Stav Evam Stavan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Stav evam Stavan" by Vinaysagar, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Stav evam Stavan Author: Vinaysagar (as presenter/editor) Original Author of the Works: Shri Merunandan Upadhyay Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Source: Shri Jinbhadrasuri Gyan Bhandar, Jaisalmer (Manuscripts Nos. 67-68 and 56-58)

Overview:

This text, presented by Vinaysagar, is a compilation of two devotional hymns (Stavans) composed by Shri Merunandan Upadhyay. The introduction notes that the historical details of Shri Merunandan Upadhyay, such as his birth, place of initiation, the year of his initiation, the year he received the title of Upadhyay, and his year of demise, are unknown, making any biographical writing speculative.

The text focuses on two specific compositions:

1. Shri Karhetak Parshwanath Stavan:

• Subject: This Stavan is dedicated to Lord Parshwanath at the Karhetak temple.
• Location: Karhetak is identified with the present-day famous temple of Karheda Parshwanath in Mewar (Rajasthan).
• Temple History: It is mentioned that the installation of this Karhetak Parshwanath might have been done by Shri Jinvardhan Suri, and the temple underwent renovation about fifty years prior to the publication of this text. It is considered a significant pilgrimage site in Rajasthan.
• Composition: The Stavan is composed in the Vasantatilaka vritta (a specific Sanskrit meter).
• Content: It consists of five verses that praise Lord Parshwanath. The verses describe his virtues, comparing him to a wish-fulfilling tree (Kalpavriksha) that has come to the author's home. The author expresses that he desires nothing else, prays for the destruction of sins, and wishes for Lord Parshwanath to reside in his heart. The concluding verse explicitly states that the Stavan was composed by Shri Merunandan Upadhyay.

2. Shri Vis Vihramaan Stavan:

• Subject: This is a shorter work dedicated to the twenty Tirthankaras who are currently living and active (Vihramaan Tirthankaras).
• Language: It is composed in the Marugurjar language, which is influenced by Apabhramsha.
• Content: The Stavan begins with an expression of awakening devotion in the heart. It then proceeds to offer salutations to the twenty Vihramaan Tirthankaras, listing them by their geographical locations: four in Jambudvipa, eight in Dhatakikhanda, and eight in Pushkarardha-dvipa.
• Detailed Descriptions: For each Tirthankara, the Stavan provides a name-specific praise, describes their virtues, and mentions their physical attributes such as height (dehamana), distinguishing marks (lachchhan), and thirty-four auspicious attributes (atisaya).
• Author's Name: The composer, Merunandan, mentions his name at the end of the composition.

Specific Themes and Praises within the Stavan:

The text includes verses that highlight various aspects of Jain philosophy and devotion, such as:

• The merciful nature of Tirthankaras: Praising Simandhara Swami for filling the mind with the nectar of his sight.
• The spiritual merit of listening to Tirthankara's teachings: Declaring those who listen to their words and follow their path as fortunate, as it eradicates karma.
• Seeking refuge and liberation: Expressing the desire to cross the ocean of existence by taking refuge in the Tirthankaras' names.
• The beauty and solace offered by Tirthankaras: Comparing their presence to the divine Nandana garden, offering shade and support.
• The consequence of worldly transmigration: Acknowledging the cycle of birth and death and seeking protection.
• The transformative power of devotion: Describing the joy derived from meditating on the lotus feet of Tirthankaras.
• The victory over attachment and delusion: Praising Shatrubahu Swami whose grace helps in overcoming pride and illusion.
• The eternal bliss of the soul: Mentioning those who worship Tirthankaras with reverence will attain infinite happiness and prosperity.
• The illuminating knowledge of Tirthankaras: Describing their divine knowledge as rays that dispel the darkness of sins.
• Attaining immortality: Highlighting that those who drink the nectar of Tirthankara's words become immortal and blissful.
• Seeking protection from the Tirthankaras: Addressing them as powerful and grave protectors.
• The flourishing of the monastic community: Comparing the devotees to lotuses blooming in the moonlight of the Tirthankara's serene countenance.
• The power of reciting Tirthankara's names: Stating that remembering their names cures all diseases.
• The eternal service to Tirthankaras: Describing how celestial beings serve them for eternal happiness.
• The blissful experience of devotion: Expressing a desire to behold the Tirthankaras with reverence and praise them with sweet words.
• The healing power of Tirthankara's grace: Comparing it to nectar that cures the ill effects of worldly pleasures.
• The destruction of suffering: Praying for the Tirthankara's grace to receive auspiciousness and salvation.
• The auspiciousness of Samavsaran: Praising the assembly of Tirthankaras where they deliver sermons to all beings.
• The attainment of spiritual wealth: Stating that those who meditate on Tirthankaras achieve spiritual wealth, intellect, and prosperity.
• The physical and auspicious attributes of Tirthankaras: Mentioning their golden complexion, five hundred qualities, and thirty-four auspicious signs.
• The composer's wish: Concluding with Merunandan's wish for the essence of the Vihramaan Tirthankaras to reside in his mind and bring him happiness.

In essence, "Stav evam Stavan" presents two devotional hymns that exemplify the reverence and admiration for Lord Parshwanath and the twenty Vihramaan Tirthankaras within the Jain tradition, offering insights into their attributes, the devotional practices, and the spiritual aspirations of the composer.