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Chaturvinshati Jin Stavanam

Added to library: September 1, 2025

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First page of Chaturvinshati Jin Stavanam

Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Chaturvinshati Jin Stavanam" by Vinaysagar, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Chaturvinshati Jin Stavanam (A Hymn to the Twenty-Four Tirthankaras) Author: Bhunahitacharya (mentioned as the composer) Compiler/Editor: San. Ma. Vinaysagar Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan

Overview:

The "Chaturvinshati Jin Stavanam" is a devotional hymn composed by Bhunahitacharya, a scholar and monk. This work specifically praises the twenty-four Tirthankaras (Jinas) of Jainism, commencing with Lord Rishabhadeva and concluding with Lord Mahavir. The unique characteristic of this hymn is its progressive increase in the number of letters in each verse, starting from 8 letters and culminating in 31 letters. This structural innovation, coupled with the use of various poetic meters (chhanda) and the inclusion of the Tirthankara's name and the meter's name within each verse, makes it a significant and artistically crafted piece of Jain literature.

About the Author (Bhunahitacharya):

  • While specific details about Bhunahitacharya are scarce, "Brihad Itihas of Khartargachha" indicates that he received initiation in V.S. 1374 (1317 CE) from Shri Jinachandrasuri in Uchhapur and was named Bhuvanahit.
  • His teachers were Jinakushalsuri and Jinalabdhisuri. Jinalabdhisuri taught him in Devar Nagar in V.S. 1386 (1329 CE).
  • He was awarded the title of Upadhyaya before V.S. 1404 (1347 CE), and potentially the Acharya title thereafter, possibly conferred by Jinachandrasuri, the successor of Jinalabdhisuri.
  • He is recognized as a learned scholar.

About the Work (Chaturvinshati Jin Stavanam):

  • Content: The work consists of 25 verses (padyas). The first 24 verses are dedicated to each of the 24 Tirthankaras, with each verse praising a specific Tirthankara. The 25th verse is a concluding encomium (Prashasti).
  • Unique Structure:
    • The hymn begins with Lord Rishabhadeva in a Yugmavipula meter with 8 letters.
    • The verses progressively increase in length, with each subsequent verse having one more letter than the previous one, up to Lord Mahavir.
    • The final verse to Lord Mahavir is composed in the Utkalika Dandaka meter, containing 31 letters.
    • In total, 24 different meters are used, ranging from 8 to 31 letters.
  • Key Features:
    • Progressive Letter Count: A distinguishing feature is the systematic increase of letters per verse.
    • Inclusion of Names: Each verse explicitly mentions the name of the Tirthankara being praised and the name of the poetic meter used.
    • Artistic and Devotional: Despite being a devotional composition, the hymn is also described as "salankar" (ornamented with poetic devices), indicating its literary merit.
  • Source: The manuscript for this compilation was copied from an ancient manuscript dating back to the 15th century, preserved in the Great Knowledge Repository of Bikaner.

Summary of the Hymn's Structure and Content (as presented in the excerpt):

The provided excerpt showcases the first few verses of the "Chaturvinshati Jin Stavanam," illustrating the progressive increase in letters and the variety of meters used.

