Rushimandal Stava - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Rushimandal Stava" by Shilchandrasuri, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Rushimandal Stava (ऋषिमण्डलस्तव) Author: Shilchandrasuri (शिल्लचन्द्रसूरि) Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan (ZZ_अनुसंधान)

Introduction and Context:

The introduction clarifies that there are generally three well-known works related to "Rushimandal" among Jains:

Rushimandal Stotra (ऋषिमण्डलस्तोत्र): Exists in two versions, 63 and 100 verses. It is believed to be authored by Gautamswami and is known as an effective, mantra-infused hymn.
Rushimandal Stava Prakaran (ऋषिमण्डलस्तव प्रकरण): A composition of 210 verses by Dharmaghoshasuri. It is also known as "Maharshikulak" and refers to ancient great personalities and their specific contexts.
Rushimandal Stava (ऋषिमण्डलस्तव): This is the text being presented here. It comprises 271 Prakrit verses. It praises various enlightened monks (Rishis) and their significant life events. The term "Rushimandal" signifies the collection or group of these Rishis.

Authorship and Antiquity:

The author of this specific "Rushimandal Stava" is not explicitly mentioned.
However, the second verse contains the phrase "इसीसु इसिवालिणा निच्चं" (Isisu Isipalina Nichcham). If "Isipalina" is interpreted as "Rushipala" (ऋषिपाल), it could potentially indicate the author's name. But this interpretation is uncertain due to a lack of further evidence.
The language and descriptions strongly suggest that this work is very ancient.
The last Rishi mentioned in the description is Vajraswami or Aryavajra. Since no Rishis after him are mentioned, it is plausible that the author lived around the time of Aryavajra (who lived in the 5th century after Mahavira's Nirvana, around the beginning of the common era).

Manuscript and Dating:

Two palm-leaf manuscript versions of this work are preserved.
One copy is numbered 120, found in a collection of various minor works at the Shantinath Palm-leaf Bhandar in Khambhat. This copy is incomplete, missing approximately one leaf. The scribe date for this manuscript is estimated by Shri Punyavijayji to be the latter half of the 12th century. The edition presented in the catalog largely follows this manuscript (designated as Khand 1).
The second copy is numbered 131 and consists of 28 pages. Punyavijayji estimates its scribe date to be the first half of the 14th century (designated as Khand 2).
A comparative study of these two manuscripts might reveal interesting differences and points of interest.

Linguistic Significance:

The second verse uses "ऋषिषु सुकृतस्तवं" (Rushishu Sukrutstavam), employing the seventh case (saptami) where the sixth case (shasthi) might be expected. This use of the seventh case instead of the sixth case in certain contexts is considered a characteristic of ancient or "Arsha" (आर्ष) compositions.

List of Rishis Praised (in order of mention):

The text praises a total of 45 significant individuals, including:

Lord Mahavir (प्रभुवीर)
Indrabhuti Gautam (इन्द्रभूति गौतम)
Dhanna (धन्य)
Aryaloha (आर्यलोह)
Atimukta (अतिमुक्त)
Sunakshatra (सुनक्षत्र)
Sumanabhadra / Swapnabhadra (सुमणभद्र / स्वप्नभद्र)
Shalibhadra (शालिभद्र)
Supratishtha (सुप्रतिष्ठ)
Sudarshan (सुदर्शन)
Dasharnabhadra (दशार्णभद्र)
Sanatkumara (सनत्कुमार)
Udayana (उदायन)
Yadu-Saran (यदु-सारण)
Balarama (बलराम)
Shreṇikaputra (शेलकपुत्र) - Note: This seems like a typo and is likely referring to a person named Shrenika's son or a similar association.
Bahubali (बाहुबलि)
Skanda (स्कन्द)
Vishnu (विष्णु)
Suvrata (सुव्रत)
Shiva (शिव)
Keshin (केशी)
Vajra Ladha Putra (वज्ज लाढपुत्र)
Tetliputra (तेतलिपुत्र)
Varta (वारत्त)
Kurmaputra (कूर्मापुत्र)
Vaishyayna (वैश्यायन)
Ninnakulputra (निन्नकुलपुत्र)
Devaki's son Gaja (Sukumal) (देवकीपुत्र गज / सुकुमाल)
Pradyumna (प्रद्युम्न)
Shamba (शाम्ब)
Kalasavesiya (कालासवेसिय)
Harikesh (हरिकेश)
Sukosal (सुकोशल)
Lunchak Nirgranth (लंचक निर्ग्रन्थ)
Meyajja (मेयज्ज)
Abhay (अभय)
Jambu (जम्बू)
Dhandha (ढंढ)
Gangadatta (गङ्गदत्त)
Nagadatta (नागदत्त)
Chilataputra (चिलातपुत्र)
Kurudatta (कुरुदत्त)
Anand Rishi (आणंदऋषि)
Aryavajra (आर्यवज्र)

