Be Aprakat Stuti Tika

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Be Aprakat Stuti Tika" based on the provided pages:

The book "Be Aprakat Stuti Tika" is a commentary (Tika) on two "Aprakat Stutis" (unmanifested/hidden hymns) written by Muni Sujaschandravijay and Suyashchandravijay. The primary purpose of these hymns and their commentary is to strengthen the path of devotion (bhaktimarg) within Jainism. The text distinguishes between two types of worship: dravyapuja (worship with material offerings) and bhavapuja (worship with inner feelings and devotion). This work focuses on the latter, specifically four hymns (stutis) that are part of the devanandan (salutation to the divine) ritual before the Lord.

Structure and Content of the Hymns:

The text cites a gatha from the Chaityavandan Bhashya which outlines the structure of these hymns:

• First Stuti: Typically praises the personal, beloved deity (ishtadev).
• Second Stuti: Generally praises all Jain Tirthankaras.
• Third Stuti: Honors Shrutgyan (scriptural knowledge).
• Fourth Stuti: Devoted to the deities who assist in vaiyavach (service and care) within the Jain tradition.

The authors of "Be Aprakat Stuti Tika" have followed this ancient structure in their composition.

Detailed Breakdown of the Two Aprakat Stutis and their Commentary:

First Stuti:

• Focus: Praises Lord Jinishwar, the presiding deities of various pilgrimage sites.
• Specific Mention: The commentary highlights the praise of Lord Parshvanath at Sthambhan (modern-day Cambay). It specifically mentions the term "खरतरगगनाङ्गणमणिकरणि" (Kharataragagananganamanikaraṇi) associated with Shri Abhaydev Suri, identifying him as the composer of the commentary on the Navangi Vritti.
• Historical Context and Controversy: The text addresses a point of historical debate regarding Abhaydev Suri's lineage. While many scholars, like Punyavijayji Maharaj, consider him to be from the Chandragachha sect, the commentary here attempts to associate him with their own sect. To support this claim, an unpublished inscription on a metal idol from Samvat 1291 (1234 AD) is presented. This inscription mentions a donation for a deity by Kunvar Singh, and the consecration was performed by Shri Munichandrasuri of the Chandragachha, who is described as the commentator of the Navangi Vritti. This inscription is presented as evidence to support the assertion that Abhaydev Suri was indeed part of the Chandragachha.
• Content of the Hymn: The hymn recites various Tirthankaras and their associated pilgrimage sites:
  • Lord Nabhiraja's son (Lord Rishabhdev) at Shatrunjaya.
  • Lord Neminath at Raivat (Ujjayant).
  • Lord Chandrapra in Patan.
  • Lord Ajit in Taranga.
  • Lord Suvrat in Sthambhan.
  • Lord Parshva in Satyanagar.
  • Lord Vardhaman (Mahavir) in the same place.
• Commentary on the Third Stuti (Shrutgyan): The commentary praises the divine words of the Tirthankaras. The first hymn uses the beautiful metaphor of the Dwadasangi (the twelve Angas of Jain scripture) as a river, and the commentator elucidates the meaning of each verse with great clarity.
• Commentary on the Fourth Stuti (Deities): The hymn praises deities like Shukra, Chandra, Ravi, Brahmashanti, Ambika, etc., whose worship is believed to help in the endeavors of the Sangha (community), remove obstacles, and enhance the glory of the Jain faith.

Second Stuti:

• Focus: Salutes the Bhavarghantas (Jinas in their perfected form) residing in the Adhai Dvip (half island).
• General Praise: The hymn praises both eternal (shashvat) and non-eternal (ashashvat) Jinas.
• Commentary on the Third Stuti (Shrutgyan): This part of the commentary praises the divine words by including verses that refute the philosophies of the Naiyayikas and Sankhyas. The commentator again explains the meanings of the verses in a very simple and clear manner.
• Commentary on the Fourth Stuti (Deities): This hymn specifically praises the Goddess Siddhayika, the presiding deity of Lord Vardhaman.

Overall Assessment:

The text concludes that both the original hymns and their commentary are worthy of reading by scholars.

Information about the Authors and Manuscript:

• Original Author: The original author of the hymns is not explicitly mentioned in the work. However, the style of the language suggests it belongs to an ancient composer.
• Commentator: The commentator is Shri Gunanivayji, described as a capable scholar from the Kharatargachha sect. He was inspired by Shri Jinchandra Suri to write this commentary, as stated in the auspicious beginning of the commentary itself. Shri Gunanivayji has also authored other works, such as the commentary on the "Nal Damayanti Champu Kavya."
• Manuscript: The manuscript of the commentary is from the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Bharatiya Sanskrit Vidyamandir Granthabhandar. It consists of 5 folios and is estimated to be from around the 17th century based on its writing style. Although there are some writing errors, it is considered a valuable foundational copy in the absence of other manuscripts.

The provided text also includes the actual verses and their detailed Sanskrit commentaries, elaborating on the philosophical concepts and historical references mentioned.