Shankhpur Parshwanath Stotra

Here's a comprehensive summary of the "Shankhpur Parshwanath Stotra" by Amrut Patel, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Shankhpur Parshwanath Stotra Author: Tapagachchhiya Navimlagani (as per the original manuscript) Editor/Publisher: Amrut Patel (from a single-page manuscript dated 17th century)

Overview and Significance:

The "Shankhpur Parshwanath Stotra" is a devotional hymn composed by the esteemed Jain monk Navimlagani of the Tapagachchha tradition, who lived in the 17th century. The text was edited by Amrut Patel from a rare, single-page handwritten manuscript. This Stotra, comprising 23 verses, is highlighted for its literary merit, primarily characterized by the Shantaras (sentiment of peace and tranquility).

Key Features and Literary Aspects:

• Author's Expertise: Pandit Nayavimal (later Acharya Gyanaavimlasuri) was a scholar well-versed in medieval Jain literature. He authored works in Sanskrit and Gujarati. This Stotra showcases his mastery of complex Sanskrit meters like Shardulavikriditam and Sragdhara, evident in verses 8 and 10, which even combine these meters within a single stanza.
• Rich Language and Poetic Devices: The Stotra is praised for its linguistic prowess, expressive style, and the skillful use of poetic embellishments such as similes (upama), metaphors (rupak), alliteration (anupras), and rhymes (yamaka), as seen in verses 3, 7, 8, 16, 19, and 20.
• Personal Touch: Verse 19 subtly includes the name of the author's guru, Dhivimal, indicating a personal and reverential connection.
• Inclusion of Mantras: Verses 9 and 10 incorporate potent mantras associated with Lord Parshvanath, believed to bring about desired results.
• Unique Grammatical Usage: The text points out a specific grammatical usage in the word "sansthāpayitvā," noting a deviation from standard Sanskrit rules which is characteristic of the "Jain Sanskrit" found in medieval Jain prose literature.
• Overall Quality: Despite being from a later period, the Stotra is considered an excellent, vibrant composition due to its brilliance, harmonious rhymes, and pleasing rhythm. It adds to the existing body of hymns dedicated to Lord Parshvanath of Shankhpur.

Content and Themes:

The Stotra extols Lord Parshvanath, particularly as the deity of Shankheshwar Tirth, and highlights various aspects of his divine glory, miraculous powers, and the benefits of his devotion.

• Mangala (Invocation): The hymn begins with an invocation to Lord Shankheshwar Parshvanath, describing the radiant glow of the jewels from the crowns of prostrating Indra and other celestial beings that adorn his feet.
• Lord's Benevolence: The verses emphasize Lord Parshvanath's power to fulfill the desires of his devotees, likening him to a Kalpa-vriksha (wish-fulfilling tree). His name itself is said to cause the well-being of the devotees.
• Overcoming Obstacles: The Stotra recounts the incident of Kamath's attack, where the fire of Lord Parshvanath's meditation intensified rather than being extinguished by the water he threw. It also mentions the protective canopy of hoods provided by the serpent king Dharanendra. This signifies the Lord's ability to overcome adversity and the devotion of other beings towards him.
• Universal Glory: The immense fame and influence of Lord Parshvanath are described as spreading far and wide, even in the difficult Kali Yuga, comparable to the fragrance of sandalwood from the Malaya mountains.
• Merits of Devotion: The verses detail the immense benefits of worshipping and meditating on Lord Parshvanath:
  • Liberation from Sins and Karma: Devotion is shown to destroy the "elephant-like" evil karmas and the "root-like" afflictions of anger, pride, and infatuation.
  • Spiritual Growth: It leads to the destruction of ignorance and darkness, bringing forth spiritual light.
  • Material and Spiritual Prosperity: Devotees gain immense wealth, fame, and ultimate liberation.
  • Attainment of Siddhis: The Stotra mentions the attainment of great supernatural powers and renown.
• Personal Surrender and Longing: The author expresses a deep longing to hear the Lord's glories, see his face, and dedicate his mind, senses, and soul to him. He acknowledges his own shortcomings but seeks the Lord's grace for transcendence.
• Divine Attributes: Lord Parshvanath is depicted as the embodiment of various deities (Vishnu, Shankara, Brahma) and possesses qualities like immense strength, knowledge, compassion, and the power to grant salvation. He is described as the "destroyer of the fear of the cycle of birth and death."
• Mantra Efficacy: The verses dedicated to the dual mantras highlight their power to grant imperial status, pure fame, fulfillment of desires, and a stable nature, leading to liberation within a few lifetimes for those who meditate on them.
• Fruits of Worship: The Stotra assures that even those whose hands are pricked by thorns while gathering flowers for the Lord's worship receive the steadfast Lakshmi (fortune) of kings and gods.
• Ultimate Surrender: The hymn concludes with the devotee recognizing Lord Parshvanath as their mother, father, guru, friend, life, and the ultimate truth, praying for the power to achieve all desired goals.

Conclusion:

The "Shankhpur Parshwanath Stotra" is a significant devotional work that combines profound spiritual sentiment with artistic literary expression. It serves as a guide for devotees, detailing the attributes of Lord Parshvanath and the transformative power of devotion, meditation, and mantra recitation, promising spiritual and material well-being, and ultimately, liberation. The final verses emphasize the auspiciousness of reciting the Stotra, promising the flourishing of all noble knowledge in the devotee.