Jagadguru Shree Hirvijaysuriji Ka Puja Stavanadi Sangraha

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jagadguru Shree Hirvijaysuriji ka Puja Stavanadi Sangraha," based on the provided pages:

This collection, "Jagadguru Shree Hirvijaysuriji ka Puja Stavanadi Sangraha," compiled by Ratanchand Kochar and published by Charitra Smarak Granthmala, is a tribute to the revered Jain Acharya, Jagadguru Shree Hirvijaysurishwarji. The book contains various forms of worship (Puja) and devotional hymns (Stavan) dedicated to him, along with a detailed biographical account of his life and significant achievements.

Key Highlights of the Text:

• Introduction to Jagadguru Shree Hirvijaysurishwarji: The book emphasizes Shree Hirvijaysurishwarji's pivotal role in converting the Mughal Emperor Akbar to the principles of Ahimsa Paramodharmah (non-violence is the supreme religion). It asserts that numerous historical proofs support this claim and aims to provide a concise introduction to this great personality and his efforts to influence kings, rulers, and the Emperor himself with his teachings.

• Biographical Account:

  • Birth and Early Life: Shree Hirvijaysurishwarji was born in 1583 Vikram Samvat (V.S.) in Palanpur, Gujarat. He belonged to the Oswal community. His parents were Kurashah and Nathibai, and his birth name was Hirji. He displayed remarkable intelligence from a young age, acquiring knowledge in various religious texts like Pancha Pratikkamana, Jiva Vichar, Navatattva Sangrahani Sutra, Yoga Shastra, Upadeshamala, and Darshan Sattari.
  • Renunciation and Diksha: After his parents' demise when he was twelve, Hirji felt a sense of detachment. At the young age of thirteen (1566 V.S.), he took initiation (Diksha) in Patan from the great Acharya Shree Vijaydattasuriji, along with eight other individuals. He was then named Hirharshmuni.
  • Scholarly Pursuits: Hirharshmuni rapidly mastered various scriptures. He later traveled to Devgiri (in Maharashtra) to study logic and philosophy, becoming a profound scholar in fields like Nyaya Shastra, Tark Paribhasha, Shabdkosha, and others.
  • Ascension to Leadership: Upon returning to Marwar, his Guru, recognizing his merit, bestowed upon him the titles of Pandit (1607 V.S.), Upadhyay (1608 V.S.), and Acharya (1610 V.S.) in Shihori. The celebration of his Acharya-ship was grandly conducted by Chang Gadhapati, a descendant of Dharanshah, the builder of the Ranpur temple. On the day he was consecrated as Acharya, King Duda enforced the observance of non-violence in his kingdom. He later also received the Gachchanugna festival from Samarth Bhansali, minister to the Subedar Sherkhan of Patan.
  • Leadership of the Tapagachha: After the passing of Acharya Shree Vijaydattasuriji in 1521-22 V.S., Shree Hirvijaysurishwarji became the leader and Emperor of the Tapagachha.
  • Conversion of Lonkagan Charya Meghji: In 1628 V.S., Meghji Rishi of the Lonkagan Gachcha, along with 30 monks, renounced their sect and took initiation from Shree Hirvijaysurishwarji, being renamed Muni Udyot Vijayji. The festival for this initiation was sponsored by Seth Thansinhji, who had come from Agra with the Gujarat Subedar after Akbar had conquered Gujarat.

• Influence on Emperor Akbar:

