Shobhan Stuti Vruttimala Part 01

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Book Title: Shobhan Stuti Vruttimala Part 01 Author: Muni Hitvardhanvijay Publisher: Kusum Amrut Trust (Vapi, Gujarat, India)

Overview:

This book is the first part of the "Shobhan Stuti Vruttimala," a compilation of hymns and their commentaries. It is presented as a significant contribution to Jain literature, aiming to bring together multiple scholarly works on a single theme. The compilation is the result of the editorial efforts of Muni Hitvardhanvijay and is published by the Kusum Amrut Trust.

Key Features and Content:

1. The Core Text: The central text is the "Shobhan Stuti" (also referred to as "Shobhan Chaturvishatika"), a collection of 96 hymns composed in Sanskrit verse. These hymns are structured in 96 verses (श्लोकमानं: षण्नवतिकञ्छन्दोबद्धम्), with each verse adorned with the poetic device of "Yamak" (यमक) – a form of alliteration or rhyme. The hymns were composed by the revered Muni Shobhan Ishwar (पूज्याः शोभनमुनीश्वराः) during the latter half of the 11th century Vikram era (विक्रमनृपस्यैकादशतमशताब्या उत्तरार्धः). The hymns are praises dedicated to the 24 Tirthankaras of the current era (व. वर्तमानचोवीशीनां ચોવીશ તીર્થકરોની સ્તુતિઓ).

2. Extensive Commentaries (Tikas and Avachuri): A remarkable aspect of this compilation is the inclusion of multiple commentaries on Shobhan Muni's hymns. The first volume specifically focuses on the hymns of Rishabhdev and Vasupujya Tirthankaras (श्रीऋषभदेवतो वासुपूज्यजिनाऽवधिस्तुतीनां सञ्चयाऽऽत्मकोऽयं प्रथमः खण्डः). The book includes the following commentaries and their respective estimated verse counts:

   • Pujya Shri Jayavijayji Gani: 2350 Anuṣṭubh verses. Composed around 1671 Vikram era (वि.सं. 1671).
   • Pujya Shri Siddhi-chandra Ganivar: 2200 Anuṣṭubh verses. Composed in the first half of the 17th century Vikram era (विक्रमार्कस्य सप्तदशतमशताब्याः पूर्वार्धः).
   • Pujya Shri Saubhagya Sagar Suri: Verse count not determined. Composed around 1778 Vikram era (वि.सं. 1778).
   • Pujya Shri Devachandra Ganivar: Verse count not determined. Composed in the 17th century Vikram era (विक्रमार्कस्य सप्तदशतमशताब्याम्).
   • Dhanpal Kavi: 1000 Anuṣṭubh verses. Composed in the 11th century Vikram era (विक्रमस्य एकादश्यां शताब्याम्).
   • Avachuri by Pujya Chintanacharya: Verse count not determined due to lack of material. The timeframe is also unspecified.

3. Editorial Vision: The editor, Muni Hitvardhanvijay, emphasizes that this work is unique for bringing together seven Sanskrit texts (one original and six commentaries) on a single topic. This is presented as an unprecedented achievement in Jain literature, possibly even in broader Indian philosophical literature, given the sheer volume of commentary (over 10,000 verses mentioned). The editor has also added approximately fifty new annotations (टिપ્પણી) in Sanskrit to refine the text, correct grammatical and sometimes doctrinal errors found in the older commentaries.

4. Inspiration and Dedication: The publication is inspired by the teachings of Pujya Gurudev Shri Mangalvardhanvijayji Maharaj. The work is a tribute to the spiritual lineage, mentioning the blessings and guidance from his Gurus: Pujya Acharya Shri V. Ramachandra Surishwarji Maharaj, Pujya Gurudev Shri Bhavya Vardhanvijayji Maharaj, and Pujya Gurudev Shri Mangalvardhanvijayji Maharaj.

5. Publication Details:

   • First Edition: 500 sets of both volumes (Part 1 & 2).
   • Publication Date: Ashadh Sud 8, Vikram Samvat 2066 (Sunday, July 18, 2010).
   • Financial Support: Funded by the Kusum Amrut Trust using its knowledge-related funds (ज्ञानद्रव्य).
   • Distribution: Copies will be respectfully offered to Sadhus, Sadhvis, and Jain knowledge repositories (ज्ञानभंडार). A note suggests that readers should contribute to the knowledge fund before studying or purchasing the book (Rs. 400).

6. Historical Context of Shobhan Muni: The preface provides a detailed biographical sketch of Muni Shobhan. He was a prominent scholar contemporary of Vadivetall Shri Shantisurishwarji Maharaj and a disciple of Shri Shrimad Mahendrasurishwarji Maharaj. His hymns are celebrated for their grammatical precision, literary excellence, and devotional depth. The text highlights significant events in his life, including his intellectual prowess, debates with scholars like Dhanpal Pandit, and his eventual initiation into Jainism under Mahendrasurishwarji Maharaj. The text also touches upon the historical context of the time, including King Bhoj's patronage and later policies affecting Jain monks. The meticulous research and inclusion of previously unpublished commentaries by Professor Hiralal Rasikdas Kapadia are also acknowledged as foundational to this publication.

7. Structure of the Content: The book systematically presents the hymns of each Tirthankara, starting with Shri Rishabhdev, followed by Shri Ajitnath, Shri Sambhavnath, Shri Abhinandanath, Shri Sumatinath, Shri Padmaprabh, Shri Suparshvanath, Shri Chandraprabh, Shri Suvidhinath, Shri Shitalnath, Shri Shreyansnath, and Shri Vasupujya. Each hymn is accompanied by the commentaries of the aforementioned scholars. The detailed explanations (Tika) often delve into grammatical analysis (samasa, dhatu, pratyaya) and interpret the allegorical and devotional meanings.

In essence, "Shobhan Stuti Vruttimala Part 01" is a scholarly and devotional work that meticulously preserves and presents the hymns of Muni Shobhan along with the rich interpretative traditions of various Jain scholars. It aims to make this profound devotional literature accessible to a wider audience while also contributing to the scholarly understanding of Jain philosophical and poetic traditions.