Parshwanath Mahadandak Stuti - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Parshwanath Mahadandak Stuti" by Pradyumnasuri, based on the provided pages:

This document is a detailed introduction and presentation of the "Parshwanath Mahadandak Stuti", a laudatory hymn dedicated to Lord Parshvanath.

Key Aspects Highlighted in the Introduction (Pages 1-2):

Author: The stuti is attributed to Upadhyay Shri Sahajkirti Maharaj.
Dandaka Meter: The text emphasizes the rarity of Jain devotional literature composed in the "Dandaka" meter. While many stutis exist in common meters like Vasantatilaka, Mandakranta, and Shikharini, those in Dandaka are less frequent. The author mentions a Dandaka composed by Shobhan Munivar for Lord Mahavir.
Nature of Dandaka Meter: The introduction explains that the Dandaka meter is characterized by its length, which increases with the addition of syllables. These variations in length lead to different names for the meter, such as Uddam, Shankha, Sangrammattamatangalilakar, and Chandavrishtiprapat.
"Mahadandaka" Designation: The stuti by Shri Sahajkirti is called a "Mahadandaka" (Great Dandaka). It consists of four verses, each containing 999 syllables, making it exceptionally long and justifying its "Maha" (great) title. It is noted that this length aligns with the characteristics of the "Mattamatangalilakar" Dandaka, which allows for the flexible inclusion of the letter 'Ra'.
Content and Style: The stuti vividly describes the life of Lord Parshvanath, including his five Kalyanaks (auspicious events). It details the hardships (upasargas) inflicted by Kamatha and the establishment of the pilgrimage site of Kalikund. The language is described as "prasadik" (graceful) and "prasanjal" (clear and lucid), with a simple vocabulary that allows for easy understanding as one reads.
Author's Scholarship: Shri Sahajkirti's profound knowledge of Sanskrit is highlighted, stemming from his deep understanding of grammar and lexicography. He is credited with writing commentaries on the Saraswat Grammar and potentially original grammatical works like "Saptadveepishabdarnava Vyakaran" and "Rijuprajnavyakaranprakriya." He also authored a six-part lexicon akin to Abhidhan Chintamani and a work on word derivation titled "Ekadishatparyantashabdasaadhanika." This indicates his mastery over grammar, lexicon, and literature, which greatly benefits the stuti.
Date of Composition: The stuti was composed in VS 1783.
Specific Reference: This particular stuti is dedicated to Lord Parshvanath at Jaisalmer. The installation of the idol was performed by Acharya Shri Jinakushal Suriji Maharaj.
Guru Parampara: The lineage of Shri Sahajkirti's gurus is provided: Shri Ratnasar -> Disciple Shri Ratnaharsh -> Disciple Shri Hemnandan -> Disciple Upadhyay Shri Sahajkirti.
Other Works: His list of works includes a commentary on a "Mahavir Stuti," suggesting it was a significant composition.
Preservation and Publication: The introduction notes that only one copy of this stuti was found, leading to some uncertainty in certain sections. After considerable thought, the decision was made to publish it to prevent its potential loss to time.
Acquisition: The stuti was obtained from Pandit Shri Amritbhai Mohanlal Bhojak.

Summary of the Stuti's Content (Pages 3-9):

The stuti itself is written in a complex Sanskrit verse and recounts the life and glories of Lord Parshvanath in great detail. Here's a breakdown of the key events and descriptions:

Lord Parshvanath's Attributes: The hymn begins by praising Lord Parshvanath as all-knowing, radiant, and the source of well-being and happiness for the world. He is described as the dispeller of sorrow and the one who grants peace.
Birth and Youth: His birth in the month of Pausha, on the tenth day, and his attainment of youth and enlightenment are mentioned.
Devotion from Deities and Humans: The stuti highlights the reverence shown to him by celestial beings (Suras), beings from other realms (Vyanataras), kings, and even the most exalted beings.
Overcoming Obstacles: It details his compassion for all beings, even those who cause him harm, and his role as a savior from the ocean of worldly existence.
The Kamatha Incident: A significant portion narrates the events involving Kamatha, who inflicted immense suffering and fear upon Lord Parshvanath. The text describes Kamatha's malice and the eventual triumph of Lord Parshvanath's virtue. It mentions how Kamatha, driven by his actions, was cursed and transformed.
Devotion of Nagendra and Padmavati: The devotion of the Serpent King (Nagendra) and Padmavati is depicted as they come to Lord Parshvanath's aid.
The Establishment of Ahichhatra: The stuti recounts the transformation of the site into Ahichhatra, a sacred pilgrimage place that fulfills the desires of devotees. It describes how people attained their wishes and found solace there.
The Story of King Meghamali: The narrative shifts to King Meghamali, who, after being a wicked person who caused suffering to animals and beings in hell, receives divine guidance and becomes a devoted follower. He praises Lord Parshvanath, renounces his evil ways, and finds liberation.
The Serpent King's Devotion: The serpent king, after being freed from his past sins, also dedicates himself to the Tirthankar.
Lord Parshvanath's Ascension and Nirvana: The stuti describes Lord Parshvanath's path to enlightenment and his eventual attainment of Nirvana. It mentions his birth as a great being, his practice of austerities, and his eventual liberation.
The Celestial Ceremony: Upon his Nirvana, celestial beings gather, offer their respects, and perform ceremonies.
His Teachings: Lord Parshvanath's teachings are presented as a source of life and wisdom for all beings, dispelling ignorance, sorrow, and attachment to transient pleasures. He guides people away from attachment to worldly desires and towards the path of righteousness.
The Impact of His Teachings: Many individuals, upon hearing his teachings, renounced worldly life, embraced Jainism, and attained spiritual merit.
Eight Types of Auspicious Signs (Pratiharyas): The stuti mentions that Lord Parshvanath is adorned with eight auspicious signs.
His Eternal Fame: His fame is described as everlasting and spread throughout the universe.
His Qualities: He is lauded as a supreme soul, free from anger, attachment, and ignorance, possessing infinite knowledge, and bestowing happiness. He is a friend to all beings, a source of peace, and the remover of the ocean of worldly existence.
His Nirvana: The stuti details the circumstances of his Nirvana, including the presence of thirty-three thousand ascetics, the month of Shravana, and the celestial cremation of his mortal remains.
The Cult of the Idol: It describes the creation and worship of his idols by devotees, the offering of precious materials, and the benefits received by those who pay homage.
The Jaisalmer Temple: The stuti specifically describes the temple of Lord Parshvanath in Jaisalmer. It details the grandeur of the temple, the presence of numerous idols, and the sacredness of the place. It mentions the establishment of the temple and the reverence shown to it by devotees.
The Role of Gurus and Rulers: The installation of the idol by Acharya Shri Jinakushal Suriji and the devotion of the ruler of Jaisalmer (referred to as a "Jain Raja") are mentioned.
The Stuti's Purpose: The stuti concludes with a prayer for the well-being of the listeners and a reiteration of the author's humble effort in composing this "Mahadandaka" with the blessings of his lineage and the support of benevolent individuals.

In essence, the "Parshwanath Mahadandak Stuti" is a monumental work celebrating Lord Parshvanath's life, spiritual journey, and teachings, presented in a rare and complex poetic meter by a scholar of profound repute.