Dharan Vihar Chaturmukh Stava

Here's a comprehensive summary of the "Dharan Vihar Chaturmukh Stava" by Vinaysagar, based on the provided text:

The "Dharan Vihar Chaturmukh Stava" is a historical text that details the construction and magnificence of the Dharan Vihar Chaturmukh Jain temple, located in Ranakhpur. The text highlights the temple's artistic and architectural grandeur, comparing it to celestial abodes.

Key Aspects of the Stava and Temple:

• Origin and Patronage: The temple was commissioned by Dharanagah, a wealthy merchant of the Prāgwāṭ lineage residing in Ranakhpur. He was inspired by the teachings of Acharya Somasundarsuri of the Tapa Gacch. The stavam itself was composed by Pandit Vishalmurti, a disciple of Acharya Somasundarsuri. The manuscript's colophon indicates it was written by Hansavishalganni, a disciple of Charansundarganni, who was a disciple of Samaysundarganni. The approximate time of the manuscript's creation is the first half of the 16th century, suggesting the temple's construction and consecration likely occurred around the late 15th and early 16th centuries.

• Acharya Somasundarsuri: He is described as a "Yugpurush" (man of the era) and a prominent figure in the Tapa Gacch lineage. His life dates are given as birth in VS 1430, initiation in VS 1447, and demise in VS 1499. He was a reviver of many pilgrimage sites, consecrated over a hundred idols, and was a prolific writer and era-defining Acharya. His community of disciples was extensive, estimated at 1800 sadhus.

• Temple Construction:

  • Inspiration: Dharanagah, after hearing Acharya Somasundarsuri's discourse, expressed his desire to build a Chaturmukh (four-faced) Jin temple.
  • Foundation: The foundation ceremony (Shilanyas) took place on the 10th day of the bright half of the month of Magha in VS 1495.
  • Architecture:
    • The temple is characterized by its four faces, symbolizing the four cardinal directions.
    • It has a vast gajapeeth (elephant pedestal) measuring 460 yards.
    • Four doors were constructed for easy access.
    • Above the pedestal, a devachhand (divine pavilion) was built, with thrones for Jin deities established in all four directions.
    • Idols of Rishabhadēva (Adinath) were installed, each 41 anguls in height, in all four directions. The consecration was performed by Acharya Somasundarsuri on the fifth day of the waning half of Phalguna in VS 1498.
    • The temple features 72 idols representing various sacred sites like Vimalachal, Rayanrukh, Sammedshikhar, Ashtapada, and Nandishwaradveep. These were placed in the devachhand and inner sanctums (mul gambhar).
    • The second level also housed similar idols, with these being 31 anguls in height.
    • The third level features idols of 21 anguls, carved from Mammaṇi stone.
    • The shikhar (spire) of the third level is 36 yards high, topped with an 11-yard kalash (finial) and a long flag with bells.
  • Artistic Details: The temple boasts artistic carvings on its pillars and is described as being as beautiful as the Indra Viman (celestial chariot of Indra). It features 46 putali (figurines or small idols), and the overall ambiance is one of divine splendor.

• Temple Contents and Features:

  • The temple houses 60 Chaturmukh shāshvat bimba (eternal images).
  • There are 96 smaller shrines (dehariya).
  • It contains 116 mul jinbimb (principal Jina idols).
  • The mandap (hall) has 20 sections.
  • A total of 368 images are present.
  • The north side features a representation of Ashtapada, and a nalimandap housing the images of Sahasrakuta Giriraja.
  • The south side depicts Nandishwar and Sammedshikhar.
  • Four vihars (monastic residential areas or pavilions) are located in the intermediate directions:
    • The first vihar, built by Champagar, is adorned with Adinath and Simandhar Swami.
    • The second, built by Mahade, houses Shantinath and Neminath.
    • The third, built by the Shri Sangh of Khambhat, features Parshvanath.
    • The fourth, built by Tolhashah, is dedicated to Mahavir.
  • The text suggests that the temple's splendor is such that famous pilgrimage sites like Tarangadh, Girnar, Thambhan, and Sanchor seem to have manifested here.
  • There are eight idols, each 33 anguls in size, in the four directions.
  • The temple's magnificence led rulers (Rai and Rana) to believe it was the work of a deity, hence it was named Tribhuvana Deepaka (Light of the Three Worlds).
  • The rear hall is ornate, adorned with battlements. The Samavasarana and Chausala are surmounted by Gajasinghala.
  • The stavam describes the echoes of musical instruments like bheri, bhunga, and nishaan, and the singing of Gandharvas, creating a divine atmosphere.

• Significance and Poet's Humble Claim: The stavam is considered a historical document providing a complete account of the Ranakhpur Adinath temple. The poet, Pandit Vishalmurti, humbly states that he daily serves Acharya Somasundarsuri and remembers the Dharan Vihar with devotion, believing that such remembrance brings eternal happiness.

In essence, the "Dharan Vihar Chaturmukh Stava" is a lyrical praise and a historical record of a magnificent Jain temple, highlighting its architectural prowess, the devotion of its patrons and Acharyas, and its profound religious significance.