Pundit Kavi Tattvavijayji Rachit 24 Jin Gito - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Pundit Kavi Tattvavijayji Rachit 24 Jin Gito" in English, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Pundit Kavi Tattvavijayji Rachit 24 Jin Gito Author: Jinsenvijay (Compiler/Editor) Original Author: Pandit Kavi Tattvavijayji Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan

Overall Purpose and Significance:

This collection, titled "24 Jin Gitos" (Songs of the 24 Tirthankaras), is a compilation of devotional songs (stavan) dedicated to each of the 24 Tirthankaras of Jainism. The work is attributed to the renowned poet and scholar Pandit Kavi Tattvavijayji, who was a disciple of the esteemed Upadhyay Shri Yashovijayji. The introduction highlights that Tattvavijayji's lineage of discipleship is considered a great blessing, implying a high caliber of intellect and poetic skill. The compilation aims to present these devotional songs within the tradition of "Stavan-Chovishi" (a set of devotional songs dedicated to 24 Tirthankaras) prevalent in the 16th-18th centuries.

Authorship and Historical Context:

Pandit Kavi Tattvavijayji: The primary composer of the 24 devotional songs. He was a direct disciple of Upadhyay Shri Yashovijayji.
Upadhyay Shri Yashovijayji: A highly respected Jain scholar and poet, whose disciple Tattvavijayji was.
Munishri Jinsenvijay: The compiler and editor of this collection. He is responsible for bringing these historical devotional songs to light.
Historical Dating: While the original work does not mention a specific year of composition, historical context and the testimonies of elders suggest that it likely dates back to the 18th century.

Manuscript and Compilation:

Primary Manuscript: A manuscript of this work exists at La. Da. Vidyamandir, Ahmedabad. The present collection is based on a xerox copy of this manuscript.
Incomplete Manuscript: The Ahmedabad manuscript is incomplete, spanning only 7 pages and missing the second leaf.
Supplementary Manuscript: To compensate for missing parts, an incomplete copy of the work obtained from Pujya A. Acharya Shri Vijayshilchandra Suriji Maharaj was used. This supplementary manuscript contains verses 2 to 21 (with verse 22 being incomplete), and each piece is referred to as a "Stavan."
Identification: The Ahmedabad manuscript is identified as "Chovhees Jin Geeto" (La. Da. No. 7643), and the word "Geetam" (Song) is often appended to the end of the stavan, confirming the title.
Attribution of Supplementary Manuscript: The beginning of the supplementary manuscript contains the salutation: "Sakalavachakachakrachakravarti Mahopadhyaya Shri 19 Yashovijay Ganishishya Pandit Pravar Pradhan Pandit Shri 7 Shri Tattvavijay Ganicharanakamalebhyo Namo Namah." This clearly establishes Tattvavijayji as the composer and his connection to Yashovijayji.
End Note of Base Manuscript: The base manuscript is estimated to be from the 18th century, and an inscription at its end mentions "Muni Bhavvijayani prati chhe" (This is a copy of Muni Bhavvijay).
Acknowledgements: The compiler expresses gratitude to La. Da. Vidyamandir for allowing the copying of their manuscript.

Content of the 24 Jin Gitos:

The collection presents a devotional song for each of the 24 Tirthankaras, starting from Rishabhdev and continuing through the lineage. Each song is composed in a traditional Gujarati poetic style, often referencing specific melodies or "desis" (tunes/styles) for singing.

The core themes and sentiments expressed in these devotional songs include:

Devotion and Love: Deep affection and unwavering devotion towards the Tirthankaras.
Seeking Darshan (Vision): A strong desire to have a vision of the Tirthankara.
Service and Devotion: Expressing a willingness to serve and dedicate oneself to the Tirthankaras.
Spiritual Longing: A yearning for spiritual peace, liberation (moksha), and the eradication of karmas.
Praise of Virtues: Acknowledging and celebrating the infinite virtues, knowledge, and compassion of the Tirthankaras.
Personal Supplication: Making prayers for well-being, liberation from worldly suffering, and spiritual advancement.
Philosophical Underpinnings: References to the soul (atmaram), the ephemeral nature of worldly pleasures, and the ultimate truth.
Lineage and Gurudeva: Explicit mentions of the guru, especially Shri Jasvijayji, and the composer Tattvavijayji, highlighting their connection and reverence.

Structure of Each Song (Typical):

Each "Gito" or "Stavan" typically follows a structure that includes:

Introduction of the Tirthankara: Often starting with their name or a prominent characteristic.
Expression of Devotion: The poet's personal feelings and devotion are articulated.
Praise of Tirthankara's Qualities: Highlighting their knowledge, compassion, auspicious marks, and role as saviors.
Supplication for Grace: Prayers for guidance, liberation, and spiritual benefits.
Guru's Mention: Often concluding with a tribute to their guru, Shri Jasvijayji, and by extension, the composer Tattvavijayji.
Melody Reference: The song is usually indicated to be sung in a specific traditional melody.

Examples of Tirthankaras Covered:

The text includes devotional songs for:

Rishabhdev (1)
Ajitnath (2)
Sambhavnath (3)
Abhinandannath (4)
Sumatinath (5)
Padmaprabha (6)
Suparshvanath (7)
Chandraprabha (8)
Suvidhinath (9)
Sheetalnath (10)
Shreyansanath (11)
Vasupujya (12)
Vimalnath (13)
Anantnath (14)
Dharmnath (15)
Shantinath (16)
Kunthunath (17)
Aranath (18)
Mallinath (19)
Munisuvratnath (20)
Naminath (21)
Neminath (22)
Parshvanath (23)
Mahavir (24)

Conclusion:

"Pundit Kavi Tattvavijayji Rachit 24 Jin Gito" is a valuable compilation of devotional poetry that reflects the rich tradition of Jain hymnology. It serves as a testament to the spiritual and literary contributions of Pandit Kavi Tattvavijayji and provides a means for devotees to connect with and praise each of the 24 Tirthankaras. The meticulous work of Munishri Jinsenvijay in preserving and presenting this ancient collection is highly commendable.