Key Points and Highlights of the Stanzas (Gaatha 12 onwards):

Lord Mahavir (Gaatha 12-18): Described as "Veerabhadra" in Gaatha 15.
Gautam Ganadhar (Gaatha 19-23): Key events of his life are referenced.
Dhanna Angar (Gaatha 24-30, 41-42): His extreme renunciation, simple diet, and faith are detailed. The text suggests Gaatha 41-42 might have been misplaced due to scribal error.
Loharya (Gaatha 31-34): His service to Mahavir, where Mahavir ate from his bowl, is mentioned.
Atimukta Rishi (Gaatha 35-38): A notable divergence from common narratives is presented. Instead of Atimukta giving alms to Gautam while playing, this account states that Atimukta saw the Tirthankara approaching for alms, fed him, and his mother then sought discipleship for Atimukta from Vardhamana. This discrepancy points to the text's originality.
Sunakshatra Angar (Gaatha 39-40, 43): His demise while trying to admonish Goshala is mentioned. The absence of Sarvanubhuti in this "Rushimandal" list, when both were supposedly killed by Goshala in popular lore, is significant.
Sumanabhadra (Gaatha 44-46): His story, including enduring 14 types of hardships in one night and attaining Kevalgyan, appears to be unique to this text.
Shalibhadra Rishi (Gaatha 47-55): Identified as "Nalanda Sukumal." The number of wives is stated as 21 (instead of 32) and the number of dramatic performances as 21. The wealth is attributed to ancestral property and wealth received from a Nagadevata (serpent deity), suggesting his father might have been in the serpent realm. The meaning of the 24 "Bhadras" he renounced remains unclear.
Supratishtha Rishi (Gaatha 56-58): Described as the last practitioner of the great penance known as "Simhanishkrida."
Sudarshan Rishi (Gaatha 59-63): His unwavering composure despite the machinations of Queen Abhaya of King Dadhivahana is highlighted, including an incident where a drawn sword turned into a flower garland.
Dasharnabhadra (Gaatha 64-65): His renunciation of 700 wives and 50,000 chariots for initiation is noted.
Sanatkumara Chakravarti (Gaatha 66-74): His seven major illnesses are named.
Udayana Rajarshi (Gaatha 75-82): His truthfulness is mentioned, with an incident of divine help for water in a forest. The engraving of "My slave's husband" on Chandpradyotna's forehead with "Morapitta" (peacock bile or a similar substance) is significant. The text also mentions his renunciation of a kingdom of 1000 villages, his status as the last Rajarshi, the wrathful deities who rained stones upon his death, and his excellent penance.
Saran Rishi (Gaatha 83-85): His association with "Ujjayantashaila" suggests he lived during the time of Neminath. His severe penances (100 years of austerity) are noted.
Balarama Muni (Gaatha 86-92): His penances are detailed (e.g., 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th pratimas repeatedly). The presence of a divine lion protecting him in the forest is mentioned.
Selakaputra - Shiva (Gaatha 93-94): Mentioned along with Bahubali.
Bahubali Muni (Gaatha 95-101): His prowess and renunciation are detailed.
Skandakumara Muni (Gaatha 103-113): His practice in "Rohidaga" city is noted. The attack by a Kshatriya with a "Shakti" (spear) at Rohida (possibly in Marwar) is mentioned. He granted life to his attacker and preached to his father for killing a Kshatriya.
Vishnu (Kumar) Muni (Gaatha 114-123): Lived during the time of the 16th Tirthankara, Shantinatha. His 60,000 years of fasting are mentioned. His act of asking for three steps of land from King Mahapadma for the monastic community, covering three worlds, and his eventual attainment of devagati (divine state) in Sarvarthasiddhi are described.
Suvratamuni (Gaatha 125-127): Mentioned.
Gobhadra Rishi (Gaatha 128-129): Received spiritual guidance from Kubera Yaksha. This name is also not commonly known.
Shiva Rishi (Gaatha 130): Mentioned briefly.
Keshikumara Shramana (Gaatha 131-133): His story is recounted.
Vajra Ladha Putra (Gaatha 134): Mentioned.
Varadatta Rishi (Gaatha 135): Mentioned.
Tetliputra (Gaatha 136-137): Described as unshakeable like Meru mountain and praised by deities.
Varta Rishi (Gaatha 138-142): Born in Vartapura, he renounced heaven. He was a disciple of Parshvanatha.
Kurmaputra (Gaatha 143-147): A householder who attained Kevalgyan. His state of Kevalgyan was known by Vidhyadhar munis from Mahavideha.
Gosanna Rishi (Gaatha 148): The meaning of this stanza is unclear.
Vaishyayna Rishi (Gaatha 149-151): A notable account suggests that when Goshala caused Vaishyayna to stumble and he released Tejas Lleshya (fiery karmic emission), he withdrew it upon realizing Vardhaman was nearby. This differs from the popular narrative where Vardhamana released Sheetal Lleshya to counteract Goshala's Tejas Lleshya. This suggests this account may be more factual.
