Jin Rushabh Ni Keshvallari Sambandh Be Aprakat Stotro

This document is a comprehensive analysis of two unpublished Jain hymns (stotras) related to the hair of Lord Rishabha, the first Tirthankara. The hymns are:

• Rishabhakuntala-Panchavimshatika (Twenty-five verses on Rishabha's hair): Composed in the Sharadulavikridita meter, the author is not explicitly stated but is suggested to be Vibudhapravasuri through a pun. This hymn compares Rishabha's hair to various elements, such as:

  • Smoke from a meditation lamp.
  • A blue cloth used for warding off evil.
  • The banner of a royal chariot.
  • A swarm of bees attracted to a lotus.
  • Seaweed clinging to the shoulders of someone crossing the ocean of existence.
  • A veil of smoke from a fire of meditation.
  • Clouds.
  • An emblem of victory over passions.
  • A treasure of worldly splendor.
  • A black serpent.
  • A mango leaf.
  • A garden around the face resembling a dwelling.
  • Frightened darkness.
  • The moon's blemishes.
  • A contracting sea entering the ears.
  • Night following the moon-like face.
  • The Kavalaya creeper climbing mountains to see the face more radiant than the moon.
  • The Krishna-chitrakata creeper, whose beauty doesn't diminish even when adored by the gazes of the three worlds.
  • The Yamuna river, residing on Rishabha's head as hair, having been invigorated by the sight of the Ganga in Shiva's matted locks on Kailash.
  • Bows of virtue, symbolizing the victory over enemies like anger, hatred, and delusion, with the hair clusters being quivers on his shoulders.
  • The hair forming a net that frightens the noose-like ear ornaments during his initiation.

• Rishabhakuntala-Ashtaka (Eight verses on Rishabha's hair): Composed in the Vasantatilaka meter, the author is unknown. This hymn also uses similes for Rishabha's hair, comparing it to:

  • An emblem of victory over passions like pride, Kāmadeva, and elephant-like arrogance.
  • A swarm of bees attracted to the fragrance of the lotus-like face.
  • A decorative garland around the heart, which is the home.
  • A stream of smoke rising from the fire of meditation within.
  • The blackness of scars from the burden of asceticism on his shoulders.
  • A cloud bank near Mount Meru, contrasting with his golden complexion.
  • The moon's blemishes, imprinted on the face.
  • The wealth of the goddess of asceticism, which finds refuge in the body, with the hair on the shoulders looking like the jeweled earth of emeralds.

The document also discusses the possible authorship and dating of these hymns. The manuscripts are from the Manuscript Library of Ladha Sanskrit Vidyamandir. The author suggests that Vibudhapravasuri, possibly dating back to the 13th century, might be the author of the Panchavimshatika. The Ashtaka also appears to be from the 13th century or later. The document includes footnotes that cite other Jain literary works and scholars to support the historical and literary context.

In essence, the text presents two valuable and hitherto unpublished hymns that poetically explore the physical attributes of Lord Rishabha, specifically his hair, through a rich tapestry of metaphors and similes, reflecting deep devotional and philosophical insights.