Munivarsurveli

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Munivarsurveli" by Kalyankirtivijay, based on the provided text:

Title: Munivarsurveli (The Garland of Ascetic Verses)

Author: Mahopadhyaya Shri Sakalchandraji Gani

Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan

Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229463/1

Introduction:

"Munivarsurveli" is a devotional composition by the renowned Mahopadhyaya Shri Sakalchandraji Gani, who is also celebrated as the author of the "Sattarvedi Puja." As the name suggests, this work is a garland of verses (Surveli) dedicated to various ascetics (Munivars) and great female ascetics (Mahasatis) who lived during the eras of the 24 Tirthankaras.

Content and Structure:

The text draws upon various Jain scriptures like the Thanaanga, Bhagavati Sutra, Jnatadharma-katha, Antagada-dasa, and Isibhashitai to enumerate the number of Ganadharas (chief disciples) and monks during the reigns of the 24 Tirthankaras.

• Focus on Early Tirthankaras: It pays homage to the countless kings who attained liberation or attained the highest heavens (Anuttara-viman) from the lineage of Lord Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankara. It also praises many virtuous ascetics, nuns, and Mahasatis from the times of the other 23 Tirthankaras.
• Mahavir Swami's Lineage: The work specifically commends the lineage of ascetics from Mahavir Swami, extending up to Sthavir Bhagwant Shri Devardhigani Kshama-shraman.
• Devotional Salutations: The concluding verses offer salutations by name to the 20 Viharman Jinēshvaras (Tirthankaras currently living in the world) and conclude with salutations to Acharya Shri Duppasah Suri Maharaj, who lived at the end of the fifth era.
• Structure and Language: The "Surveli" is structured into 21 "Dhal" (sections or stanzas), containing a total of 144 verses (Kadi). It is interspersed with sweet Prakrit verses (Gatha). Notably, the sixth Dhal is entirely in Prakrit, and the final Dhal is in Sanskrit. There are a total of 16 Prakrit verses.
• Manuscript Details: The manuscript consists of 8 folios and its writing is recorded to have occurred on Kartik Sudī 15, V.S. 1682, as indicated by the colophon at the end.

Key Themes and Highlights:

• Praise of Asceticism: The central theme is the veneration of spiritual aspirants who have renounced worldly pleasures and dedicated themselves to the path of liberation.
• Enumeration of Ascetics: A significant portion of the text is dedicated to listing and praising the vast numbers of ascetics who achieved spiritual eminence under different Tirthankaras. This includes the number of Ganadharas and monks, often in the lakhs (hundreds of thousands).
• Specific Examples: While the text generally enumerates, it also highlights significant ascetics and their achievements, such as:
  • The 84,000 Ganadharas and 84,000 monks during Rishabhdev's time.
  • The 84,000 sons of Rishabhdev, including Bharata and Bahubali, who attained liberation.
  • Ascetics like Mrigaputra, Srenika's queens, and many others who renounced wealth and worldly attachments.
  • The emphasis on the attainment of Kevala Jnana (omniscience) and liberation (Sivaga/Moksha).
• Devotional Tone: The verses express deep devotion and reverence towards the Tirthankaras and the ascetics who followed their teachings. The opening verses invoke Saraswati and seek her blessings for pure intellect.
• Philosophical Underpinnings: The text subtly alludes to core Jain philosophies like the importance of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct, renunciation of passions, and the ultimate goal of Moksha.
• Call to Renunciation: The verses often encourage the reader to contemplate the impermanence of worldly life, the suffering of lower states of existence, and to adopt the path of asceticism for spiritual upliftment.

Conclusion:

"Munivarsurveli" is a valuable work in Jain literature that serves as a historical and devotional account of the spiritual lineage and the immense number of ascetics who graced the Jain tradition across various Tirthankara eras. It is a testament to the profound impact of renunciation and spiritual discipline in the Jain path.