Dadashri Kalayansagarsuri Nirvan Ras Mul Tatha Samiksha

This document is an analysis and reproduction of the "Shri Kalyansagarsuri Nirvan Ras" (Poem on the Nirvana of Shri Kalyansagarsuri), written by Vachak Lavanyachandra and edited by Muni Shri Kalaprabhsagar.

Key Points from the Analysis:

• Discovery and Significance: A copy of this rare "Nirvan Ras" was obtained from Shri Agarhand Nahta of Bikaner. The text provides important historical details, particularly regarding the birth and death anniversaries of the esteemed Acharya Shri Kalyansagarsuri.
• Correction of Historical Dates: The text clarifies that Shri Kalyansagarsuri's birth anniversary is on Vaishakh Sud 6. More importantly, it corrects the previously accepted death anniversary. While the common belief was Vaishakh Sud 3, this text explicitly mentions Ashosh Sud 13 of Samvat 1717 as the date of his swadhama (death). This is a significant new piece of information, published for the first time.
• Date of Composition: The Ras concludes with the mention of "Samvat 1728 years". This suggests the poem was composed shortly after Shri Kalyansagarsuri's passing.
• Author and Lineage: Vachak Shri Lavanyachandra, a disciple of Pandit Shri Uttamchandra, who was a disciple of Vachak Shri Lakshmichandra, is the author. This places him in the lineage of Shri Amarsagarsuri, the successor to Shri Kalyansagarsuri.
• Place of Composition: The poem begins with a prayer to Shri Chintamani Parshvanath of Bhuj (Kutch), indicating that Bhuj was the place of composition.
• Author's Credibility: Lavanyachandra is described as a respected and recognized poet, with other works like "Shri Veervanshanukram" (a Sanskrit metrical brief lineage of the Veer dynasty) and a historical "Chadhaaliyo" of Gadi Parshvanath known to many followers of Achal Gachch. His active period is estimated to be from Samvat 1717 to 1763.
• Author's Presence at Nirvana: The heartfelt description of the Nirvana suggests that Lavanyachandra was likely present in Bhuj at the time of Shri Kalyansagarsuri's passing and may have even stayed with him for the Chaturmas (four-month rainy season retreat).
• Content of the Ras:
  • Introduction: Prays to Bhuj's Chintamani Parshvanath and introduces the auspicious Nirvana of Kalyansagarsuri, disciple of Dharmamurti Suri.
  • Early Life: Details the birth of Kaudan Kumar (later Kalyansagarsuri) on Vaishakh Sud 6, Samvat 1633, to Namildevi. It describes his initiation in 1642 under Dharmamurti Suri, his intelligence, compassion, and radiant appearance even as a child monk.
  • Acharya Consecration and Titles: He was made an Acharya in Samvat 1649 with great fanfare. Even in his youth (around twenty), he was praised with titles like "Yugpradhan" and "Bhattaraka."
  • Activities and Influence: He traveled extensively, consecrated numerous Jin temples, persuaded many kings, and initiated pilgrimages (Sands) to holy sites like Shatrunjay. He bestowed prestigious titles like Upadhyaya and Vachanalacharya upon his disciples and initiated many, both young and old, turning laymen into vows-holders and guiding many across the ocean of existence through confession. He satisfied both Shvetambara and Digambara followers.
  • Consecration of Amarsagarsuri: He consecrated Muni Shri Amarsagarsuri as a Suri in Khambhat, an event where Doshi Lalhuji of Agra spent significantly.
  • Visit to Bhuj: After staying for the Chaturmas in Diu, he was invited to Kutch by the Sangh and the king of Bhuj, where he was received with great honor. He was invited again the following year, drawing many devotees and spending generously on festivals.
  • The Nirvana Discourse: During the Chaturmas, the Ras describes an important discourse given by Kalyansagarsuri to his disciples and the Sangh. He advised his disciples to maintain equal regard for everyone, not to hurt anyone with words, to remain calm when hearing trivial talk, to act thoughtfully, and to be fearless in good deeds. He urged them to obey their gurus, diligently practice the five restraints, and for the Sangh to unanimously revere the Jin Dharma and the sadhus.
