Mahavir Parna Stavan

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mahavir Parna Stavan" based on the provided information:

Book Title: Mahavir Parna Stavan Authors: Munishri Suyashchandravijay, Munishri Sujaschandravijay Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan (presumably in the context of an academic journal or publication series called "Anusandhan") Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229459/1

Overall Context and Content:

The "Mahavir Parna Stavan" is a devotional hymn or praise song dedicated to Lord Mahavir, the 24th Jain Tirthankara. The primary theme of this stavan is the Parana (breaking of a fast) of Lord Mahavir. Specifically, it recounts the story of who performed the Parana after his choumasa (a four-month period of religious observance, often during the rainy season) and with what kind of sustenance.

Key Narratives and Themes:

• The Parana Story: The text highlights the story of the rich merchant Jiransheth and Puranaseth in relation to Lord Mahavir's fast. It addresses questions like:
  • Who performed the Parana after the choumasa fast?
  • With what substance was the fast broken?
• Jiransheth's Devotion and Misfortune: The stavan portrays Jiransheth's intense devotion and his anticipation of breaking Lord Mahavir's fast. However, it depicts him missing the opportunity. The narrative suggests that he was eager for the Lord to break his fast with him, but the Lord's path led him elsewhere. Jiransheth laments his misfortune, comparing himself to someone who cannot obtain a wish-fulfilling tree or is in a desolate land. He feels his desires remained unfulfilled, much like a poor person's thoughts.
• Puranaseth's Act of Devotion: The stavan then introduces Puranaseth, who is credited with actually performing the Parana. The story recounts how Lord Mahavir, in his search for alms (gochari), arrived in Vishalpur. Jiransheth, waiting at home, encounters the Lord but, in a moment of hesitation or miscalculation, does not offer the alms. Meanwhile, Puranaseth, described as a follower of the Jain dharma, recognizes the Lord.
• The Substance of the Parana: The text describes that the Parana was performed with a particular substance, and there is a discussion about whether it was grains (ann) or milk-like substance (kheer). The narrative suggests that while Jiransheth believed the Lord was offered grains, Puranaseth stated he provided milk (kheer).
• Divine Recognition and Rewards: The stavan depicts divine celebrations, including the sounding of celestial drums and a shower of gold (Hemavrushti) amounting to twelve and a half crores. This divine recognition is bestowed upon Puranaseth, signifying the merit of his act.
• The Superiority of Puranaseth's Deed: The local king and the people recognize Puranaseth's elevated status due to his act of devotion. Even a Kevali (omniscient being) confirms Puranaseth's merit and explains that the divine shower of gold was for him. The king honors Jiransheth but acknowledges that Puranaseth is the one who performed the act with Lord Mahavir.
• The Principle of Donation: The stavan concludes with a moral lesson: "Donation to a worthy recipient is never fruitless. Donation made to a mendicant, as for Jiransheth (though he missed the opportunity), bears fruit." The text emphasizes the importance of donating to worthy recipients, citing the example of the "Muni Mal" (likely referring to the author or a revered figure) bowing to those who donated to Lord Mahavir.
• The Concept of Anumodana (Endorsement/Appreciation): The text also mentions the virtue of appreciating or endorsing the good deeds of others.

Linguistic and Stylistic Features:

• Authorial Influence: The text mentions that the authors, Munishri Suyashchandravijay and Munishri Sujaschandravijay, have described the events beautifully.
• Linguistic Peculiarities: The summary notes the frequent use of "s" instead of "sh" and the liberal use of anusvara (the nasalization mark) throughout the text.
• Textual Variations: The summary points out a potential error in Gatha 29 where the word "dan" (donation) might have been omitted due to an error in transcription. It also notes that in Gatha 30, the reading "daan tani anumodana ji" is found in a different manuscript (Nemivignan Kastursuri Bhandar, Surat) and is considered more beautiful.

Historical Context and Authorship:

• Munishri Mal: The text mentions a prominent poet named Munishri Mal from the Lokagachchha tradition, active in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. He authored several other works, including "Ashadhbhuti Chopai," "Elachikumar Chha Dhalio," "Ishukar-Kamlavati nu Chha Dhalio," and "Chha Bhaino Ras."
• Potential Confusion: The summary notes that the name "Malmuni" appearing in different contexts can cause confusion, citing the example of a poem composed by a "Malmuni" in 1663.
• Authorship of the Stavan: The stavan does not provide information about the gachchha (sect) or gurus other than the names of the authors. It is suggested that if "Munishri Mal" is the author, then it would be considered a work of the Lokagachchha, but further scholarly input is needed.

Manuscript Information:

• Primary Manuscript: The work is based on a manuscript from the Jiravala ji Bhandar (Ghatkopar).
• Secondary Manuscript: A second manuscript exists in the Nemivignan-Kastursuri ji Bhandar, Surat. However, this manuscript is noted as being impure, and only the main textual variations have been recorded.
• Acknowledgement: The authors express gratitude to the caretakers of the Bhandars for providing the manuscripts.

Cover Illustration:

The cover illustrations are based on the famous "Madhu Bindu" (Drop of Honey) parable. This parable illustrates the illusory nature of worldly attachments and the ignorance of those engrossed in sensual pleasures, even when faced with imminent danger. The illustrations depict a man enjoying honey while oblivious to the dangers around him, such as snakes waiting below and an elephant trying to uproot the tree he is on. One illustration is from a 16th-century manuscript, and the other is an inlay artwork on the wall of a Jain temple in Kolhapur.

In essence, "Mahavir Parna Stavan" is a rich devotional narrative that, through the story of Jiransheth and Puranaseth, not only commemorates a significant event in Lord Mahavir's life but also imparts timeless lessons on devotion, the consequences of actions, and the virtue of appreciating good deeds.