Gyanchandrakrut Sanskrut Nibaddha Revatitirth Stotra

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Gyanchandrakrut Sanskrut Nibaddha Revatitirth Stotra" by Agarchand Nahta and M.A. Dhaky, based on the provided pages:

Title: Gyanchandrakrut Sanskrut Nibaddha "Shri Revatitirth Stotra" (Sanskrit Composition "Hymn to Revatitirth" by Gyanchandra)

Authors: Agarchand Nahta and M.A. Dhaky (Editors/Publishers)

Publisher: Z_Aspect_of_Jainology_Part_2_Pundit_Bechardas_Doshi_012016.pdf (Part of a series on Jainology)

Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/230132/1

Overview of the Work and its Context:

This document presents a Sanskrit hymn composed by a Jain scholar named Gyanchandra, dedicated to the holy site of Revatigiri, also known as Girnar. The publication is presented as a tribute to the pioneering efforts of (late) Agarchand Nahta and (late) Pt. Bechardas Doshi in publishing ancient Jain Tirthmala literature. These scholars were instrumental in bringing to light important works related to Jain pilgrimage sites.

The introduction highlights previous significant publications in this field, such as "Girnar Chaitra Wadi" by Hemhamsuri and "Girnar Tirtha Mala" by Ratnasinhsuri. It emphasizes that the research presented here, focusing on Ujjayant Tirtha (Revatigiri), is a pioneering effort based on newly acquired, though previously unpublished, Sanskrit and Old Gujarati compositions.

The "Shri Revatitirth Stotra" by Gyanchandra:

• Title and Content: The hymn is composed in the Vasantatilaka meter. While the collectors have titled it "Girnar Chaitya-Paripati Stavana" (Hymn of Girnar Temple Succession), it is believed that the original author intended to call it "Ujjayantgiri Tirtha Stotra" or "Revatgiri Tirtha-Stotra," reflecting its focus on the pilgrimage site. The author reveals his name as "Gyane-indu" in the final stanza, but provides no details about his father or lineage.

• Historical Context: The hymn clearly references constructions made on Girnar by the ministers Vastupala and Tejapala, dating these constructions between 1232 and 1234 CE. This firmly places the composition after these events.

• Authorship Debate: The text discusses a potential ambiguity regarding the author's identity, as there were two prominent Jain scholars named Gyanchandra during that period:

  1. A disciple of Amarpravsurisuri, who re-consecrated the Vimal Vasahi temple at Abu in 1322 CE.
  2. A disciple of Gunchandrasuri, who wrote a commentary on Ratnavatarika.

  The text leans towards the former Gyanchandra, a Rajgachhiya scholar, as the author of this hymn. This is based on stylistic similarities with the Vasantatilaka verses found in the Vimal Vasahi inscription of 1378 VS (1322 CE). Therefore, the hymn is estimated to have been composed around 1320-1325 CE.

• Thematic Content of the Stotra:

  • The hymn primarily focuses on Ujjayant Mahatirtha and gives prominence to Arishtanemi, the principal Jina of the site.
  • The first five verses extol the glory of Arishtanemi and Revatigiri.
  • It then proceeds to describe various important constructions and sites on Girnar, mentioning:
    • The stairway (padya) built by minister Vakhabhadra.
    • The installation of a new idol by the merchant Ratna and Madan, by the grace of Ambika (934 CE).
    • The ancient main temple of Neminath, restored by minister Sajjan (1129 CE).
    • The "Kalyanatraya" Jinalaya built by minister Tejapala (1234 CE).
    • The Devedra Mandapa built by minister Depala (1232 CE).
    • The sacred ancient Gajendrapadakunda (elephant foot pond) nearby.
    • The "Vastupal Vihar" for Adinath, built by minister Vastupala, including the Sammeta Peak and Ashtapada structures (1232 CE).
    • The cave of Rajimati.
    • The Yaksha Ambika, the guardian deity of Girnar, located at Ambashikhar.
    • Other peaks observed after Ambashikhar.
    • Sahastrasahakarvana (Thousand Mango Grove), also known as Sesavan.
    • Lakharam.
  • The hymn concludes with salutations to the footprints of Nemi Jina established at these locations.

• Artistic and Scholarly Merit:

  • The author composed the hymn within the constraints of presenting a "Chaitya Paripati" (temple succession), which required mentioning specific names of individuals and structures.
  • Despite being composed in the later medieval period, Gyanchandra successfully overcomes the limitations of his time, creating a well-crafted hymn.
  • The hymn is praised for its elegant diction, coherent structure, and flowing narrative. It avoids unnecessary elaborations or ostentatious displays of skill, maintaining a balance between charm and good taste.
  • The verse is described as meaningful, graceful, evocative, well-organized, and systematic. While not an extraordinary work, it is considered "excellent and pleasing to the ear."
  • The composition is seen as a fine example of Jain devotional poetry from the early post-medieval period.

Editorial Notes and Footnotes:

• The current edition is based on a manuscript transcribed years ago.
• The Sanskrit scholar Shri Krishnadeve meticulously reviewed and corrected the text, rectifying errors in letters and grammar introduced by scribes, and also fixing metrical disruptions caused by missing letters.
• Footnotes provide references to other scholarly works and publications related to Jain archaeology and history, particularly concerning Mount Abu and the broader history of Jain literature. These footnotes help in establishing the context and dating of the works discussed.

In essence, this document provides a critical edition and scholarly analysis of a significant Sanskrit hymn dedicated to Revatigiri, shedding light on its author, historical context, religious significance, and literary merit within the rich tradition of Jain pilgrimage literature.