  • Reason for Nirvana: When asked why he was giving such comprehensive instructions, Shri Kalyansagarsuri revealed that based on divine knowledge and a dream, his lifespan was nearing its end. He felt the urge to undertake anashana (fasting unto death) for spiritual purification.
  • The Fasting (Anashana): Hearing this, everyone was deeply saddened. They pleaded with him not to leave them, highlighting his role in showing the path to liberation and the anticipation of his disciples to see him. The Acharya insisted that it was the right time for aradhana. The Ras beautifully describes the 563 types of souls, expresses remorse for transgressions in the past, three times, and elaborates on the acceptance of the four refuges, condemnation of the eighteen sources of sin, and renunciation of mind, speech, and food.
  • Final Moments and Vision: Shri Kalyansagarsuri, after seeking forgiveness, accepting the four refuges, and purifying his heart, renounced his body, possessions, and family. He accepted the fast with the Sangh chanting the Navkar mantra. He declared, "I have nothing, I belong to no one. Only Dharma is the true friend." Meditating on the Siddhashila, he attained liberation.
  • Devastation and Grief: The scene of his Nirvana deeply affected everyone, even the patient monks. The grief and lamentations of his successor, Shri Amarsagarsuri, are vividly described. Amarsagarsuri pleads with his Guru to look at them, not to abandon them, and laments the loss of his guidance.
  • Funeral Rites: After the news of his passing, the devotees prepared for the funeral, mourning and performing the final rites. They worshipped his body with gold and silver coins and auspicious pastes. A grand procession was held, with music and incense. Offerings were made in his name. The funeral pyre was prepared with sandalwood, and the rites were completed.
  • Remembering His Virtues: After bathing and purification, everyone remembered the Guru's teachings and virtues. The poet states, "Those who were saved, how can we forget them? They left our hearts burning." He reiterates the date of passing as Thursday, Ashosh Sud 13, Samvat 1717. The pain of separation is described as being felt constantly.
  • Praise of Virtues: The poet emphasizes that he cannot forget the Guru's virtues, describing him as smiling and cheerful the day before his passing, looking at everyone with benevolent eyes, never being harsh, always giving good advice and teaching good conduct, and providing vachana (lessons) from many scriptures ten times a day.
  • King's Grief: The text mentions King Bhurman of Aluva coming barefoot upon hearing the news and remembering the Guru's virtues.
  • Memorial: A memorial with the Guru's footprints was established under a dome at the cremation site, with the wish that the auspiciousness of this Ras and the footprints remain in Bhuj as long as the sun exists.
  • Author's Intention: The author concludes by expressing his hope that people will recite this Ras with pure hearts and find happiness.
• Textual Issues: The analysis notes that the Ras contains certain inaccuracies and may have missing or misplaced verses, making it necessary to find other copies for a more accurate text.
• Date Discrepancy and Resolution: The text confirms the date of passing as Ashosh Sud 13, Thursday, Samvat 1717. It addresses a common discrepancy where Samvat 1718 is often cited. This is explained by the fact that in Kutch, the new year begins from Ashadh Sud 2. Therefore, when Shri Kalyansagarsuri passed away on Ashosh Sud 13 of Samvat 1718 (Kutch calendar), it corresponded to Samvat 1717 in other parts of Gujarat.
• Confirmation from "Shri Veervanshanukram": The analysis concludes by referencing Shri Kalyansagarsuri's exceptional qualities as described by the same author in "Shri Veervanshanukram," providing a Sanskrit verse that further solidifies his greatness. The verse highlights his profound knowledge of scriptures, his virtues, his association with influential figures, his extensive temple consecrations, and his leadership, leaving no room for doubt.

In essence, this document provides a scholarly examination and partial reproduction of a historical Jain text that sheds light on the life, teachings, and Nirvana of Acharya Shri Kalyansagarsuri, correcting historical records and highlighting the author's devotion.