Chotrish Atishay Stavan

This document is a Jain text titled "Chotrish Atishay Stavan" (Stavan of Thirty-four Unique Qualities) by Mahabodhivijay, based on the work of Kanh Muni.

Author and Historical Context:

• The text is presented as a work originally composed by Kanh Muni.
• Mahabodhivijay is credited with compiling and publishing this version, with assistance from Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir, Koba.
• The original composition is dated V.S. 1652, Shravan Sud 15, on a Thursday in Jaisalmer.
• Through detailed study of various succession lists (pattavalis), it is inferred that Kanh Muni belonged to the Lonkagachha tradition.
• Jivarshi, mentioned in the preface, was a disciple of Shri Rupji (born 1550, initiated 1578, passed away 1613).
• Shri Mallaganivar was a disciple of Shri Jivarshi (initiated 1606, passed away 1666).
• Kanh Muni was a disciple of Shri Mallaganivar.
• Further specific information about Kanh Muni was not found despite efforts.

Content and Structure of the Stavan:

The "Chotrish Atishay Stavan" describes the 34 unique perfections or extraordinary qualities (atishayas) of Lord Jineshwar (specifically Lord Mahavir in the context of the stavan). These 34 qualities are categorized into three groups:

1. Qualities from Birth (जन्मथी): There are 4 such qualities.
2. Qualities from the Destruction of Karmas (कर्मक्षयथी): There are 15 such qualities.
3. Qualities created by Deities (देवकृत): There are 15 such qualities.

Key Observations and Comparisons:

• Basis of the Stavan: The composition of this stavan is based on the Shri Samvayanga Sutra.
• Order of Atishayas: There is a slight difference in the order of the atishayas presented here compared to the Samvayanga Sutra.
• Commentary: The categorization and description of the 34 atishayas are based on the commentary of Shri Abhaydevsuris on the Samvayanga Sutra, specifically within the context of a commentary with 35 points.
• Comparison with Other Texts: The document notes that other well-known Shvetambar Murtipujak texts like Rishibhashita, Pravachana Saroddhara, Vitaraga Stotra, Abhidhana Chintamani Namamala, and Yoga Shastra have a different distribution of atishayas: 4 from birth, 11 from karma destruction, and 19 created by deities.
• Variations in Atishayas: Furthermore, these other texts sometimes differ from the Samvayanga Sutra in the specific atishayas mentioned.

The Stavan Itself (Verse Descriptions of Atishayas):

The stavan then proceeds to describe these 34 atishayas in a poetic manner:

From Birth (4 Atishayas):

1. A body free from disease and with pure flesh and blood (like milk-white).
2. The breath having a fragrance like a lotus.
3. No need for food or sustenance.
4. (The fourth is mentioned as being in the Agama).

From the Destruction of Karmas (15 Atishayas): These arise from the destruction of ghataati (destructive) karmas.

1. The head (sirapith) of the Jin is bowed by those who worship Him.
2. A halo (bhamandal) shining brightly.
3. The influence (prabha) conquers the sun.
4. His ambrosial speech extends for one Yojana (a unit of distance).
5. His speech is in Ardhamagadhi language, dispelling all doubts.
6. Animals, birds, and even trees and plants are delighted by His sermons.
7. Even non-believers (vaadi) listen with friendly affection.
8. Those who argue with Him lose their pride.
9. There is no fear of anything (implied obstacles) in the eighth quality.
10. There is no fear of Mara (evil forces) in the ninth quality, and deities move around.
11. No fear of weapons or armies (sachakra) in the tenth.
12. No fear of enemy armies (parachakra) in the eleventh.
13. No excessive rain (ativrushti) in the twelfth.
14. No drought (anavrushti) in the thirteenth.
15. No famine (durbhiksha) in the fourteenth, and diseases like blood rain subside in the fifteenth. Note: The text mentions that qualities 8 to 15, which are considered deity-created in some texts, are counted here as karma-destroyed. The count of Yojana (25) is mentioned in relation to qualities 8-15.

Deity-Created Atishayas (15 Atishayas):

• The hair, flesh, nails, and body hair do not grow.
• The Dharmachakra (Wheel of Dharma) remains in the sky.
• Three umbrellas (chhatra) adorn the sky.
• White fly-whisks (chamar) shine beautifully.
• A crystal throne (sphatik simhasan) and footstool.
• A divine flag (Indradhvaja).
• A thousand flags surrounding the radiant Jin.
• The Ashok tree (taru ashokvar) as the seventh.
• A beautiful ground (samabhumi bhag) as the eighth.
• Thorns and sharp objects are inverted (upraised) as the ninth.
• Seasons are reversed and become favorable as the tenth.
• Cool, fragrant winds blow as the eleventh.
• Fragrant water (gandhodak) and dust particles as the twelfth.
• Beautiful flowers of various colors as the thirteenth.
• Sweet fragrance (surabhigandha) with pleasant smells as the fourteenth.
• Pleasant sounds, touch, taste, form, and smell are present in abundance as the fifteenth.

Concluding Verses:

The stavan concludes with a summary of the 34 atishayas and an invocation. It also includes a "Kalash" (colophon) mentioning the lineage of gurus (Shri Jivarshigan, Shri Mallaganivar) and the author (Kanh Muni), reiterating the date and place of composition. It ends with a blessing that reciting and contemplating these 34 atishayas will bring great happiness and prosperity to all beings. The stavan was recited in Jaisalmer.