Brief Account of Jain Tamil Literature

Author(s): Krishnachand Choradia
Publisher: Z_Sumanmuni_Padmamaharshi_Granth_012027.pdf
Catalog link: https://jainqq.org/explore/250031/1

Page #1
Glory of Jain Culture A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF Jaina TAMIL LITERATURE S. Krishnachandd Chordia M.A. (Journalism & MC) M.A., M.Phil (Jainology) P.hd. Research Scholar, Department of Jainology, University of Madras India is well known for its most ancient literature in different languages. Tamil is one of the languages of India having the claim for its ancient literature of great humanistic value. Scholars have proposed three phases in the Tamil Literature : to be written by a Jaina Scholar. This grammatical treaties consists of three great chapters - Eluthu, Sol and Porul i.e. letters, words and meaning respectively. Each chapter consists of nine Iyals or Sections. On the whole, it contains 1612 Sutras. This forms the foundation of the later grammatical works in the Tamil Language. It is said that there are five commentaries on this treatise written by llampuranar, Perasiriyar, Senavaraiyar, Naccinarkkiniyar and Kalladar. 1. Literature prior to Sangam Age; 2. Literature of Sangam Age; and 3. Later Literature Scholars are of the opinion that most of the literature belonging to the phase of prior to Sangam Age is lost. But, fortunately, we should say one work by name Tolkappiyam, belonging to this age is surviving and it throws a flood of light not only on the grammatical structure of Tamil language, but also on the culture and the way of life of our Indian People in more particular about the Tamil people. 2) Kural : This ethical work is the most important work in Tamil Literature, composed in the form of couplets known as Kural Venba. This work is considered so important by the Tamil people that they use various names to designate this great work, such as "Uttara Veda", "Tamil Veda", "Divine Scripture", "The great truth", "Nondenominational Veda" and so on. The work is claimed by almost all the religious sects of the Tamil land. In addition to this, the Siddha literature "Siddhar Padalgal", it appears has its own claim to be included in this first phase of Tamil Literature. I. (1) Tolkappiyam : This authoritative work on Tamil Grammar is supposed This book contains three great topics aram, porul, inbam i.e. Dharma, Artha A Brief Account of Jaina Tamil Literature

Page #2
Glory of Jain Culture and Kama. These three topics are interpreted and expounded as to be in thorough conformity with the basic doctrine of Ahimsa. This great ethical work, which contains the essence of Tamil Wisdom, consists of three parts and of 133 chapters. Each chapter contains 10 verses. Thus, we have 1330 verses in the form of couplets. There are commentaries which are written by Ilampooranar, Kalingar and many others. Of these, one is by the great commentator Naccinarkkiniyar, whose creation is unfortunately lost to the world. We can see the influence of this magnanimous work on such great literary pieces as :- Neelakesi, Jeevaka Cintamani, Cudamani, Arungalacheppu and many others. and 260 quatrains. The third chapter on inbam i.e. Kama, contains 10 quatrains. Thus 400 quatrains are arranged into 3 sections. This arrangement is attributed by one tradition to the Pandya King Ugraperuvaludi and by another tradition to the Jaina Scholar named Padumanar. There are 18 didectic works in Tamil language among which Kural and Naladiyar are considered to be the most ancient and the important work. (4) Aranericcaram : "The essence of the way of virtue", is composed by a Jaina author by name Thirumanaippadiyar. He is said to have flourished in the last Sangam period. He describes in this great work, five moral principles, associated with Jainism. These principles go by the name of "Panca Vratas", the five rules of conduct governing the house holder as well as ascetic. These are Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacarya and Parimita - Parigraha. (3) Naladiyar : Naladiyor derives its name from the nature of the metre i.e. a Quatrain or 4 lines in Venba metre. The work consists of 400 quatrains and is also called the "Velalar - Vedam", the Bible of the cultivators. It is not the work of a single author. Tradition supposes that each verse is composed by different Jaina monks and put together to form a single work. (5) Palamoli : The author of Palamoli (means proverbs) is a Jain by name Munruraiaraiyanir. It consists of variable old sayings containing not merely principles of conduct, but also a good deal of worldly wisdom. The 400 isolated stanzas are arranged according to a certain plan after the model of the Kural. Each chapter consists of 10 stanzas. The first part on aram i.e. Dharma consists of 13 chapters and 130 quatrains. The second section on porul i.e. Artha, contains 26 chapters (6) Tinaimalai - Nutraimbadu : The author's name is Kanimoliyar, who is also said to be one of the Sangam poets. This work treats of the principles of love and war and quoted freely by the great A Brief Account of Jaina Tamil Literature

