Samavasaran Stotra

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Samavasaran Stotra," based on the given pages:

The "Samavasaran Stotra" is a hymn dedicated to Lord Veer Jin, extolling the grandeur and spiritual significance of his Samavasaran, the divine assembly where he delivers his sermons. The text, compiled by scholars from scattered manuscript pages found in Malgaon, Rajasthan, around 50 years prior to the compilation's publication (around the 16th or 17th century, judging by the script), is largely in Sanskrit. The original author and compiler remain unknown, as do the exact writing dates.

The initial pages of the manuscript, though fragmented, provide detailed descriptions of the Samavasaran's layout and the celestial beings who participate in its creation and adornment.

Key aspects described in the stotra include:

• The Divine Assembly (Samavasaran): The stotra begins by glorifying Lord Veer Jin, whose presence illuminates the entire world through the effulgence of his perfect knowledge (Keval Gyan). The Samavasaran itself is presented as the divine abode for his sermons.

• Celestial Preparations: The stotra details the meticulous preparations undertaken by various divine beings to create the Samavasaran:

  • Vayukumara Devas (Wind-elemental beings): They meticulously clean and purify the ground.
  • Meghakumara Devas (Cloud-elemental beings): They sprinkle fragrant water to settle any dust.
  • Vyanthara Kings (Subterranean and lower celestial beings): They adorn the platform with precious jewels and scatter multi-colored flowers.
  • Vaimaanikas, Jyotishikas (Higher celestial beings) and Bhuvanadhipatis (Rulers of realms): They construct three concentric ramparts (vapras) made of jewels, gold, and silver, which shine brightly.

• The Ramparts (Vapras): The stotra elaborates on the dimensions and construction of these ramparts.

  • Inner Rampart: Lined with luminous jewel-adorned pillars and adorned with bejeweled mirrors, described as representing the glory of Dharma.
  • Middle Rampart: Also made of jewels and gold, with significant width (measured in Yojanas and Dhanushas – units of measurement).
  • Outer Rampart: Constructed with elaborate staircases, further ramparts, and similar jeweled adornments. The sheer scale and intricacy of these ramparts are emphasized, reflecting the immense devotion of the celestial beings.

• The Central Seat and Throne:

  • At the center of the third rampart, a magnificent jeweled platform is described, radiating light.
  • This platform is adorned with four beautiful jeweled thrones, each adorned with the Ashok tree (a sacred tree in Jainism).
  • These thrones are crowned with three canopies, radiating a moon-like luminescence.

• Lord Veer Jin's Presence:

  • Lord Veer Jin occupies the central throne, facing east, mirroring the rising sun.
  • In the other directions, his likenesses are presented, symbolizing his ability to preach the four-fold dharma (four types of followers: monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen).
  • Yakshas (Attendant deities): Majestic Yakshas stand on either side, holding auspicious whisks (chamaras).
  • Flags: Imposing flags with jewel-encrusted poles reach towards the sky.
  • Dharmachakra (Wheel of Dharma): Four beautiful Dharmachakras are placed in front of the Lord, symbolizing his supreme mastery of the Dharma.

• The Four Assemblies:

  • In the southeastern and other directions, there are four assemblies, each occupied by different groups:
    • Saints (Sadhus) and divine celestial women (Kalpa Suranganas) who are adept at listening to the Dharma.
    • Light-bearers (Jyotishpati), rulers of realms (Bhuvanadhipati), celestial beings (Vyantara), and celestial women (Vaimaanika), as well as human royalty.

• The Assembly of Animals: In the second rampart, various animals like lions, deer, and snakes are described as being present, having renounced their natural enmity and peacefully listening to the Lord's teachings.

• Third Rampart and its Features: The third rampart is characterized by vehicles, the absence of control, fear of idle talk, and the lack of envy among its occupants, all attributed to the Lord's influence. It is also adorned with banners, jeweled archways, auspicious pots, and incense burners.

• Gatekeepers and Guardians: Specific deities are mentioned as guarding the entrances to the Samavasaran, including Soumya, the Lord of the Forest, and celestial beings of various colors, as well as powerful female gatekeepers like Vijaya, Jaya, Jitabhya, and Aparajita, holding weapons. Other deities like Tumbar and Malkha, adorned with matted hair, are also described as standing guard.

• Relaxation Area: An area within the jeweled rampart in the Ishanakona corner is designated for Lord Jin's rest, constructed by celestial beings.

• Ponds and Divine Joy: The stotra mentions beautiful lotus ponds outside the outer rampart, in the corners and the center, filled with divine beings who sing and dance in joy upon seeing the Lord, their ecstatic emotions overflowing in lion-like roars.

• Devotion and Divine Power: The stotra acknowledges that any prominent deity, like Indra, approaching with devotion is accommodated by the Lord. It highlights the ultimate power of devotion and the Lord's ability to achieve anything through it.

• Auspicious Signs: The presence of any great deity is met with auspicious signs and constant welcome (Supratiharyas).

• Benediction: The stotra concludes with a prayer for Lord Jin, who guides humanity towards salvation through his thirty-four miraculous attributes, to reign eternally over the world. It also expresses the composer's hope that the merit earned from composing this stotra, fueled by pure devotion, will enable all beings to embrace the Lord's teachings, attain purity, and ultimately achieve liberation (Nirvana).

In essence, the "Samavasaran Stotra" is a vivid and detailed depiction of the awe-inspiring Samavasaran, emphasizing the Lord's divine presence, the selfless devotion of celestial beings, and the ultimate goal of spiritual liberation.