Jain Dharmvar Stotra

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Dharmvar Stotra" by Bhavprabhsuri, edited by Hiralal R. Kapadia, and published by the Devchand Lalbhai Pustakoddhar Fund. The summary is based on the provided pages of the text.

I. Introduction and Publication Details:

• Title: Jain Dharmvar Stotra (also referred to as 'Shri Jain Dharma Varasansatvanam' and 'Abhinav Kalyanmandir').
• Author: Shri Bhavprabha Suri.
• Commentary: Written by Bhavprabha Suri himself.
• Editor: Prof. Hiralal Rasikdas Kapadia, M.A.
• Publisher: Sheth Devchand Lalbhai Jain Pustakoddhar Fund, Surat.
• Series: Devchand Lalbhai Jain Pustakoddhar Fund Series, No. 84.
• Publication Year: 1933 A.D. (Vikram Samvat 1989).
• Edition: First Edition.
• Print Run: 1250 copies.
• Price: Rs. 3-0-0.
• Acknowledgments: The publication acknowledges the support of the Agamoday Samiti for allowing the fund to publish the work, and expresses gratitude to scholars, munis, and Bhandar officials for providing manuscripts.
• Dedication: The book is dedicated to Param Pujya Taponidhi Acharya Pravar Shri 1008 Shrimad Vijaydansurishwarji, acknowledging the immense knowledge, valuable books sourced from "Upadhyay Shrimad Virvijayji Shastra Sangrah," and various research efforts provided by him.

II. Content and Structure:

The book contains three main works by Bhavprabha Suri:

1. Jainadharmavara-stotra: This is the primary stotra.

   • Nature of the Stotra: It is a samasyā-rūpa (problem-based) poem, meaning its verses are formulated to complete or complement existing verses from other famous Jain works. Specifically, the last line of the stotra is derived from the fourth line of the Kalyanmandir Stotra by Shri Siddhasen Diwakar.
   • Structure: The stotra has three verses composed by Bhavprabha Suri himself, and the fourth verse is the concluding line of the Kalyanmandir Stotra.
   • Content: The stotra extols the virtues of Jain Dharma, describing it as the source of eternal bliss, devoid of violence and other vices, filled with patience and other virtues, leading to liberation, and understood through right knowledge. It emphasizes the importance of Dharma in overcoming the cycle of birth and death.
   • Commentary (Khopajña Tīkā): Bhavprabha Suri himself provided a detailed commentary on this stotra, explaining its philosophical and ethical dimensions, referencing various Jain principles and scriptures.

2. Godhulikartha: This work is also known as 'Guhlika', 'Guhulika', 'Gohulika', or 'Gohalika'.

   • Etymology and Meaning: The introduction delves into the etymology of the term 'Gohulika', connecting it to the Sanskrit word 'Gauḥ' (cow, earth, speech, etc.) and 'Dhūli' (dust). The term is explained in various contexts, including ritualistic practices, astronomical occurrences, and abstract spiritual concepts.
   • Purpose: It seems to be a ritualistic or meditative text, often associated with auspicious occasions. The text suggests that the practice of Gohulika is related to auspicious creations and is a part of Jain ritualistic traditions.
   • Content: The section discusses the significance of auspicious rituals and the veneration of Tirthankaras and other holy figures. It also elaborates on the meaning of various terms and concepts within the Jain tradition.

3. Sabha-chamatkara: This work is presented in Gujarati and appears to be a collection of narratives, dialogues, and expositions illustrating Jain principles through stories and examples.

