1435-1500 Vikrama. His works were composed in Rajasthan.
   • Mantri Panchanan of Viratnagar: A scholar of Sanskrit poetry and poetics who also held the position of minister in Viratnagar.

The "Mantri Panchanan" Question:

The text raises an important scholarly debate regarding the phrase "Mantri Panchananain cha" (and Mantri Panchanan). This phrase could refer to:

• An independent personality: Meaning the minister Panchanan of Viratnagar, who, along with Shri Manikya Sundara Suri, revised the commentaries.
• An epithet for Vadava: It could be interpreted as Vadava being like a "lion among ministers," implying that Vadava himself was the minister of Viratnagar and a distinguished scholar. The author notes that deciding this is a task for scholars.

Conclusion and Call for Further Research:

Regardless of the interpretation of "Mantri Panchanan," it is clear that Vadava was a Jain scholar residing in Viratnagar during the latter half of the 15th century. The text confirms the significant presence and influence of the Achalgachha Shvetambara Jains in Viratnagar during that period, with even a Jain Shravaka holding the position of minister.

The author, Vinaysagar, concludes by emphasizing the need for further research to locate Vadava's other lost works, which would provide more insight into his life and contributions to Jain literature.

The latter part of the text includes philosophical verses on self-control, renunciation of possessions (parigraha), and its role in controlling the senses, which are common themes in Jain ethical teachings.