Aendra Stuti Chaturvinshatika

This document is an introduction to and partial transcription of the Aindra Stuti Chaturvinshatika (ऐन्द्र-स्तुति-चतुर्विंशतिका) by Mahopadhyaya Sri Yasovijayaji. The title translates to "A Hymn to Aindra of the Twenty-Four". The text, published in 1962 by Yashobharti Jain Prakashan Samiti, is a collection of hymns dedicated to the twenty-four Tirthankaras, the enlightened spiritual teachers in Jainism.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided pages, focusing on the content related to the book itself and its introductory material:

1. Title and Author:

• The book is titled "Aindra Stuti Chaturvinshatika" (ऐन्द्र-स्तुति-चतुर्विंशतिका).
• The author is Mahopadhyaya Sri Yasovijayaji (महोपाध्याय श्री यशोविजयजी).
• The publication is by Yashobharti Jain Prakashan Samiti (यशोभारती जैन प्रकाशन समिति).
• The specific edition mentioned is the first published by this committee.

2. Content and Features:

• The book contains hymns (stuti) dedicated to the twenty-four Tirthankaras.
• It includes the author's own commentary (swopajnya vivaran/viverana).
• The hymns are presented with their Sanskrit original text.
• It features a Hindi translation (Hindi bhashantar) of the hymns.
• To aid understanding, the text includes "anvaya-sahita artha" (meaning with grammatical analysis) for the hymns.
• The publication aims to make the study and teaching of these hymns more accessible.
• It contains illustrations (citra) of 24 Yaksha-Yakshini pairs, associated with the Tirthankaras.
• A glossary (shabdakosh) is also included to enhance usability.
• The book includes an Avachuri (अचूर्णि), a brief commentary, which is partly incomplete and in some places fragmented.
• The publication emphasizes the significance of this particular work, "Aindra Stuti," due to a special spiritual practice associated with it by the author.

3. Editorial and Publishing Details:

• The editor is Muni Sri Yasovijayaji (मुनि श्री यशोविजयजी).
• The book was published in Vira Samvat 2489 (approx. 1962 AD) / Vikrama Samvat 2019 (correction: Page 3 states Vikrama Samvat 2019, Page 5 states 2018, Page 6 states 2018, Page 7 states 2018. The print date on Page 2 and 3 is Vira Samvat 2489, Vikrama Samvat 2019, E.S. 1962. The price is Rs. 20.
• The publisher is Chandulal Vardhaman Shiali for Shri Yashobharati Jain Prakashan Samiti.
• The printing was done at Nirnaya Sagar Press, Bombay.
• The edition is the first, with a print run of 500 copies.

4. Introduction and Commentary:

• Publisher's Note (Prakashakiya Nivedan): Explains the establishment of the Yashobharati Jain Prakashan Samiti inspired by the "Shri Yasovijay Smriti Granth" celebration. It highlights the committee's aim to publish the works of Mahopadhyaya Sri Yasovijayaji, a prominent Jain scholar. This hymn collection is the committee's first publication. The publisher apologizes for the delay due to various obstacles. They mention the use of different types for readability, the inclusion of anvaya and Hindi meaning, Yaksha-Yakshini illustrations, and a glossary. They express gratitude to the editor, donors, and contributors.
• Editor's Note (Sampadakiya Nivedan) / Preface (Prastavana):
  • The editor, Muni Sri Yasovijayaji, discusses the extraordinary talent of Mahopadhyaya Sri Yasovijayaji, attributing it to divine grace and intense spiritual practice.
  • He specifically mentions Yasovijayaji's devotion to Goddess Saraswati, citing a quote where Yasovijayaji states he "made Saraswati manifest through meditation on her powerful mantra."
  • The editor addresses the philosophical question of whether divine grace can influence karma, explaining that while karma is primary, divine favor can be a contributing factor to the kshayopasham (partial destruction and suppression) of karma, as recognized by scriptures.
  • The "Aindra Stuti" is chosen as the first publication due to its unique spiritual significance.
  • The editor notes that this is not the first publication of this work but a reprint. It was previously published by Atmanand Jain Sabha, Bhavnagar, in VS 1984 (1927 AD) under the editorship of Muni Sri Punyavijayaji. However, that edition had incomplete and impure text due to the limited and damaged manuscripts available. The current edition is based on a more complete and pure manuscript found later, which allowed for correction and completion.
  • The inclusion of the Avachuri, the Hindi translation with anvaya, and the illustrations are highlighted as important features for readers.
  • The editor expresses hope that the readers will benefit from this publication and apologizes for any errors.