Page #3
Glory of Jain Culture commentator like Naccinarkkiniyar and others. Of the same author, the other book is called 'Eladi'. Eladi : "Cardamom and others" refers to the mixture of the perfumes of Ela (cardamom), Karpuram (Camphor), Erikarasu (the oderous wood), Candanam (Sandal), and Ten (honey). The name is given to this work because each quatrain is supposed to contain 5 or 6 such fragrant topics. is having its place among the ancient Tamil Literature. Its impact of Tamil Society is vast and wide. From top most scholars to a man of lowest, it is known to all. 'Kannagi' happens to be centre figure of this great work and happens to be "Sita" of Dravidian culture. She is deitified and worshipped. (7) Nanmanikkadigai: "The Solver of the four gems" by the Jaina author by name "Vilanbinathar". This is also in the Venba metre, well known in the other works. Each stanza deals with 4 important moral principles like jewels. The sentiment of pathas is well known throughout the work. In addition to this Sambhoga Shringara, Vipralambha Shringara and also the other Rasas are well brought up in the extraordinary prose Kavya. Not only this much, it potentially depects what exactly is the Grhastha Dharma, but also presents a valuable material on all arts such as vastu, music, dance, folk dance music, global trade and economics. In fact, it is a store house of every thing that human life requires. So far we have spoken of Jaina Ethical Poetries and next the Kovyas shall be dealt with. II. Kavyas are classified into 2 main heads : The work is having its own message and the same can be brought in three important valuable truths : (a) Maha kavyas :- Silappadikaram, Jeevaka Cintamani and Valaiyapathi. (1) If a king deviates from the path of righteousness even to a slight extent, he will go down and his kingdom meets with catastrophe. In this context, the couplet in Tirukkural is worth noting. (b) Laghu Kavyas :- Yasodhara Kovyam, Cudamani, Perum kathai, Naga Kumara-Kavyam and Nilakesi. "Seiyamai Setrarkum innadha seidhapin Viya Vijuman tharum. 313 Silappadikaram : The author of this great work is a Chera prince, who became a Jaina ascetic by name "Elango Adigal". It is considered to be composed by about 2nd century A.D. and hence it "Even in the case of a person, who causes injury without any provocation, retaliation by doing evil for evil is sure A Brief Account of Jaina Tamil Literature

Page #4
Glory of Jain Culture to cause innumerable inescapable woes". or chapters. The first beginning with the birth and education of the hero, "Jeevaka", and the last ending with his Nirvana. (2) A woman walking on the path of chastity deserves adoration and worship not only by human beings, but also by devas. The names of Ilambakas are : (3) The working of Karma is such that there is an inevitable fatality from which no one can escape, and the fruits of one's previous Karma must necessarily be experienced in later period. This is an epic in other words "Arsa Maha Kovya", just as Ramayana and Mahabharata in Sanskrit. It consists of three great divisions and 30 chapters on the whole. The great work has a very valuable commentary by Adiyarkkunallar, (1) Namagal Ilambagam; (2) Govindaiyar llambagam; Gandharvadattaiyar llambagam; (4) Gunamalaiyar Ilambagam; Padumaiyar Nambagam; Kemasariyar Ilambagam; Kanakamalaiyar lambagam; Vimalaiyar Ilambagam; 9) Suramanjari llambagam, (10) Manmagal Ilambagam; (11) Pumagal Ilambagam; (12) lakkanaiyar Nambagam; and (13) Mukti Ilambagam. This classic contains 3145 stanzas. An excellent edition containing a fine commentary by Naccinarkkiniyar is now available. 2. Jeevaka Cinta mani : Scholars consider this work as the best of the Maha Kavyas. This great romantic epic, which is at once the Iliad and the Odyssey of the Tamil language is said to have been composed in the early youth of the poet named "Tiruttakkadeva". As the result of the challenge from his friendly poet of Madurai Sangam, the Cintamani was composed by Tiruttakkadeva to prove that a Jaina Monk can also produce a work containing "Sringara-rasa. It was admitted on all sides that he had succeeded wonderfully well. Five Laghu Kavyas were composed by Jaina authors : 1. Yasodhara Kavyam : Jainism advocates the observance of any vow by Trikarana - i.e. mind, speech and body. If any one of these is lacking, then it will not fulfil the observance of vrata. For Jains, Ahimsa is the fundamental vrata. This The work is divided into llambakas A Brief Account of Jaina Tamil Literature

