Shravikanam Chaturvinshati Namaskar

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shravikanam Chaturvinshati Namaskar" based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Shravikanam Chaturvinshati Namaskar Author(s): Shilchandrasuri (implied, with a possible mention of 'Santibhaddu') Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229475/1

Overview:

"Shravikanam Chaturvinshati Namaskar" is a devotional composition in the Apabhramsa language, structured in verses (chhand). It is a stavan (praise) of the twenty-four Tirthankaras, intended to be recited at the time of Prabhat (dawn). The term "Suvihanum" (सुविहाणु) appears in each verse and signifies "Suprabhatam" (good morning). A notable aspect of this work is the use of the word "Shravikanam" (श्राविकाणां) in the title, suggesting it was specifically composed for Jain laywomen (shravikas) to sing or recite in the morning.

Origin and Authorship:

• Manuscript: The provided text is based on a xerox copy of a manuscript housed in the Muni Bhaktivijaya-Gyanbhandar of the Jain Atmanand Sabha in Bhavnagar.
• Dating: The manuscript itself appears to be a copy made in Samvat 1965 (likely by Bhaktivijayji Maharaj). This suggests that the original composition is older.
• Estimated Composition Period: Based on the style and the fact that Bhaktivijayji Maharaj was known to preserve and copy older texts, the composition is estimated to be from the 14th or 15th century.
• Author Identification: The author's name is not definitively known. However, the last verse (Gatha 25) contains the word "Santibhaddu" (संतिभद्दु). This is speculated to be a potential reference to the author's name, but further research is deemed necessary.
• Purpose of Composition: The author is believed to have composed this work for shravikas, enabling them to sing or recite it in the morning.

Content and Structure:

• Praise of Tirthankaras: The text comprises 25 verses, with each verse dedicated to praising one of the twenty-four Tirthankaras or offering general praise to the Tirthankaras.
• "Suvihanum": The recurring word "Suvihanum" (सुविहाणु) acts as a refrain and translates to "Suprabhatam" (good morning), indicating the morning devotional purpose.
• Themes of Devotion and Renunciation: The verses highlight key aspects of Jain philosophy, including:
  • The Tirthankaras' renunciation of worldly pleasures and attachment to achieve liberation (apavarg, moksha).
  • The attainment of supreme happiness and eternal bliss through devotion and adherence to the Dharma.
  • The impermanence of worldly possessions, youth, and relationships.
  • The importance of righteous conduct, meditation, and devotion to the Tirthankaras.
  • Overcoming desires, attachments, and negative emotions (krodh, maya, man, matsarya).
  • The efficacy of the Tirthankaras' teachings and guidance in navigating the cycle of birth and death (samsara).
• Specific Tirthankara Praises (Examples):
  • Rishabh Jin (1): Praised for conquering karma and the cycle of existence.
  • Ajit Jin (2): Praised for his immense glory that even celestial beings and rulers acknowledge.
  • Sambhav Jin (3): Celebrated for his pure and stainless nature, leading to supreme bliss and liberation.
  • Abhinandan Jin (4): Recognized as the one who showers affection upon those who seek refuge in him.
  • Sumati Jin (5): Honored for his wisdom and invoked with shouts of victory.
  • Padmaprabha (6): The path to liberation and freedom from the fear of worldly existence.
  • Suparshva Jin (7): Welcomed in the courtyard of his temple by the four-fold Jain community.
  • Chandraprabha (8): Worshipped with music, dance, and auspicious sounds.
  • Pushpadanta (9): His worship dispels the cycle of rebirth.
  • Sheetal (10): Those who recite "Suvihanum" to him are considered accomplished.
  • Shreyans (11): Those who recite his praise are united with wisdom and compassion.
  • Vasupujya (12): Honored with devotion through charity, virtue, austerity, and meditation.
  • Vimal Jin (13): Reciting his praise is recommended before youth fades and life ends.
  • Anant Jin (14): The supreme guru who has conquered the unconquerable karma.
  • Dharma Jin (15): Emphasizing that only the Jain Dharma leads to the afterlife; all else is transient in this world.
  • Shantinath (16): Praised for renouncing worldly grandeur for the path of asceticism.
  • Kunthu Jin (17): His devotion is achieved by shedding attachment and embracing meditation.
  • Ara Jin (18): The path to liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
  • Mallinath Jin (19): His protection is steadfast and capable.
  • Munisuvrat (20): Reciting his praise helps sever the bonds of worldly suffering.
  • Naminath (21): His lotus feet are to be served, as worldly pleasures are fleeting.
  • Neminath (22): The conqueror of desire, who achieved liberation.
  • Parshva (23): He destroys obstacles, misfortune, and evil omens.
  • Mahavir (24): Praised for his unparalleled strength and valor even in childhood.
• Concluding Verse (25): This verse summarizes the benefit of reciting this stavan: those who recite the "Suprabhatam" (Suvihanum) of the twenty-four Tirthankaras daily with a steadfast and pure mind will cross the ocean of worldly existence and attain the cessation of suffering, leading to well-being (kalyana), as indicated by "Santibhaddu".

Significance for Shravikas:

The title's emphasis on "Shravikanam" underscores the devotional needs and practices of Jain laywomen. It suggests a composition that is accessible, melodious, and culturally relevant for them to integrate into their daily spiritual routine.

Call for Information:

The introductory note includes a plea for anyone with knowledge of other manuscripts of this work or further information about its author to come forward and share it.

This summary provides a comprehensive understanding of the "Shravikanam Chaturvinshati Namaskar," covering its historical context, content, devotional purpose, and significance within Jain tradition, particularly for laywomen.