Char Jin Stutio - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Char Jin Stutio" (Four Jin Praises), based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Char Jin Stutio (चार जिनस्तुतिओ) Author(s): Dhurandharvijay (as editor/compiler) Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229333/1

Overview:

"Char Jin Stutio" is a compilation of four hymns (stotras) dedicated to different Jinas (Tirthankaras). The unique aspect of these hymns, as highlighted by the editor Muni Dhurandharvijay, is their creative use of wordplay and embedding of specific themes within the devotional verses.

Key Themes and Content:

Two "Kutumb" (Family Relation) Name-Embedded Hymns: Two of the four hymns ingeniously incorporate terms related to family relationships. This wordplay is noted with black typing for easy identification by readers.
- First Hymn: Adi-Nath Stuti: This praise of Lord Adi-Nath (Rishabhadeva) was composed by Pandit Bhaktisagar Gani, a disciple of Val. Labdhisagar. It was created for the welfare of the Sangh (community) in Shivpuri (Madhya Pradesh). The hymn uses family relation terms to praise the Tirthankara.
- Second Hymn: Magsipura-Parshvanath Stavan: This hymn is a praise of Lord Parshvanath and was composed by Pandit Ravisagar, a disciple of Pandit Rajsagar. It is also characterized by the embedding of family relation terms.
Two "Khadya Padartha" (Food Item) Name-Embedded Hymns: The remaining two hymns creatively integrate names of food items.
- Third Hymn: Yugadi-Nath Vijnapti (Sukh Bhakshika Garbhit Stotra): This hymn, a plea or supplication to Lord Yugadi-Nath (Rishabhadeva), is also composed by Pandit Ravisagar. He is identified as a disciple of Pandit Rajsagar, who was part of the Hirvijaysuri lineage within the Tapagachha tradition. This hymn embeds names of food items, which are then referred to as "Sukh Bhakshika" (comfort food or delicious edibles).
- Fourth Hymn: Vira-Jin Stotra (Sukhasika Garbhit - Food Name Embedded): This hymn is dedicated to Lord Vira (Mahavir Swami). It is composed by Upadhyay Nemisagar, who is a disciple of Val. Labdhisagar, who in turn was a disciple of Val. Dharmasagar Gani. This hymn also incorporates food names and is referred to as "Sukhasika Garbhit" (embedded with pleasant enjoyments, often referring to food).

The Craftsmanship of the Poets:

The editor, Muni Dhurandharvijay, expresses admiration for the scholarly poets who have managed to weave common, everyday colloquial words into the Sanskrit language with such skill and creativity. This demonstrates a remarkable linguistic ability to use familiar terms to express profound devotional sentiments.

Manuscript Sources:

The first hymn is sourced from the "Bhandar" (collection/library) in Ujjain.
The other three hymns are from the collection of the University of Vadodara.

Specific Hymn Details and Content (as detailed in the pages):

Adi-Nath Stuti (Page 2): The hymn praises Lord Rishabhadeva, calling him merciful, the moon for ascetics, and the sun of the Nabhi family. It uses terms like "Kaka-Kaki" (uncle-aunt), "Mama-Mami" (maternal uncle-aunt), "Bhaubhi" (brother's wife), "Dada-Dadi" (paternal grandfather-grandmother), "Devar" (husband's younger brother), "Bhanji" (brother's daughter), "Bhanija" (brother's son), "Bhatar" (husband), "Bhatrija" (brother's wife), "Bhojai" (sister-in-law), "Jethani" (husband's elder brother's wife), and "Mausi" (maternal aunt) within the verses to praise the Jina's qualities or seek blessings. The hymn concludes with a prayer for the prosperity and welfare of the Shivpuri Sangh.
Magasi-Pur Parshvanath Stavan (Page 3): This hymn also uses family relation terms like "Mata" (mother), "Babar" (father), "Kaka" (uncle), "Kaki" (aunt), "Mama" (maternal uncle), "Mami" (maternal aunt), "Bhai" (brother), "Bhaubhi" (brother's wife), "Devarani" (husband's younger brother's wife), "Bhanji" (brother's daughter), and "Bhatarijyeshtha" (elder brother's wife). It is dedicated to Lord Parshvanath from Magasipura. The colophon mentions Pandit Ravisagar, disciple of Pandit Rajsagar, composing this hymn.
Yugadi-Nath Vijnapti (Page 4 & 5): This hymn, with food items embedded, praises Lord Yugadi-Nath (Rishabhadeva). It mentions various food-related terms such as "Modak" (sweet dumpling), "Laddu" (sweet ball), "Sakar" (sugar), "Bija" (seeds), "Kharik" (date), "Kola" (jujube fruit), "Narig" (orange), "Jambir" (lime), "Kamar" (a type of fruit, possibly tamarind), "Pilu" (a type of fruit), "Doda" (fruit, possibly poppy seeds), "Lavang" (cloves), "Tel Bhaji" (fried oil), "Kshir" (milk), "Dhir" (possibly clarified butter), "Sopari" (betel nut). The hymn seeks blessings and liberation. The colophon identifies Pandit Suravishagar (Ravisagar) as the composer.
Vira-Jin Stotra (Page 5 & 6): This hymn to Lord Vira also embeds food names. It includes terms like "Modak", "Shami", "Lapsi" (porridge), "Kharik", "Kuhula" (possibly a type of sweet), "Sopari", "Motia" (a type of sweet), "Kaldu" (sweet), "Papadi" (crisp bread), "Motichoor" (a type of sweet), "Khajur" (dates), "Hansukh" (sweet), "Chaarvi" (possibly a sweet or type of preparation), "Sola" (sweet), "Namjak" (saltish), "Vrishbeeja" (certain seeds), "Kela" (banana), "Dodi" (fruit), "Papad" (crisp bread), "Papai" (papaya), "Turi" (possibly gourds or a preparation), "Kankoda" (a type of gourd), "Rayphal" (nutmeg), "Jav" (barley). The hymn describes seeking liberation and blessings. The colophon credits Mahopadhyaya Nemisagar Gani with its composition.

In summary, "Char Jin Stutio" is a collection of four devotional hymns to Jain Tirthankaras, noted for their creative and playful use of language, specifically embedding family relationship terms and food item names within the verses. These hymns demonstrate the poets' skill in Sanskrit literature and their ability to express devotion through intricate wordplay.