Shreyans Jin Stava

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shreyans Jin Stava" by Bhuvanchandravijay, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Shreyans Jin Stava (Praise of Lord Shreyans) Author: Bhuvanchandravijay Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229423/1

Overall Introduction and Context:

This document is a Jain text, specifically a "Stava" (praise or hymn) dedicated to Lord Shreyans, the eleventh Tirthankara in Jainism. The text was composed in Samvat 1794 by Pandit or Panyas Vishesh Sagar, following a guru lineage that includes Vijayakshamasuri, Vijayadayasuri, Vachak Kushalsagar, Pandit Uttarsagar, Chatur Sagar, Pandit Lalsagar, and Vishesh Sagar. The original manuscript is housed in the Vijaygachha Jain Bhandar in Radhanpur.

The "Stava" is particularly significant as it sheds light on the history and installation of a statue of Lord Shreyans at the village of Adisar, near Kutch-Wagad. It details the story of Seth Raymall, an Oswal by lineage, who commissioned the statue in Patan. After the statue remained in Patan for 104 years, a new temple was built in Adisar, and the statue was brought there in Samvat 1782 with great fanfare. The "Stava" focuses on the patron Seth Raymall rather than the installation ceremony itself. It also notes that the original temple in Adisar was destroyed by an earthquake, but the idol survived and has been reinstalled in a new temple. However, the main temple has long been dedicated to Lord Rishabhanatha.

Content of the "Stava":

The "Stava" is structured into several sections, including:

• Invocation and Salutations: The "Stava" begins with invocations to Lord Rishabha (the first Tirthankara) and Goddess Saraswati. It also pays homage to the author's gurus.

• The Life Story of Lord Shreyans: The main body of the "Stava" narrates the life story of Lord Shreyans in a poetic manner, divided into "Dhal" (stanzas or sections). Key events described include:

  • Birthplace and Parents: Lord Shreyans was born in the city of Shubhapur in the Malla dynasty, ruled by King Nalani, to King Vishnu and Queen Vishnu Devi.
  • Past Life: It mentions a past life where he was a god in Achyut celestial realm for twenty-two सागर (a unit of time) and descended to Earth.
  • Incarnation: Queen Vishnu Devi had fourteen auspicious dreams, signifying the birth of a Tirthankara.
  • Birth and Childhood: He was born on the twelfth day of the dark half of the month of Phalguna, under the Shravana constellation in the Makara rashi. His birth celebration was marked by divine festivities. He was named Shreyans.
  • Attributes: He is described as possessing innate knowledge (mati, shruta, avadhi), being eleven arhats, and having divine qualities. His physical attributes are detailed, including his height and the emblem of a lion (Khadga, though the text later clarifies this as a lion).
  • Youth and Marriage: He lived as a prince for twenty-one lakh years.
  • Renunciation and Asceticism: After experiencing renunciation, he took to asceticism. His parents also renounced the world and became gods. He ruled the kingdom with compassion.
  • Ascetic Practices: He observed rigorous penance, including fasting and vows, and attained Kevala Gyana (omniscience) under the Tinduka tree.
  • Samosharan (Divine Assembly): The text elaborately describes the Samosharan, the divine assembly where the Tirthankara preaches. It details the various layers of the assembly, the divine beings present (Indras, gods, celestial beings, Yaksas, Yaksinis), the seating arrangements, the divine music, and the teachings.
  • Disciples and Followers: The number of Ganadharas (chief disciples) and the various assemblies (Parshada) attending the preachings are mentioned.
  • Nirvana: Lord Shreyans attained Nirvana on the third day of the bright half of the month of Shravana at Samet Shikhar.

• Specific Details about the Statue Installation:

  • Patron: Seth Raymall, from the Oswal community, Buhad branch, Gothi gotra, son of Thakarasi Soni and Nagai Devi, commissioned a new idol.
  • Installation in Patan: The idol was consecrated by Shri Vijayasen Suri in Samvat 1668 in Patan.
  • Transfer to Adisar: After 104 years in Patan, the idol was brought to Adisar in Samvat 1782 with grand celebrations, including music, dancing, and devotional practices.

• Concluding Remarks: The "Stava" concludes by emphasizing the devotion to Tirthankaras and the practice of filling idols. It reiterates the lineage of gurus who guided the composition of the "Stava."

Key Themes and Significance:

• Devotion and Praise: The primary purpose is to praise Lord Shreyans and his divine qualities.
• Historical Record: The "Stava" serves as a historical document, providing details about the consecration and transfer of a specific idol of Lord Shreyans.
• Genealogy and Patronage: It highlights the importance of patrons and their role in supporting religious activities and institutions.
• Jain Cosmology and Practices: The descriptions of the Samosharan, penance, and Nirvana offer insights into Jain cosmology and practices.
• Poetic Artistry: The "Stava" is presented in a lyrical and devotional style, characteristic of Jain hymns.

In essence, "Shreyans Jin Stava" is a devotional hymn that not only extols the virtues of Lord Shreyans but also offers a glimpse into the socio-religious history of Jainism, particularly concerning the establishment of temples and the veneration of idols.