Simandhar Shobha Tarang - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Simandhar Shobha Tarang" based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Simandhar Shobha Tarang Author(s): Simandhar Swami Jin Mandir Khatu Publisher: Simandhar Swami Jin Mandir Khatu Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/023204/1

Overview:

"Simandhar Shobha Tarang" is a Jain text that primarily focuses on the life and glorification of Lord Simandhar Swami, one of the twenty-four Tirthankaras who are currently residing and preaching in Mahavideha Kshetra. The text is presented as a Ras (a type of devotional poem or ballad), suggesting it is intended to be sung or recited. It interweaves Lord Simandhar Swami's life story with the narrative of Sri Kamgajendra, a prince whose journey from downfall to salvation is a significant part of the book. The text is presented as having been originally told by Lord Mahavir Swami, the last Tirthankara of this era, to his chief disciple, Lord Gautam Swami.

Key Content and Themes:

Glorification of Lord Simandhar Swami: The book is dedicated to Lord Simandhar Swami, who is depicted as a living Tirthankara in Mahavideha Kshetra. The text praises his divine qualities, physical attributes, and spiritual significance. It describes his birth, his unparalleled beauty, his auspicious signs, and his profound teachings that lead to liberation.
The Story of Sri Kamgajendra: A substantial portion of the book is dedicated to the life and past lives of Sri Kamgajendra. This narrative serves as an illustration of Jain principles, particularly the concepts of karma, consequences, repentance, and the path to liberation.
- Past Lives and Karma: The text details various past lives of Kamgajendra, highlighting how actions in one life have repercussions in subsequent lives. It emphasizes how attachment, lust, and negative actions lead to suffering and downfall, while virtuous deeds and spiritual pursuit lead to higher states and eventual liberation.
- The Role of Lord Simandhar Swami and Lord Mahavir Swami: Kamgajendra's journey is often guided or influenced by the teachings of Tirthankaras, particularly Lord Simandhar Swami, and in his final life, by Lord Mahavir Swami. The text shows how divine intervention or the teachings of enlightened beings can help individuals overcome their past karma and move towards righteousness.
- Themes of Attachment and Renunciation: The narrative of Kamgajendra vividly illustrates the destructive nature of worldly attachments, particularly to sensual pleasures, and the transformative power of renunciation and spiritual discipline.
Narrative Structure: The book is structured in sections called Ullasas (chapters or stages).
- First Ullas: Introduces Lord Simandhar Swami and sets the stage for the narrative by explaining the origin of the story as told by Lord Mahavir to Lord Gautam. It also touches upon the concept of Eightfold Virtues (Ashta Sampada) and the celestial beings' participation in Tirthankara events.
- Middle Ullas: Focuses on the Kamgajendra story, detailing his life, his infatuation with a princess, his encounters with supernatural beings (Vidyadharis), and the moral dilemmas he faces. This section delves into the consequences of desire and the importance of wisdom.
- Final Ullas: Continues Kamgajendra's story, detailing his eventual renunciation, ascetic practices, attainment of omniscience (Kevalgyan), and ultimate liberation (Moksha). It connects his journey back to the teachings of Lord Simandhar Swami and Lord Mahavir Swami.
Deities and Celestial Beings: The text mentions the involvement of various celestial beings, such as Indras and Vidyadharis, who play a role in the events, often in reverence or as facilitators in the divine narratives.
Jain Philosophy and Practices: The book implicitly or explicitly conveys core Jain teachings:
- Karma: The central theme of actions and their consequences is woven throughout the stories.
- Non-violence (Ahimsa): The consequences of violence and the importance of compassion are evident in the narratives.
- Renunciation (Vairagya): The path to liberation is shown through detachment from worldly pleasures and the pursuit of spiritual knowledge.
- The Importance of True Devotion: The text emphasizes sincere devotion and adherence to the teachings of the Tirthankaras.
Literary Style: The text is a Ras, suggesting a poetic and rhythmic style. The language used is primarily Gujarati, with some Sanskrit and Apabhramsa verses present, particularly in hymns and stanzas. The book includes a detailed table of contents (Vishayanukramanika) that outlines the progression of the narrative.
Context of Publication: The book was published by Shri Simandhar Swami Jin Mandir, Mehsana. The preface mentions that the edition is published on the occasion of the consecration of a new large Jinalaya (temple) dedicated to Lord Simandhar Swami in Mehsana, which is described as a significant pilgrimage site.

Specific Details from the Pages:

Pages 1-3: Title page, publisher information, and printing details, indicating the first edition was published in Vik. Samvat 2018 (corresponding to 1961 AD or 2499 Veer Samvat) with 2000 copies, and a later edition in Vik. Samvat 2029 (1972 AD or 2499 Veer Samvat).
Page 4: An errata sheet (Shuddhipatrak) correcting typographical errors in the text.
Page 5: Continuation of the errata sheet.
Page 6: A dedication page mentioning a donation in memory of Mrs. Kantaben Mehta, wife of Shri Ramanlal Dahyabhai Mehta.
Pages 7-36: These pages contain the text of the Ras, including hymns, descriptions of cities and kings, the birth and childhood of Lord Simandhar Swami, the story of Kamgajendra, and various philosophical explanations.
Page 8 & 33-36: Appears to be an Apabhramsa hymn dedicated to Lord Simandhar Swami.
Page 12 & 13: Table of Contents (Vishayanukramanika) listing the various topics and narratives covered in the book, including descriptions of places, lives of characters, and key events.
Page 16 & 17: A preface discussing the nature of the Ras, attributing its authorship to someone named "Seva" or Tejpal Shah, and highlighting its connection to the ancient text "Kuvalayamala."
Page 18-20: Discusses the significance of the temple in Mehsana and the auspicious occasion of its consecration for the publication of this Ras. It also includes devotional verses (Namah) and a list of Viharman Jin (living Tirthankaras).
Page 21-22: A list of the Viharman Jin (living Tirthankaras) with details about their respective continents, fields, regions, and cities.
Page 23-26: Details about the Tirthankaras, including their symbols, fathers, mothers, queens, lifespan, height, birth constellations, reign periods, and the details of their Kalyanakas (auspicious events like birth, initiation, omniscience, and salvation).
Page 27: A description of the Sami-Shobha-Tarang being consecrated at Mehsana and mentions the Stuti Panchak presented on the occasion.
Page 28-32: A devotional hymn (Stotram) in Sanskrit dedicated to Lord Simandhar Swami in Mehsana, praising his divine attributes.
Page 32 onwards: The summary indicates a detailed narrative of Lord Simandhar Swami's life, the stories of Kamgajendra, and discussions on Jain philosophy. The latter half of the provided text includes intricate descriptions of events, dialogues, and philosophical explanations related to the narratives, especially Kamgajendra's life and the teachings received from Lord Simandhar Swami and Lord Mahavir Swami.

In essence, "Simandhar Shobha Tarang" is a devotional work that aims to inspire faith and understanding of Jain principles through a captivating narrative, celebrating Lord Simandhar Swami and illustrating profound spiritual truths through the life of Sri Kamgajendra.