  1. Verse 1 (Lord Rishabhadeva): Composed in Yugmavipula meter (8 letters), praising Rishabhadeva, the first Tirthankara, who initiated the path of dharma and moksha.
  2. Verse 2: In Udayam meter, praising an unconquered Jina, an Arhat, who is the source of great prosperity.
  3. Verse 3: In Champakamala meter, describing the pleasant fragrance of sandalwood, camphor, agarwood, ketaka, jati, and champaka flowers, and how they bring joy.
  4. Verse 4 (Lord Abhinandana): In Upendravajra meter, highlighting how even beings like Indra and gods are conquered by the Tirthankara, and how His name itself can subdue desire.
  5. Verse 5 (Lord Sumatinatha): In Druta Vilambita meter, describing the divine beings performing a dance on the celestial mountain in honor of the Tirthankara.
  6. Verse 6 (Lord Padmaprabha): In Nandini meter, praising the Tirthankara whose fame is sung by gods, demons, and humans for the welfare of the world, and who grants prosperity.
  7. Verse 7 (Lord Suparshva): In Simhoddata meter, illustrating the pride of lions and other creatures, which only cease when confronting the Tirthankara who has conquered delusion.
  8. Verse 8 (Lord Chandraprabha): In Malini meter, describing the Tirthankara's radiant form, compared to a garland of moonbeams, and praying for His blessings of happiness.
  9. Verse 9 (Lord Pushpadanta): In Vanini meter, praying for the Tirthankara to bestow auspiciousness, and describing His enchanting eyes that captivate the mind.
  10. Verse 10 (Lord Shitalanatha): In Mandakranta meter, praying for wealth and prosperity from Lord Shitalanatha, whose mere presence in his mother's womb calmed her burning desire.
  11. Verse 11 (Lord Shreyansanatha): In Chandralekha meter, praying for great happiness from Lord Shreyansanatha, whose sweet words are like nectar to chakora birds.
  12. Verse 12 (Lord Vasupujya): In Shardulavikridita meter, describing the assembly of serpents and other beings and praising Lord Vasupujya's assembly.
  13. Verse 13 (Lord Vimalanatha): In Mattebhakridita meter, describing how all calamities are destroyed by the Tirthankara, even the fierce ones.
  14. Verse 14 (Lord Anantanatha): In Sragdhara meter, describing the celestial bath and the adornment of celestial nymphs witnessing the birth of the Tirthankara, and urging devotees to worship Lord Anantanatha.
  15. Verse 15 (Lord Dharmanatha): In Mahasragdhara meter, praising Lord Dharmanatha, whose birth illuminated the world and whose teachings calm desires.
  16. Verse 16 (Lord Shantinatha): In Vrindakara meter, praying for happiness from Lord Shantinatha, the sixteenth Tirthankara.
  17. Verse 17 (Lord Kunthunatha): In Meghamala meter, praising Lord Kunthunatha, who was never separated from his lotus feet, symbolizing unwavering devotion.
  18. Verse 18 (Lord Aranatha): In Chapala meter, describing how King Aranatha renounced worldly possessions and embraced asceticism.
  19. Verse 19 (Lord Mallinatha): In Sudhakalasha meter, praising Lord Mallinatha for providing the nectar of peace to quell desires.
  20. Verse 20 (Lord Munisuvrata): In Malachitra meter, describing the Tirthankara's birth in the Yadu dynasty and his victory over delusion, praying for ultimate liberation.
  21. Verse 21 (Lord Naminatha): In Anangashekhara meter, praising Lord Naminatha and his teachings, which attract beings like bees to flowers, and describing the fear of desire leading to its removal.
  22. Verse 22 (Lord Neminatha): In Kamabana meter, praising Lord Neminatha, who is adorned with qualities and whose teachings overcome the arrows of desire.
  23. Verse 23 (Lord Parshvanatha): In Ashoka Pushpamunjari meter, describing the splendor of Lord Parshvanatha's assembly and his teachings.
  24. Verse 24 (Lord Mahavir): In Utkalika meter (31 letters), praising Lord Mahavir, the last Tirthankara, who is the descendant of Siddhartha, the moon of the Ikshvaku dynasty, and whose teachings purify the mind.
  25. Verse 25 (Prashasti/Encomium): In Sragdhara meter, a concluding verse by the author, stating that these twenty-four Tirthankaras, from Nabhiraja's son (Rishabhadeva) to the end with Viranatha (Mahavir), praised by gods and kings with various poetic forms, may bring auspiciousness.

In essence, the "Chaturvinshati Jin Stavanam" is a significant work of Jain devotional poetry, celebrated for its structured progression of verses and its comprehensive praise of all twenty-four Tirthankaras through diverse metrical forms.