भारतीय भाषाओं में सुदर्शनचरित-विषयक साहित्य
Summary
The text discusses literature related to the Sudarshancharita in Indian languages. It begins by explaining that the Sudarshancharita is based on the story of Sudarshan, a Kevali (omniscient being) contemporary of Mahavira, and the Namokar Mantra, a central prayer in Jainism. The narrative describes Sudarshan's previous births: he was first a Bhil king named Vyaghra, then a dog, and later a cowherd named Subhaga. After hearing a religious discourse, he was reborn as a merchant's son, Sudarshan, who took Jain initiation, performed severe penance, attained Kevala Jnana, and achieved liberation. The text then lists and describes various works on this theme. The earliest reference is in the Prakrit Mula Radhana by Shivakoti. Key works include: 1) Brihat Kathakosha by Harishena (931 CE), a Sanskrit work containing 157 stories, including one about Subhaga the cowherd. 2) Sudamsanachariu by Nayanandi (1043 CE), an Apabhramsha poem in 12 cantos. 3) Kahakosu by Shri Chandra (c. 1066 CE), an Apabhramsha work with 100 stories. 4) Kathakosha by Prabhachandra (11th century). 5) Punyashravakathakosha by Ramachandra Mumukshu (13th century). 6) Sudarshanacharita by Bhattaraka Sakalakirti (14th-15th century), an 8-canto work. 7) A Sanskrit Sudarshanacharita by Vidyānandi (c. 1456 CE), in 12 sections. 8) Sudarshanarasa by Brahma Jinadasa (15th century), in Rajasthani. 9) An unavailable Sudamsanachariu by Mahakavi Raighu (15th century).
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Conclusion
The analysis of Sudarshanacharita literature across Indian languages reveals the profound influence of Jain narrative traditions on regional literary development, with Jain poets making significant contributions to the evolution of these languages. The diverse corpus—from Prakrit and Apabhramsha to Sanskrit, Marathi, and Rajasthani—demonstrates how the core story of Sudarshana, centered on the transformative power of the Namokar Mantra, served as a vehicle for both religious instruction and artistic expression. This literary tradition not only enriched the respective language traditions but also established a sophisticated narrative framework that blended didactic purpose with poetic excellence. The chronological spread of these works, from the 10th to the 17th centuries, indicates a sustained cultural engagement with this theme, highlighting its enduring relevance in Jain spiritual discourse and its capacity to inspire literary creativity across linguistic boundaries.