Chovishi Swarup Ane Sahitya - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Chovishi : Swarup Ane Sahitya" by Dr. Abhay Doshi:

Book Title: Chovishi : Swarup Ane Sahitya (The Form and Literature of Chovishi) Author: Dr. Abhay Doshi Publisher: Saurashtra Kesari Pranguru Jain Philosophical and Literary Research Centre, Ghatkopar

Overview:

This book is a Ph.D. thesis submitted to Mumbai University in September 2006 by Dr. Abhay Indrchandra Doshi. It offers a detailed and scholarly exploration of the "Chovishi" (a collection of twenty-four devotional poems, typically praising the twenty-four Tirthankaras in Jainism) in Jain literature. The work delves into the origin, evolution, characteristics, classification, and impact of this significant literary genre.

Key Themes and Content:

Origin and Evolution of Chovishi: The book traces the roots of the Chovishi tradition back to ancient Jain scriptures like the Angas and Puranas, highlighting its development through Sanskrit and Prakrit literature before its flourishing in Gujarati. It connects the rise of Chovishi to the broader Bhakti movement in India, adapting its devotional and lyrical elements within the Jain context.
Definition and Characteristics of 'Pad' and 'Stavan': The text clarifies the terms 'Pad' and 'Stavan,' which are often used interchangeably in Jain literature. It explains that while both are devotional songs, 'Stavan' is specifically a form of devotional expression towards Tirthankaras, and 'Pad' can encompass a wider range of devotional songs, often with Hindi/Braj Bhasha influences.
Classification of Chovishi: Dr. Doshi meticulously classifies Chovishis based on their primary theme:
- Bhakti Pradhan Chovishi (Devotional Chovishi): This is the most prevalent category, focusing on expressing intense love, devotion, longing, and surrender to the Tirthankaras. It explores various facets of devotion like service, praise, contemplation, and even playful reproaches.
- Gyan Pradhan Chovishi (Knowledge-Oriented Chovishi): These Chovishis emphasize philosophical and spiritual knowledge, delving into Jain tenets like the nature of the soul, karma, liberation, and the path to enlightenment. They aim to provide intellectual understanding alongside devotional fervor.
- Charitra Pradhan Chovishi (Biographical Chovishi): These focus on narrating specific events or key life episodes from the biographies of the Tirthankaras, offering insights into their teachings and exemplary lives.
Historical Development and Authorship: The book provides a chronological overview of Chovishi literature, identifying key poets and their contributions from the 16th century onwards. It highlights significant authors like Parshwachandrasuri, Samaysundarji, Anandghanji, Yashovijayji, Mohanvijayji, Devachandji, and Gyannivmalasuri, analyzing their stylistic nuances, philosophical depth, and devotional expressions. The author notes the influence of the Bhakti movement and local folk traditions on these compositions.
Literary Analysis: Dr. Doshi employs rigorous literary analysis, examining the language, meter, poetic devices (alankars), and emotional content of various Chovishis. He identifies the use of metaphors, similes, alliterations, and playful dialogues (upalambhas) as significant elements contributing to the richness and appeal of these devotional poems. The influence of different vernacular dialects (like Braj Bhasha, Marwadi) on the language of the Chovishis is also discussed.
Philosophical and Spiritual Depth: Beyond mere devotion, the book highlights how many Chovishis, especially those by scholars like Yashovijayji and Anandghanji, embed profound Jain philosophical concepts. These include discussions on the nature of the soul, the cycle of rebirth, karma, the path to liberation (moksha), and the importance of meditation and equanimity (samata). The concept of achieving oneness with the Tirthankaras through devotion and knowledge is a recurring theme.
Unpublished Works and Research: A significant portion of the thesis is dedicated to the study and analysis of previously unpublished Chovishi manuscripts, unearthed from Jain libraries. This includes detailed examinations of works by poets like Gunachandraji, Uttamvijayji, Gyannivmalasuri, Nayasagarji, and others, providing valuable insights into lesser-known aspects of this literary tradition.
Impact and Significance: The book underscores the vital role of Chovishis in the spiritual and cultural life of the Jain community. These poems not only served as devotional expressions but also as a means of educating the masses about Jain philosophy, ethics, and the lives of the Tirthankaras, often set to popular folk tunes to enhance accessibility and memorization. The enduring appeal and continuation of this literary tradition across centuries are emphasized.

Methodology and Structure:

The thesis is structured logically, starting with the origins and evolution, moving through definitions and classifications, delving into historical development and authorship, and then presenting detailed literary and philosophical analyses of various Chovishis. The appendices, including a list of Sanskrit-Prakrit Stuti Chaturvishatika and reference lists, further enhance the scholarly value of the work.

Overall Contribution:

"Chovishi : Swarup Ane Sahitya" by Dr. Abhay Doshi is a pioneering work that meticulously catalogues, analyzes, and contextualizes the vast and rich tradition of Chovishi literature within Jainism. It is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in Jain devotional poetry, philosophy, and literary history, offering a deep understanding of how faith, philosophy, and art converge in this unique genre.