Nandishwar Stotram

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, the "Nandishwar Stotram" by Shilchandrasuri, based on the text you've given:

Book Title: Nandishwar Stotram Author: Shilchandrasuri (though the text also notes the author is unknown for one version) Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229295/1

Summary of the "Nandishwar Stotram":

The "Nandishwar Stotram" is a Jain hymn that extols the spiritual significance and architectural grandeur of Nandishwar Island, a celestial realm described in Jain cosmology. The text provides a detailed, albeit poetic, description of this island and its sacred structures.

Key Points from the Text:

• Jain Cosmology: The introduction highlights Jain geography, which posits an Earth composed of innumerable islands and oceans. Nandishwar Island is identified as the eighth island in this series, surrounded by alternating islands and oceans.
• Nandishwar Island's Geography: The island is characterized by:
  • Mountains: Four "Anjanagiri" mountains (one in each cardinal direction), sixteen "Dadhivmukha" mountains, and thirty-two "Ratika" mountains.
  • Pushkarinis (Lotus Ponds): Sixteen major Pushkarinis are mentioned, each adorned with a Jinachaitra (temple) on its respective mountain.
• Sacred Jinapratimas: Within these 52 Jinachaitras (4+16+32), eternal (Shashwati) Jinapratimas (images of Jinas) are enshrined, accompanied by their attendant deities.
• Architectural Replica: The text states that replicas of these 52 temples on Nandishwar Island have been built by Jains in various villages and pilgrimage sites, and continue to be constructed. Examples of places where such replicas are found include Palitana (Shatrunjaya), Taranga, and Ahmedabad, as well as smaller structures in Rajasthan. Stone and painted panels depicting these temples are also available in many locations.
• Origin of the Stotram: The specific version presented here is attributed to Shilchandrasuri, although the introduction also mentions that the author of a very old version (around the 15th century) is unknown. The current text is a copy of an older manuscript obtained by Muni Shree Dhurandharvijayji.
• Details of the Stotram's Content:
  • The stotram begins with a salutation to the divine world and the victorious Jinas, stating the intention to praise Nandishwar's temples.
  • It describes Nandishwar Island as being 63 crore and 84 lakh yojanas in circumference and 84,000 yojanas in diameter (with variations in height and width).
  • The four Anjanagiri mountains are described as being 84,000 yojanas high and 1,000 yojanas wide, located in the cardinal directions.
  • The text then details the layers of the island, mentioning 10,000 yojanas of land, 4,900 yojanas of upper land, and 28,000 yojanas of dense forest.
  • Each of the four cardinal directions of the Anjanagiri mountains is described as having beautiful, resplendent, and naturally lit areas.
  • Around each Anjanagiri mountain, at a distance of 100,000 yojanas, there are Pushkarinis, each 100,000 yojanas wide, filled with pure, clear water.
  • The names of sixteen major Pushkarinis are listed: Nandisena, Amoha, Guptabha, Sudarshana, Nanduttara, Nanda, Sunanda, Nandivardhana, Bhadra, Visalabhumi, Dwadashi, Pundarikini, Vijaya, Vaijayanti, Jayanti, and Aparajita.
  • Beyond these Pushkarinis, at a distance of 500 yojanas, are extensive forests.
  • Specific directions from the Anjanagiri mountains are associated with particular groves: Ashoka Grove to the east, Shaptavarna Grove to the south, Champaka Grove to the west, and Sarvanubhuti Grove to the north.
  • The temples themselves are described as being 10,000 yojanas deep (height?) and 64,000 yojanas high, made of crystal, and situated in the middle of the Pushkarinis.
  • The sixteen Dadhivmukha mountains are situated on the Anjana and Dadhivmukha mountains, measuring 100 yojanas in length and half that in width, and are 200 yojanas high.
  • Each mountain has a Jinabhavana (temple) with decorative toranas (arches) and auspicious symbols.
  • These temples are associated with deities like Devas, Asuras, Nagas, and Suvarnas, who protect them.
  • The entrance to the temples is described, along with the architectural elements like kalasha (pots), mandapas (halls), and the placement of the pristine Jinapratimas on jeweled pedestals.
  • There are also Devachandas (small celestial shrines) around the temples, made of gems.
  • Inside these temples, the eternally existent Jinapratimas are seated, facing each other in pairs, along with representations of serpents, yakshas, and bhutas.
  • Other accompanying imagery includes figures holding chamaras (fly-whisks), umbrellas, bells, sandalwood pots, and offering flowers and auspicious items like chauris and umbrellas.
  • The text reiterates that between the Pushkarinis and further on, the 32 Ratika mountains are also adorned with Jinabhavanas.
  • These temples are worshipped and praised by celestial beings and auspicious entities.
  • The Ratika mountains are described as being 1,000 yojanas high and wide, adorned with jewels, and located in the intermediate directions.
  • At a distance of 100,000 yojanas in the four cardinal directions from these mountains, there are residences of Indra, comparable to Jambudweepa, along with their chief queens.
  • These residences are surrounded by shining gem-like enclosures, and within them are more temples with incomparable and extremely beautiful Jinapratimas.
  • The stotram concludes by summarizing the praise of the 52 temples on the mountains, and the salutation to the 32 (Ratika) and 16 (Dadhivmukha) mountains, and their respective deities.
  • The final line offers a blessing: "May it be auspicious for the Shri Sangha ( Jain community)."

In essence, the "Nandishwar Stotram" is a devotional hymn that serves as a guide to understanding and visualizing the divine Nandishwar Island, a central theme in Jain devotion and a model for terrestrial temple architecture. It emphasizes the presence of the Jinas and the celestial beings who serve them, highlighting the spiritual importance of these sacred sites.