Bhavarivaran Padpurti Stotra Sangraha

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bhavarivaran Padpurti Stotra Sangraha" by Vinaysagar, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Bhavarivaran Padpurti Stotra Sangraha (भावारीवारण पादपूर्ति स्तोत्र संग्रह) Author/Compiler: Muni Vinaysagar (मुनि विनयसागर) Publisher: Hindi Jainagam Prakashak Samiti (श्री हिन्दी जैनागम प्रकाशक सुमति कार्यालय) Key Theme: This book is a collection of "Padpurti" stotras, which are Jain devotional hymns where verses from existing, often classical, Sanskrit works are completed or expanded upon. The central work featured is the Bhavarivaran Stotra, and this collection focuses on completing its verses.

Content Overview:

1. Introduction to Padpurti Literature:

   • The preface (Prastavna) highlights "Padpurti literature" as a significant genre within Jain literature.
   • It traces the history of Padpurti, mentioning that the earliest known Jain Padpurti work is Shreerang Jinacharya's Pārśvabhudaya, a complete Padpurti of Kalidasa's Meghaduta, dating back to the 7th century.
   • The practice saw a resurgence from the 15th century, peaking in the 17th and 18th centuries.
   • The author's previous research identified Padpurti works for various Sanskrit epics and Jain hymns like Bhaktamar and Kalyanmandir.
   • A significant point is that no Padpurti of the Bhavarivaran stotra was known until Muni Vinaysagar's research unearthed this work.

2. The Bhavarivaran Stotra and its Padpurti:

   • The Bhavarivaran Stotra itself is attributed to Acharya Jinavallabhsuri, a renowned scholar of the 12th century. The original stotra is in sophisticated Sanskrit and is praised for its deep knowledge of grammar and vast vocabulary.
   • The Padpurti work presented in this collection is attributed to Acharya Padmaraj, a disciple of Mahopadhyaya Punyagarji, who was a disciple of Acharya Jinhansuri of the Kharatargachha lineage.
   • The compiler, Muni Vinaysagar, is credited with diligently researching and compiling this collection, bringing this lost or unknown Padpurti to light.

3. Key Figures and Lineage:

   • Acharya Jinavallabhsuri: Original author of the Bhavarivaran Stotra.
   • Acharya Jinhansuri: A prominent Acharya of the Kharatargachha.
   • Mahopadhyaya Punyagarji: A learned disciple of Jinhansuri, known for his extensive scholastic work.
   • Acharya Padmaraj: The author of the Padpurti completion and the accompanying commentary (swopajnya vritti). He was a disciple of Punyagarji. His works, including commentaries on other stotras and stutis, are noted, highlighting his scholarly contributions.
   • Muni Vinaysagar: The compiler and editor of this collection. His dedication to Jain literature and research is evident in bringing this work to publication.
   • Acharya Giridhar Sharma: A renowned scholar who provides an endorsement (sammat) for the book, praising the clarity and scholarly depth of Padmaraj's work.

4. Included Works:

   • The primary focus is the Bhavarivaran Padpurti Stotra with its detailed swopajnya vritti (self-commentary) by Acharya Padmaraj. This section, comprising verses 1-30, is elaborately explained.
   • The collection also includes other significant works:
     • Pārśvastotra (पार्श्वस्तोत्र) by Padmaraj, also with his own commentary.
     • Sangram Damdaka Damkamayi Jinastuti (संग्राम नामक दण्डकमयी जिनस्तुति) by Acharya Bhuvanhitacharya, with a commentary by Acharya Padmaraj. This is described as a "Dandaka" verse form, characterized by its length and complex structure.
     • Pārśva Laghu Stotra Avchuri (पार्श्वलघुस्तव अवचूरि) by Padmaraj.

5. Scholarly Features and Content of the Commentary:

   • The commentary by Padmaraj is highly detailed, explaining each verse with meticulous attention to grammar, semantics, and philosophical implications.
   • It frequently refers to Jain Agamas and other classical texts to elucidate the meaning.
   • The commentary includes extensive descriptions of the qualities and actions of Tirthankaras, their divine powers, and the nature of liberation.
   • The verses praise Lord Mahavir (Vir) and Lord Parshvanath extensively.
   • The commentary uses various poetic meters and employs complex Sanskrit vocabulary, reflecting the scholarly tradition of the time.
   • The Padpurti completion is noted for its intricate handling of verse structure and its ability to seamlessly integrate new lines into the original stotra's framework.

6. Compilation and Publication:

   • Muni Vinaysagar's meticulous research and compilation are emphasized throughout.
   • The book was published by the Hindi Jainagam Prakashak Samiti, indicating its aim to disseminate Jain scriptures in Hindi.
   • The "Shuddhashuddhipatra" (errata sheet) on page 5 shows the careful editing process.
   • The prologue, written by Muni Vinaysagar, provides context about Jain Padpurti literature and the significance of this particular work.

Overall Significance:

"Bhavarivaran Padpurti Stotra Sangraha" is a scholarly compilation that resurrects and preserves a significant work of Jain Padpurti literature, specifically focusing on the Bhavarivaran Stotra. It showcases the erudition of Jain scholars like Jinavallabhsuri and Padmaraj, and highlights the dedication of Muni Vinaysagar in making such valuable texts accessible to a wider audience. The book is a testament to the rich and multifaceted literary traditions within Jainism.