Pt Kesar Krut Stavan - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Pt Kesar Krut Stavan" and "Krushna-Balbhadra Geet" by Rasila Kadia, published by ZZ_Anusandhan, based on the JainQQ.org link.

Overall Context:

This document appears to be an excerpt from a publication by "JAIN EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL FOR PRIVATE AND PERSONAL USE ONLY," specifically Volume 24 of "Anusandhan" (Research). It presents two Jain texts: "Pt Kesar Krut Stavan" (Hymn Composed by Pt. Kesar) and "Krushna-Balbhadra Geet" (Song of Krishna and Balbhadra), along with detailed introductory notes and explanations. The source of the copied texts is mentioned as a damaged book from L.D. Bharatiya Vidyamandir, Ahmedabad.

Part 1: Pt Kesar Krut Stavan (Hymn Composed by Pt. Kesar)

Introduction:

Origin: This hymn was composed by Pandit Kesar on the occasion of the consecration (Pratishtha Mahotsav) of a temple dedicated to Lord Rishabhanatha (Adishwar Jinishwar) in Bhanvad town, located in the Halar region of Saurashtra (near Jamnagar).
Inspiration: The composition was inspired by a request from Pandit Kesar's brother.
Key Figures: The consecration ceremony was held under the guidance of:
- Shri Kshimasureeji, the leader of the Tapagachha (a prominent Jain monastic order).
- Shri Dayasuree, who adorned his (Kshimasureeji's) lineage.
- Pandit Hem Sagar, a leading scholar.
- Pandit Kesar himself.
Historical Details:
- Year: The consecration took place in Samvat 1795 (Vikram Samvat), on the fifth day of the waxing moon in the month of Vaishakh.
- Event: A new Jinlaya (Jain temple) was constructed by the Shri Sangh (Jain community). The installation of Lord Adishwar Jinishwar was performed, followed by a grand consecration ceremony. This included a ritual bath (Snan Mahotsav), invitations to various Jain communities, communal feasting (Swamivatsalya), beautiful adornment of the deity, singing of devotional songs, and significant charitable distributions (Prabhavana).
- Reigning King: At that time, King Ranmal of the Yadava dynasty ruled the region.
- Community Leaders: Mentions are made of individuals like Shri Kanji Panchaan, Shri Vallabhji Dungar, Shri Dungarsut, and Shri Hadusut, who actively participated and benefited from the event.
Significance: The hymn provides valuable historical information about the consecration festival in Bhanvad, the king and ministers of the time, the consecration Samvat, and the lineage of the Tapagachha leaders.

Content of the Hymn (Summary):

The hymn is a devotional ode to Lord Adishwar (Rishabhanatha), invoking Saraswati and seeking blessings. It describes the joyful consecration of the temple in Bhanvad, referring to it as a "lamp for the three worlds." It mentions the installation of the deity with the bull emblem and the immense happiness experienced by the community. The contributions of the aforementioned individuals (Kanji Panchaan, Vallabhji Dungar, etc.) are acknowledged. The hymn details the elaborate celebrations, including the ritual bath, invitations to the Sangha, and the fulfillment of wishes. It highlights the beautiful adornment of the deity and the singing of joyous songs. The consecration took place in Samvat 1795, Vaishakh Vad Pancham, during the reign of King Ranmal of the Yadava clan. It also pays homage to the Tapagachha leaders, Shri Kshimavijay and Shri Dayasuri, and the scholars Pandit Hem Sagar and Pandit Kesar. The hymn concludes with the composer's brother requesting this hymn for the joy of meditating on Lord Adishwar.

