Bharti Stava

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Bharti Stava" by Amrut Patel, based on the provided content:

Title: Bharti Stava (भारतीस्तव) Author: Amrut Patel (અમૃત પટેલ) Publisher: Z_Nirgrantha_1_022701.pdf, Nirgrantha_2_022702.pdf, Nirgrantha_3_022703.pdf (as sources) Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/249344/1

This document discusses the "Bharti Stava," a devotional hymn attributed to Mahamatya Vastupal.

Mahamatya Vastupal - A Prominent Figure: Mahamatya Vastupal is described as a renowned minister of Gurjar Chakravarti Viradhaval. He is celebrated for his wisdom, valor, generosity, and deep devotion as a devout layman (shravaka). His contributions and personality place him among the rare luminaries of the medieval period. Beyond his administrative prowess, Vastupal was also a scholar and poet, having studied under his maternal guru, Narchandrasuri of the Maldhari (Harshapuriy) Gachchha.

Vastupal's Literary Contributions: Vastupal authored the epic poem "Nar-Narayan-Anand." In addition to this major work, he also composed several devotional hymns (stotras) that reflect his deep spiritual fervor. The document lists four such hymns that are currently known, in addition to the "Bharti Stava":

1. Adijin Stotra: Beginning with "Ichchha Manushyanma," this 12-verse hymn addresses the Lord of Shatrunjaya and is included as an appendix in the publication of "Nar-Narayan-Anand."
2. Ambika Stotra: Starting with "Pushya Sharirashisishi," this 10-verse hymn is dedicated to the goddess Ambika, located on Ujjayantgiri. It was published in the "Jain Stotra Samuchchay."
3. Revatadri Mandaneminjin Stavana: This 10-verse hymn commences with "Nayi Samasamyam" and is dedicated to Neminijin of Revatadri.
4. Aradhana: Beginning with "3 Krutam Sud-fshat," this 10-verse hymn is titled "Aradhana."

The "Bharti Stava," which begins with the line "Vyomvyarvin Madira," is presented as Vastupal's fifth known devotional poem.

The "Bharti Stava" - Discovery and Significance: A manuscript of the "Bharti Stava," consisting of a single folio, is preserved in the manuscript collection of Shri Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Bharatiya Vidya Mandir in Ahmedabad, cataloged under number 47897. The manuscript measures 26.2 x 11.2 cm. The style of the script, particularly the "bhalemeenddu" mark and hollow anuswar signs, suggests an age of approximately the 15th century.

Like the other four hymns mentioned, the "Bharti Stava" is noted for its emotionally evocative and poetically rich composition, capable of naturally stirring feelings of devotion in the heart. A significant piece of evidence confirming Vastupal as the author is the presence of a recurring concluding line in all three hymns (implied to be this one, Ambika Stotra, and possibly Adijn Stotra): "Shri Vastutih Vidh" or similar, clearly indicating the author.

Poetic Structure and Style: While the Ambika Stotra is composed in the Vasantatilaka meter, both the Adijin Stotra and the "Bharti Stava" are written in the Shardulavikridita meter. The lines of the "Bharti Stava," such as "Vyomvyarvin Kaksha Tour Vish'a," exhibit a pleasing rhythm suited to the meter and the theme. Alliterations, like in the line "Nartapuri Shvaritirotitu," are gracefully executed without being jarring. The verses are further enhanced by the clarity and beauty of their language, exemplified by lines like "Akhantilatyapunitendradhanonam," which increase the sonority of the poetry. Metaphors, similes (upama), and hyperboles (utpreksha) are skillfully employed as ornaments, enriching the verses and conveying profound devotional sentiment.

Summary of the Stava (Verse-by-Verse Translation): The provided text also includes a Bhavananuvad (meaningful translation) of the nine verses of the "Bharti Stava":

1. Verse 1: Invokes the divine radiance (Saratsvat Tej) that illuminates the universe, comparing it to the sky filled with moonlight, directions bathed in sandalwood-like fragrance, and the earth adorned with white lotuses. This radiance is prayed to illuminate the world with purity.
2. Verse 2: Addresses Goddess Bharati (Saraswati), the goddess of speech. It states that those who contemplate her effulgence, akin to the waters of the heavenly Ganges, become eloquent in the realm of sound and grammar, much like the sage Panini, their speech flowing with new words and meanings.
3. Verse 3: Addresses the Mother Goddess. Those pure souls who meditate on her radiant energy, compared to moonbeams purified by the Ganges on mountain peaks, are able to create beautiful new poetry that delights everyone.
4. Verse 4: Addresses the Brahmanyal (daughter of Brahma). Those who praise her feet, which are resplendent with the light from the crowns of gods and demons, can make even dull-witted people virtuous and lovable with their eloquent speech, reminiscent of the joyful cries of peacocks.
5. Verse 5: Addresses the divine daughter of Brahma. Those who chant her name receive the fruit of developed knowledge and flourish in poetic fame. They are blessed with wealth by kings and engage in poetic pursuits with other learned poets.
6. Verse 6: Addresses the Mother of the Universe. A person who serves her like a son can see the entire universe as clearly as water in their palm. Moreover, such a person attracts wealth through virtuous compositions, and their fame spreads to distant directions.
7. Verse 7: States that regardless of one's appearance, financial status, or social connections, if the Mother, who rides a swan, is pleased, then that person becomes endowed with beauty, wealth, and power.
8. Verse 8: Declares that there is no sentient being within whom she does not reside as consciousness. There is no scripture that is not imbued with her essence. There is no art that cannot be perfected with her grace. And there is no sweet, desirable thing that she does not bestow upon her devoted supplicants when pleased.
9. Verse 9: Concludes by stating that this hymn, which is like nectar to the ears and honors the goddess of speech, was composed by the poet-minister Shri Vastupal. Daily recitation of this hymn in the morning purifies the minds of the virtuous, bestows power, and fosters well-being and prosperity.

Notes: The document also includes references to Vastupal's "Nar-Narayan-Anand Mahakavyam," "Jain Stotra Samuchchay," and other related works, indicating the scholarly research underpinning this discussion. It also notes that the ninth verse, where the author reveals his name, makes it an "Ak" type of poem.