Sambhavnath Kalash

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sambhavnath Kalash" by Rasila Kadia, based on the provided pages:

Overall Context:

The "Sambhavnath Kalash" is a Jain devotional text dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankara, Lord Sambhavanatha. It appears to be part of a collection of similar devotional poems (Kalash) dedicated to various Tirthankaras. The text is presented as a scholarly work, with extensive notes and analysis by the editor, Dr. Rasila Kadia. The work is based on a manuscript from the L.D. Institute of Indology, Ahmedabad, and highlights the contribution of Shri Lakshmanbhai Bhojak in its deciphering and editing.

Key Features of the "Sambhavnath Kalash":

• Structure: The "Sambhavnath Kalash" is composed of two leaves (patra), thirty-seven verses (kadiyo), and five different poetic meters or styles (dhalo).
• Historical Context and Comparisons:
  • The introduction notes that similar Kalash texts exist for Rishabhdev, Parshvanath, Shantinath, and all Tirthankaras collectively.
  • It draws a parallel with the practice of placing five or seven flower offerings (kusumanjali) in Jintirth (temples of Tirthankaras), each dedicated to specific Tirthankaras.
  • The editor compares the stylistic elements of this Kalash with those of earlier devotional poets like Pandit Vir Vijayji, Shri Devpalji (Depal Kavi), Shri Devchandji, Shri Rupvijayji, and Shri Gyanvimal.
  • The language is described as clear and accessible, making Pandit Shri Vir Vijayji's compositions particularly well-known.
  • The dating of the text is not explicitly provided, but the writing style suggests it might belong to the 19th century.
  • The opening lines of this Kalash bear resemblance to the beginning of Parshvanath Kalash by Shri Devpal, indicating a possible influence or a common tradition of composing such pieces.
  • The use of specific vernacular phrases (like "देशी ललनानी") in the meter descriptions is noted, and the phrase "पूरण कलश...... नामे रे" in Dhala-3 suggests that this Kalash might have been composed after the Kalash by Shri Devchandji, who used a similar line.
• Authorship: The author's name is not explicitly stated. However, the concluding line, "ज्ञान महोदय पद लहे," is interpreted as the poet revealing their name as "Gyan Mahoday." The editor raises a question about whether this "Gyan Mahoday" could be the same as Shri Gyanvimal, the author of the Shantinath Kalash.
• Content and Narrative:
  • The Kalash describes the birth festival (janma mahotsav) of Lord Sambhavanatha.
  • It details the fourteen auspicious dreams (chavda swapno) seen by the mother.
  • The king consults a dream interpreter, who explains the auspicious meaning of the dreams.
  • After the birth, fifty-six celestial maidens (chhappan digkumari) bathe the divine infant.
  • This event causes Indra's throne to tremble, signifying the birth of a Tirthankara.
  • Indra and his entire family, in their five forms, arrive to receive the Lord.
  • They celebrate the birth festival with great fanfare in the Pandukvan (a sacred grove).
  • The celestial beings create a hypnotic sleep (avashvapini nidra) over the inhabitants of the royal palace.
  • A shower of thirty-two crore (battis kodi) gold coins is described.
  • The Kalash concludes with a promise that those who read or recite the "Sambhavnath Kalash" will experience increase in wealth and prosperity (riddhi-vriddhi), and attain the nine treasures (nav nidhi) and eight Siddhis (asta siddhi).
• Specific Details Mentioned in the Verses:
  • The Kalash is dedicated to Sambhavanatha, the Tirthankara of the Ikshvaku lineage.
  • The verses mention Savatthi (Shravasti) as the city and King Jitari as the father.
  • The conception takes place on the eighth day of the waxing moon of the month of Phalguna, under the Mrigashira nakshatra.
  • The fourteen dreams are listed: elephant, bull, lion, Lakshmi, garlands, moon, sun, flag, pot, lotus, ocean, celestial chariot, pile of jewels, and smokeless fire.
  • The verses describe the celestial beings' arrival, their vehicles (Harini, Mekhshi), musical instruments, and the hierarchy of gods (Bhuvanpati, Vyantar, Vaimaanik).
  • The specific numbers of deities and their attendants are detailed, emphasizing the grandeur of the event.
  • The concluding notes mention that the Kalash likely refers to the Sambhavanatha temple in Suryapur (Surat).

Significance of the Discovery:

The acquisition of this "Sambhavnath Kalash" is considered significant because it fills a gap in the collection of Kalash texts for individual Tirthankaras. Previously, Kalash for Adinath, Shantinath, Parshvanath, and all Tirthankaras were available, but not for Neminath and Mahavir Swami. The discovery of the Sambhavnath Kalash strengthens the possibility that such compositions exist for other Tirthankaras as well.

In essence, the "Sambhavnath Kalash" is a devotional poem that recounts the auspicious birth of Lord Sambhavanatha, highlighting the celestial celebrations and promising blessings to its readers. The scholarly edition provides valuable insights into the history, style, and comparative literature of Jain devotional poetry.