Shatrunjaya Mandan Rushabhdev Stuti

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shatrunjaya Mandan Rushabhdev Stuti" by Bhuvanchandravijay, based on the provided catalog link and page snippets:

Title: Shatrunjaya Mandan Rushabhdev Stuti (Praise of Rushabhdev, the Ornament of Shatrunjaya) Author: Muni Bhuvanchandravijay Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Language: Apabhramsa mixed with Old Gujarati

Overview of the Text and its Preservation:

This work is a devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankara in Jainism, with a particular focus on his connection to the sacred mountain Shatrunjaya. The text is presented in a historical language that blends Apabhramsa with Old Gujarati. The summary notes that the provided text is a purified version based on three manuscript copies, the originals of which are preserved in the knowledge repository (Jnana Bhandar) of the Shri Parshvachandra Gachchha Jain Sangh in Khambhat.

• Manuscript Details:
  • Manuscript No. 38-585 is estimated to be from the 15th century. A distinctive feature of this manuscript is the substitution of the letter 'न' (na) with 'ल' (la) in words starting with 'न'. This alteration is also observed in the Apabhramsa version of the "Shatrunjaya Kalpa" within the same manuscript, though not consistently applied.
  • Manuscript No. 24-376 contains this work along with other various chapters and is likely from the 16th century.
  • Manuscript No. 38-584 is from the 17th century.
  • All three original manuscripts are noted as being imperfect.

Author and Context:

The author is identified as a monk named Vasana, a disciple of Vijaydan Suri of the Tapa Gachchha sect. His period is noted as the 16th century CE, with references provided to the books "Jain Gurjar Kavi-1" and "Gujarati Sahityakosh (Madhyakal)" for further information.

Content of the Stuti (Praise):

The stuti is a profound expression of devotion to Lord Rishabhdev, describing his exalted nature and the spiritual journey of the soul. The verses delve into several key Jain philosophical concepts:

• Praise of Lord Rishabhdev: The verses begin with bowing to the supreme Lord and the Lord of Shatrunjaya, whose lotus feet are worshipped. The poet humbly states his intention to compose this hymn in praise of the noble Jina, who is the source of knowledge, meditation, and wisdom.

• The Soul's Journey and Suffering: The hymn vividly portrays the soul's wandering through countless cycles of birth and death (samsara). It details the immense suffering experienced in various life forms:

  • Hellish Beings (Naraka): Described as enduring terrible tortures and living in hellish realms.
  • Animal/Transmigratory Beings (Tiriyancha): Enumerated as beings in various forms, including those in water, earth, fire, air, plants, and the animal kingdom, experiencing different states of existence (Paryapti and Aprayapti).
  • Celestial Beings (Deva): The text mentions the souls residing in heavenly abodes.
  • Human Beings (Manushya): The arduous journey through human births is also highlighted.
  • Karmic Bonds: The verses touch upon the accumulation of various types of karma, including those related to knowledge (Jnana), perception (Darshana), passions (Kashaya), lifespan (Ayushya), and obstruction (Antaraya). The immense numbers of souls and their transmigration are described, emphasizing the soul's entanglement in karmic matter.

• Cosmology and Geography: The text references Jain cosmology, describing the different continents and regions of the universe where souls undergo rebirths. This includes:

  • Continents: Jambudvipa, Bharatavarsha, Airavata, Videha, and other regions.
  • Geographical Features: Mountains, oceans, and islands are mentioned as part of the cosmic landscape.

• Types of Souls and Their States: The verses categorize souls based on their life-form, senses, and mental faculties, detailing their progression and the karma that binds them.

• Overcoming Suffering and Attaining Liberation: The core message of the stuti is the soul's aspiration to break free from the cycle of suffering and attain liberation (moksha) by worshipping the Tirthankaras, particularly Lord Rishabhdev. The verses express the poet's desire to serve and worship the Lord, whose grace will lead to crossing the ocean of existence.

• Attributes of Lord Rishabhdev: Lord Rishabhdev is lauded with epithets that highlight his divine qualities:

  • "Siddha Swayamvara" (Self-chosen liberated being)
  • "Sundari Vara Sundaro" (Most beautiful amongst the beautiful)
  • "Shri Vimalabhudhara" (Lord of the pure mountain)
  • "Dhavala Sindhur" (White elephant, a symbol of power and purity)
  • "Skandhavasa, Purandaro" (Dwelling in the heavens, like Indra)
  • "Subhasura, Vyuni Bhasura" (Radiant with auspiciousness, shining)
  • "Guru Bhavasura Ganjano" (Destroyer of the cycle of birth and death)
  • "Suvidhi Vasana" (Dwelling in a pleasant abode)
  • "Vijay Tilaka Niranjano" (The victorious, spotless, auspicious mark)

Overall Significance:

The "Shatrunjaya Mandan Rushabhdev Stuti" is a significant devotional work in Jain literature. It serves as a powerful reminder of the soul's arduous journey through samsara, the nature of karmic bondage, and the ultimate path to liberation through devotion to the Tirthankaras. The text also provides insights into the historical linguistic evolution of Gujarati and the preservation of ancient Jain manuscripts. The detailed enumerations of life forms and karmic categories underscore the comprehensive philosophical framework of Jainism.