Chidanandji Maharaj

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text about Muni Shri Chidanandji Maharaj:

This text introduces Muni Shri Chidanandji Maharaj, also known as Shri Kapurchandji, who was a prominent Jain monk, a great poet, and an adept yogi who lived in the 20th century. Similar to the renowned Acharya Shri Anandghanji Maharaj, Chidanandji Maharaj possessed a deep interest in spiritual knowledge and was exceptionally skilled in poetry.

The text suggests that he spent a significant amount of time in the Teerth (holy pilgrimage) regions, as certain caves or locations on Shatrunjay and Girnar are still identified by his name. There is also a tradition that he attained Nirvana (liberation) at Sametshikharji.

Character and Lifestyle: Chidanandji Maharaj was described as solitary and detached from worldly desires. He lived like an Avadhuta (a liberated soul), remaining unattached to worldly matters. Those who encountered him noted his humble and simple lifestyle, deliberately concealing his profound knowledge and spiritual powers. If people became aware of his Siddhis (supernatural abilities), he would depart from that place.

Timeline and Activities: A record indicates that he was in Bhavnagar in Vikram Samvat 1904 (1847 CE), as mentioned in his composition, the "Shri Godi Parshvanathji Stavan." He also accompanied a pilgrimage (sangh) to Girnar that was organized by a householder from Bhavnagar. After reaching Girnar, his further whereabouts are not clearly documented.

Literary Works and Impact: While information about his physical life is scarce, his literary contributions have rendered him immortal. He was a scholar of the highest order and an excellent poet. His notable works include:

• Chidanand Ahantari (a collection of 72 verses)
• Swarodhyagyan
• Pugalgita
• Savaiya
• Hitshiksha na Duha (couplets of moral teachings)
• Prashnottarmala (question-answer series)
• Daya Chhatrisi (thirty-six verses on compassion)
• Parmatma Chhatrisi (thirty-six verses on the Supreme Soul)
• Adhyatma Lavani

His poetry is characterized by its simplicity and unaffectedness (agourav), making it easily understandable and deeply touching. His verses seem to flow naturally from his deep spiritual experiences, contemplative insights, and ascetic lifestyle. His vast imagination, unparalleled use of metaphors and similes, and natural flow contribute to the freshness of his poetry even today. The resonant sound of his words and the melody of his verses are said to be captivating, mesmerizing listeners. Consequently, people of all ages can sing his devotional songs and appreciate his spiritual aura.

"Chidanand Ahantari": His work, "Chidanand Ahantari," comprising 72 verses, is particularly popular. This collection includes 12 devotional hymns (stavana), a praise for the Paryushana festival, and a devotional song (gaduli) meant to be sung in the presence of a guru. These pieces are considered highly evocative. The primary devotional hymns are dedicated to Tirthankaras like Rishabhdev, Ajitnath, Chandraprabh, Neminath, and Parshvanath. Three of these were composed during his Chaturmas (a four-month period of spiritual retreat) in Bhavnagar, dedicated to the principal deities. The other hymns are inferred to have been composed during his visits to pilgrimage sites like Girnar, Taranga, and Shankheshwar. Notably, only the Stavan dedicated to Parshvanath mentions the year 1904.

The text emphasizes the deep spiritual and devotional essence of his hymns and verses. In the first verse, he speaks of the soul's two aspects: Samata (equanimity) and Kumata (ignorance/delusion), representing good and bad intellects respectively. The good intellect (Sumati) urges the soul not to stray into the worldly path, highlighting the loss of family honor and the inability to find solace in either world if one strays.

The poet uses easily understandable metaphors to describe the soul, such as: "Just as gold remains in the rock, ghee in milk, oil in sesame seeds, fragrance in flowers, so too does the soul reside within the body." He also touches upon the confusion arising from seeking guidance from those who have their own agendas, stating, "Those who show the true path, when asked, sing their own tunes."

The text concludes by asserting that through his yogic powers and poetic genius, Muni Shri Chidanandji Maharaj significantly contributed to the glory of the Jain faith, a fact evident in his numerous works.