  • Akbar's Interest: The book details how Emperor Akbar, who had established his capital in Agra and was living in Fatehpur Sikri, had started the "Din-Ilahi" (Divine Faith) and engaged in discussions with scholars of various religions. Upon hearing about Shree Hirvijaysurishwarji's profound spiritualism and adherence to non-violence, Akbar developed a strong desire to meet him.
  • The Miraculous Fast: An incident involving Champa Bai (mother of Seth Thansinhji) who undertook a six-month fast impressed Akbar. When asked about her accomplishment, Champa Bai attributed it to the grace of Lord Parshvanath and Acharya Shree Hirvijaysurishwarji. Akbar's admiration grew.
  • Royal Invitation: Akbar sent his emissaries, Modi and Kamal, with a royal decree to Gujarat to invite Shree Hirvijaysurishwarji. The emissaries, accompanied by Jain patrons, met the Acharya in Gandhar-Bandar.
  • The Journey to Akbar: Following a prophetic dream from the Shasan Devi (guardian deity of the Jain faith) at Vadaloo village, the Acharya embarked on his journey. He was warmly received by the Subedar of Ahmedabad, Sitab Khan, and continued to enlighten various rulers with his sermons. He also influenced the Bhil King Sahasarjun and the Devda King Suratrana of Sirohi to renounce alcohol, meat, and adultery.
  • First Meeting with Akbar: In 1640 V.S., Shree Hirvijaysurishwarji arrived at Fatehpur Sikri, meeting Abul Fazl before being granted an audience with Emperor Akbar. The initial meeting had a profound impact on the Emperor.
  • Impact on Akbar's Policies:
    • Akbar was so impressed that he gifted Shree Hirvijaysurishwarji his personal library.
    • During his Chaturmas (four-month stay) in Agra, the Acharya influenced the construction and consecration of the Chintamani Parshvanath temple.
    • He ensured Akbar observed non-violence during the Paryushan festival.
    • He secured a royal decree from Akbar mandating the observance of non-violence for 12 days (8 days of Paryushan plus 4 extra days) across all of India.
    • Hunting in Dabarsarovar was stopped, and other forms of violence were also prohibited.
    • Akbar bestowed upon Shree Hirvijaysurishwarji the unparalleled title of "Jagadguru" (World Teacher) due to his profound renunciation, exemplary conduct, immense scholarship, and ideal of non-violence.
    • Akbar released prisoners and freed birds from cages.
    • He also oversaw the consecration of idols made by Seth Thansinhji and the jeweler Durjanmall, and appointed Shanti Chandji as Upadhyay.
    • The Acharya spent his Chaturmas in Fatehpur Sikri (1641 V.S.), Abhiramabad (1642 V.S.), and Agra (1643 V.S.).
    • Shree Hirvijaysurishwarji made Emperor Akbar an ardent follower of Jainism and its principle of non-violence. The text notes that while his disciples and other monks continued to preach to Akbar, the honor of opening the Mughal emperor's court to Jain monks and initiating the Emperor into Jainism belongs solely to Jagadguru Shree Hirvijaysurishwarji.
  • Recognition by Historians: The text quotes historical scholars like Al-Badayuni and Dr. V. Smith, who acknowledge the significant influence of Jain monks, particularly Shree Hirvijaysurishwarji, on Akbar's policies and personal beliefs. Dr. Smith notes that Akbar's actions after 1562 were greatly influenced by his acceptance of Jainism, and Abul Fazl lists Shree Hirvijaysurishwarji among the most capable scholars of the time.
  • Specific Policies Influenced: The book cites specific examples of Akbar's policies influenced by the Acharya, such as stopping the killing of animals on Sundays, specific days of certain months (like the month of Akbar's birth), and other festive days. It also mentions the cessation of the Jaziya tax and the protection of Jain and Hindu temples. The total period of enforced non-violence amounted to six months and six days throughout the year, including Paryushan, Sundays, certain festival days, and the month of Akbar's birth.

• The Puja and Stavan Sections: The latter part of the book is dedicated to the "Puja" (worship) and "Stavan" (hymns) of Jagadguru Shree Hirvijaysurishwarji. This includes:

  • Astaprakari Puja (Eight-fold Worship): Detailed instructions and verses for performing the eight-fold worship, including offerings of water, sandalwood, flowers, incense, lamps, unbroken rice (akshat), food (naivedya), and fruits.
  • Stavan: Devotional songs and hymns praising the virtues, accomplishments, and spiritual power of Shree Hirvijaysurishwarji. These often highlight his role in enlightening rulers, his ascetic practices, and the spread of Jainism.
  • Aarti: A concluding devotional song, Aarti, dedicated to the Acharya.
  • Short Astaprakari Puja: A simplified version of the eight-fold worship.
  • Various Pads and Stavan: Different poetic forms praising the Acharya, often recounting his life events and spiritual impact.

• Acknowledgments and Contributions: The book acknowledges the contribution of Munishri Darshanvijayji for composing the main Puja. It also expresses gratitude to Babu Chandmalji Chandanmalji Kochar of Calcutta for their support. The compiler, Ratanchand Kochar, welcomes feedback for future editions.

• List of Temples: The final pages provide a list of Jain temples in Jaipur and surrounding villages.

In essence, the "Jagadguru Shree Hirvijaysuriji ka Puja Stavanadi Sangraha" is a devotional and historical compilation that celebrates the profound spiritual and societal impact of Acharya Shree Hirvijaysurishwarji, particularly his monumental achievement in promoting non-violence through his influence on Emperor Akbar, thereby shaping the course of Indian history and spiritual thought.