प्रास्ताविक
Summary
This third issue of "Jain Vidya," the research journal of the Jain Vidya Sansthan, Shree Mahaveerji, is dedicated to the Apabhramsha language. The journal's first two issues were special editions on the poets Svayambhu and Pushpadanta. Due to the volume of research articles received on the works of Mahakavi Pushpadanta (10th century CE), this third issue is published as "Pushpadanta Special Issue, Part 2." It features studies and analyses of his works "Jasaharachariu" and "Sayakumarachariu" by noted literary scholars from various perspectives. The issue also includes the publication of minor Apabhramsha works with Hindi translations by co-editor Muni Sambarlal Polyaka. The editorial notes that while Apabhramsha is often considered a dead language, it remains in active liturgical use. Devotees continue to perform daily and special worship using Apabhramsha prayers with the same devotion as those in Prakrit, Sanskrit, or Hindi. Examples of such prayers, collected in the "Bharatiya Jnanpith Poojanjali," include the "Deva Jayamala" from Pushpadanta's "Mahapurana" and other "Jayamalas" and prayers of uncertain authorship. The issue also highlights the contributions of various poets from Rajasthan to Apabhramsha literature, such as Muni Vinayachandra (13th century), Kavi Javala of Sanchor (11th century), Harishena of Chittor (11th century), Kavi Javarana (13th century), Kavi Siha (12th century), Acharya Jivadattasuri of Ajmer (12th-13th century), Shrichandra of Srimalavur (11th-12th century), and Yashahkirti (15th century). The editorial discusses the periodization of Apabhramsha literature, referencing the views of scholars like Devendrakumar Shastri
Conclusion
This third issue of *Jainavidya* confirms the enduring vitality of Apabhramsha literature, challenging its perception as a dead language by documenting its continued use in daily rituals and its rich, underexplored corpus. The focus on Mahakavi Pushpadant, with a second special issue, underscores his foundational role alongside Svayambhu. By publishing new research, critical editions, and Hindi translations, the institute ensures these works become accessible to a broader audience, fostering deeper academic study. The identification of numerous post-14th-century texts proves the language’s longevity, while the institute’s ongoing efforts promise further discoveries. This work not only preserves a crucial linguistic heritage but also enriches our understanding of Indian literary and cultural history, demonstrating that Apabhramsha remains a living field of inquiry with significant implications for future scholarship.