Navfana Parshwanath Stava - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Navfana Parshwanath Stava" based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Navfana Parshwanath Stava (A Hymn to Navfana Parshwanath)

Author: Kalyankirtivijay (attributed)

Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan

Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229348/1

Overall Purpose and Content:

The "Navfana Parshwanath Stava" is a devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Parshwanath, specifically the form known as "Navfana Parshwanath" (meaning Parshwanath with nine hoods of a serpent). This particular form is depicted as being enshrined in the Mandalik Vasahi at Arbuda-achal (Mount Abu).

The most significant feature of this stava is its multilingual nature. It is composed in eight different languages, with each language having its own distinct meter (chhanda). Within each language section, there are three verses (shlokas), totaling 24 verses. The hymn concludes with a concluding verse (prashasti shlok) in Sanskrit. Thus, the entire stava comprises 25 verses.

Authorship and Attribution:

While no author is explicitly named as the "creator" in the introductory portion, the concluding prashasti shloka mentions the names "Kirtiratna" and "Kalyanchandra." Based on this, it is inferred that Kalyanchandra, a disciple of Kirtiratna, is likely the author of this stava.

Further evidence supporting this attribution comes from a reference in "A Concise History of Jain Literature" which mentions a Gujjar litterateur named Kalyanchandra in 1649. The estimated writing period of the manuscript is also the latter half of the 16th century, aligning with this identification.

Manuscript and Scholarly Work:

Manuscript Description: The manuscript itself appears to be a single leaf, with writing on both sides. The script is described as being in "beautiful, clean letters" and the style suggests it was written in the 16th century. Annotations and meanings of difficult words from the Shauraseni, Magadhi, Paishachi, and Chulika Paishachi language verses are provided in the margins, likely by the researcher. The condition of the manuscript is described as "excellent."
Research and Editing: The text has been researched and edited by Pandit Som Ganivar. This is indicated by a colophon at the end of the manuscript.

Structure and Languages:

The stava is structured with a specific meter for each of the eight languages. The verses are arranged in alphabetical order of the languages. The meters used are as follows:

Sanskrit: Drutavilambita (न-भ-भ-र)
Sam-Sanskrit-Prakrit: Nandini (स-ज-स-ज-ग)
Prakrit: Tabhajagaga (ऽऽ। । ।ऽ ।ऽ।ऽऽ)
Shauraseni: Malini (॥ ॥ 5ऽऽ ।ऽऽ ।ऽऽ)
Magadhi: Nanamajasaga (॥ ॥ 555 151 ||ऽऽ)
Paishachi: Jasajasayala (15। ॥5।।15 15ऽ ।ऽ)
Chulika Paishachi: Shardulavikridita (मसजसततग)
Apabhramsha: Vastu Chhanda (प्रत्येक चरण २८ मात्रानुं छे)

Note: The specific meter for the Magadhi language section was not identified.

Poetic Quality:

The introduction suggests that the author possessed a good command of both language and poetry, evident from the composition style and the poetic elements within the stava.

Summary of Verse Content (Based on provided text):

While a full translation is not provided, the excerpt gives glimpses into the devotional content:

Sanskrit Verses (4-6): Speak of the glory of Lord Parshwanath, who is worshipped by gods and humans, is detached from worldly pleasures, and possesses innumerable virtues. He is praised for his ability to destroy inner enemies and overcome the darkness of worldly existence.
Sam-Sanskrit-Prakrit Verses (7-9): Describe Lord Parshwanath's divine appearance, his serpentine hoods, and his compassionate nature. One verse compares the nine hoods to wish-fulfilling trees and treasures. Another highlights his merciful act of saving those in distress.
Prakrit Verses (10-12): Express the devotee's overwhelming joy and purification upon seeing Lord Parshwanath. They describe the Lord's presence as being on Arbuda-achal and depict him as fulfilling all desires.
Shauraseni Verses (13-15): Allude to the Lord's power to dispel darkness and bring light, likening him to the sun. They speak of his presence in the hearts of devotees and his ability to alleviate suffering.
Magadhi Verses (16-18): Detail the Lord's victory over the god of love and his devotees' devotion. They emphasize that even kings submit to him and that in times of distress, his devotees find refuge in him, leading to eternal happiness.
Paishachi Verses (19-21): Describe the Lord as a protector who has overcome all worldly attachments and desires. Devotees are encouraged to take refuge in him to escape the cycle of birth and death.
Chulika Paishachi Verses (22-24): Highlight the immense benefits of devotion to Lord Parshwanath, including worldly prosperity and ultimate liberation. Devotees engage in various austerities, meditation, and rituals to attain his sight, which is seen as the ultimate source of happiness.
Apabhramsha Verse (25): This is the concluding prashasti shloka, summarizing that Lord Parshwanath, praised in eight languages, is the ornament of Arbuda-achal. It mentions Kirtiratna and Kalyanchandra, indicating Kalyanchandra as the author and wishing blessings for the devotees.

In essence, the "Navfana Parshwanath Stava" is a scholarly and devotional work showcasing the grandeur of Lord Parshwanath through a unique multilingual composition, offering a rich insight into Jain devotional literature and linguistic diversity.