Nana Chandomaya Shree Neminath Stavan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Nana Chandomaya Shree Neminath Stavan" by Vimalkirtivijay, based on the provided pages:

Title: Nana Chandomaya Shree Neminath Stavan (The Neminath Stavan Composed in Various Metres)

Author: Muni Vimalkirtivijay

Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan

Overall Nature of the Text:

This Jain text is a devotional hymn (Stavan) dedicated to Lord Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankara. Its defining characteristic is the extensive and skillful use of a wide variety of Sanskrit metres. The author, Muni Vimalkirtivijay, has meticulously woven these metres into the devotional verses, demonstrating a profound understanding of Sanskrit prosody (Chhandahshastra) and poetic artistry.

Key Features and Significance:

• Mastery of Metre: The core strength of this Stavan lies in its author's command over diverse Sanskrit metres. The text explicitly states that the author has used various metres and even incorporated their names within the verses themselves in different ways. This is a remarkable feat showcasing high literary and metrical skill.
• Variety of Metres: The Stavan employs both Matravritta (metres based on syllable duration or matras) and Varnavritta (metres based on the number of syllables or varnas). While Matravritta metres are used less frequently, specific examples include Pathyavakttra (verse 1), Aupacchandasaka (verse 4), Āpātalikā Aparāntikā (verse 7), and Aupacchandasaka-Aparāntikā (verse 11). The majority of the verses are composed in Varnavritta.
• Exceptional Metrical Complexity: The text highlights verse 42 as particularly remarkable, where the author has ingeniously used four different metres within the four lines of a single verse. This indicates an exceptional level of technical proficiency.
• Uncommon Metres: A significant aspect is the author's preference for less commonly used metres, which further emphasizes their expertise in the field of prosody and their ability to adapt these to devotional expression.
• Aesthetic and Emotional Depth: Beyond its technical brilliance, the Stavan is praised for its rich embellishments (alankaras) and profound emotional content (hardik bhavo), making it a beautiful and moving tribute to Lord Neminath.
• Inspiration from Hemachandracharya: The metres used are identified as being based on the authoritative treatise "Chhandonushasana" by Hemachandracharya, a renowned Jain scholar and grammarian.
• Assistance in Editing: Muni Kalyankirtivijay is acknowledged for assisting in the editing of this work.
• Dating and Presentation:
  • The Stavan is presented on a single page, with the handwriting described as beautiful, clear, and elegant.
  • There are minor inaccuracies ("saha-saj ashuddhi") in the manuscript.
  • Crucially, there is no explicit mention of the author's name or the year of composition. However, based on the handwriting style, it is estimated to have been written around the 16th century.
  • The last verse employs the "Lakshmi" metre. This has led to speculation that the author might have been a monk with a name related to "Lakshmi," such as "Lakshmikalyan" or "Lakshmikallol."

In essence, "Nana Chandomaya Shree Neminath Stavan" is a highly sophisticated and artistically crafted devotional work that celebrates Lord Neminath through a virtuoso display of diverse and often obscure Sanskrit metres. It stands as a testament to the author's profound knowledge of Jain philosophy, Sanskrit prosody, and poetic excellence.