Kalyanmandir Stotra

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Kalyanmandir Stotra: A Summary

The "Kalyanmandir Stotra," authored by Acharya Kumudchandra and translated/annotated by Pandit Kamalkumar Shastri, is presented as a profound and highly revered Jain devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Parshvanatha. The text emphasizes the importance of devotion (bhakti) within Jainism, viewing it as a path to spiritual liberation and the attainment of virtues like equanimity, knowledge, and freedom from suffering.

Key Themes and Concepts:

• The Nature of Devotion (Bhakti): The stotra highlights that true devotion arises from an appreciation of the qualities of the divine, particularly the state of liberation from passions like attachment (raga) and aversion (dvesha). This appreciation leads to a desire to emulate these virtues. Devotion is seen as encompassing various forms like faith, prayer, praise, respect, veneration, and worship.
• The Goal of Devotion: The ultimate purpose of devotion, as explained in the introduction, is for the devotee to attain the same qualities of freedom from suffering and spiritual attainment as the object of their devotion (the Tirthankara).
• The Power of Remembering the Divine: The stotra emphasizes that even the mere remembrance or contemplation of the Tirthankaras, particularly Lord Parshvanatha, has transformative power. This remembrance purifies the mind, leads to auspicious thoughts, helps in accumulating merit, and reduces the impact of negative karma.
• Overcoming Suffering: A central theme is the ability of devotion to alleviate worldly suffering. The stotra uses powerful metaphors, comparing the effect of remembering Lord Parshvanatha to:
  • Serpents being detached from sandal trees when a peacock arrives.
  • Metals being purified by fire to become gold.
  • The burning of karma through auspicious thoughts.
  • The destruction of the influence of negative actions and afflictions.
• Lord Parshvanatha as the "Temple of Welfare": The stotra's very name, "Kalyanmandir," signifies Lord Parshvanatha as a "temple of welfare" or a source of auspiciousness and liberation. He is described as the giver of refuge, the destroyer of sins, and a boat for those drowning in the ocean of existence.
• The Significance of "Kamath's Arrogance": The stotra frequently refers to Lord Parshvanatha as "Kamatha's arrogance cometer" (Kamath-smay-dhumketuh). This alludes to the mythological story of Kamath, who, due to his envy and arrogance, tormented Lord Parshvanatha. Lord Parshvanatha's overcoming these torments demonstrates his divine qualities and the futility of negative actions against the virtuous.
• The Miraculous Nature of the Stotra: The text includes accounts of the stotra's miraculous origins and powers. It is mentioned that Acharya Kumudchandra composed it during a time of adversity and, through its power, invoked a divine image from a pillar, showcasing the efficacy of Jain scriptures and devotion.
• Attribution and Controversy: The introduction discusses the differing attributions of the stotra between the Digambara and Shvetambara traditions. While Shvetambaras attribute it to Siddhasena Divakara, Digambaras credit Acharya Kumudchandra, citing verses that mention the suffering of Lord Parshvanatha from the demon Kamath, which aligns more with Digambara traditions.
• The Role of Mantras, Rddhis, and Yantras: The book provides detailed sections on the specific mantras, rddhis (supernatural powers), and yantras (sacred diagrams) associated with each verse of the stotra. These are presented as tools for deepening devotion and achieving specific benefits or protections.
• The Puja (Worship) of the Stotra: A significant portion of the text is dedicated to the "Kalyanmandir Stotra Puja," attributed to Shri Devendrakirti. This outlines the ritualistic procedures for worshipping the stotra, including specific offerings, mantras, and a particular process for establishing the deity's presence.
• The "Yantra, Mantra, Guna va Phal Vivaran" Section: This section details the specific benefits and outcomes associated with reciting the stotra with its accompanying rddhis and mantras for each verse. These benefits range from material gains like wealth and success in business to protection from fears, diseases, and enemies, as well as spiritual progress and liberation. It also includes illustrative examples of how these practices have yielded positive results.
• Sadhan Vidhi (Method of Practice): Comprehensive instructions are provided for the proper practice of mantra Japa, emphasizing aspects like faith, concentration, purity of mind and body, secrecy, and adherence to specific rituals and timings.

In essence, the "Kalyanmandir Stotra" is presented not just as a devotional text but as a powerful spiritual practice that can lead to the eradication of suffering, the attainment of divine virtues, and ultimately, liberation. The accompanying rituals, mantras, and descriptions of benefits aim to guide the devotee on this path, highlighting the profound impact of unwavering faith and devotion to Lord Parshvanatha.