   • Content: The text includes a significant portion detailing the story of Harsha and Kamla, the family history and conversion of characters, and the importance of Jain practices. It also recounts the story of Dharmapriya, his encounter with a demon, his deliverance by the Jain Acharyas, and his eventual path to liberation. It further discusses the rarity of human life, the ten examples illustrating this, and the importance of righteous conduct. The text also provides narratives on the merits of giving, the nature of Dharma, and the contrast between worldly pursuits and spiritual goals.
   • Examples and Stories: The 'Sabha-chamatkara' is rich in illustrative stories, such as:
     • The story of Dharmapriya and the Vyantar (demon).
     • The concept of "Dash Drushtanta" (ten examples) to illustrate the rarity of human birth.
     • The detailed story of the merchant Jagadu and his exemplary charity, highlighting its impact and the miraculous events associated with it.
     • The story of Chandanbala and her devotion to Lord Rishabhanatha, her suffering, and her eventual liberation.
     • The narrative of Bharata Chakravarti, his conflict with his brother Bahubali, his renunciation, and his attainment of omniscience.
     • The story of the king Kritavirya and the transformation of his characters through devotion and adherence to Dharma.
     • Discussions on the nature of deities in other religions (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva) and their imperfections, contrasting them with the perfection of Jain Tirthankaras.
     • The importance of Jain scriptures, the nine auspicious elements ('Navapadari'), and the fifty-two Tirthankaras in Jambudvipa and other regions.
     • The concept of "Paripati" (traditions or sequences) of venerating Tirthankaras in different holy places.
     • The importance of pure images (Pratima Shuddhi) and flowers (Pushpa Shuddhi) in worship.
     • The concept of 'Gohulika' explained in detail with numerous interpretations, including its spiritual significance.
     • The story of the merchant Shakad and his devotion to the 'Dheladak' deity, illustrating the transformative power of faith.
     • The story of the philosopher Madhavacharya and his disciples, and their debates.
     • The exemplary lives of Jain lay devotees (Shravakas and Shravikas) and their contributions to the faith.
     • The importance of Sheel (chastity and moral conduct), illustrated through various stories.
     • The concept of 'Tapas' (austerities) and their spiritual benefits.
     • The story of King Bharat and his eventual renunciation and attainment of liberation, highlighting the influence of spiritual teachings.
     • The final benediction and the importance of reciting the stotra.

III. Key Themes and Teachings:

• Exaltation of Jain Dharma: The primary theme is the glorification of Jain Dharma as the supreme path to liberation and happiness.
• Importance of Tirthankaras and Jain Deities: The text emphasizes the reverence due to Tirthankaras and other revered figures in Jainism.
• Merits of Devotion and Rituals: It highlights the benefits of sincere devotion, prayer, and adherence to Jain rituals like worship (Puja), charity (Dana), and austerity (Tapa).
• Moral Conduct and Virtues: The importance of virtues like Sheel (chastity), Daya (compassion), Shama (forbearance), Santosh (contentment), and Virakti (non-attachment) is repeatedly stressed.
• Critique of Other Religions/Philosophies: The text implicitly or explicitly contrasts Jain principles with those of other philosophical schools, pointing out the perceived imperfections or limitations of their deities and doctrines.
• Illustrative Narratives: The 'Sabha-chamatkara' section is particularly rich in stories that serve as moral exemplars and teach profound Jain doctrines through engaging narratives.
• The Power of Faith and Knowledge: The text demonstrates how faith (Shraddha) and right knowledge (Samyak Darshan and Gyan) can lead to spiritual progress and liberation, even in challenging circumstances.
• The Importance of Scriptures: It mentions the significance of Jain Agamas and other philosophical works.

IV. Historical and Cultural Context:

• The publication by the Devchand Lalbhai Jain Pustakoddhar Fund indicates a significant effort in preserving and propagating Jain literature.
• The detailed scholarly introduction and commentary suggest a learned tradition and an appreciation for textual scholarship within the Jain community.
• The references to various historical figures like Bhavprabha Suri, Vijaydansurishwarji, Hiralal Kapadia, Siddhasen Diwakar, and mentioned kings and saints place the work within a historical lineage of Jain scholarship and practice.
• The use of Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Gujarati in the text reflects the linguistic diversity and evolution within Jain literary traditions.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the "Jain Dharmvar Stotra" based on the provided information, highlighting its author, content, themes, and context.