Parshwanath Stotra Dwayam

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Parshwanath Stotra Dwayam" by Vinaysagar, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Parshwanath Stotra Dwayam (Two Hymns to Parshvanath) Author: Vinaysagar (Editor/Compiler) Original Author of the Hymns: Shrivallabh Upadhyay (also referred to as Shrivallabhji and Vallabhganni) Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan (Research Publication) Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229354/1

Overview:

The "Parshwanath Stotra Dwayam" is a compilation by Vinaysagar of two previously rare hymns dedicated to Lord Parshvanath, the twenty-third Jain Tirthankara. These hymns were composed by Shrivallabh Upadhyay, a notable poet and commentator. The compilation aims to bring these significant devotional works to a wider audience.

Introduction to Shrivallabh Upadhyay:

The introductory section by Vinaysagar provides context about Shrivallabh Upadhyay. He is highlighted as a significant figure in Jain literature, particularly known for his contributions as a commentator on the works of the revered Acharya Hemachandra.

• Commentary on Hemachandra's Works: Shrivallabh Upadhyay's notable contribution is his extensive commentary on Acharya Hemachandra's grammar (Linganushasan) and lexicographical works. In these commentaries, he meticulously compiled approximately 3,000 Rajasthani words, illustrating their usage in Sanskrit through phrases like "iti bhashayam" and "iti lokam." This systematic compilation of Rajasthani vocabulary within a Sanskrit context is considered a unique and valuable contribution, not found in the works of other commentators. Vinaysagar is currently editing these compiled words into a "Rajasthani Sanskrit Word Treasury" for publication.
• Manuscripts: Two personally written manuscripts by Shrivallabh Upadhyay have been identified:
  1. A commentary on the "Chandishatak" by Maharana Kumbhakarna, dated VS 1655 (1655 CE), located at Rajasthan Prachya Vidya Pratishthan, Jodhpur.
  2. A personal copy of the "Chaturvinsati Jina Stutayah" by Shrisundargani, which is in Vinaysagar's collection.
• Discovery of the Hymns: While Shrivallabh Upadhyay was known as a poet, commentator, and independent writer, Vinaysagar had not previously encountered any hymns composed by him. Through diligent research, Vinaysagar discovered these two rare hymns, which are presented in this publication.

Description of the Two Hymns:

1. Parshvajin Stotra Yamakalankrita (Hymn to Lord Parshva adorned with Yamaka):

   • Meter and Style: This hymn features "Yamaka" (a poetic device of repeating words or syllables) in every pada (line) of each shloka. It comprises 14 verses. The first 13 verses are in the Sundari Chhanda meter, and the final 14th verse is in the Indravajra Chhanda meter.
   • Content: The poem effectively utilizes the Yamaka device, creating a rich and ornate expression. Examples are provided of the wordplay, such as "virendra-virendra," "sukhani sukhani," "janasya janasya," and "taloka taloka" in the first verse. The hymn praises Lord Parshvanath's ability to bestow happiness, remove suffering, and protect devotees.
   • Manuscript Reference: A manuscript of this hymn is housed at the Shri Hemchandracharya Jain Gyana Bhandar, Patan, Shri Tapachha Bhandar, Dabda, identified as manuscript number 12357. The manuscript is dated to the 17th century.

2. Timiripurishwar Shri Parshvanath Stotra (Hymn to Lord Parshvanath, Lord of Timiripura, with a 'Samasya' or Riddle):

   • Meter and Style: This is a "Samasya-garbhit" hymn, meaning it incorporates a specific "Samasya" (a riddle or a problem to be solved) within its verses.
   • Content: The hymn mentions Timiripura, which is identified as the present-day Tivari, a village located about 25 kilometers from Jodhpur. The hymn's core theme, despite its "Samasya" nature, is inspired by the devotional sentiment seen in Goswami Tulsidas's famous line "Jaki kripa pangu giri langhe" (Whose grace allows the lame to cross mountains). It describes the transformative power of having darshan (vision) of Lord Parshvanath in the morning:
     • The poor become wealthy.
     • The mute become eloquent.
     • The deaf begin to hear.
     • The lame begin to dance.
     • The ugly become beautiful.
   • Verses and Meters: The hymn consists of 12 verses, utilizing a variety of seven meters, including Vasantatilaka, Indravajra, Upendravajra, Totaka, and Malini Chhanda.
   • Praise: The verses detail Lord Parshvanath's supreme qualities, his victory over afflictions (karmas), his profound wisdom, and his ability to grant liberation and auspiciousness.

Conclusion:

The "Parshwanath Stotra Dwayam" is a significant publication that makes accessible two valuable hymns to Lord Parshvanath by the respected poet Shrivallabh Upadhyay. The work highlights Shrivallabh Upadhyay's unique contribution to Jain literature, particularly his linguistic scholarship in connecting Rajasthani and Sanskrit, and his devotional prowess in composing these ornate and spiritually enriching hymns. The editor, Vinaysagar, is commended for his efforts in unearthing and presenting these rare compositions.