Stavan Chovisi - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Stavan Chovisi" by Jinsenvijay, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Stavan Chovisi Author: Jinsenvijay (compiler/editor) Original Composer: Shri Heersagarji Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229369/1

Overall Summary:

"Stavan Chovisi" is a collection of devotional hymns (Stavans) dedicated to the 24 Tirthankaras (Jineshwar Bhagwant). The compiler, Muni Jinsenvijay, sourced a manuscript from the Limbdi Gyan Bhandar, which contains these 24 Stavans. The original composer of these hymns is identified as Shri Heersagarji, a disciple of Shri Jinchandra Surishwar of the Kharatargachchh. While the exact composition or writing date is not provided, the manuscript suggests a composition period in the first half of the 17th century (seventeenth century). The text highlights the delightful use of words and metaphors within the Stavans. A second, more recent manuscript of these Stavans was also found in the Limbdi Bhandar, with variations noted in footnotes.

Key Themes and Content:

The core purpose of each Stavan is to praise and invoke the specific Tirthankara, expressing devotion, seeking spiritual guidance, and requesting liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Common themes found across the Stavans include:

Praise of Tirthankara's Qualities: Each Stavan extols the virtues, auspicious signs (Lachhan), lineage, and significant life events of the Tirthankara. This includes their divine appearance, their compassionate nature, their role as saviors, and their attainment of omniscience (Keval Gyan).
Devotee's Plea: The devotees express their deep longing for the Tirthankara's presence and guidance. They often describe their own spiritual struggles, such as being trapped in the cycle of eighty-four (lakh चौरासी), the grip of karma, and the influence of worldly attachments (moha, kashay).
Seeking Liberation (Moksha): The ultimate goal expressed is to attain liberation from worldly suffering and to achieve the eternal bliss of the soul. This is sought through devotion, adherence to the path of the Tirthankaras (Ratnatrayi - right faith, right knowledge, right conduct), and by following the teachings of spiritual leaders like Shri Jinchandra Surishwar.
Surrender and Reliance: The devotees demonstrate complete surrender to the Tirthankaras, recognizing them as the only true saviors and sources of ultimate happiness. They express their inability to find solace elsewhere.
Metaphors and Similes: The Stavans employ rich imagery and similes to convey devotion and spiritual concepts. Examples include comparing the mind to a bee attracted to a flower, the soul to a bird seeking its nest, and the Tirthankara's grace to the moon illuminating the night.
Guru's Role: The influence and guidance of spiritual gurus, particularly Shri Jinchandra Surishwar and the composer Heersagarji, are acknowledged. The devotees seek blessings for spiritual progress and the deepening of their devotion through the guru's lineage.

Individual Tirthankara Stavans (Briefly):

The text then proceeds with individual Stavans for each of the 24 Tirthankaras, starting with Shri Rishabhdev and continuing sequentially. Each Stavan generally follows a similar structure of praise and supplication, with specific references to the unique characteristics of each Tirthankara:

Shri Rishabhdev: Praised as the first Tirthankara, a savior of the helpless, and sought for unwavering devotion.
Shri Ajitnath: Devotion to his qualities, seeking removal of fear and distress.
Shri Sambhavnath: Adored as the lord and savior, sought for spiritual support.
Shri Abhinandanath: Expresses the soul's journey through countless lives and the desire for the Tirthankara's grace.
Shri Sumatinath: Celebrated for his wisdom and as the giver of good fortune, seeking a place near him.
Shri Padmaprabh: Devotion expressed with mind, speech, and body, seeking refuge from worldly desires and karmic impurities.
Shri Suparshvanath: A plea for mercy and happiness, recognizing the Tirthankara as the lord of the three worlds.
Shri Chandraprabh: Devotion expressed through analogies of natural attachments, seeking the Tirthankara's saving grace.
Shri Suvidhinath: Praised for bringing happiness and liberation, seeking auspiciousness.
Shri Shitalnath: Deep internal devotion expressed, seeking spiritual illumination.
Shri Shreyansnath: Praised as benevolent and the giver of glory, seeking divine favor.
Shri Vasupujya: Acknowledged for his compassionate nature and role as a savior, seeking deliverance from suffering.
Shri Vimalnath: Celebrated for his pure knowledge and devotion, seeking the attainment of omniscience.
Shri Anantnath: Praised for leading beings to the eternal abode, seeking spiritual nourishment.
Shri Dharmanath: Devotion to the lord of Dharma, seeking spiritual understanding and refuge.
Shri Shantinnath: Praised for bringing peace and as the lord of the universe, seeking eternal abode.
Shri Kunthunath: Invoked to help cross the ocean of existence, seeking divine intervention.
Shri Aranath: A plea for the lord's attention and grace, expressing deep reliance on his presence.
Shri Mallinath: Devotion expressed, recognizing the Tirthankara as the true master who grants desired happiness.
Shri Munisuvrat: A humble plea for mercy and solace, comparing the Tirthankara to a wish-fulfilling tree.
Shri Naminath: Devotion to the lord of the heavens, seeking wisdom and inner happiness.
Shri Neminath: Expresses the pain of separation and the devotee's unwavering love, highlighting the Tirthankara's compassion.
Shri Parshvanath: Praised for his devotion and ability to overcome obstacles, seeking ultimate liberation.
Shri Mahavir Swami: Celebrated as the compassionate lord of the three worlds, the source of auspiciousness and ultimate bliss.

Significance:

"Stavan Chovisi" serves as a valuable devotional resource for Jains, offering a structured way to meditate on and honor each of the 24 Tirthankaras. The compilation by Jinsenvijay preserves the lyrical and devotional legacy of Shri Heersagarji, providing insights into the spiritual sentiments and practices within Jainism.