Yashovijayopadhyaya Ane Temne Lakheli Hathpothi Naychakra

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Gujarati text about Upadhyaya Yashovijayji and his manuscript "Nayachakra":

The article, titled "Upadhyaya Yashovijayji and his Manuscript Nayachakra," by Punyavijayji, is published in the Acharya Vijay Vallabh Suri Smarak Granth. It discusses the vastness of knowledge collections within Jain tradition and highlights the importance of manuscripts.

Vastness of Jain Literary Collections: The author begins by emphasizing the incredible scale and diversity of Jain literature, accumulated over centuries. Despite facing destruction, these collections, managed by Jain monks and lay communities, are estimated to contain fifteen to twenty lakh manuscripts. These are not limited to Jain religious texts but also include a wide spectrum of Indian literature, both Jain and non-Jain. Remarkably, some non-Jain texts have been found in Jain collections that are not available in their own sectarian collections. The author stresses that a systematic review of all these collections will reveal a treasure trove of literature that will astound the world. He calls it an essential duty for Jain monks and communities to thoroughly examine their respective knowledge repositories.

Introduction to Nayachakra: The article then focuses on the manuscript "Nayachakra," also known as "Niyantri," originally authored by Acharya Mallavadi, whom Jain scholars and followers recognize as "Vadiva." Acharya Hemachandra, in his Siddha-Hema grammar, mentions Mallavadi as a significant figure. In the realm of Jain philosophy, "Sanmatitark" and "Nayachakra" hold esteemed positions.

The Journey of Nayachakra's Research and Publication: The author mentions that Pt. Sukhlaalji had a primary goal of researching and editing "Sanmatitark" and "Nayachakra." While "Sanmatitark" was completed with the assistance of Pt. Bechardas Doshi, the work on "Nayachakra" stalled due to various circumstances. Later, Muni Amaravijayji's scholar disciple, Kavi Chaturanvijayji, undertook its research and publication through the Gaekwad Oriental Series. However, before the first part was released, Pujyapad Acharya Maharaj Shri Vijaylabdhisuri himself began independent research and editing of the entire "Nayachakra" manuscript.

The author, Punyavijayji, had a long-standing desire to see a specialized research and editing of "Nayachakra" conducted. He was searching for scholars capable of undertaking this significant task. His search led him to Muni Jambuvijayji, whose extraordinary suitability was brought to his attention by Pt. Sukhlaalji. An unexpected letter from Muni Jambuvijayji himself solidified this connection. The author then entrusted Muni Jambuvijayji with the responsibility of researching and editing the "Nayachakra" Mahashastra, while he himself took on the responsibility of providing all necessary external materials.

Rationale for a Third Endeavor: The author explains that despite ongoing work by the Gaekwad Oriental Series and Acharya Vijaylabdhisuri, this third initiative was undertaken because the existing research methods and the balance required for research, along with the utilization of available extensive material, were not being adequately met. Therefore, this new endeavor was initiated, involving significant expense and effort.

The Discovery of Yashovijayji's Manuscript: The article highlights that numerous ancient manuscripts were collected for the research of "Nayachakra," including those from the collections of Kharataragachchhiya Mandalaacharya Yativar Shri Hirachandji Maharaj of Banaras and Pujyapad Acharya Maharaj Shri Rangavimalji Maharaj. The colophons of these manuscripts confirmed that a copy of "Dwadashanayachakra" was written by Pujyapad Nyayavisharad Nyayacharya Mahopadhyaya Shri Yashovijayji Maharaj and his fellow monks. The author notes that, with the exception of the manuscript in the Bhavnagar Shri Sangh's knowledge repository, all other known ancient and modern "Nayachakra" manuscripts are likely copies of the one written by Upadhyaya-ji. These copies, due to scribal errors, had become distorted and created significant difficulties in research. Therefore, the author was always keen to find the original manuscript written by Upadhyaya-ji to enhance the authenticity of the research.

The Pivotal Discovery: The crucial breakthrough came through the efforts of Muni Ramanikvijayji, a disciple of Panyas Muni Shri Mahendravimalji Maharaj. With the generous support of his disciple Shri Harshvimal, Muni Ramanikvijayji had the opportunity to examine the knowledge repository in the Devshana Padara Upashraya. During this examination, he came across three invaluable manuscripts in the handwriting of Shri Yashovijayji Maharaj, which he generously shared with the author. These included the "Nayachakra" manuscript.

Significance of Yashovijayji's Manuscript: Upon seeing the "Nayachakra" manuscript written by Upadhyaya-ji, the author was overwhelmed with joy and experienced a profound, heavenly bliss. The colophon in this manuscript, which was previously published in the journal "Shri Anand Prakash" by Muni Bhudevijayji, is presented again for the readers of this commemorative volume.

Details from the Colophon: The colophon states that this manuscript was written in Patan in VS 1710. Before its writing, Upadhyaya Shri Yashovijayji Maharaj had read the entire text in Patan. Subsequently, seven monks – Shri Vijayji Maharaj, Shri Jaisom Pandit, Shri Labhvijayji Maharaj, Shri Kirtiratna Gani, Shri Sheetvijayji, Shri Ravivijay Pandit, and Shri Yashovijayji Maharaj himself – collaborated to copy this voluminous scripture, estimated to contain 18,000 verses, in just a fortnight (fifteen days).

The Speed of Transcription: The author expresses surprise at the haste with which this manuscript was copied, questioning whether there was a compulsion from someone possessing a rare copy of the text. He emphasizes the importance of "Nayachakra" as a cornerstone of Jain philosophical literature and the Jain tradition, citing Yashovijayji's involvement in its copying as proof of its significance.

Handwriting Analysis: While it's difficult to individually identify the handwriting of all seven monks involved in copying this manuscript, the author and his guru, Shri Ravivijayji's, handwriting can be distinguished. Shri Yashovijayji himself wrote 73 pages (pages 1-44, 57-76, 251-255, and 291-294), with his fine handwriting contributing an estimated 4,500 to 4,800 verses. The author marvels at Yashovijayji's exceptional writing skill and speed, noting that he could produce such precise work in fifteen days is an unparalleled testament to his mastery.

Manuscript Specifications: The manuscript comprises a total of 309 pages. The number of lines per page varies, with most having between 1 and 24 lines. The dimensions of the manuscript are approximately 10.5 x 4 inches. The final six verses of the colophon on page 309 were written by Shri Yashovijayji Maharaj.

A Crucial Clarification: In conclusion, the author clarifies that the ancient and modern manuscripts of "Nayachakra" available today, including the one by Shri Yashovijayji Maharaj, are essentially commentaries on the "Nava Shastra" written by Acharya Shri Singhvadi-gani-kshama-shramana. He laments the current state of Jain community's fortune that the original valuable "Nayachakra" text by Acharya Shri Mallavadi is not found anywhere. The person who finds the original manuscript of this work will be considered divinely fortunate, celebrated, and revered not only in the Jain world but also in the entire scholarly world.