Sahasrakoot Jin Stavan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sahasrakoot Jin Stavan" in English:

This document presents the "Sahasrakoot Jin Stavan," a devotional hymn authored by Mahopadhya Ramavijayji, a prominent poet from the Kharatar Gachchha tradition of Jainism.

Key aspects of the text and its context:

• Inspiration and Location: The stavan was composed at the Sahasrakoot Jin Mandir, located to the right of the main temple of Lord Adinath on the sacred Mount Giriraj Siddhachal. The presence of Acharya Jinlabhsuri, the head of the Kharatar Gachchha, during its composition is mentioned in the concluding kalash (epilogue). The author's personal experience of visiting and revering the idols is highlighted.

• The Concept of "Sahasrakoot" (Thousand Peaks): The core of this stavan is the veneration of 1024 Tirthankaras (Jain spiritual teachers). The text explains how this number is calculated:

  • Jambudvipa (Inner Continent):
    • Bharat Kshetra: 24 Tirthankaras of the current descending era (Avsarpini), 24 of future ascending eras (Utsarpini), and 24 of past eras. Total: 72.
    • Airavat Kshetra: Similarly, 72 Tirthankaras.
    • Total for Jambudvipa: 144 Tirthankaras.
  • Dhataki Khanda (Second Continent): This continent has two Bharat Kshetra and two Airavat Kshetra. Thus, the number of Tirthankaras from these four regions, considering all three time periods (past, present, future), is 288 (144 + 144).
  • Ardha-Pushkara Dveepa (Half-Lotus Island): Similar to Dhataki Khanda, this island also has two Bharat Kshetra and two Airavat Kshetra, contributing another 288 Tirthankaras.
  • Total Tirthankaras from these continents: 144 + 288 + 288 = 720. The names of these Tirthankaras are found in Jain scriptures like the Samavayanga Sutra.
  • Mahavideh Kshetra (Great Frontier Regions): In the fifth era of the descending period and the third era of the ascending period, when human population is at its peak, there are 160 vijayas (regions) within the five Mahavideh areas of the Ardha-Pushkara island. Each of these vijayas has one Tirthankara present at any given time. Their names are not specifically mentioned in scriptures, but the author reveres them by remembering the regions. This adds 160 Tirthankaras.
  • Kalyanakas (Key Life Events): Each Tirthankara has five auspicious life events (birth, renunciation, enlightenment, first sermon, and liberation). For each chauvisi (group of 24 Tirthankaras), this amounts to 24 * 5 = 120 Kalyanakas.
  • Total Tirthankaras Accounted For: 720 (from continents) + 160 (Mahavideh) + 120 (Kalyanakas of the 720) = 1000.
  • Currently Living Tirthankaras: The text also mentions the 20 Tirthankaras currently residing and preaching in the Mahavideh Kshetras.
  • Eternal Names: Four names are considered "eternal" as Tirthankaras with these names exist in the Bharat and Airavat Kshetra across all ten chauvisis and the 20 viharamana Tirthankaras. These names are Rishabhanan, Chandranan, Varisen, and Vardhaman.
  • Final Count: Including these, the total reaches 1000 + 20 + 4 = 1024 Tirthankaras.

• Spiritual Benefits: Verse 15 of the stavan highlights that by chanting the names of the Tirthankaras, worshipping them, and singing their praises, spiritual awakening (bodhi) becomes accessible to virtuous souls. Meditation leads to spiritual attainment (siddhi).

• Author's Plea: In verse 16, the poet makes a humble plea to the Tirthankaras for refuge and protection, seeking liberation from the bonds of karma.

• Author's Biography (Mahopadhya Ramavijayji):

  • He was a renowned poet of the 18th century, belonging to the Kshemkirti branch of the Kharatar Gachchha.
  • He was a disciple of Dayasinghji, who was a disciple of Sukhavardhanji, the successor of Kavi Jinharshji.
  • He was initiated by Acharya Jinachandrasuri Maharaj in VS 1756 (1700 CE).
  • His original name was Rupchand, which he himself mentions in the preface of his work "Gautamiya Kavya."
  • He was a highly esteemed scholar and literary figure of his time, even serving as the spiritual preceptor to prominent figures like Acharya Jinlabhsuri and Kshamakalyanopadhyaya.
  • He traveled with Acharya Jinlabhsuri on a pilgrimage to Mount Abu in VS 1821 (1765 CE).
  • A list of his significant works is provided, including major epics, devotional poems, commentaries on scriptures, and works on ethics and grammar.
  • He passed away at the ripe age of ninety in VS 1834 (1778 CE) in Pali (Marwar), where his foot imprints are also venerated.
  • Evidence suggests he held the title of 'Vachak' (preacher) before VS 1810 and was honored with the title of 'Upadhyaya' (scholar) by VS 1823. He traveled with Acharya Jinachandrasuri between VS 1818 and 1825.

• Manuscript Details:

  • The manuscript of the "Sahasrakoot Jin Stavan" was obtained from the Rajasthan Oriental Research Institute, Jodhpur, through the efforts of Mahendrasinghji Bhansali.
  • This handwritten manuscript, cataloged as number 31225 in Jodhpur, contains this composition on page 157 alongside other works.
  • Each page generally has nineteen lines, with approximately twelve characters per line, written clearly.
  • The script verification was aided by the manuscript from Acharya Shri Kailashsagar Suri Gyanmandir Koba (manuscript number 79826).

• Concluding Verse (Kalash): The kalash reiterates the hymn's purpose of describing Tirthankaras residing in the "Siddha Koot" (a reference to Siddhachal) and mentions that reciting or listening to this stavan composed by Pathak Ramavijayji, in the presence of Acharya Jinlabhsuri, grants the merit of visiting all Tirthankaras.

• Date of Composition: The stavan was completed on Friday, Magh Vadi 12, VS 1854 (1798 CE).

In essence, "Sahasrakoot Jin Stavan" is a profound devotional work that meticulously enumerates and venerates a vast multitude of Tirthankaras, providing a rich account of their calculation within Jain cosmology. It also offers insights into the life and literary contributions of its esteemed author, Mahopadhya Ramavijayji.