Neminath Stavan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Neminath Stavan" by Prashamchandravijay, based on the given pages:

Overview of "Neminath Stavan"

"Neminath Stavan" is a lyrical composition that focuses on the life and teachings of Lord Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankara in Jainism. The author, Munishri Prashamchandravijay, highlights that Lord Neminath is a central figure in Jain narrative literature, appearing in various forms from extensive biographies like "Trishashtishalakapurushcharitra" to smaller works like "Baramasa" and "Stavan." This particular work is a poetic rendition of Neminath's life, skillfully weaving together significant events.

Key Themes and Events Depicted:

The "Stavan" poetically narrates several pivotal moments in Neminath's life, including:

• Krishna's Efforts to Persuade Neminath to Marry: The text details the dialogue between Krishna's wife and Neminath, as Krishna tries to convince him to marry.
• Neminath's Silent Consent and Renunciation: A significant event is Neminath's silent agreement, followed by his immediate decision to renounce worldly life after hearing the cries of the animals destined for his wedding feast.
• Rajul's Lament: The sorrowful lament of Rajul (Rukmini), Neminath's intended bride, is also a prominent theme, capturing her grief and the emotional turmoil of his departure.
• Neminath's Enlightenment and Path to Liberation: The "Stavan" emphasizes Neminath's pursuit of spiritual liberation and his ultimate attainment of it, along with Rajul.

Author and Context:

The preface notes that the work is attributed to Munishri Prashamchandravijay. He was a disciple of Upadhyaya Lavanyavijayaji, who in turn was the successor of Vijaydevsuriji of the TapaGachchha tradition. While the author's detailed biography is not available, a colophon from a manuscript dated Samvat 1733 mentions his guru, Upadhyaya Lavanyavijay, suggesting the author lived around that period. The quality of the writing is praised for its lack of errors or linguistic inaccuracies, attributed to it being the author's own hand.

Literary Style and Structure:

The "Stavan" is written in poetic verses and employs various "dhals" (melodies or meters) such as "Saring," "Ramgiri," "Phagni," "Kafi," and "Godi," indicating a traditional devotional song structure. The language is Gujarati, and the verses are composed with devotional fervor, aiming to inspire the listener and reader.

Specific Verses and Narratives:

• Page 1: Introduces the work and its author, highlighting Neminath's significance in Jain literature. It sets the tone for a devotional exploration of his life. The initial verses offer prayers and invoke the blessings of the divine.
• Page 2: Begins the narrative proper, describing Neminath as the 22nd Tirthankara, the repository of chastity, and the sustainer of the world. It introduces Rajul and her eventual renunciation. The narrative then shifts to the city of Shauripura, where King Samudravijaya resides, and introduces Neminath as the son of Shivadevi. The verses depict his youth and his parents' desire for him to marry.
• Page 2 (cont.) & Page 3: This section details the conversation between Neminath and Krishna. Neminath expresses his disinterest in worldly marriage, stating his preference for liberation and the eternal union with the soul. Krishna's wife and other women try to persuade him, emphasizing the joys of married life and procreation. Neminath remains steadfast in his spiritual resolve.
• Page 3 (cont.) & Page 4: The narrative moves to springtime when Krishna takes Neminath for recreation. The women of the court attempt to entice Neminath, but he remains unmoved. The focus then shifts to Rajul's wedding preparations. As Neminath heads towards the wedding venue, he hears the cries of the animals destined for the feast. He questions his charioteer, who explains they are for his wedding. This leads to Neminath's profound realization and his decision to renounce the wedding. He turns back his chariot, abandoning the worldly life and the marriage.
• Page 4 (cont.) & Page 5: This section describes Rajul's grief and her heartfelt pleas for Neminath to return. Her mother tries to console her and suggests she marry another king. However, Rajul firmly states that if Neminath does not marry her, she will take vows of renunciation. The "Stavan" concludes by stating that Rajul, along with Neminath, attained spiritual liberation, emphasizing the importance of remembering them for fulfillment of desires. The final "Kalas" (concluding verses) offer praise to Lord Neminath and his spiritual lineage, specifically mentioning Vijaydevsuriji. The colophon indicates that the manuscript was written by Gani Gyanvijay for the recitation of Sulavika Melai and her daughter Padama.

Overall Significance:

"Neminath Stavan" serves as a devotional tribute to Lord Neminath, encapsulating his life story in a poetic and accessible manner. It emphasizes the Jain ideals of renunciation, detachment from worldly pleasures, and the ultimate pursuit of liberation. The "Stavan" is a valuable piece of Jain literature for its devotional content and its contribution to the narrative of a significant Tirthankara.