Neminathadi Stotra Traya - Book Summary

This document is an excerpt from the "Anusandhan" journal, specifically issue #31 from February 2005, featuring the "Neminathadi Stotra Traya" (Three Hymns of Neminath and Others) compiled by Vinaysagar.

The core of this publication is the presentation of three rare hymns, previously cited as quotations by Sumatigani in his extensive commentary (Brihad Vritti) on Ganadhar Sardhashatak by Jinadattasuri.

Key Figures and Context:

Sumatigani: The compiler and likely the one who identified these hymns. While his birthplace is believed to be Rajasthan, no biographical details are available. Based on the Kharataragachha Brihad Guravali, he was initiated by Jinapatisuri around Vikram Samvat (V.S.) 1260 and named Sumatigani. He participated in a debate in Nagar Kot in V.S. 1273. Jinapatisuri considered him one of his four principal disciples, indicating his high scholarly standing. Sumatigani's known works include the aforementioned Brihad Vritti on Ganadhar Sardhashatak (an extensive commentary of 12,105 verses on a 150-verse original, started in Khambhat and completed in Mandav in V.S. 1295) and a Neminatharas in the Marugurjar style. The Brihad Vritti contains numerous quotations, with some shorter works being fully included. The three hymns presented here are found within the commentary on verses 2-5 of the Ganadhar Sardhashatak.
Jinapatisuri: A disciple of Jinachandrasuri and a prominent figure of the Kharataragachha. He lived from V.S. 1210 to 1277. Born in Vikrampur, he was initiated in V.S. 1217 and named Narapati. After his guru's demise, he was placed on the spiritual seat in V.S. 1223, renamed Jinapatisuri, and was only 14 years old at the time. He is described as a "conqueror of thirty-six debates," though the Guravali mentions fewer. He was a learned and prolific scholar, with works like the Brihad Vritti on Sanghapattaka and Panchalingi Prakaran mentioned.
Jineshwar Suri (II): Son of Nemichandra Bhandagarika from Marot, born in V.S. 1245. His birth name was Ambad, given in a dream. He was initiated by Jinapatisuri in V.S. 1258 and named Viraprabha. He also participated in the debate in Nagar Kot in V.S. 1273. Jinapatisuri named him as a distinguished scholar. He became the spiritual successor in V.S. 1277, renamed Jineshwar Suri (II), and passed away in Jalore in V.S. 1331. His works include the Shravakadharmavidhi Prakaran (V.S. 1313) and around 12-13 hymns.
Suraprabha Gani: Initiated by Jinapatisuri in V.S. 1245 in Pushkarani Nagar, named Suraprabha. He achieved the title of Vachanaacharya before V.S. 1277 and was considered an erudite scholar by Jinapatisuri. His only known work is a commentary on the Kalaswarupkulak by Jinadattasuri, published in the Apabhramsa Kavyatrayi.

The Three Hymns:

Ujjayanta-Alankar-Neminathastotra by Acharya Jinapatisuri: This hymn comprises 10 verses in the Vasantatilaka meter. It offers a profound praise of Lord Neminath's five auspicious events (Pancha Kalyanaka) with deep emotion.
Gautamganadharstava by Shri Jineshwar Suri (II): This hymn is composed in Prakrit and consists of nine verses (Gathas). It describes the virtues and significant life events of Gautam Swami, the chief disciple of Lord Mahavir. Notably, as it was composed before he became an Acharya, it mentions him by his earlier name, Viraprabha.
Gautamganadhar Stava by Suraprabha Gani: This hymn is in Sanskrit and consists of nine verses. It utilizes various meters like Shardulavikridita, Sragdhara, Malini, and Anushtup. It is a devotional ode to Gautam Swami, extolling his virtues and qualities.

The document provides the Sanskrit text of the Ujjayanta-Alankar-Neminathastotra by Jinapatisuri (Pages 4-5) and the Prakrit and Sanskrit texts of the two Gautamganadhar Stava hymns (Pages 6-8), attributed to Jineshwar Suri (II) and Suraprabha Gani respectively. The hymns praise Lord Neminath and Gautam Swami, respectively, highlighting their divine qualities, life events, and spiritual significance. The commentary by Sumatigani for the second verse of the Neminathastotra is also referenced.