Chinnou Jinvara Rou Stavan

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Chinnou Jinvara Rou Stavan," based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Chinnou Jinvara Rou Stavan (छिन्नू जिनवरां रौ स्तवन) Author: Ary Mehulprabhsagar (आर्य मेहुलप्रभसागर) - The work itself is attributed to Upadhyaya Shri Lakshmivallabhji Maharaj (उपाध्याय श्री लक्ष्मीवल्लभजी महाराज). Mehulprabhsagar is likely the compiler or editor presenting this ancient work. Publisher: Mehulprabhsagar Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/212423/1

Overall Summary:

"Chinnou Jinvara Rou Stavan" is a laudatory devotional composition in Marugujar language (a precursor to Gujarati) consisting of thirteen verses (gathas). This ancient, largely unpublished work, dating back approximately 325 years, venerates a total of 96 Tirthankaras (Jinas). The stavan (praise song) begins with salutations to all Jinas and meditation on the Shrutadevi (goddess of scripture), and concludes by stating that remembering these Tirthankaras' names removes sins from lifetime after lifetime. The author, Upadhyaya Shri Lakshmivallabhji Maharaj, humbly expresses his devotion by referring to himself as a bee at the feet of his guru, Upadhyaya Shri Lakshmikirti.

Key Details and Content:

• Author and Context: The primary author of the stavan is Upadhyaya Shri Lakshmivallabhji Maharaj, a prominent scholar from the Khemkirti/Khemthad branch of the Khartar Gacch lineage. His original name was Hemraj, and he was also known as "Rajakavi" (poet-king). He was a disciple of Upadhyaya Shri Lakshmikirti. The introduction suggests his literary output spanned roughly from 1721 to 1747 VS (Vikram Samvat). The work itself uses words from Prakrit and Apabhramsha languages.
• Genealogy and Lineage: The text traces a significant spiritual lineage within the Khartar Gacch. It begins with Acharya Shri Jin Kushalsuri, followed by his disciple Vinayprabh Upadhyaya (author of Gautam Ras). Vinayprabh's disciple was Vijayatilak Upadhyaya, and his disciple was Upadhyaya Khemkirti. Khemkirti is renowned for initiating 500 individuals simultaneously, giving rise to the "Khemkirti" or "Khemthad" branch. This tradition continued uninterrupted until the third decade of the 20th century, producing many learned scholars and literary figures.
• Venerated Tirthankaras: The stavan praises a total of 96 Jinas, categorized as follows:
  • 24 Tirthankaras of the current Avsarpini Kalpa: Including the present 24 Tirthankaras of Bharat Kshetra in Jambudveep (starting with Shri Rishabhadeva).
  • 24 Tirthankaras of the past: Referred to as Kevalgyani (omniscient ones).
  • 24 Tirthankaras of the future: Including Shri Padmanabha and others.
  • 20 Tirthankaras currently in the Mahavideh Kshetra: Including Shri Simandhar Swami and others who are Viharman (wandering and teaching).
  • 4 Eternal Jinas: Including Shri Rishabh-Chandranan and others, who are considered Shasvat (eternal).
• Structure of the Stavan:
  • Opening: Salutations to all Jinvaras (Jinas) and invocation of Shrutadevi.
  • Body: The stavan is divided into multiple "Dhal" (stanzas or metrical sections), each presenting the names of the Tirthankaras. The examples provided show sections listing the 24 Tirthankaras of the current era (Dhal 1), past Tirthankaras (Dhal 2), future Tirthankaras (Dhal 3), and Viharman Tirthankaras (Dhal 4).
  • Conclusion: The final verses emphasize the benefit of reciting these names for purifying the mind and removing sins. The author concludes by again expressing his devotion to his guru.
• Author's Literary Contributions: Upadhyaya Shri Lakshmivallabhji Maharaj was a prolific writer in Sanskrit, Rajasthani, and Hindi. His notable works include a commentary on the Kalpasutra (Kalpadrumakalika Tika), a commentary on Kumarasambhava Mahakavya, a commentary on Uttaradhyayan, various literary pieces, and two medical works (Mutra Pariksha and Kalgyan).
• Manuscript Details: The text is a manuscript copy obtained from the Rajasthan Prachyavidya Pratishthan, Jodhpur Museum, through the efforts of Mahendrasinghji Bhansali. The manuscript is cataloged as number 29813 in Jodhpur, with this specific work appearing on page 150. Each page typically contains about 27 lines with approximately 20 characters per line, written in clear and beautiful script.
• Publisher's Note: The "Shrutsagar" publication includes a request to scholars to submit information about their ongoing research, editing, or translation of ancient Jain texts to help disseminate this knowledge and prevent duplication of effort.

In essence, "Chinnou Jinvara Rou Stavan" is a significant devotional work that preserves and propagates the worship of a vast number of Tirthankaras within the Jain tradition, authored by a respected scholar from a prominent spiritual lineage.