Saraswati Stotra

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Saraswati Stotra text in English, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Saraswati Stotra Author(s): Dayasuri, Diptipragnashreeji Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229420/1

Overview of the Saraswati Stotra:

This compilation presents the Saraswati Stotra, edited and published by ZZ_Anusandhan. The source material is a one-page copy of a manuscript from the Dabhoi Gyanbhandar, cataloged as No. 533-4407.

Authorship and Style:

• The introductory verse suggests the work might have been composed by a non-Jain poet due to its phrasing.
• The recurring phrase "Jai Jai Bhavani" in the fourth line of each stanza further hints at a non-Jain influence.
• However, the final stanza explicitly mentions "Dayasuri Devi," strongly indicating that the composition is by a Jain Muni named Dayasuri.
• There is no dispute regarding "Dayasuri" being a name for Jain monks. It is also noted that a respected Acharya by the name of Dayasuri existed within the lineage of the Tapgachha sect.
• It is speculated that Acharya Dayasuri had close connections with Charana poets (wandering bards). This connection likely inspired him to compose this stotra in a style similar to the popular "Bhavani Chand" of Chand Barot, a famous Charana poet.
• The stotra is recognized as being composed in the Tribhangi or Gajgati meter.
• Upon reviewing the entire stotra, it becomes evident that it is a praise of Goddess Saraswati in her aspect of Shakti (power).
• Further support for this attribution comes from the "Madhyakaleen Gujarati Sahitya Kosh" (Medieval Gujarati Literature Encyclopedia), which mentions a "Dayasur" in the 19th century who composed a "Saraswati-chhand" (Saraswati meter) on page 168. This is likely the same poet.

The Stotra (Hymn):

The stotra is a powerful invocation and praise of Goddess Saraswati. Each of the nine verses (aṣṭaka refers to eight, but there are nine stanzas in this presentation) extols her various attributes and powers. The recurring refrain, "Jai Jai Bhavani, Jagat Jaani Rajarani Saraswati" (Victory, Victory, O Bhavani, the universally known Queen Saraswati), emphasizes her supreme status.

Key Themes and Attributes Praised in the Stotra:

The stotra highlights Saraswati as:

• Vijaya Shantikara Devi: The victorious and peace-bringing Goddess.
• Nirmalmatprakashini: One who illuminates pure intellect.
• Virya Bindu Kare Shambhu Jaya Priya: A beloved of Shiva, who bestows strength.
• Budh Vila Karani, Bibudh Varani, Rupa Ramani: One who brightens the minds of scholars, is praised by the gods, and possesses beautiful form.
• Devata Padam Pekhit Aasan Sukhadayi: She sits on a divine throne that brings happiness.
• Dukhadurit Nivaran, Trihun Lok Taraka: The remover of suffering and afflictions, the savior of the three worlds.
• Vighana Varak, Dharadhara Dharapati: The remover of obstacles, the ruler of the earth.
• Kantaka (Kala) Kopati, Lakh Lopa (Destroyer of enemies, pride, and millions of demons): She is the destroyer of thorns, anger, and countless evil forces.
• Ishvari, Santa Sudharani, Vighana Varini, Madan Marani, Mishvari: The divine ruler, who nourishes the virtuous, removes obstacles, conquers desire, and is the supreme goddess.
• Khal Dalan Khandani, Chhidra Chhandani, Dushta Dandani, Narapati: The one who breaks the wicked, punishes the evil, and commands kings.
• Shiv Sangat Sachi, Rang Rachi, Aja Ajachi Yogini: Eternally united with Shiva, adorned with colors, the yogini of the unborn.
• Jihva Japanti, Man Ramanti, Dhaval Danti Varasti: She resides on the tongue, delights the mind, and bestows white teeth (symbolizing purity).
• Jhanan Jhanari, Dhu Dhumi Dhudhari, Riri Ri Rivavar Bajjae: Described through various resonant sounds and musical instruments.
• Rimirimiki, Rimiri Mith, Jhujhumi Jhimi: Depicted through the sounds of dancing feet.
• Agam Nritya Nacchae: She performs an unapproachable dance.
• Jal Thala Janani, Pavan Pani Van Vakhaani, Vijali Giravara Gahani: The mother of water and land, praised in the winds and forests, swift as lightning.
• Vagh Vahani, Sarpa Sahani, Shitli Harahaak Tahari Hathaa Hazari: She is carried by a lion, possesses the power of serpents, and her hands are like thousands.
• Chakra Chalani, Garva Galani, Jhataka Jhalani, Ganjani: The wielder of the discus, the destroyer of pride, the swift mover.
• Biruda Vadhani, Mahisha Marani, Dalidra Darani, Bhnjani: The bestower of fame, the slayer of the buffalo demon, the destroyer of poverty.
• Kavi Kare Aṣṭaka, Tal Kasṭaka, Pisuna Prishṭaka: The one who is praised by poets, who removes difficulties.
• Manamauḷi Mandita, Padhe Hi Pandit, Aii Akhanḍiṭ: Adorned with jewels, read by scholars, she is unbroken.
• Dayasuri Devi, Sura Sevi, Nit Sevi Jagapati: The Goddess Dayasuri, served by gods, eternally served by the lord of the universe.

Contribution:

• Edited by: Sadhvi Diptipragnashreeji
• Authored by: Shri Dayasuri (likely)

Publication Details:

• Date: October 2002
• Context: Part of "Anusandhan-21"

In essence, the Saraswati Stotra is a devotional hymn that celebrates the omnipotent and illuminating nature of Goddess Saraswati, attributed to the learned Jain Muni Dayasuri, and presented in a style influenced by traditional Indian poetic forms.