Book Review: Abhidhāna‑cintāmaṇi‑nāma‑mālā of Hemacandrācārya

Summary

This review discusses a new edition of Hemacandrācārya’s lexicographical work ‘Abhidhāna‑cintāmaṇi‑nāma‑mālā,’ edited by Gaṇi Śrīcandravijaya and published in 2003. The editor has paired the text with the seventeenth‑century commentary ‘Vyutpatti‑ratnākara’ by Śrī Devaśāgara Gaṇi, creating a comprehensive resource for scholars of Jain literature and Sanskrit lexicography. The Abhidhāna‑cintāmaṇi is organised into six kāṇḍas that progress from the names of Jaina gods through adjectives and particles, effectively functioning as a synonym dictionary. It is supplemented with Nighaṇṭu‑śeṣa, a botanical glossary, and Anekārtha‑saṃgraha, a collection of words with multiple meanings. The reviewer notes that the editors have provided a substantial introduction and numerous appendices containing lists of words, verses and cross‑references. These additions clarify the significance of terms and discuss the history of Indian lexicography. The commentary by Devaśāgara Gaṇi, composed during the spiritual reign of Kalyāṇaśāgarasūri, deepens the lexical analysis and reflects a rich scholarly tradition. Previous editions of Hemacandra’s lexicon, including those printed in St. Petersburg in 1847 and by Vijayadharma Sūri in Bhavnagar, were important but are now considered superseded because they lacked such thorough critical apparatus. The Surat edition benefits from modern manuscript collations and includes indices with Gujarati meanings and verse references, making it accessible to a wider audience. Because Hemacandra’s lexicon addresses synonyms across a wide semantic range and ends with grammatical categories, it is invaluable for students of Jaina literature, Sanskrit grammar and historical linguistics. The inclusion of the Vyutpatti‑ratnākara commentary situates the text within the broader lexicographic tradition and highlights connections to other works. Overall, the reviewer regards the new edition as a significant contribution that will eclipse previous versions and serve as a foundational reference for researchers. It enriches our understanding of medieval Jain scholarship and showcases the meticulous editorial work necessary to preserve and interpret classical Indian texts.