Sanskritbhasha Nibaddha Raivatgiri Tirth Stotra

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Sanskritbhasha Nibaddha Raivatgiri Tirth Stotra," in English:

Title: Sanskritbhasha Nibaddha Raivatgiri Tirth Stotra Author: Gyanachandra (identified as Jnanachandra) Publisher: Z_Nirgranth_Aetihasik_Lekh_Samucchay_Part_1_002105.pdf and Nirgranth_Aetihasik_Lekh_Samucchay_Part_2 Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/249374/1

Overall Summary:

This document presents an analysis and edition of a Sanskrit devotional hymn (Stotra) dedicated to the revered Jain pilgrimage site of Raivatgiri (also known as Girnar or Ujjayantgiri) and its principal deity, Lord Neminath. The work, attributed to the scholar Jnanachandra, is a significant contribution to the study of historical Jain pilgrimage literature. The introductory sections detail the historical context of the text, its authorship, content, and significance, followed by the Sanskrit text of the Stotra itself.

Key Points from the Introduction and Analysis:

• Pioneering Efforts in Jain Tirthmala Literature: The text highlights the early efforts of Pandit Becherdas Doshi in publishing historical Jain pilgrimage literature, including a work on Girnar.
• Attribution and Title: The presented Stotra is by Jnanachandra and is written in the Vasantatilaka meter. While the collector/scribe titled it "Girnar Chaitya-Paripati Stavan" (Hymn of the Girnar Temple Tradition), the author likely intended it as "Ujjayantgiri Tirth Stotra" or "Raivatgiri Tirth Stotra."
• Author's Identity: The author reveals his name as "Jnanendu" in the final verse, a synonym for Jnanachandra. However, he does not specify his lineage or tradition.
• Dating the Stotra: The Stotra mentions constructions made by Minister Vastupala and his brother Tejapala on Girnar. Since these constructions are dated to around 1232-1234 CE, the author must have written this Stotra after this period.
• Identifying Jnanachandra: The text discusses two known scholars named Jnanachandra who lived in proximity:
  1. A disciple of Amarpal Suri, who performed re-consecration at Vimalavashi in Delvada on Arbuda Giri in 1322 CE.
  2. A disciple of Gunchandra Suri of the Paurṇamika tradition, who wrote a commentary on Rajashekhara Suri's Ratnakaravtarika. This second Jnanachandra lived in the mid-14th century CE, making him a generation later than the first.
• Probable Authorship and Date: Based on the meter and style of Vasantatilaka verses found in the inscription of Vimalavashi (dated 1322 CE) at Delvada, the author suggests that this Raivatgiri Stotra is likely by the Rajagachchhiya Jnanachandra, placing its composition around 1320-1325 CE.
• Editorial Process: The text was edited by Shri Agarchand Nahata based on an old manuscript. It was further reviewed and refined by the archaeologist and Sanskrit scholar Shri Krishnadev, who corrected typographical and grammatical errors and restored verses affected by missing letters.
• Content of the Stotra:
  • The Stotra primarily focuses on the Ujjayant Maha Tirth and its main deity, Lord Arishtanemi (Neminath).
  • The initial five verses extol the glory of Lord Neminath and Raivatgiri.
  • It then describes the ascent to Girnar, mentioning the constructions by Minister Vastupala.
  • It systematically enumerates important and revered sites on the mountain.
  • Specific mentions include:
    • The installation of a new idol by Ratna, a merchant from Kashmir, and Madan (from Ambika's temple) in 934 CE.
    • The re-establishment of the ancient original temple of Neminath by Minister Sajjan in 1129 CE.
    • The "Kalyana Traya Jinalaya" (Temple of the Three Auspicious Events) built by Minister Tejapala (1234 CE).
    • The Devendra Mandapa built by Minister Depala (1232 CE).
    • The nearby sacred ancient Gajendra Padakund (Elephant Foot Kund).
    • The "Vastupala Vihara" dedicated to Lord Adinath, built by Minister Vastupala, including representations of Sametashaila and Ashtapada (1232 CE).
    • Rama Tirth cave.
    • Ambika Shikhar, the abode of the guardian Yakshi Ambika.
    • Other peaks like Avlokana Shikhar.
    • Sahastrasahakaravan (forest of a thousand mango trees) and Lakharam.
    • The Stotra concludes with salutations to the footprints (charanpaduka) of Neminath established at these locations.
• Literary Merit and Limitations:
  • The author acknowledges that Jnanachandra had to work within constraints, aiming for a "Chaitya Paripati" style, which required including specific names of historical figures and architectural structures.
  • As a post-medieval writer, his poetic prowess and linguistic refinement might not match earlier authors.
  • Despite these limitations, Jnanachandra successfully created a well-crafted Stotra. The poem flows smoothly with elegant vocabulary, avoiding unnecessary elaboration or ostentatious display of skill.
  • The composition is meaningful, well-structured, expressive, and organized. While not extraordinary, it is considered beautiful and pleasant to the ear.
• Significance of the Work: This Stotra provides valuable insights into the poetic ability of Jnanachandra, a 14th-century poet, and can be considered an excellent Jain devotional composition from the early post-medieval period.

