Haribhadrasuri Virachit Sam Sanskrit Prakrit Jin Sadharan Stavan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text, "Haribhadrasuri Virachit Sam Sanskrit Prakrit Jin Sadharan Stavan," based on the provided information:

Book Title: Haribhadrasuri Virachit Sam Sanskrit Prakrit Jin Sadharan Stavan Author: Shilchandrasuri (Editor/Compiler) Original Author: Haribhadrasuri Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan

Overview:

This text presents a significant discovery for Jain scholarship: an unpublished work by the renowned Jain scholar Acharya Haribhadrasuri. The work, titled "Sam Sanskrit Prakrit Jin Sadharan Stavan" (A Common Stavan of Jinas in Sanskrit and Prakrit), is a devotional hymn praising the Jinas, characterized by its unique stylistic feature of employing both Sanskrit and Prakrit languages in a harmonious manner.

Discovery and Editing:

The editor, Shilchandrasuri, highlights the serendipitous nature of finding this manuscript. He states that such discoveries are possible only when libraries meticulously preserve their collections, and by sifting through fragmented materials, valuable gems like this can be unearthed. The manuscript from which this Stavan was transcribed was found by Muni Dhurandhar Vijayji. Shilchandrasuri expresses his hope that through such diligent searching, more unknown and highly valuable works will be discovered. The original document containing this Stavan is part of the Shrivirvijayji Shastrasangraha and is dated to the 16th century, with other texts within it bearing the year Samvat 1511.

Content of the Stavan:

The "Sam Sanskrit Prakrit Jin Sadharan Stavan" consists of seven verses (numbered 1-7), followed by a concluding verse (verse 8). Each verse is a poetic invocation and praise of the Jinas, characterized by:

• Bilingual Nature: The verses artfully weave together Sanskrit and Prakrit words and phrases, creating a unique linguistic tapestry. This "Sam Sanskrit-Prakrit" style is a key distinguishing feature of the work.
• Devotional Themes: The verses express deep devotion and reverence for the Jinas, praising their qualities and seeking their blessings.
• Metaphorical Language: The stavan employs rich and evocative metaphors to describe the Jinas and their powers. Examples include:
  • Comparing the Jina's lotus-like feet to a source that dispels the fear of worldly existence.
  • Describing the Jinas as those who cleave the temples of elephants (metaphor for overcoming pride or obstacles) and as a balm for the fire of worldly existence.
  • Portraying them as protectors against death, old age, and illness, and as those who diminish the strength of the great wrestler of delusion.
  • Depicting them as rafts in the ocean of worldly existence and as lamps that dispel the darkness of impurity.
  • Acknowledging them as residing in the great city of perfection and as a source of auspiciousness.
  • Referring to them as wish-fulfilling gems and as Garuda (a divine bird known for its power).
  • Praising their luminous qualities, their equanimity, and their pure lineage.
• Specific Desires: The stavan concludes with a heartfelt plea from the devotee: "O my Lord, grant me freedom from worldly existence." (भवविरहं देहि मम देव!).

Verse 8 and Conclusion:

Verse 8 explicitly states the nature of the work: "The Jina, who causes both Sanskrit and Prakrit words to have complete similarity, may he be the cause of my happiness." This reinforces the bilingual aspect of the stavan. The final line, "Thus ends the Sam Sanskrit Prakrit Jin Sadharan Stavan by Shri Haribhadrasuri," formally concludes the presentation of the work.

Connection to Haribhadrasuri's Other Works:

The editor notes that those familiar with Haribhadrasuri's famous "Samsara Davanal" (Fire of Worldly Existence) will immediately recognize the vocabulary and style in verses 1, 2, and 3 of this stavan. This suggests a continuity in Haribhadrasuri's linguistic and thematic approach across his different devotional compositions.

Significance:

The rediscovery and publication of this "Sam Sanskrit Prakrit Jin Sadharan Stavan" are significant for several reasons:

• Unpublished Work of a Great Scholar: It adds a new and important work to the literary corpus of Acharya Haribhadrasuri, one of the most influential figures in Jain literature.
• Unique Linguistic Style: The "Sam Sanskrit-Prakrit" approach is a notable stylistic innovation that showcases Haribhadrasuri's mastery of both languages and his creative approach to devotional poetry.
• Preservation and Research: It highlights the importance of preserving ancient manuscripts and the potential for new discoveries that can enrich our understanding of Jain traditions and intellectual history.
• Devotional Insight: The stavan provides valuable insight into the devotional practices and philosophical underpinnings of Jainism during the period when Haribhadrasuri was active.