Alochanagarbhit Shri Nabheya Jina Vignaptirupa Stavana

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Alochanagarbhit Shri Nabheya Jina Vignaptirupa Stavana" by Mahopadhyay Shri Bhanuchandra Gani, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Alochanagarbhit Shri Nabheya Jina Vignaptirupa Stavana (Self-Criticism-Laden Prayer in the Form of a Supplication to Lord Nabhiraja)

Author: Mahopadhyay Shri Bhanuchandra Gani

Publisher: Z_Nirgrantha_1_022701.pdf, Nirgrantha_2_022702.pdf, Nirgrantha_3_022703.pdf

Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/249319/1

Overall Summary:

This Jain text, "Alochanagarbhit Shri Nabheya Jina Vignaptirupa Stavana," is a deeply introspective and self-critical prayer composed by the esteemed Mahopadhyay Shri Bhanuchandra Gani. The work is a moving supplication to Lord Nabhiraja (likely referring to Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara, as he is the "Nabhian" or descendant of Nabhi). The author uses this prayer to confess his numerous failings and misdeeds throughout his spiritual journey, seeking forgiveness and guidance from the divine.

Key Aspects and Themes:

• Author and Context:

  • Mahopadhyay Shri Bhanuchandra Gani was a prominent scholar and poet of the Shvetambara tradition, flourishing during the time of Jagadguru Shri Hirvijaysuriji Maharaj.
  • He was the elder brother of Siddichandra Gani, with whom he shared an exceptionally close spiritual and familial bond. Both were renowned scholars.
  • Bhanuchandra Gani hailed from Siddhpur, Gujarat, and was well-versed in grammar, literature, divination, mantras, and astrology. He authored commentaries on grammars and other important texts.
  • This particular work is a deeply personal "self-condemnation" (Atmaninda-garbhit) and "heart-touching" composition.

• Literary Style and Influences:

  • The "Stavana" is written in a compelling and accessible style, utilizing three meters: Upajati, Indravajra, and Vasanta Tilaka.
  • It shows a clear influence from Ratnakarasuri's "Shri Vairagya-pachishati" (13th century CE), particularly in the initial verses.
  • The latter part of the work also reflects the style and themes found in the "Dashavaikalika Sutra" (12th century CE, first quarter).
  • The language is devotional and expresses profound humility and remorse.

• Content of Self-Criticism (Atmaninda):

  • The core of the text is an honest and unflinching confession of the author's spiritual shortcomings. He expresses regret for:
    • Failing to follow his guru's teachings: He acknowledges not adhering to the commands and principles taught by his spiritual preceptor.
    • Attachment to worldly desires: Despite his renunciation, he admits to lingering desires for wealth, reputation, and sensory pleasures.
    • Ignorance and lack of true devotion: He laments his inability to cultivate genuine love and devotion for the divine, often performing rituals mechanically or with ulterior motives.
    • Pride and arrogance: He confesses to pride arising from his intellectual achievements, even when performing religious acts.
    • Misusing knowledge: He feels his extensive learning was often directed towards self-aggrandizement rather than spiritual liberation.
    • Lapses in conduct: He admits to having harmed living beings out of greed and selfishness.
    • Speaking sweetly externally while harboring internal negativity: He describes a duality where his outward demeanor was pleasant, but his inner thoughts were impure.
    • Not practicing what he preached: He notes that while he advised others on penance, he himself did not adhere to it.
    • Attachment to sensory pleasures (food): He expresses remorse for indulging his palate with delicious foods, seeing it as a distraction from spiritual goals.
    • Greed and attachment to possessions: He admits to desiring wealth and possessions, even after renouncing the world.

• Significant Sukritas (Good Deeds):

  • Despite his self-criticism, the author highlights two significant good deeds that are historically verifiable and noteworthy:
    1. Exemption of Pilgrimage Tax on Shatrunjaya: During a visit to Kashmir, while accompanying Emperor Akbar, he fainted due to extreme cold. Upon learning of this, Akbar, moved by his suffering, offered him anything he desired. Bhanuchandra Gani seized the opportunity to request the remission of pilgrimage taxes levied on Shatrunjaya Tirth (a holy pilgrimage site). Akbar granted this request, which was a remarkable feat.
    2. Prohibition of Cow Slaughter: On another occasion, he eloquently persuaded Emperor Akbar to prohibit cow slaughter across his kingdom, an act that had a significant positive impact.

• Purpose of the Composition:

  • The prayer is an act of Atmaninda (self-condemnation), a practice in Jainism to acknowledge faults and purify oneself.
  • It is a sincere Vignapti (supplication or plea) seeking divine grace and forgiveness.
  • The author's motivation for confessing these faults, even after achieving significant good deeds, is a testament to his Urdhvagamī Ātmalakṣitā (upward-striving self-awareness and spiritual aspiration). He realizes that even good deeds can be tainted if performed with ego or for recognition, and he seeks a state of selfless devotion.

• Manuscript and Revision:

  • A manuscript of this work is preserved in the Jain Upashraya of Devsana Pado in Ahmedabad, in the collection of Shri Yashovijayji Gani.
  • The manuscript's date of copying is Samvat 1717 (1661 CE). The original work is estimated to be 50-60 years older.
  • The text was researched and edited by Shri Siddichandra Gani, the author's younger brother. The text notes that Siddichandra Gani, as a composer, surpassed his elder brother in many aspects, exhibiting superior linguistic skill, mastery of meters, rhetorical devices, and graceful word arrangements.

In essence, "Alochanagarbhit Shri Nabheya Jina Vignaptirupa Stavana" is a profound spiritual confession that demonstrates the author's deep humility, his awareness of the subtle impurities that can cling even to virtuous actions, and his unyielding desire for ultimate liberation. It serves as a powerful example of self-reflection and sincere devotion within the Jain tradition.