Pratham Jin Stotra

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Pratham Jin Stotra" by Jayanandsuri, with commentary by Muni Suyashchandravijay and Sujaschandravijay, published by ZZ_Anusandhan:

Overview:

This document presents a critical edition and commentary of the "Pratham Jin Stotra" (First Jin's Hymn), a devotional work attributed to Acharya Jayanandsuri. The stotra is dedicated to Lord Adinath, the first Tirthankara, and is specifically addressed to his idol located in Soparaka (modern-day Nalasopara), near Mumbai. The publication aims to bring to light this devotional text and provide scholarly insights into its author and historical context.

Key Sections and Content:

1. Introduction (Page 1):

   • Context: The work is presented as a commentary (टीका) on the "Pratham Jin Stotra" by Jayanandsuri. It was compiled and edited by Munis Suyashchandravijay and Sujaschandravijay in August 2011.
   • Location: Soparaka, a significant ancient city, is identified as the location of the temple where the stotra was composed. Historical evidence from both Jain and non-Jain scriptures attests to its antiquity.
   • Author Identification Challenge: A significant portion of this introductory section is dedicated to the scholarly challenge of identifying the specific Jayanandsuri who composed this work. The history of Jainism records at least five prominent Acharyas named Jayanandsuri across different Gacchas (sects or lineages).
   • Potential Authorship and Justification: The editors present a strong case for the author being a Jayanandsuri from the Tapa Gacch (a prominent Jain sect). This conclusion is based on two main reasons:
     • Literary Works: Surviving devotional works attributed to Jayanandsuri, such as "Devaḥ Prabhuḥ Stotra" and "Nemaḍ Pravās Gītā," are known to be from the Tapa Gacch. No similar devotional compositions are attributed to Jayanandsuri of other lineages.
     • Historical Connections to Soparaka: Somasundarsuri, a disciple of Devsundarsuri (who was a 'gurubhai' or fellow disciple of Tapa Gacch's Jayanandsuri), undertook the renovation of the Jin temple in Soparaka. Furthermore, pilgrimage groups (Sanghs) to Soparaka and other holy sites were organized under his guidance. The presence of idols consecrated by Tapa Gacch Acharyas like Jinsundarsuri in Soparaka further strengthens the connection. No such documentary evidence exists for Jayanandsuri of other Gacchs in relation to Soparaka.
   • Other Information: The editors mention that little specific information is available about the commentator, Subhoga Pathak, and the scribe, Amrutkushal. Dhoryapur is identified as a village name.
   • Acknowledgements: Gratitude is expressed to the management of the Nemi-vigyan-Kastursuri Jain Bhandar for providing the manuscript and to Acharya Shri VijaySomchandrasuri Maharaj.

2. The Stotra and its Commentary (Pages 2-7):

   • Structure: The text then presents the "Pratham Jin Stotra" verse by verse, followed by a detailed Sanskrit commentary.
   • Verse 1: Praises Lord Adinath, residing in Soparaka, as the "Yugadish" (Lord of the Era). He is described as the root of the flourishing creeper of happiness, wealth, and joy, served by celestial kings, and possessing a body luminous like molten gold. The commentator clarifies the meaning of each word and the overall sentiment of veneration.
   • Verse 2: The poet expresses his desire to cross the ocean (of worldly existence) with his own arms (effort) and to drink the nectar of God's essence. He wishes to expand his limited intellect to grasp the infinite virtues of the Lord, simply through the act of praising Him.
   • Verse 3: The poet compares the land of Kunkana (a region near Soparaka) to the celestial Nandana Garden, attributing its beauty and splendor to the presence of the Lord, who is like a Kalpavriksha (wish-fulfilling tree) that grants even desires beyond one's imagination.
   • Verse 4: The poet states that he has attained the fruit of his existence (like the fruit of a Kalpavriksha) and leadership over the three worlds because, through the accumulation of immense and countless virtues from past lives, he has finally had the sight of the Lord.
   • Verse 5: The Lord's lotus-like feet are described as a divine boat made of superior, unique wood, a vessel that is pure and a repository of radiant virtues. Those who worship these lotus feet, O Lord, achieve the state of crossing the ocean of worldly existence.
   • Verse 6: The poet, formerly unfortunate, now considers himself fortunate by taking refuge in the Lord. He uses the analogy of a stone piece that, when placed on the golden Mount Meru, also transforms into gold, implying that by approaching the Lord, even an ordinary being becomes elevated.
   • Verse 7: The poet compares his joy to that of a traveler reaching a good caravan after being abroad, or a Chataka bird finding a rain cloud. He feels immense happiness upon obtaining the Lord, who is the delight of the bliss of liberation.
   • Verse 8: The poet yearns to know when he can become the Lord's servant, obey His commands, be purified by seeing Him, and fix his mind on His lotus feet.
   • Verse 9: The poet prays that the idol of the Lord in Soparaka, situated near the great holy site of Shatrunjaya in a place of opulent beauty, may bring joy to his eyes, being like a crescent moon.
   • Verse 10: O Lord, by Your grace, all people receive their desired blessings. Just as nothing remains difficult to obtain from a Kalpavriksha that is expert in granting wishes, so too is nothing unattainable when one has Your grace.
   • Verse 11: The poet addresses the First Jin (Lord Adinath), praising Him as the brilliant jewel of Soparaka, a city renowned for its incomparable glory. He humbly states that he has praised the Lord with devotion and requests that the Lord grant him the worship of His pure lotus feet.

3. Concluding Remarks:

   • The text concludes by stating that this "Pratham Jin Stotra," composed by Jayanandsuri, has been completed. It also mentions that a brief commentary named "Subhoga" has been written by Pathak.

In essence, the document is a scholarly presentation of a devotional hymn to Lord Adinath. It provides the original text, a detailed Sanskrit commentary, and a crucial scholarly discussion identifying the likely author as Jayanandsuri of the Tapa Gacch, based on historical and literary evidence, with a specific focus on the significance of Soparaka in the context of the stotra.