Kalyansagarsuri Krut Bhagavadgita Kinva Bhakti Sahityani Samiksha - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Kalyansagarsuri krut Bhagavadgita Kinva Bhakti Sahityani Samiksha" by Hiralal R. Kapadia, based on the provided pages:

This document is a scholarly review and analysis of the literary works of Acharya Shri Kalyansagar Surishwarji, a prominent figure of the Vidhipaksh Gachch. The review is penned by Prof. Hiralal R. Kapadia and is presented as part of the "Shri Arya Kalyan Gautam Smruti Granth."

The author begins by acknowledging the receipt of a book containing various Sanskrit works of Shri Kalyansagarji, including devotional literature and stotras (hymns/prayers), along with their Gujarati translations. The book also includes works by other scholars like Shri Dharmaghosha Suri and Malukchand Veerchand. The author expresses his gratitude to Muni Shri Kalaprabhasagarji for sending the book and for inspiring him to undertake this review.

Overview of Shri Kalyansagar Surishwarji's Works:

Shri Kalyansagar Surishwarji was a prolific writer in both Sanskrit and Gujarati. His literary contributions include:

Grammatical Works: He authored "Mitralinga Kosh" or "Lingānushāsan" in Sanskrit, intended for his disciple Vinaysagar, and also provided a Sanskrit commentary on it.
Chitra Stotras: He is known to have composed "Chitra Stotras" (pictorial hymns), which are believed to be embellished with poetic elements of devotional literature. Unfortunately, no manuscripts of these have been found despite existing copies being written.
Devotional Literature (Stotras and Stavanas): The core of this review focuses on the available devotional works of Shri Kalyansagarji. The author has been able to identify and analyze twenty stotras/stavanas and a "1000 Namavali" (list of 1000 names) dedicated to Parshvanatha.

Specific Works Reviewed and Their Analysis:

The review then delves into a detailed analysis of several of these devotional works, providing insights into their content, structure, meter, poetic devices, and historical context. Key aspects discussed for each work include:

Number of Verses and Meter: The author meticulously notes the number of verses in each composition and identifies the various Sanskrit meters (chandas) employed, such as Upendravajra, Anushtubh, Aryā, Indravajra, Mālinī, Śikhariṇī, Sragdhara, Vasanta Tilaka, Shārdūlavikriḍita, and many others, highlighting Shri Kalyansagarji's mastery over a diverse range of meters, including some less common ones.
Subject Matter: The compositions are categorized based on the Tirthankara they are dedicated to, primarily Rishabhadeva, Sambhavanatha, Suvidhinatha, Shantinatha, and Parshvanatha. Parshvanatha receives the most extensive coverage with numerous stotras dedicated to his various forms and epithets associated with different places.
Poetic Devices (Alankaras): The review points out the prevalent use of Rupaka (metaphor) as a primary poetic device, alongside Utpreksha (poetic fancy), Upama (simile), and Shlesha (pun).
Self-Reference: The author observes that Shri Kalyansagarji rarely referred to himself as "Suri" (a title of respect) in his compositions, except for in the "Suvidhinatha Stavana" and "Serisa Parshvanatha Stavana." This observation helps in dating some of the works, suggesting they were composed between VS 1642 and 1718.
Compositional Locations: While the exact location for many compositions is not specified, the author makes educated guesses based on the content and references to places, such as Vadodara for the Dada Parshvanatha Stavana.
Detailed Analysis of Selected Stotras:
- Manikya Swami Stuti (Rishabhadeva): This eighteen-verse composition is analyzed for its meter, content including details about Rishabhadeva's parents, tutelary deities, emblem (Vrishabha), and physical attributes.
- Suryapuri Sambhavanatha Stotra: This eleven-verse work is discussed for its meters and descriptions of Sambhavanatha's physical appearance and epithets like "jewel of Surat." The author also notes the mention of "Kalyanasagar" as the father's name.
- Sambhavanatha Ashtaka: This work, despite its name, has nine verses. It's noted for its use of metaphors and mentions of Sambhavanatha's lineage (Ikshvaku) and mother (Sena).
- Siteterpuriya Suvidhinatha Stavana: This is the shortest work with six verses. It's significant for containing the earliest explicit mention of "Kalyansuri," helping to date the composition.
- Shantinatha Stotra and Shantinatha Stavana: These works are detailed, discussing their meters, verses, and descriptions of Shantinatha's attributes, including his victory over enemies and divine knowledge. The author also notes the implicit mention of the father's name as "Kushalasagar" (a synonym for Kalyan).
- Parshva Jin Stavana, Serisa Parshvanatha Stotra, Vadapadriya Dada Parshvanatha Stavana, Madhura Parshvanatha Stavana, Alvariya Ravana Parshvanatha Stavana, Lodana Parshvanatha Stavana: These numerous stotras dedicated to various forms of Parshvanatha are systematically analyzed. The review highlights their meters, the specific epithets of Parshvanatha, the divine attendants (Yakshas and Goddesses like Padmavati) mentioned, and the geographical locations associated with these forms. The author also points out instances where the author's name or father's name is subtly indicated.
- Parshva Sahasranama Stotra: This extensive work comprises 150 verses, mostly in Anushtubh meter. It details the structure of the thousand names attributed to Parshvanatha, categorizing them into sections like Vitragashataka, Atmashataka, etc. The author notes the inclusion of praises for his guru, Dharmamurti Suri, and the fulfillment of the promise to praise Parshvanatha with 1008 names. The dating of this work is linked to a pilgrimage in VS 1996.
- Chintamani Parshvanatha Samstavana: This eleven-verse composition focuses on the Chintamani form of Parshvanatha, with mentions of his attributes and a detailed description of meditation practices. The author notes the absence of explicit self-reference by the author in this work.
- Virāshtaka and Satya Puriya Vir Stavana: These works are dedicated to Mahavir Swami. The Virashtaka is noted for its nine verses, all in Vasanta Tilaka meter, and the clear mention of "Kalyansagar Suri" in the final verse. The Satya Puriya Vir Stavana is a longer composition of 25 verses, praising Mahavir Swami and noting his significance as an adornment of Satya Pura.

Broader Context of Devotional Literature:

The author also places these compositions within the wider context of Jain devotional literature, referencing other important works and scholars. He emphasizes that while praise of the desired deity (Paramatma) is common, the review focuses on the specific contributions of Shri Kalyansagarji in terms of his rich Sanskrit vocabulary, abundance of metaphors, and ability to craft short, impactful verses. The definition of Paramatma in Jain philosophy (both liberated souls and Tirthankaras) is also clarified.

In essence, the document is a comprehensive academic survey, providing a detailed textual and historical analysis of the devotional poetry of Shri Kalyansagar Surishwarji, illuminating his literary skill and his contribution to Jain bhakti (devotional) literature.