5. Key Sections of the Preface/Introduction: The introduction delves into various aspects of the "Chaturvinshatika" (a set of twenty-four hymns) and the "Aindra Stuti" itself:

• What is a "Stuti Chaturvinshatika"? It explains that "Stuti" refers to praising the virtues of Jinavara (Tirthankaras), and "Chaturvinshatika" signifies a set of twenty-four such hymns, often one for each Tirthankara. It also defines "Stuti" as a short poetic composition (1-4 verses), contrasting it with "Stav" (longer compositions).
• Subject Matter of Composition: The hymns are generally dedicated to the twenty-four Tirthankaras. There's a structure where the first hymn is to a primary Tirthankara, and the subsequent three might be to other Tirthankaras, knowledge, or associated deities.
• Reason for the Name "Aindra Stuti": It's suggested the name comes from the first word of the first verse, "Aindra" (referring to Indra, possibly in a metaphorical sense or related to Saraswati's mantra). It also notes that many of Yasovijayaji's works begin with words related to "Aindra" or "Aing," potentially referencing Saraswati's mantra.
• Usage: These hymns are primarily used in Jain rituals, particularly during the "Dev-vandan" (worship of deities) ceremony after the "Kayotsarg" (a form of meditation).
• Historical Context: The hymns were composed between the 17th and 18th centuries, with earlier Chaturvinshatika compositions by figures like Bappabhattisuri, Shobhanamuni, and Meruvijayaji.
• Poetic Style and Meter: Stutis can be ornate ("chamatkamay") or simpler. The hymns in this collection utilize 17 different meters.
• Originality vs. Imitation: The "Aindra Stuti" is considered an imitative work, primarily following the model of Shobhanamuni's Chaturvinshatika. Yasovijayaji often incorporated phrases and structures from Shobhanamuni's work, sometimes with slight modifications or to address different deities.
• Unique Features: The introduction highlights specific verses where Yasovijayaji offers profound insights, answers philosophical questions, and reveals his spiritual understanding, with these key passages marked in bold type.
• Deities in the Final Verse: The final verse often mentions associated deities (Yakshas and Yakshinis), who are considered attendants of the Tirthankaras and protectors of the Jain tradition.
• Other Commentaries: Besides Yasovijayaji's own commentary, there is an Avachuri by an unknown author, and another Avachuri by Acharya Sagaranand Suriji.
• Who is to be Praised? The text emphasizes praising the Arihantas (Tirthankaras) who have conquered passions and are omniscient, compassionate, and possess immense strength.
• Fruit of Praise: Praising the Arihantas leads to the purification of Right Faith, destruction of impure karma, spiritual development, and ultimately, liberation.
• Author's Request: Yasovijayaji sought the destruction of his own passions (attachment and aversion) as the fruit of composing these hymns.
• Praise of Lineage: The preface includes praise for Yasovijayaji's spiritual predecessors and teachers, including Jitavijayaji, Nayavijayaji, and Tavijayaji. It also mentions the lineage of Tapagachha, praising its brilliance and the exemplary lives of its spiritual leaders.

6. Inclusion of Yaksha-Yakshini Illustrations: The document includes illustrations of the Yaksha and Yakshini deities associated with each Tirthankara. The accompanying text notes that these illustrations are based on the "Nirvanakalika" text and may not perfectly align with the specific descriptions in the "Aindra Stuti." It also touches upon the evolving iconographic traditions of Yaksha-Yakshinis, where the strict adherence to specific deities for each Tirthankara was not always followed in ancient times.

Overall Impression:

The "Aindra Stuti Chaturvinshatika" is presented as a significant Jain work that combines devotional hymns with deep philosophical and spiritual insights. The publication aims to make this valuable text accessible to a wider audience through translations, commentaries, and illustrative aids. The introduction also provides historical and contextual information about the author, the genre of Jain hymns, and the philosophical underpinnings of Jain devotion.