Kapardi Yaksharaj Stotra

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Kapardi Yaksharaj Stotra" by Amrut Patel, based on the provided PDF pages:

Title: Shri Kapardi Yaksharaj Stotra Author: Mantri Isvara Vastupal Publisher: Z_Nirgrantha_1_022701.pdf, Nirgrantha_2_022702.pdf, Nirgrantha_3_022703.pdf Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/249345/1

Overview and Authorship:

The text is identified as a less-known composition by Mantri Isvara Vastupal, a prominent minister and patron of art and culture. The introduction highlights the use of various poetic ornaments (alankars) like Anupras, Arthantaranyas Yamak, Apahnututi, Akshep, Dwitiya Ullakh, and Yamak, indicating a high level of literary skill.

The manuscript of this stotra is preserved in the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Bharatiya Sanskriti Vidyamandir, dated Vikram Samvat 1357 (1301 CE). It is found alongside a stotra dedicated to Ambika Devi, which begins with the words "Mahamatya Vastupal virachit Pushya Parish." This close association, along with stylistic and lexical similarities between the two stotras, strongly suggests that this Kapardi Yaksharaj Stotra is indeed a creation of Vastupal.

Context and Inspiration:

The accompanying text narrates an incident that likely inspired this stotra. After completing his pilgrimage to the holy Shatrunjay mountain, Vastupal commenced the construction of a temple for Kapardi Yaksha. During the excavation for the temple, a serpent emerged, drawing a crowd. Vastupal arrived, heard about the situation, and offered praise to Kapardi Yaksha, reciting verses that included the line "Chintamani na ganayami na kalpayami" (I do not count the wish-fulfilling jewel, nor do I consider the wish-fulfilling tree). This act pleased Kapardi Yaksha.

Key Themes and Content of the Stotra:

The stotra, composed in the Vasantatilaka meter with 10 verses, extols the virtues and powers of Kapardi Yaksha. The summary and translation of the verses reveal the following:

• Divine Protection and Victory: The first verse prays for the victory of Kapardi Yaksha on Shatrunjay, highlighting his dedication to worshipping the first Tirthankara, Rishabhdev. He is described as adept at providing safety and refuge to those afflicted by obstacles and as a protector of the entire Jain community through his immense power.
• Dispeller of Darkness and Misery: Verse 2 states that those who perceive Kapardi Yaksha within their hearts, shining like the sun on a clear day, will find that the terrible darkness of poverty does not enter their homes.
• Renunciation of Worldly Desires: Verse 3 expresses the devotee's complete detachment from worldly desires and possessions. The devotee declares they do not seek the Chintamani jewel, the Kalpa-vriksha tree, or the wish-fulfilling cow. Their sole devotion is to Kapardi Yaksha, whom they serve continuously.
• Enduring Power in the Kali Yuga: Verse 4 acknowledges the diminishing influence of divine powers in the Kali Yuga but asserts the clear and lasting power of Kapardi Yaksha, comparing it to the unyielding coolness of the Himalayas even when the summer sun heats the earth.
• Purification through Devotion: Verse 5 describes how the devotees' sins are erased through the fragrant smoke of aloes during the worship of Kapardi Yaksha, who is their constant refuge.
• Guardian of Pilgrimage Routes: Verse 6 portrays Kapardi Yaksha as the helmsman for those undertaking pilgrimages. He protects them from dangers like serpents and the tumultuous waves of the ocean of existence (Bhavasagar).
• Source of Wealth, Sight, and Happiness: Verse 7 extols Kapardi Yaksha as the true source of wealth for the poor, restoring sight to those afflicted with cataracts (Kshirachakshu), bringing health to the sick, and providing unbroken happiness to the sorrowful.
• Nourisher of Jainism: Verse 8 likens Kapardi Yaksha's gaze to a shower of nectar that revives the garden of Jainism, eradicating the negative karmas and calming the turbulent mind.
• Protection from Fears: Verse 9 highlights the auspiciousness of the Yaksha's toenail clippings, which, like new sprouts, adorn the heads of devotees and ward off fears of serpents, elephants, poison, fever, plagues, and lions.
• Bestowal of Auspiciousness: Verse 10 concludes by stating that this praise of the Yaksha-lord, brilliant with the pure qualities of devotion, removes sins and brings great celebration to the entire community.

Comparison with Ambika Stotra and Shared Characteristics:

The introduction meticulously compares the Kapardi Yaksharaj Stotra with the accompanying Ambika Stotra, emphasizing their shared authorship by Vastupal due to:

• Meter: Both stotras consist of 10 verses written in the Vasantatilaka meter.
• Stylistic Peculiarities: Specific stylistic features are noted in verse 7 of the Kapardi stotra and verse 6 of the Ambika stotra.
• Mentions of Pilgrimages: Both stotras refer to the pilgrimages to Girnar and Shatrunjay (verse 8 of Kapardi stotra and verse 6 of Ambika stotra).
• Literary Beauty: A shared sense of poetic beauty and aesthetic appeal is observed in both.
• Abundant Use of Anupras and Yamak: Both stotras are rich in alliteration and rhyming patterns.
• Lexical and Conceptual Similarities: Specific phrases and ideas are shown to be common, such as the lines related to dispelling poverty and protecting the Jain faith, reinforcing the attribution to Vastupal.

Conclusion:

The "Kapardi Yaksharaj Stotra" is a significant devotional composition attributed to the renowned minister Vastupal. It praises the Yaksha's power to protect devotees, bestow blessings, and uphold the Jain faith. The stotra's literary merit, coupled with its historical context and stylistic parallels with another known work of Vastupal, strongly supports its attribution to him.