Part 2: Krushna-Balbhadra Geet (Song of Krishna and Balbhadra)

Introduction:

Origin: This song's text was also copied from a damaged book at L.D. Bharatiya Vidyamandir, Ahmedabad.
Authorship: The creators of this work do not mention their name or the year of composition. However, based on the language and writing style, it is estimated to be from the 19th century.
Content Comparison: This composition elaborates significantly on the story that was previously published in "Anusandhan-23" as "Balbhadra ni Sajhjay." It provides more detailed explanations, particularly regarding the reasons for Balbhadra Muni's detachment (vairagya).
Structure: The composition is written in Doha (couplets) and Chal (Chaupai or quatrains) meters, making it enjoyable to read.
Vocabulary: A list of difficult words and their meanings is provided, helping readers understand the text. Examples include:
- Trisha: Thirst
- Ahedi: Hunter
- Karadi: Arrow
- Singhar: Destruction
- Vanh: In the forest
- Kulkhampan: Blemish in the lineage
- Ghay: Wound
- Sure: Heroes
- Khandhole: On the shoulders
- Vahilo: Early
- Sheva: Service
- Shila: Stone/Rock
- Velu: Sand
- Vinasan: Destruction
- Bavana Chandan: High quality sandalwood
- Duyari: At the door
- Kuya: Wells
- Varrase: In return/instead
- Sutrakar: Carpenter
- Asaral: Many/Abundant
- Yodi: Pair
- Padam: A type of mark

Summary of the Song:

The song narrates a story involving Krishna and Balbhadra.

Thirst and Rest: Krishna and Balbhadra leave Dwarka. Krishna becomes thirsty and asks Balbhadra for water. Balbhadra finds a cool, shady tree and tells Krishna to rest while he gets water.
The Encounter with Jara: Jara Kumar (a hunter) is in the forest with his lion. He spots Krishna's foot, which is adorned with a mark (Padam). Mistaking it for an animal, he shoots an arrow. The arrow hits Krishna. Jara Kumar, realizing his mistake and fearing retribution from Krishna's relatives, takes Krishna's bow and promises to deliver a message to the Pandavas. He leaves in great distress.
Balbhadra's Return: Balbhadra returns with water and finds Krishna asleep. He is concerned and wonders how to wake him.
Krishna's Pain: Balbhadra tries to wake Krishna with sweet words, but Krishna doesn't respond. When Balbhadra sees the wound on Krishna's foot, he cries out in pain, wondering which hero wounded his brother. He lifts Krishna and carries him away.
Krishna's Regret: Krishna expresses regret for not bringing water earlier, which caused this suffering. He asks Balbhadra to speak, but Balbhadra remains silent, lamenting the bad fortune that befell them in the forest.
Seeking Help: The Yadava heroes are distraught. Gods try to help, suggesting to place Krishna on a stone slab.
The Poison and Detachment: The song implies the wound was poisoned, and as death approached, Balbhadra renounced worldly attachments. He took some fine sandalwood, performed the necessary rites, and recognized that without dharma (righteousness), no one is truly a companion. He then sought refuge with Lord Neminath, embraced asceticism (Sanyam), and took vows from his guru.
The Deer's Devotion: The narrative then shifts to a deer. After its death, it is born in the fifth heaven due to its devotion. The song emphasizes the importance of performing righteous deeds.
The Deer's Lament and the Sage: A doe observes a sage (Muni) at a well. She contemplates her karma and her own beauty, feeling unworthy to enter the town. She decides to beg for alms in the forest.
The Deer's Vow: The doe wishes she were human to practice compassion and to be able to offer alms to a pure ascetic.
The Sages and the Deer: At that moment, a large branch falls, and the text mentions "the time of the three" (likely referring to Krishna, Balbhadra, and potentially Arjuna or another figure). The sage receives charity, and Balbhadra continues his austerities. The deer, by its contemplation, attains the pleasures of the fifth heaven.
Conclusion: The song concludes by reiterating that through these three types of actions (implied devotion, adherence to dharma, and the deer's good thoughts), one can attain the pleasures of the fifth heaven. It emphasizes that without dharma, no one can truly rely on others.

Additional Note:

The document also briefly introduces another text, "Chintamani Parshvanath Stavan," but only the introduction is provided, not the actual stavan itself. This introduction discusses the history of the Shri Chintamani Parshvanath temple in Ahmedabad, its consecration in Samvat 1845, and the involved patrons. It also touches upon a comparison with information from another publication, "Jain Paramparano Itihas," regarding the temple's renovations and construction by the Vakhatchand Seth family.

In essence, the document presents historically significant Jain devotional literature, offering insights into temple consecrations, monastic lineages, social structures, and the underlying philosophical emphasis on righteousness and spiritual practice within Jainism.