Page #5
means one should obstain from killing animals or in other words to avoid injury to any living beings. So, in this regard the Ahimsa is looked upon mainly in two forms : (a) Dravya Himsa (b) Bhava Himsa Even though a person does not kill actually an animal, in other words, does not commit dravya himsa and in his mind, out of Raga or Dvesa thinks of killing, then there is Bhava Himsa. For the fulfilment of Ahimsa Vrata, both Dravya Himsa and Bhava Himsa should be avoided. Even with Bhava Himsa, one commits as much of sin as with Dravya Himsa. In earlier days in yaga and yagnas there were offering of animals as bali. But, later on because of the influence of Jainism, a modification in offering animal sacrifice came up. As a result, animals made of flours were offered in the yaga and yagnas. But Jainism did not accept this as Ahimsa, as there was Bhava Himsa in it. This Yasodhara Kavyam is centres around this thought and presents in a picturesque way, the sin how shall fractifies even with the Bhava Himsa. 2. Culamani: It is composed by the Jaina author and poet Tholamolithevar. Culamani resembles Cintamani in A Brief Account of Jaina Tamil Literature Glory of Jain Culture poetic excellence. It contains 12 sargas and 2131 stanzas on the whole. According to Sri Damodaran Pillai, it must be earlier than some of the major Kavyas. 3. Perunkathai : This work was named after the Brhat Katha of Gunadhya written in what is known as paisacabhasa, a prakrit dialect. The author is known as Konguvelira prince of the Kongudesa. The portions relating to the life of Prince Udayana, has taken by the author. The story consists of 6 main chapters: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) Unjaik Kandam; Lavanak Kandam; Magadak Kandam; Vattavak Kandam; Naravahana Kandam; and Turuvuk Kandam, all relating to the rich life of Udayana. 4. Nilakesi: It is a controversial work dealing with the systems of Indian philosophy and it has an excellent commentary called, "Samayadivakara" by Vamana Muni. Nilakesi which is one of the five laghu kavyas in Tamil, is evidently an answer to Kundalakesi, the Buddistic work. It contains 10 chapters namely: (1) Dharma-Urai Carukkam; (2) Kundalakesi Vada Carukkam; 5

Page #6
Glory of Jain Culture by Sekkizar which presents the stories of 63 Nayanmars. The frame of which appears to be worked out on the model of Mahopurana or Trisasthi Salaka purusa carita of Jains. (3) Arhacandra Vada Carukkam; (4) Mokkala Vada Carukkam; (5) Buddha Vada Carukkam; (6) Ajivaka Vada Carukkam; (7) Sankhya Vada Carukkam; (8) Vaisesika Vada Carukkam; (9) Veda Vada Carukkam; (10) Bhuta Vada Carukkam. IV. Prosody and Grammatical Literature : It must be latter than the age of Kural and Kundalakesi. III. Purana Kavyas : There are many purana kavyas among which two are very popular. 1. Meru Mandira Puranam : It resembles in excellence of literary diction, the best of kovya literature in Tamil. It is based upon a puranic story relating to Meru and Mandira. The author is Vamana Muni, who lived in 14th century. It contains of 30 chapters of 1405 stanzas on the whole. 1. Yapparungalakkarikai: This work on Tamil prosody is by Amrtasagara. There is a commentary on this work by Guna Sagara. It is considered as an authority on metres and poetic composition, and that it is used as such by latter writers are evident from the references to it found in Tamil Literature. 2. Yapparungala-Vrutti : This is a commentary on Yapparungalakkarikai written by the same author, Amrta Sagara. There is an excellent edition of this Yapparungala Vrutti by the late S. Bhavanandan Pillai. 3. Neminatham : A work on Tamil Grammar by Gunavira Pandita. He was a disciple of Vaccananda Muni of Karandai. The object of this work is to give a short and concise account of Tamil Grammer, because the earlier Tamil works were huge and elaborate. It must be placed in the early centuries of the Christian era. It consists of 2 main chapters : (1) Eluttadikaram (2) Solladikaram. Sri Purana: It is written in an enchanting prose style in Manipravala-mixed Tamil and Sanskrit. It is based on Jinesena's and Gunabhadra's Mahapurana and is also further called Trisasthisalakapurusa carita dealing with 63 prominent personalities - 24 Tirthankaras, 12 Cakravartins; 9 Bala Bhadras; 9 Vasudevas; 9 Prativasudevas of the present Avasarpini era. In Tamil, there is another work by name Periyapuranam It is composed in the well known venba metre. A Brief Account of Jaina Tamil Literature

