Chotrish Atishay Varnan Garbhit Simandhar Jin Stavan

This document is a scholarly article from "Anusandhan-38" (Research-38), focusing on the Jain text "Chotrish Atishay Varnan Garbhit Simandhar Jin Stavan" (A Hymn Glorifying Lord Simandhar with Descriptions of Thirty-Four Miracles).

Here's a comprehensive summary in English:

Book Title: Chotrish Atishay Varnan Garbhit Simandhar Jin Stavan Author: Mahabodhivijay Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan

Introduction: The article introduces a hymn composed by Mahabodhivijay, which describes the thirty-four miraculous attributes (atishays) of Lord Simandhar Swami, who is currently traversing the Mahavideha region. The hymn is structured into five sections (dhal) with forty-one verses (kadi).

Author's Profile: The author is identified as Shri Kamal Sagarji Maharaj, a disciple of Shri Harsh Sagar Upadhyay, who in turn was a disciple of Shri Vijaydan Suri Maharaj of the Tapagachha lineage. The hymn is estimated to have been composed in the 17th century Vikram era. Despite extensive research in historical texts like "Jain Gurjar Kavi," no further detailed information about the author or their other works could be found.

Manuscript Information: A replica of the manuscript was obtained from the knowledge repository of Shri Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Bharatiya Sanskriti Vidyamandir. The three-page manuscript appears to be from the 17th century and is largely accurate, though some minor inaccuracies are present. Efforts to find other copies at the LL.D. Institute and Koba's vast library were unsuccessful.

Work Description: The hymn is beautifully composed in five sections, detailing the thirty-four miraculous attributes of the Lord.

• First Section (Dhal 1): The first five verses offer a general description of Lord Simandhar Swami, followed by three verses detailing four natural miracles (sahaj atishay).
• Second Section (Dhal 2): Eight verses describe eleven miracles attained through the destruction of karma (karmakshaya).
• Third and Fourth Sections (Dhal 3 & 4): A total of sixteen verses detail nineteen miracles performed by the celestials (devakrit).
• Fifth Section (Dhal 5): The first seven verses contain heartfelt prayers to the Lord. The last two verses mention the year of composition, the date, and the author's lineage.

Editorial Notes:

• Shri Kamalsagarji Maharaj is listed as the 454th poet in the second volume of "Jain Gurjar Kavi," with the "34 Atishay Stavan" mentioned as his 933rd work.
• It is noted that Mohanbhai Desai, the compiler of "Jain Gurjar Kavi," may have received an incomplete version, as the beginning of the hymn (first two sections) appears to be missing, and the end also shows variations.
• The manuscript in possession states the composition year as 1662 using the code 'Indushad-ras-lesha'. However, the second volume of "Jain Gurjar Kavi" gives the year as 1606, using the code 'Indu ras bindu lesa', a difference of 60 years. Given that the author is a grand-disciple of Shri Dansuri Maharaj, the year 1606 is considered more plausible than 1666. The article acknowledges that further investigation is needed to resolve this discrepancy.
• Pandit Amritbhai Patel is credited for assisting with the replication of the manuscript.

Summary of the Hymn's Content (as detailed in the provided text):

The hymn extols Lord Simandhar Swami, focusing on his thirty-four miracles. These miracles are categorized as follows:

• Four Natural Miracles (Sahaj Atishay):

  • His form is incomparably beautiful.
  • From birth, his blood turns into milk.
  • His body is pure, free from sweat and disease.
  • His breath and exhalations are fragrant like lotuses.
  • He requires no food or excretes waste, which is unseen by worldly beings.

• Eleven Miracles from Karma Destruction (Karmakshaya Krut 11 Atishay):

  • The earth can accommodate countless beings.
  • The language of humans, celestials, and animals is understood by all.
  • A halo of light shines from behind the Lord.
  • Diseases, dangers, and suffering are pacified within a radius of twenty-four yojanas.
  • In areas of his pilgrimage, there is no enmity.
  • In his assembly, there are no calamities (like death, illness).
  • There is no excessive rain.
  • There is no insufficient rain.
  • There is no famine.
  • There is no fear of armies or external forces.

• Nineteen Miracles Performed by Celestials (Devakrut 19 Atishay):

  • A Dharma Chakra (Wheel of Dharma) appears in the sky ahead of him.
  • Two celestial chowries (fly whisks) are waved by celestials.
  • A jewel-studded throne and footstool move with him.
  • Celestials hold a jewel-studded parasol over his head.
  • A five-colored Indra Dhwaj (Indra's banner) appears in the sky.
  • Celestial kings place beautiful golden lotuses at his feet.
  • Three cities made of jewels and gold are created for his assembly.
  • He sits on a jewel-studded throne and delivers sermons.
  • Celestial beings and humans listen to his sermons from specific directions and locations.
  • The descriptions continue with celestial music, cool and pleasant winds, and the arrival of auspicious signs.

The hymn concludes with prayers for the Lord's darshan (vision) and the author's devotion, as well as verses mentioning the composition date and the gurus. The author expresses deep reverence and seeks the Lord's grace for salvation.

Overall, the article provides a detailed introduction to a significant Jain hymn that glorifies Lord Simandhar Swami by enumerating his numerous spiritual and miraculous attributes, offering insights into Jain theology and hagiography.