Chintamani Parshwanath Stotra Sadhuwad - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Chintamani Parshwanath Stotra Sadhuwad":

This document contains a devotional hymn (Stotra) dedicated to Lord Parshwanath, specifically in his form as "Chintamani Parshwanath." The Stotra is authored by Pujya Shri Kalyansagarsuri and is part of a larger collection or publication, likely a commemorative work.

The hymn extols the divine qualities and powers of Lord Chintamani Parshwanath through a series of verses written in the Shardulvikridit meter.

Here's a verse-by-verse breakdown of the summary:

Verse 1: The verse begins by posing rhetorical questions about the nature of Lord Chintamani Parshwanath's form. It asks if His form is made of camphor, nectar, moonbeams, beauty, precious gems, or a resting place for compassion. It further inquires if His form is full of universal joy, great prosperity, splendor, pure consciousness, or the highest meditation (Shukla Dhyana). The verse concludes by stating that such a form of the Lord is a source of support and refuge for the virtuous in the cycle of birth and death (Bhavsagar).
Verse 2: This verse describes the Lord's boundless glory and influence. It portrays Him as entering the netherworlds, illuminating the earth, filling the sky, pervading all directions, and astonishing celestial beings, demons, and humans. It mentions Him protecting the universe and making the ocean's waves churn froth. The verse asserts that the fame of Lord Chintamani Parshwanath, like a swan, reigns supreme and eternal.
Verse 3: This verse highlights the Lord's beneficial attributes using various similes. He is likened to a marketplace of merits, the sun dispelling darkness, an elephant's goad to the elephant of desire, a staircase to liberation (Moksha), Indra's elephant (Airavat) for attaining heavenly status, a bright spark for divine radiance, and a Chintamani jewel for charity. He is also compared to a stream of mercy for those who bow to Him, the moon bringing joy to the world, and the destroyer of the cycle of rebirth for the diligent.
Verse 4: The devotee expresses the profound impact of having seen Lord Chintamani Parshwanath. They state that upon beholding Him, they have attained the wealth of Indra and Chakravarti kings, liberation is within their grasp, and their deepest desires have been fulfilled. Furthermore, misfortune, sins, the fear of difficult times, and suffering have all been eradicated.
Verse 5: This verse praises the Lord's immense power and presence. His radiance is described as a powerful sun of glory that illuminates the world. He is the vanquisher of the destructive plays of the Kali Yuga and the destroyer of the darkness of delusion. His abode is constantly filled with light and is a playground for all forms of Lakshmi (wealth and prosperity). The verse prays for protection from this Lord Parshwanath, who is beneficial to all beings.
Verse 6: This verse uses several analogies to illustrate the Lord's ability to overcome obstacles. Just as the morning sun dispels darkness, the sprouts of the Kalpa tree remove poverty, a lion cub can defeat elephants, sparks of fire burn wood, and a drop of nectar cures diseases, so too can the Lord's radiant form eliminate suffering in all three worlds.
Verse 7: This verse focuses on the devotional practice associated with the Lord. It mentions the mantra associated with Him, incorporating "Hri" and "Shri." It describes Him as being worshipped by the bowing of Arhats and being imbued with the essence of "Hri." He is the controller of the three worlds, capable of destroying both material and spiritual poisons, and a cure for snake venom. He is the abode of auspiciousness and influence, and the "Jina" form, known as "Jina-phulinga," brings joy to all beings.
Verse 8: This verse details the meditative practice for achieving liberation quickly. It states that yogis who meditate on Lord Parshwanath, known as Chintamani, by placing Him in their heart lotus, and visualizing Him in specific locations (forehead, left arm, navel, right arm, and finally in an eight-petaled lotus) will attain liberation within two or three lifetimes.
Verse 9: This verse lists the afflictions that are removed by devotion to Lord Chintamani Parshwanath. It states that through devotion, beings are freed from diseases, sorrows, quarrels, the spread of epidemics, blindness, lack of peace, suffering, sins, poverty, negative influences like Shakinis, malefic planets, lions, herds of elephants, snakes, and mischievous spirits.
Verse 10: This verse describes the divine boons bestowed upon those who praise and meditate on Lord Chintamani Parshwanath. Their homes are graced with Kalpa trees, Kamadhenu cows, wish-fulfilling jewels, and gems. Deities, demons, and humans devoutly meditate on Him for their well-being. Just as a virtuous man is accompanied by his wife, prosperity (Lakshmi), which sustains the universe, becomes subservient to them.
Verse 11 (Concluding Verse): This final verse summarizes the Lord's attributes and the benefits of His worship. It states that Lord Parshwanath, whose attendant is the Yaksha (Pārśvayakṣa), has destroyed hordes of sins, brought joy to all beings, and acts as a Chintamani jewel for granting the desires of the three worlds. He is like the seed of liberation (Shivpad) and the seed of right faith (Bodhibeej). The verse concludes with a prayer that Lord Parshwanath bestows the seed of right faith.

The note at the end of the excerpt mentions that the word "Shiv" used by the poet likely alludes to his own name, "Kalyansagar." The final lines of the text also include a verse about virtuous actions stemming from empathy and the understanding of suffering.

In essence, the "Chintamani Parshwanath Stotra Sadhuwad" is a powerful devotional work that praises Lord Parshwanath's divine attributes, his ability to grant wishes, overcome obstacles, and bestow liberation. It emphasizes the transformative power of devotion and meditation on this specific form of the Lord.