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डिसेम्बर २००८
11-14)) This beautiful literary work (which is not available now) inspired many poets to write their poetries in JM.
The famous logician Siddhasena Divākara, his Guru Vṛddhavādi and Śantisuri, the first commentator of Uttaradhyayana were also closely connected with Pratiṣṭāna and Nāsikya during their wanderings.
This legendary and historical data is sufficient to throw light on the background of the bulk of Jain Mahārāṣṭri literature. Special Features of JM. Literature :
Niryuktis on 10 Ardhamāgadhi canons, some of the Prakirņakas, two Cūlikāsūtras, three Bhāṣyas along with Viseṣāvaṣyaka and Cūrṇis of Jinadāsagaṇi - the language of all these works is generally known as Arṣa Prākṛta because it is influenced by Ardhamägadhi. Though Mahārāṣṭri elements are prominent, still we find same linguistic charactristics of Magadhi and Śauraseni. Vimalsūri's Paumacariyam (4th Cen A.D.) is also included in this category. This narrative poetry was written excluding the impossible and illogical elements of ValmikiRāmāyaṇa. This first Jain Rāmāyaṇa inspire many writers to present Rāmāyaṇakathā in Jain manner. The poetic justice given to the female characters (viz. Sitā, Añjana, Kaikeyi and Mandodari) is unique in itself.
Vasudevahindi jointly written by Samghadāsa and Dharmasena in 5th Cen. A.D. is also noted as a grant narrative presented in Arsa Prākṛta or old Jain Mahārhaṣṭrī. The part of the book viz. Madhyama Khanda shows the linguistic characteristics of Śauraseni. In the history of Indian Literature, Vasudevahindi acquired very esteemed position due to its curious connection with Vadḍakaha of Guṇādhaya.
In the 6th or 7th Century, the great Śve. logician Siddhasena wrote Sanmatitarka in JM. in which he discussed the Nayas, in a comprehensive manner on the view of Anekāntavāda. Sanmati is one of the very few JM. works on logic.
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