Page #7
Glory of Jain Culture Nannual : Nannul means "The good book" and is the most popular grammar in Tamil Language. It is held only next to the Tolkappiyam in esteem. It is by Bavanandimuni, who wrote this grammer at the request of a subordinate ng called Siya Ganga. It consists of two parts, Eluttadikaram and Solladikaram which are sub divided into five minor chapters. Mailainathar has written a fine commentary on this work. The author refers to Gunabhadracarya, a disciple of Jinasenacarya, author of Uttara Purana which is the continuation volume to Jainasena's Adipurana. It is written in Viruttam metre and contains 12 chapters. The first section deals with the names of Devas, the second with the names of human beings, the third with lower animals, the fourth with the names of trees and plants, the fifth with place names, the sixth dealing with the names of several objects, the seventh deals with the several artificial objects made by man out of natural objects such as metals and timber, the eighth chapter deals with names relating to attributes of things in general, the ninth deals with names relating the sounds articulate and inarticulate, the eleventh section deals with words which are rhyming with one another and hence relating to a certain aspect of prosody; the twelfth section is a miscellaneous section dealing with the groups of related words. 5.' Agapporulvilakkam : It is written by Narkaviraja Nambi. His proper name is Nambi Nainar, he was expert in 4 different kinds of poetic composition, he was given the title of Narkaviraya. It is based upon the chapter on Porul Ilakkanam in Tolkappiyam. It is an exposition of the pychological emotion of love and allied experiences. V. Three important works on Tamil Lexicography: The three nighantus are An old commentary by the late Arumukha Navalar of Jaffna is a useful edition. (1) The Divakara nighantu; (2) Pingala nighantu; (3) Cudimani nighanku 1. Divakara Nighantu : This is written by Divakara Muni. At present it is not available. VI. Two miscellaneous works :1. Tirunarrantadi by Avirodhi Alvar. 2. Tirukkalambagam by Udicidera. 1. 2. Pingala Nighantu : This is written by Pingala Muni. Tirunarrantadi : Antadi is a peculiar form of composition where the last word in the previous stanza becomes the first and the leading word in the next stanza. Antadi literally means "the end and the beginning". This constitutes a 3. CaC/amani Nighantu : This is written by Mandalapurusa. | A Brief Account of Jaina Tamil Literature

Page #8
Glory of Jain Culture metres. This besides, being devotional is also philosophical in which the author tries to discuss the doctrines of the rival faiths such as Buddhism. string of verses connected with one another by a catch word which is the last in the previous stanza and the first in the succeeding stanza. It is such a composition containing 100 verses. It is a devotional work addressed to god Neminatha of Mylapore. The author Avirodhi Alvar was a convert to the Jaina faith. Conclusion 2. Tirukkalambagam : Kalambagam implies a sort of poetic mixture where the verses are composed in diverse Jainas contribution to Tamil Literature does not limit itself to Kovyas, Grammar or prodody. It extends to Sastra works such as Mathematics, Jyotisa, Vaidhya, Metallurgic and such other branches. This contribution has gained appreciation by one and all. Sri. S. Krishna Chand Chordia is a double M.A. and M.Phil in Jainology. He was instrumental in starting a full fledged Department of Jainology at University of Madras. As General Secretary of Research Foundation for Jainology, he is now involved in developing Jain Vidyashram at Chennai. A profound scholar in Hindi, Tamil and English, he is also a powerful speaker connected with several social service Associations. SAN BUSSEISISTA STORE ww SA www w A Brief Account of Jaina Tamil Literature