Athottar So Name Parshwanath Stotra

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Athottar so Name Parshwanath Stotra" based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Athottar so Name Parshwanath Stotra (One Hundred and Eight Names of Parshwanath Stotra) Author: Muni Bhuvanchandravijay (Compiler/Editor) Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229328/1

Overview and Historical Context:

This text presents a "Stotra" (hymn of praise) dedicated to Lord Parshwanath, a prominent Tirthankara in Jainism. The compiler, Muni Bhuvanchandravijay, explains that the work is based on a quickly transcribed copy from a manuscript found in an old library. While the original author's name is not explicitly stated in the initial inscription, the colophon at the end of the transcribed copy mentions "Shri Sahajkirti" as the composer, with the inscription dating it to "Samvat 1760, Ashu Sud 7, in Mundra port." This suggests the original composition might be older, and this transcription is from that era.

The compiler notes that Sahajkirti has around twelve documented works in the Jain Gurjar Kavi (Jain Gujarati Poets) catalog, with one of his works, "Sudarshan Shreshthi Ras," being composed in Samvat 1661. He also points out another work of similar subject matter, "Jaisalmer Chaityapravadi," composed in 1679, strengthening the possibility that the present "Athottar so Name Parshwanath Stotra" is also by Sahajkirti.

Significance of the Stotra's Content:

The primary significance of this Stotra lies in the enumeration of 108 holy places associated with Lord Parshwanath. The compiler highlights that most of these places are still known by the same names today, demonstrating remarkable continuity over four hundred years. While some names have undergone minor, easily recognizable changes (e.g., Mahev to Mevanagar, Dhilli to Delhi), others appear unfamiliar.

Key Observations and Insights:

• Geographical and Historical Value: The Stotra serves as a valuable resource for scholars of history, archaeology, and geography. The list of 108 names provides insights into the spread and prominence of Jainism and its pilgrimage sites during the period of its composition.
• Continuity of Place Names: The fact that many of the mentioned places retain their names indicates a strong cultural and religious connection that has persisted for centuries.
• Unfamiliar Names: The presence of unfamiliar names like Chhavattan, Bohund, Tiladhar, Asop, Marot, etc., suggests potential regional variations, lost historical references, or places that are no longer widely recognized.
• Absence of Bhadreswar: Notably, the ancient pilgrimage site of Bhadreswar is not directly mentioned. However, "Kukadsar" is listed, which is located very close to Bhadreswar. The compiler speculates that at the time of the Stotra's composition, outsiders might have referred to the pilgrimage site by the name of a nearby village, or perhaps the village itself was not as prominent then.
• Distinct Mentions of Places: Vimalgiri and Palitana are listed as separate entities, implying they were considered distinct pilgrimage centers at that time, even though Palitana is the location of the main temple. Girnar and Junagadh are also listed separately. Ranpur is likely the same as Ranakpur.
• Manuscript Variations: The compiler mentions a missing part of the fifth verse, suggesting a possible error by the scribe or the original composer, and proposes that reviewing other manuscripts would be necessary for clarification.
• The 108 Names (Holy Places): The text provides a detailed list of these 108 places, which are enumerated from page 2 to page 4. Some of the prominent ones include:
  • Major pilgrimage sites: Sankheshwar, Radhanpur, Patan, Panchasar, Idar, Ahmedabad, Girnar, Palitana, Vimalgiri, Ranakpur, Ujjain, Sametshikhar, Varanasi, Delhi.
  • Places with possibly changed names: Mahev (Mevanagar?), Dhilli (Delhi), Velavala (Veraval), Junagadh (Junagarh), Dhalaka (Dholka), Nagada (Nagadraha), Mangrol (Mangalore), Marot, Chhavattan, Multan.
  • Less familiar names: Asop, Ajmer, Pali, Bilada, Nimbaaj, Javara, Mathura, Ahichhatra, Agra, Rajagriha, Hastipur, Alwar, Gopachal, Ravana, Karheda, Tiladhar, Magasi, Samel, Dahathali, Posina, Kukadsar (possibly Bhadreswar), Vadodara, Charup.
• Clarification on Bibipur and Chintamani: The compiler adds a footnote on page 4, clarifying that Bibipur refers to Saraspur in Ahmedabad, where the Chintamani Parshwanath temple was built by Shantidas Sheth, and this mention in the Stotra likely refers to that. If "Chintamani" is counted as a separate place after Bibipur, it completes the 108 names.

The Stotra (Hymn) Itself:

The text includes the actual verses of the Stotra, divided into "Dhal" (stanzas or sections). Each Dhal lists a series of places. The verses are written in Gujarati script and describe the glory of Lord Parshwanath and his connection to these sacred locations. The concluding verse expresses the benefit of chanting Lord Parshwanath's name at these 108 places, leading to prosperity and happiness, and attributes the composition to Sahajkirti.

Overall Conclusion:

The "Athottar so Name Parshwanath Stotra" is a significant religious and historical document. It not only praises Lord Parshwanath but also provides a valuable list of 108 significant Jain pilgrimage sites, offering a glimpse into the geographical and cultural landscape of Jainism over centuries. Its meticulous compilation and the insights provided by the compiler make it a valuable resource for anyone interested in Jain history, geography, and devotional literature.