Jaitrasuri Shishya Krut Vitragstuti

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jaitrasuri Shishya krut Vitragstuti" by M. A. Dhaky, based on the provided pages:

The text is an edition of a devotional hymn titled 'Vitragstuti' (Praise of the Detached), composed by a disciple of Jaitrasuri. The hymn itself is presented in Sanskrit, following the Vasantatilaka meter.

Key Points from the Introduction:

• Source and Publication: The hymn is based on two manuscripts housed at the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute. The editor, M. A. Dhaky, expresses gratitude to the institute for their courtesy in allowing the publication.
• Structure and Author Identification: The 'Vitragstuti' is an 'Ashtak' (a set of eight verses), with an additional ninth verse where the author identifies himself as a disciple of Jaitrasuri. However, the author's personal name is not revealed, nor is any information provided about his sect or lineage (gachchha).
• Unknown Guru and Author: The guru, Jaitrasuri, is also an unknown figure. Extensive research into available Jain historical records, including colophons of manuscripts, inscriptions on Jina images (both stone and metal), and pattawalis (lineages), has yielded no information about this particular monk.
• Stylistic Analysis:
  • The general rhythm and Vaidarbhi style of the hymn are reminiscent of devotional compositions from the mid-13th century CE, such as Ratnakarasuri's "Atmagraha Stotra" or "Ratnakara-Panchavimshatika."
  • The hymn is well-structured and elegantly composed. The use of alliteration and assonance is effortless, without appearing forced.
  • The flow of the hymn is smooth and memorable, making it suitable for recitation.
  • The author is described as a good poet.
  • There are subtle influences from the styles of renowned Jain poets like Siddhasena Divakara (5th century CE), Manatungacharya (6th-7th century CE), and Bappabhattishuri (7th-8th century CE), as well as Haribhadrasuri's famous "Samvasaradaava Stuti." However, these influences are seen as enhancing the author's own talent rather than mere imitation.
  • The poet prioritizes fundamental poetic principles like naturalness and appropriateness of words over ostentatious displays of rhetorical skill.
  • The hymn aims to evoke the 'Shantakara' (peaceful form) of the sublime rasa (aesthetic sentiment).
  • A notable structural feature is the repeated refrain in the fourth line of each verse, which adds a consistent and precise rhythm. This structural device is noted as being present in Siddhasena Divakara's 21st Dvatrimshika and some 13th-14th century Svetambara Jain hymns describing holy places.
• Overall Assessment: The 'Vitragstuti' is considered a comprehensively successful creation. It possesses the noble qualities of poetry, balancing sweetness (madhurya), vigor (oja), and brilliance (kanti) in a harmonious manner.
• Dating: Based on the style, rhyming techniques, and their seamless execution, the author is estimated to have lived in the last quarter of the 13th century CE.

Key Points from the Footnotes:

• Manuscript Catalog: The edition is based on a description in the "Descriptive Catalogue of Manuscripts in The Government Manuscripts Library, Vol XIX" by H. R. Kapadia.
• Textual Assistance: The Sanskrit text was identified and provided by Jitendra Shah, a fact the editor gratefully acknowledges.
• Authorship Clarification: While Kapadia raises the question of whether Jaitrasuri himself or his devotee composed the hymn, Jitendra Shah concludes that the author is indeed a disciple, based on the phrase "Shri Maitrasurivinitam." (Note: The introduction states "Jaitrasuri-vinay," while the footnote mentions "Maitrasurivinitam." This might be a subtle variation or a transcription difference.)
• Stylistic Parallels: The stylistic similarities mentioned in the introduction (Siddhasena Divakara, Manatungacharya, Bappabhattishuri) are further elaborated, noting that these are well-known works, so specific references are not provided.
• Rhyme Technique: The effect of alliteration and assonance is particularly achieved through the use of the anusvara (nasal sound).
• Refrain Usage: The refrain is specifically the last line of the verse.
• Meter: The meter is confirmed to be Bhujangaprayata.
• Further Parallels: Other Svetambara Jain hymns, such as Vinayachandra's "Shatrunjaya Chaityaparipati-Stav" and his "Girnar Chaityaparipati-Stav," are mentioned as examples of similar compositions.
• Name "Jaitrasimha": The name "Jaitrasimha" is indeed found among lay followers in the 13th century CE.

The 'Vitragstuti' (Hymn to the Detached Ones):

The hymn itself extols the qualities of the Vitaraaga (Jinas), individuals who have achieved complete detachment from worldly passions and are liberated from the cycle of birth and death. Each of the nine verses follows a similar structure, with the first four lines describing various attributes of the Jina, and the recurring fifth line stating:

"पश्यन्ति पुण्यरहिता न हि वीतरागम् ॥" (Those devoid of merit do not indeed see the Vitaraaga.)

This recurring line emphasizes that only those with accumulated merit (punya) can truly perceive or understand the profound nature and achievements of the Vitaraagas.

The verses highlight the Jinas as:

• Peaceful, auspicious, and the ultimate abode of auspiciousness.
• Omniscient, pure, and having conquered infatuation.
• Free from the path of worldly suffering (samsara) and through detachment (nirjara).
• The swan (like) on the lotus-feet of liberation, praised by gods.
• The destroyer of the desire-tree (Kama), the supreme being.
• The refuge of those afraid of bad karma, free from all faults, revered by kings.
• The Tirthankara on earth, never engaged in worldly pleasures.
• The controlled, whose form is beyond human comprehension, known by yogis.
• The Mandara mountain used for churning the ocean of Samsara.
• The boat for crossing the ocean of Samsara.
• The sole vessel of knowledge, with a form beyond ordinary perception.
• The sharp sword that cuts through the dense forest of karma.
• The source of blossoming the vine of auspiciousness.
• The only stream of pure bliss for the eyes of the three worlds.
• Attracting the devotion of the celestial maidens.
• The extinguishing fire for the forest of suffering caused by poverty.
• The lake of pure speech, the ocean of virtues.
• The lotus feet of the devotee of Jaitrasuri, who effortlessly crushed the great Indra of delusion.
• Effortlessly crossing the middle of the ocean of existence.
• The Kalpavriksha (wish-fulfilling tree) of the abode of welfare, whose mind is ignited by the fire of meditation.
• The eternal abode of forgiveness, the great teacher, the Sheshanaga (divine serpent).

In essence, the 'Vitragstuti' is a beautifully crafted devotional hymn that praises the spiritual perfection and salvific qualities of the Tirthankaras, underscoring the prerequisite of merit for truly appreciating their eminence. Its historical and stylistic analysis places it firmly within the rich tradition of Jain devotional literature of the 13th century CE.