Jinstuti

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jinstuti" by Jaggatchandravijay, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Jinstuti (Prayer to the Jinas) Author: Muni Jaggatchandravijayganni Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229646/1

Overall Purpose:

The "Jinstuti" is a devotional hymn or prayer addressed to the Jinas (Tirthankaras), specifically focusing on their exalted qualities and seeking their protection and blessings. The text uses a unique and intricate method of word construction based on the Gujarati alphabet (specifically, the consonants and their associated vowels, forming a "barakhadi" style of expression) to praise the Jinas.

Key Themes and Praises of the Jina:

The primary focus of the prayer is to laud the Jina's supreme attributes, often derived by combining letters from the alphabet to create descriptive epithets. These praises highlight:

• Eternality and Non-Birth: The Jina is addressed as "Aj" (अज), meaning unborn and eternal. This is explained as someone who is not born, signifying their liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
• Non-Attachment (Vitaraaga): The Jina is referred to as "Vitaraaga," indicating their complete detachment from worldly passions and desires.
• Cosmic Significance: The Jina is compared to the sun ("Kha-ga," खग), illuminating the universe.
• Destroyer of Sins and Karma: The prayer describes the Jina as the "breaker" (छेदक) of the path to sins ("Agha," अघ) and the "possessor of the group of sins" (अघङचछः). They are also described as being free from the bondage of karma ("Ajho," अझः).
• Control over Desires: The Jina is praised for stopping the "wind" of worldly desires ("Añjaṭa," अञट), indicating their mastery over sensual impulses.
• Perfection and Absence of Flaws: The Jina is depicted as devoid of ignorance ("aṇam," अणम) and anger ("krodho," क्रोधो).
• Radiance and Auspicious Signs: They are described as famous like the moon's disc ("Dhaṇḍo," ढो) and possessor of auspicious marks like those found in palmistry ("Thyudadhiḥ," थ्युदधिः), implying they are a repository of all good qualities.
• Bestower of Ultimate Fruits: The Jina is the one who grants the "fruit" of a noble and powerful disposition ("Nip-phaḥ," निपफः) and leads to prosperity and well-being.
• Liberator from Suffering: They are described as someone from whom suffering (Klesha) does not arise ("Babhuḥ," बाभूः) and who eradicates great fears from the earth ("Yaaralaḥ," यारलः).
• Source of Supreme Bliss and Wealth: The Jina is the embodiment of supreme happiness and prosperity ("Shansasaḥ," शंषसः), the true Lakshmi or fortune.

Method of Composition:

A noteworthy aspect of this text is its ingenious construction. The author, Muni Jaggatchandravijayganni, has creatively used the letters of the Gujarati alphabet (specifically, the consonants and vowels, as seen in the first verse with phrases like "कुखग़ों घङचछो जा | झो जट' ठो' ड ढाण ते । (तैः) थ्यु दधि' निप फो' बा भू' । माँया र लो' व' शं ष स ॥") to form descriptive terms praising the Jina. Page 2 explicitly mentions that this "short composition" (लघुरचना) was found on a fragment of an old manuscript, and though the original author is unknown, its literary brilliance inspired its editing and presentation. The text highlights how meaning can be extracted from the "barakhadi" (the sequence of consonants with vowels), showcasing the author's profound creativity and understanding of the alphabet.

Emotional Tone:

The prayer carries a tone of deep reverence, admiration, and supplication. The repeated addresses to the Jina ("Hey Aj," "Hey Ajata," "Hey Prabhu") convey a strong sense of devotion and reliance on the divine being.

Significance:

This "Jinstuti" stands out for its unique approach to devotional poetry. It demonstrates how linguistic creativity can be employed to articulate profound spiritual concepts and praises. It serves as an example of the rich tradition of Jain literature that often explores intricate wordplay and symbolic meanings to convey spiritual truths.

In essence, the "Jinstuti" is a beautifully crafted hymn that celebrates the Jina as an eternal, pure, all-knowing, and benevolent being who has overcome all worldly attachments and suffering, and who is the ultimate source of liberation and bliss.