Chaturvinshati Jin Stuti

This document presents "Chaturvinshati Jin Stuti" (Praise of the Twenty-Four Jinas), a devotional work by Acharya Kalyansagarsuri. It is presented as a hymn composed in ancient Gujarati verse, suitable for use in Jain religious rituals like Chaityavandan or Pratikraman.

The core of the text consists of 24 individual stutis, each dedicated to one of the Tirthankaras (Jinas) of the present Avsarpini (descending half-cycle) era. The compiler notes that two additional stutis (numbered 25 and 26) can be recited after each individual Jina's praise.

Here's a breakdown of the content:

• Introduction (Page 1):

  • The book title is "Shri Chaturvinshati Jin Stuti."
  • The author is Pujya Dadashri Kalyansagarsuri.
  • The editor is "Gunashishu."
  • The work is a praise of the 24 Tirthankaras of the current era.
  • It's described as a devotional composition in ancient Gujarati verse, suitable for Chaityavandan or Pratikraman.
  • Each Tirthankara has one dedicated stuti.
  • Stutis 25 and 26 can be recited at the end of each individual stuti. This means 27 stutis in total can be memorized to praise every Tirthankara.
  • Stuti #25 is a general praise for all Tirthankaras from Rishabhadeva onwards.
  • Stuti #26 is a praise of Shruta-jnana (scriptural knowledge).
  • Stuti #27 is a praise of the Shasanadevi (guardian deity of the Jain dispensation).
  • The author indicates his name in the last stuti.
  • This is the first publication of this work.
  • The manuscript was recorded verbatim during the 2033 (Vikram Samvat) Barmer Chaturmas, from a collection at Shri La. Da. Vidyamandir (Ahmedabad).

• The 24 Tirthankara Stutis (Pages 1-3):

  • The text proceeds to list the stutis for each of the 24 Tirthankaras, from Rishabhadeva to Mahavira.
  • Each stuti typically includes:
    • The name of the Tirthankara.
    • A brief description of their characteristics, often including their emblem (lanchhana), complexion, birthplace, lifespan, and significant virtues.
    • An expression of devotion and a request for spiritual benefit.
  • For example, the stuti for Rishabhadeva mentions his victory over desires, his worship by humans and deities, and his role in granting liberation. The stuti for Ajitnath mentions his bull emblem and his role as a remover of sorrows.

• Additional Stutis:

  • Stuti 25 (Page 3): This stuti praises all the Tirthankaras from Rishabhadeva, mentioning their attainment of purity and their dwelling in the divine realm through meditation.
  • Stuti 26 (Page 3): This stuti is dedicated to Shruta-jnana, highlighting the teachings of Arihantas and the exposition by Ganadharas, emphasizing the value of the 84 Agamas.
  • Stuti 27 (Page 3): This stuti praises the Shasanadevi, describing her beauty and the jingling anklets on her feet, and concluding with a victory cry for Acharya Kalyansagarsuri.

• Concluding Verse and Message (Page 3):

  • The text concludes with a verse attributed to Bhagwan Shri Mahavir Prabhu, warning against hypocrisy. It states that even if one practices austerity like remaining naked, undertaking month-long fasts, and emaciating the body, but harbors hypocrisy within, one will continue to wander in the endless cycle of birth and death.
  • The final line confirms the completion of the Chaturvinshati Jin Stuti by Acharya Shri Kalyansagarsuri.

In essence, "Chaturvinshati Jin Stuti" is a collection of devotional hymns designed to facilitate the worship and remembrance of the 24 Tirthankaras, accompanied by prayers for scriptural knowledge and the blessings of the Shasanadevi, all framed within a strong emphasis on inner purity and sincerity in religious practice.