The Sanskrit Stotra (Summary of Verses 1-16):

• Verse 1: Salutation to Lord Neminath, the jewel adorning the crown of Ujjayantgiri, the beautiful ornament of the land of Saurashtra, who fills the universe with auspicious fragrance.
• Verse 2: Addressing the Lord as the sun dispelling the darkness of sins and ignorance, whose feet are worshipped by gods and demons, the eternal lamp of Raivatachal, praying for the removal of inner darkness.
• Verse 3: Expressing gratitude for having attained human birth, which is difficult to achieve, and for the opportunity to approach the Lord, leading to the fruition of desires and the shedding of past bad karma.
• Verse 4: Describing the sacred land of Raivatgiri as sanctified by the three auspicious events (initiation, omniscience, liberation) of Lord Nemi, whose greatness is proclaimed by the resounding trumpets of divine joy.
• Verse 5: Acknowledging the divine presence and glory of Lord Neminath, who is inseparable from Rajamati and the goddess of fortune, despite which worldly people often engage in empty boasting.
• Verse 6: Hailing the steps to the edifice of spiritual attainment, comparing them to a ladder, and recalling the mantra of the minister Vagbhatadeva, who is a devotee of Lord Neminath.
• Verse 7: Praising the golden idol of Ambika installed by Ratna and the Purohita (priest) Hasti, which, like a life raft, helps in crossing the ocean of worldly existence.
• Verse 8: Commending Minister Sajjan for preserving the ancient temple, adorned with golden vessels, jewel-studded archways, and jewel lamps, making it stand out on the mountain slopes.
• Verse 9: Asserting that the divine treasures of the Lord, whose son is Samudra-vijaya, are incomparable, even more valuable than the fourteen great jewels, and that the Lord has conquered the ocean itself with his spiritual wealth.
• Verse 10: Declaring that no poet can fully describe the immeasurable glory of Raivatgiri or the Lord Neminath, who, having conquered internal enemies, was also dear to others and settled amongst them.
• Verse 11: Paying homage to Neminath in the three temples, the four-faced Brahma, the blue-hued Lord, the temple of Devendra Mandapa, and the sacred Gajendra Padakund, which removes the heat of worldly suffering.
• Verse 12: Bowing to Lord Adinath, who has an avatar on Shatrunjaya and resides in the Vastupala Vihara, along with the Sammetashaila temple and Ashtapada representation.
• Verse 13: Glorifying Yakshi Ambika, the bestower of desires, who, like a mother, removes the sins of pilgrims, and who, residing in the cave, was consumed by grief after Lord Neminath's departure.
• Verse 14: Saluting Lord Arishtanemi on Avlokan Shikhar, comparing the two peaks to the rising and setting sun, and noting how figures like Pradyumna, Shambhu, and Kevali indicate the path to great prosperity.
• Verse 15: Wishing eternal glory to the sacred land of the pilgrimage site, sanctified by the lotus feet of Neminath, adorned by the Sahastrasahakaravan forest and Lakharam, and illuminated even at night by medicinal plants.
• Verse 16: Concluding with a blessing that those who read this Stotra, composed by Jnanendu (Jnanachandra), who is known to physicians and worshipped by gods, and praised by the universe, will attain the fruits of pilgrimage even while staying in place.

In essence, the "Sanskritbhasha Nibaddha Raivatgiri Tirth Stotra" is a devotional and historically significant Sanskrit poem that praises the sacred site of Girnar and its presiding deity, Lord Neminath, while also documenting key architectural and devotional activities undertaken there by prominent patrons.