Mahavir Vinanti - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mahavir Vinanti" by Mehulprabhsagar, based on the provided content:

Book Title: Shri Mahavir Vinati (श्री महावीर विनती) Author: Jayasagaropadhyaya (जयसागरोपाध्याय) Publisher: Mehulprabhsagar (मेहुलप्रभसागर) Genre: Jain devotional poetry, specifically a Stavan (स्तवन - devotional song/hymn).

Overview:

"Shri Mahavir Vinati" is a devotional composition by the esteemed Jain scholar and monk, Jayasagaropadhyaya. It is presented as a stavan (devotional song) praising Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankar (spiritual teacher) in Jainism. The text emphasizes the importance of devotion to Tirthankaras for spiritual attainment, drawing parallels to the teachings in the Uttaradhyayana Sutra, which states that praising Tirthankaras leads to the acquisition of knowledge, perception, conduct, and spiritual understanding, ultimately paving the path to liberation (moksha) or heavenly abodes.

The stavan is written in the Apabhramsa language, noted for its lyrical beauty and simplicity, making it suitable for congregational singing. The author, Jayasagaropadhyaya, uses various metaphors and similes to describe the greatness of Lord Mahavir.

Key Themes and Content of the Stavan:

The stavan can be broadly summarized through its verses, which express profound devotion and a seeker's plea to Lord Mahavir:

Salutation and Invocation: The stavan begins with an invocation of victory to Lord Mahavir, who is served by the sixty-four Indras (celestial beings). The devotee bows at his feet for the removal of delusion and falsehood and for the attainment of welfare.
Lord Mahavir as a Source of Hope: Lord Mahavir is depicted as the sun that dispels the darkness of ignorance and the savior of souls wandering through countless lifetimes. He is presented as a source of hope and refuge for virtuous people.
Lord Mahavir as a Provider of Bliss and Welfare: He is described as a cloud that quenches the heat of all sorrows, a protector of the Great Vow of samvara (cessation of influx of karma), and a source of immense joy for the wise like peacocks in the rain. He is also seen as a creeper that nurtures the wealth of happiness and prosperity.
Confession and Plea for Grace: The devotee confesses to having engaged in deceit and falsehood due to being swayed by the flow of worldly life. They express their arrival at Lord Mahavir's feet and implore him to look upon them with kindness and gentle eyes, promising an end to their cycle of rebirth.
Acknowledgement of Suffering and Karma: The devotee reflects on the endless sorrows endured in the cycle of four births (heaven, hell, animal, human) due to faults. They express shame in recounting these miseries to the Lord, lamenting the inexorable force of karma.
The Illusory Nature of the World and the Power of Mohaniya Karma: The stavan highlights the transient and deceitful nature of worldly experiences, where one can be passionate one moment and detached the next, intoxicated or distressed. This is attributed to the deluding mohamiya karma (karma that causes delusion and passion). The devotee acknowledges the cyclical nature of existence, having traversed various realms, states, lineages, and families due to past karma.
The Lord as the Ultimate Refuge: The devotee expresses that after wandering through countless lives, they have found Lord Mahavir as their sole divine refuge. They have reached his lotus-like feet and implore him to ferry them across the ocean of worldly existence.
Desire for Spiritual Attainment: Citing the example of Sulsa, Revati, and Shrenik, who received great spiritual powers from Lord Mahavir, the devotee expresses a fervent desire to receive similar spiritual attainments, emphasizing that association with the Lord is never in vain.
Recollection of Lord Mahavir's Life Events: The stavan lists significant events in Lord Mahavir's life: his chyavana (descent from the highest heaven) on Ashadh Shuddhi Shasthi, his birth on Chaitra Shukla Trayodashi night, his acceptance of the ascetic vow on Margashirsha Krishna Dashami, his attainment of Kevalgyana (omniscience) on Vaishakh Shukla Dashami, and his marriage (union with the divine) on Kartik Amavasya.
A Final Devotional Wish: The devotee expresses a strong desire to catch a glimpse of the divine consort with whom Lord Mahavir united, and requests the Lord to fulfill this aspiration.
Conclusion of Devotion: The stavan concludes with the devotee stating that by praising Lord Mahavir in this manner, their entire day has become successful. Those who bow at his feet attain spiritual understanding and enjoy everlasting bliss.

Author Information (Page 2):

The text also provides a biographical sketch of the author, Upadhyaya Jayasagarji Maharaj:

Lineage and Discipleship: He was a prominent disciple of Acharya Jinrajsurishwarji Maharaj of the Khartargachha sect.
Academic and Spiritual Authority: He was honored with the title of Upadhyaya (a high-ranking scholar-monk) by Acharya Jinbhadrasurishwarji Maharaj, who recognized his vast knowledge and contributions to Jain literature.
Literary Contributions: Jayasagarji was a prolific writer, composing numerous works in Sanskrit, Prakrit, Apabhramsa, and Marugujara languages. His works include devotional hymns (stavans), commentaries (tikas), and treatises.
Life Events: He undertook a pilgrimage to Marukot in Samvat 1503. He played a significant role in spreading Jainism in regions like Sindh and Punjab. The text mentions a significant epistolary composition called "Vigyapti Triveni" written in Samvat 1484, which provides valuable historical and geographical information.
Family Background: He was the son of Asraj, who was the son of Khim Singh (a prominent lay follower) and his wife Sosu. His brother Mandalik was a patron of Jain temple construction.
Manuscript Details: The primary manuscript of "Shri Mahavir Vinati" was obtained from the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Bharatiya Vidya Mandir, Ahmedabad, and is dated Samvat 1515. The manuscript is a beautiful and legible copy, likely written by a learned monk.

Significance of the Work:

"Shri Mahavir Vinati" is a valuable contribution to Jain devotional literature. It reflects the deep reverence and spiritual aspirations of a devout Jain monk, offering solace, inspiration, and a path towards spiritual enlightenment for its readers and listeners. The lyrical quality of the Apabhramsa language further enhances its appeal as a devotional hymn.