Ancient Jaina Hymns - Book Summary

This comprehensive summary is based on the provided Jain text, "Ancient Jaina Hymns," edited by Dr. Charlotte Krause and published by the Scindia Oriental Institute in 1952. The book is part of the Scindia Oriental Series.

Overall Purpose and Significance:

"Ancient Jaina Hymns" is a scholarly collection and critical edition of previously unpublished or lesser-known Jaina hymns, primarily of Svetambara origin. The primary aim is to make these hymnal texts accessible to a wider audience of indologists and Jaina specialists, highlighting their value beyond their literary merit. The hymns offer significant historical and geographical insights, illuminating aspects of forgotten saints, poets, and ancient pilgrimage sites. Dr. Krause is recognized for her pioneering work in studying these hymns systematically and scientifically.

Content and Structure:

The book is structured to provide a holistic understanding of the hymns, including:

Introduction: This section lays the groundwork by explaining the Jain cosmological framework, the concept of Tirthankaras, the cyclical nature of time (Kala-chakra), and the different types of beings and realms within Jain cosmology. It details the life cycles, characteristics, and significant events associated with the Tirthankaras, providing essential context for understanding the hymns. It also lists the 24 Tirthankaras of the current era and mentions those specifically referenced in the hymns.
Remarks on the Texts: This is the core analytical section, where each of the eight hymns is discussed in detail. For each hymn, Dr. Krause provides:
- Author identification: Where possible, the author of the hymn is identified, along with biographical details and their significance within Jaina scholarship.
- Hymn's subject: The specific Tirthankara or concept the hymn addresses is clarified.
- Historical and Geographical Context: The hymns are analyzed for their references to ancient sites, historical events, and geographical locations, often providing detailed historical accounts of these places.
- Literary Analysis: The poetic style, language (Sanskrit, Prakrit, Apabhramsa), meters, and thematic elements of each hymn are discussed.
- Scholarly Interpretation: Dr. Krause delves into the theological and philosophical concepts embedded within the hymns, such as the nature of liberation (moksha), the role of karma, and the worship of Tirthankaras and associated deities (Sasana-devas and Sasana-devis).
- Manuscript Details: Information about the manuscripts used for the critical edition, including their age, condition, and script, is provided.
- Critical Apparatus: This section details the textual variations and emendations made during the editing process.
The Texts: The actual Sanskrit and Apabhramsa texts of the hymns are presented, often with interlinear commentaries or explanations in smaller script.
Bibliography: An extensive list of Jaina literature and related scholarly works is provided, serving as a crucial resource for further research.
Corrigenda: A list of corrections for errors found in the text and introduction.

Key Hymns and Their Significance:

The Munisuvrata-stavana (Hymn to Munisuvrata): Authored by Jñānasagara Sūri, this hymn is significant for its detailed account of Munisuvrata's nine previous existences and the stereotyped attributes of a Tirthankara. It also offers a vivid description of the ancient pilgrimage site of Asvāvabodha/Sakunikā-vihāra at Broach, providing crucial historical context for its existence and eventual decline. The hymn's language suggests it predates the modern Jaina temple at Broach.
The Devakulādinātha-stavana (Hymn to Adinatha of Devakula): Attributed to Sārodaya Gani, this hymn extols Adinatha at the famous pilgrimage site of Devakula (modern Delwara). It is notable for mentioning Acārya Somasundara Sūri and his disciple Munisundara Sūri, placing the hymn in the late 15th or early 16th century. The hymn's general themes are applicable to any Tirthankara but its origin is distinctly Jaina.
The Varakāṇa-Pārśvanātha-stavana (Hymn to Pārśvanatha of Varakana): Authored by Hemavimala Sūri, this hymn is characterized by its use of samasyā-pūraṇa, where lines are borrowed from other classical Jaina hymns. It details the prātihāryas (supernatural attributes) of Jinas and the eight great dangers from which devotees can be saved. The hymn is addressed to the Pārśvanatha image at Varakana, a significant pilgrimage site.
The Sankheśvara-Pārśvanātha-stavana (Hymn to Pārśvanatha of Sankheśvara): Written by Nayavimala (later Jñānavimala Sūri), this hymn praises Pārśvanatha at the renowned Sankheśvara pilgrimage site. It features elements of Tantra-śāstra and mentions mantras associated with Pārśvanatha and his Śāsana-devi, Padmavati. The hymn's language indicates a transition from Apabhramsa to early Middle Gujarati.
The Tīrthamālā-caitya-vandana (Pilgrimage Hymn of Temple Worship): This anonymous hymn is significant for listing numerous ancient Jaina pilgrimage sites across India, blending genuine geographical names with mythological ones. It provides valuable information for tracing the historical spread and importance of Jaina pilgrimage culture.
The Vīra-stuti (Praise of Vira): This hymn celebrates Mahāvīra and is notable for its use of onomatopoeia to depict musical instruments and divine performances. It also invokes the goddess Vairotyā, described with striking imagery related to snakes, and likely associated with Jaina Tantric practices.
The Mahāvīra-stuti (Praise of Mahāvīra): Attributed to Jinapati Sūri, a prominent figure of the Kharatara Gaccha, this hymn praises Mahāvīra and invokes the Yaksa Sarvānu. It exemplifies the stylistic and thematic conventions of Jaina hymnal literature.
The Sīmandhara-svāmi-stavana (Hymn to Lord Sīmandhara): This hymn is dedicated to Lord Sīmandhara, one of the currently living Tirthankaras in Mahāvideha. The language of the hymn exhibits features of late Gaurjara Apabhramsa transitioning into early Middle Gujarati, making it linguistically important. The poet expresses a deep devotional longing to be reborn in Mahāvideha to serve Lord Sīmandhara.

Contribution and Legacy:

Dr. Charlotte Krause's work in editing and analyzing these hymns provides invaluable resources for understanding Jaina religious, cultural, and literary history. Her meticulous research sheds light on the rich devotional traditions and the complex philosophical underpinnings of Jainism, particularly the Svetambara school. The book stands as a testament to the enduring significance of ancient Jaina devotional poetry and its capacity to reveal historical and cultural narratives.