Ninnakulputra Muni (Gaatha 152-160): His renunciation was inspired by seeing two "kulal" (birds or creatures) fighting over a piece of meat. After his Nirvana, Chamarendra stopped his funeral rites out of affection and praised him. This name and account are also not widely known.
Gajasukumar Muni (Gaatha 161-169): Named Gajasukumar due to his elephant-like trunk-like arms, gait, and body fragrance. His parents offered him to Lord Neminath. Princess Chandralekha was enamored with him. The popular story of his father-in-law causing hardship in the crematorium is not mentioned here.
Pradyumna Rishi (Gaatha 170-178): His story is engaging. A new detail is that Prince Pradyumna showers flowers from an aerial chariot when visiting Neminath.
Shambakumara Muni (Gaatha 179-186): A significant use of the phrase "Dwaravati's resident" (द्वारवती कायलयं) is noted. His severe penance on a burning slab, with blood flowing from bursting boils, is described as astonishing.
Kalasavesiya Muni (Gaatha 187-191): He performed Anashan (fasting unto death) on the peak of Mount Mogalla. Even when a jackal tore his body, he remained steadfast.
Harikesh Muni (Gaatha 192-196): Born into a Shudra family, he was inspired by a snake's venom. He refused to marry the princess of Kosal.
Sukosal Muni (Gaatha 197-202): Renounced a beloved wife in youth and practiced fasting (two-day fasts) for his entire life. In a previous birth, his mother was reborn as a tigress and ate him for her cubs. He was reborn in Sarvarthasiddhi.
Lunchak Rishi (Gaatha 203-209): This name is also less known. He was a prominent person in Vishalapuri. The text notes that the place called "Lunchak Shivovagasa" in Vishalapuri, where Lunchak Rishi meditated, still exists today. This mention is crucial in establishing the antiquity of the author.
Meyajja (Metarya / Maitreya) Rishi (Gaatha 210-218): His famous incident of going for alms to a goldsmith, a Krounch bird eating gold seeds, his silence when questioned by the goldsmith, the goldsmith's harsh binding that blinded him, his continued meditation, and his attainment of Kevalgyan and Nirvana are described.
Abhayakumara (Gaatha 219-223): His mother had a desire to grant fearlessness to all beings while he was in the womb, which he fulfilled, leading to his name "Abhay." He possessed "Padanusaari Labdhi" (a supernatural power to recall vast amounts of text). He took initiation from Vardhaman Swami. The phrase "Shrenik's family's resident" (सेणियकुलकायलयं) is used.
Jambukumara Muni (Gaatha 224-231): His renunciation of wealth and eight girls, along with the incident with robbers, is described.
Dhandha Angar (Gaatha 232-236): Also known as "Dhandhan."
Gangadatta Muni (Gaatha 237-241): His renunciation of immense wealth and the details of his heavenly rebirth are mentioned.
Nagadatta (Gaatha 242-246): His father, reborn in the serpent realm, has affection for him and arranges his marriage with serpent maidens. Later, he renounces them and takes initiation.
Chilataputra Muni (Gaatha 247-255): Inspired by three verses, he attained Dharma and Samadhi. He relinquished his physical form. Despite having his eyes gouged out, he remained steadfast. Ants ate his body from the wounds, but he was unmoved. Even the four Lokapalas bowed to him. He attained divinity within 12 hours.
Kurudatta Rishi (Gaatha 256-259): He meditated in a crematorium after initiation and remained undisturbed even when his body was burned by funeral pyre fires. The phrase "Hastinapurakayalam" is used. He is described as a possessor of the 14 Purvas.
Anand Rishi (Gaatha 260-264): Contemporaneous with Lord Mahavir. His wealth was so great that Queen Chellana and King Shrenika visited his home to witness it. His wife also took initiation with him.
Vajraswami (Gaatha 265-270): He revived the knowledge of aerial flight. He was the last Shruta-dhar (possessor of scriptures). He transported the monastic community from Maheshwari city to Sheshanagari via aerial route. In his childhood, he refused food offered by deities (Yakshas). He undertook a fast unto death with 1700 well-behaved monks. The text states he attained the Sarvarthasiddhi plane or became the master of "Sarvartha's Siddhi."

Conclusion:

The final verse (Gaatha 271) seems to contain a concluding remark by the author, but it has some minor inaccuracies. The author has not explicitly stated their name.

Acknowledgements:

The compiler expresses gratitude to the officials of the Khambhat Shantinath Palm-leaf Bhandar for providing photographs of the palm-leaf manuscripts.
Gratitude is also extended to Dr. Madhuker Dhanki, who suggested researching this ancient and unpublished work.

Call for Information:

A request is made for anyone who knows of any other manuscripts of this work to bring them to attention or provide copies.